Second major dealer closes in weeks

A second major bike dealer has closed weeks after the country’s biggest went into administration.

V&J Superbikes unexpectedly closed its two branches in Taunton and Bridgewater, Somerset, on February 17.

A sign on the Bridgewater branch said the closure would last five days but both branches have remained shut.

Other dealers in the area said worried customers had been arriving at the closed premises. 

Director David Hopgood said: ‘After the conclusion of our partnership with Honda and some very tough trading conditions the directors of V&J Superbikes have taken the very difficult decision to begin the appointment of Milsted Langdon as administrators who will be contacting customers and creditors in due course.’

V&J Superbikes has sold bikes from each Japanese manufacturer in its 10-year history and until recently billed itself as ‘the UK’s premier Honda and Kawasaki dealer’. The range was reduced to Hondas three months ago.

The closure comes weeks after that of the country’s biggest motorcycle retailer, George White.

A Honda spokesman said: “We can confirm V&J have ceased trading. Anyone who has put down a deposit on a new Honda should contact our customer service department and they will process the case on a case-by-case basis.”