CBT Training - Beware of Lightning Motorcycle training

[pissed]

After booking a CBT test and hire bike for my wife through Lightning Motorcycle training, we had some problems. My wife is shorter than average, and to try and avoid any problems, I called Lightning to ask if they had a smaller 125cc bike she could use. I was told that this would be no problem.

On the day of her CBT test, I dropped her off, and went home. Once home I began to work on her bike, a Yamaha Virago 125cc. About an hour into her training, she called me to ask if I could bring her bike down as the hire bike was a bit too big for her. I assembled her bike as quickly as I could, and an hour and a half later I was at the training site.

By lunchtime, I was called to collect her and the bike as the instructor had decided that she would not be allowed to continue her training as she had missed too much training time. This was due to no suitable motorcycle being available for her to use, despite one being hire for her from Lightning motorcycle training.

The next day I called a person by the name of Will, of Lightning Motorcycle training, and he agreed to refund the cost of the bike hire, and allow my wife to take the test again free of charge. After two months, I am still waiting for the promised refund, and retest, despite sending a letter (recorded delivery) and a fax to remind them of this.

I am really disappointed by the lack of concern and service offered by Lightning Motorcycle Training. Although I have tried to contact them, they did not have the courtesy to respond in any way.

I want to warn all future riders who want to try and get thier CBT through them of thier poor service attitude. It's a case of take the money and to hell with anything else.

[tutton]

No offence here chap
but you take her down there, and you get it rebooked face to face.
not over the phone. thats the only way your going to get it sorted.
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Past: '05 Peugeot XPS '99 Aprillia RS125 '94 FZR600R
Current: '02 ZX636 A1P '51 CCM R30

[ajb]

[tutton]

Yes but many training schools dont do things like that.
as he has found out...
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Past: '05 Peugeot XPS '99 Aprillia RS125 '94 FZR600R
Current: '02 ZX636 A1P '51 CCM R30

[pissed]

The reason I have written to them rather than see them face to face is that they now have no way to dispute what has happened. Everything is in black and white, and there can't be a case of "you" said and "we" said.

Another reason that I have not seen them face to face, is that I don't want to be seen as the aggressor in any argument that follows. All I am after is the refund they promised, and the retest.

The call to them after the aborted test ended in what I though was an amicable manner, where both parties had reached an agreement.

[tutton]

Unless you sent it recorded delivery,
i suspect they'd deny the letter getting to them..
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Past: '05 Peugeot XPS '99 Aprillia RS125 '94 FZR600R
Current: '02 ZX636 A1P '51 CCM R30

[YZFR1IAN]

[Kal]

So many small businesses are crap at stuff like this, and it isn't through maliciousness but because the guys (and girls) behind the business don't have a clue about administration and Customer Service.

On the original posting - small claims court, this week. It's not particularly complicated procedure and has a good chance of getting your monies back.
____________________
Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[Wise1]

By the time I got the bottom of the thread Kal has said what I was going to These small businesses generally dont have the best admin about.

I would still have said a quick run down and speak to them face to face, I dont agree about the whole argument thing ajb said.

Most prefer a quick a visit, and if it did look like an argument in the making then leave and go down a different route.

Sounds more like because your writing and not going down they are simply avoiding your refund. Lets face it 2 months have past now, a bit too long in my view to be bothered now and thats the way they will be looking at it.

Either move on or raise a small claims and they might settle before you go to court, however be aware that should they go to court and present a good enough argument to the district judge and you loose you will end up with their costs as well as loosing your CBT money.
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Current - 2007 Suzuki Bandit GSF1250 - 1999 Suzuki TL1000R
Previous - GSXR750 SRAD, Fireblade, ZXR750, CBR600

[LeeR]

I'd be inclined to contact the DSA and explain how disappointed I was, all the training schools are regulated and checked, they'll be interested to know if one doesn't come up to standard.
____________________
My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[Wise1]

Thats a good point actually ^^
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Current - 2007 Suzuki Bandit GSF1250 - 1999 Suzuki TL1000R
Previous - GSXR750 SRAD, Fireblade, ZXR750, CBR600

[Eddmond]

Hey mate really surprised by this as i took my entire training from CBT to full license with Lightning and was more than happy, go down and speak with Will he's a great guy sure this is just a missunderstanding, hope ya sort it!

[Moonie]

I know it sounds a bit OTT, but go down there face to face with a dictaphone, tell them it is there and then see how argumentative they get.

All depends how much you want/need the money back though I spose.
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Don't practice it until you get it right, practice it until you don't get it wrong.
Presenting the one and only Chinkmobile

[pissed]

I believe I am not the only one who has had this sort of problem with Lightning.

I am currently thinking of taking legal action.

If anyone else wants to join in, send me an email

[Pedro02]

trading standards, small claims court.. watchdog!

job done
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TCR | Casual Dating

[steppen22]

Sound like a bunch of half wits, to me.
____________________
no regrets, no retreat, no apology.
I've made mistakes in the past, and I apologise for FUCK ALL.

[Newbiker0507]

[Bat]

Is this the Oxford or Reading branch?

Although it was a few years ago, all my experience with Lightning was faultless. I suspect that if you get in touch with William Rodwell or Jonathan Harrison on 01865 777 676, they will sort you out.

[pissed]

I spoke to Will. He is based at the Oxford branch, and was the one who was supposed to sort everything out. He did absolutely nothing.

The test was taken in Reading where the instructors only passed the buck to Will.

They were quick to take my money though

[Bat]

[Kal]

So what has happened since 28th September?
____________________
Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[mr jamez]

I have done two CBT's and a DAS course with lightening (as have a few of my friends) and have never had a problem with them.

Sounds to me like you need to get down there and sort it out face to face, arsing about with letters won't work on rufty tufty bikers
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NSR 125F > BROS 400 > NC30 > BROS 400 > Trumpet S4 > '97 VFR 750

[snomag]

I've had my CBT with them, yesterday, and I can say only good things about it. The instructor was really great (despite the fact I didn't get my certificate, but obviously, I need some more practice) and now they're really helpful with arranging further training at reduced prices.

[st3v3]

Honestly, I wouldn't be getting instruction from a place that I'd been in this kind of dispute with. Not the best predicament to be getting taught by an instructor when neither of you are keen on being there with each other if your plans get into motion.
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Roger wrote: Women don't get damp for clingy puppies. Get some better happy pills, hit the gym & buy a medallion the size of a dinner plate. Job done

[aniMAL_]

It's hit and miss with these guys. They did exactly the same thing to me a good while back. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Some of the instructors are top notch, but more than half of them are trash. Seems they have lots of arrogant younger instructors now.