Good Afternoon,
Black Bear (owned by Lind US by the way) is the nearest dealership to Cambridge. The next nearest is Sycamore Harley in Uppingham which is about 40 miles to the nor-nor-east. On our little island 40 miles is a relatively long way...
Our dealerships vary in competence as I imagine they do in the USA. Naturally one hears more horror stories than plaudits but that's the way of the world. I never use them if I can help it which is why I can't say whether the above mentioned are good or not. The UK has a smattering of independent Harley shops which are generally cheaper, more flexible and more enthusiatic (about Harleys rather than taking your money). Google.co.uk is your friend. What you won't find here is the wide and plentiful supply of custom parts and accessories that you have over there so stock up before you leave or bribe a friend to be your shipper. You will also find that everything related to Harleys is more expensive than you're used to. As a general rule you cross out the dollar sign and substitute the one for pounds.
In general Harleys are more of a lifestyle accessory than a form of transport over here and consequently the official dealerships tend to pander to the executive weekend warrior types; white leather sofas, polished wooden floors and in-store cafes rather than the oil-stained concrete and well-used workbenches I prefer to see. Having said that a passing official dealer mechanic once saved me from a Sunday morning puncture miles from anywhere which just goes to prove they're not all money-grabbing poseurs.
There are two HOG Chapters in the area. Fenlanders Chapter (fenlandershog.com) and Icene Chapter (icenichapter.co.uk). A visit to a club night would be the best way to find the best place to get your ride spannered (wrenched to you - but you should try to learn our language, the locals appreciate the effort
)
Hope you enjoy our wonderful country. Try to get off the base as much as you can to sample the local delights of warm flat beer, faggots and Indian restaurants.
