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The technician at the dealership has
BMW training and lots of service literature
lots of tools, including BMW special tools
experience
parts on hand, including a BMW parts expert
Politically correct ... it bothers me lots that some folks approach DIY as if none of the above is important or required. Since the DIYer isn't making a living doing this, s/he can do the work for a much lower wage, but when trying to do it without the listed resources it quickly approaches a fool's game and the possibility of doing expensive damage. ......
The technician at the dealership has
BMW training and lots of service literature
lots of tools, including BMW special tools
experience
parts on hand, including a BMW parts expert
And just what makes you think that that technician's training is so absolutely specific to a BMW. And what makes you think they are truly "experts." Tools, I've got tools, some are as good or better than the ones at the dealer. Wana get a show of hands of guys who have had these "experts" screw up something on their bike? There are dealerships that can be trusted and ones that absolutely can't.
Politically correct ... it bothers me lots that some folks approach DIY as if none of the above is important or required. Since the DIYer isn't making a living doing this, s/he can do the work for a much lower wage, but when trying to do it without the listed resources it quickly approaches a fool's game and the possibility of doing expensive damage. Silliest of all are those that feel they can jump into something they've never done before without even owning a service manual. I'm certainly not inclined to try to bail someone like that out when they come to the Internet for help as IMHO they're demonstrating a disdain for professionals and for those DIY folks that have taken the time and spent the $$ to obtain resources. I highly recommend that you read the above paragraph again and use a bit of thought about what you said. Lot's of DIY'ers are automotive, aircraft and other types of technicians with loads of experience. Doing a valve check on a GS is child's play IF you read the book or look at JVB's DVD's. Yes, if you just dive into a job without any experience, tools or references you are a fool. Those idiots don't last very long.
I still haven't forgotten the guy who wrote in here "do I have to take the whole front end off this motorcycle to change a turn signal bulb?" I answered him with the respect he earned but couldn't be bothered to show. No.
Yes, everybody has to start somewhere at some time, but a little preparation goes a long way. I almost always recommend joining your local BMW club and/or having a friend that's an engineer. engineer? I'll take a good mechanic.
And, there's the paradox that all of us when we buy a used bike would love to have documented service records and if they are DIY we discount them. Some DIY savings may be lost when it comes time to sell the bike.
Finally, it's nothing but an inappropriate (and boring) ego trip to attempt to in any way categorize who does and who doesn't DIY. Owning a motorcycle, owning a BMW, owning a particular model BMW, doing DIY, being young, being old, being afraid, being brave ... none of this makes you a superior or inferior individual. Unfortunate premise for this thread.
If you ever spend some time talking to shop owners and other long time bike riders you will see that lots of bike riders have reputations based on brand or specific model. Just bring up HD in a conversation and you'll see my point. BMW's have a reputation, so do FJR's, Moto Guzi's, man do Wing Nuts have a reputation, etc. If you find this topic inappropriate or a boring ego trip, please feel free to ignore it.
I don't see why this thread becomes right vs. wrong. There are those, and I am certainly one, who are more than capable (and have the tools) to tackle any job on any of my bikes. But there are those who should never own a screwdriver. We all have skills. Use the skills you have, and pay for the skills you lack. There's no judgement going on.
I almost always recommend joining your local BMW club and/or having a friend that's an engineer.
And, there's the paradox that all of us when we buy a used bike would love to have documented service records and if they are DIY we discount them. Some DIY savings may be lost when it comes time to sell the bike.
Finally, it's nothing but an inappropriate (and boring) ego trip to attempt to in any way categorize who does and who doesn't DIY. Owning a motorcycle, owning a BMW, owning a particular model BMW, doing DIY, being young, being old, being afraid, being brave ... none of this makes you a superior or inferior individual. Unfortunate premise for this thread.
And, there's the paradox that all of us when we buy a used bike would love to have documented service records and if they are DIY we discount them. Some DIY savings may be lost when it comes time to sell the bike.
Younger guys (I'm 50) don't want to do crap with their hands. They just want to watch TV.
I take it one step further. I don't see younger kids today WILLING and INTERESTED in doing maintenance. We live in a throw it away world. As a guy who works on R Airheads, R oil heads, R Hex Heads, R Cam Heads and Japanese inline 4's, as well as cars and a whole lot of stuff, I say that the modern bikes are EASIER than older bikes. I certainly prefer my R12RT to my R90. Not even close. But older guys tend to stick with what they know, and younger guys tend to not want to work on anything. Bike, lawnmower, etc.
My neighbor hit a nail with his chainsaw and said he was done for the day because he didn't have another chain and there was not a store open yet on Sunday to buy one. What??? Just Sharpen it here I told him. Whoooooa, sharpen it? That's HARD. I whipped out my 12v electric sharpener and we had him back in bushiness in ten minutes, with a sharper chain than what he started with.
So, does he sharpen his own chains now? Hell no, he takes them in or buys a new one!
Younger guys (I'm 50) don't want to do crap with their hands. They just want to watch TV.
I'm really excited that there is a 14 year old kid across the street who just got a Honda 100cc dirt bike, used, needing work. He's interested and we just rebuilt his carburetor. Finally, a kid who wants to learn and loves to see the results of his work.