This is what to expect when you visit a motorcycle dealership in June

Motorcycle dealerships will be permitted to open for business from June 1st in England after the UK Government confirmed the next phase of easing lockdown measures to allow companies to begin trading again… but how will the experience change for patrons?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Sunday (24 May) that non-essential businesses can operate from June 1st, with a selection of manufacturers formally confirming they will take the opportunity to reopen doors that have been shut since March 23 when lockdown was initiated.

However, they can only do so while adhering to strict safety guidelines to ensure they don’t contribute to a potential ‘second wave’ of coronavirus outbreaks. As such, both Kawasaki and Triumph have announced how they intend to return to business as usual.

“The decision to open will be at the discretion of individual dealers and in doing so they have been instructed to operate under strict protocol to help ensure safety of customers and staff due to COVID-19 risk,” read a press release from Kawasaki. “We recommend that customers contact their Kawasaki dealer directly for more information on operating hours.”

Triumph, meanwhile, says that it has initiated new guidelines for dealerships to honour which includes using hygiene stations before you enter and ensuring you maintain social distancing of two metres with any other patrons or staff members, with signage to ensure everything is clear.

It will also employ more stringent cleaning and disinfection standards throughout the dealerships and workshops to prevent a spread of COVID-19. Using these measures, it means individual test rides can be booked again, while sales, collection and delivery will be done using contactless means.

“We are of course looking forward to seeing our dealers open their doors again, however, we want to reassure customers that thorough safety procedures are in place for both the workforce and the public,” said Devron Boulton, Triumph UK General Manager.

“Their safety is paramount to us, so dealers will be limiting the number of customers in showrooms to help encourage social distancing, and have enhanced their cleaning routines and schedules.”