What do you do when the dealer says they don't service 20 year old bikes?

[PGlaves]

Along those lines- there has been a proliferation of “just scan this QR Code” offers- EVERYWHERE.

Once a QR code has been posted (sticker) is scanned, it’s tough to know what is really going on.

Be safe out there.

OM

I scanned a QR code once.

 

[riderr1150gsadv]

I scanned a QR code once.

And??? Don't leave us hanging.......

 

[MOONDOG59]

Had the same issue with Jacksonville BMW last year on my 2004 R1150RS with a no start issue. If they are not trained, TRAIN them. Support ALL the motorcycles made by BMW. Lazy bums!

Ended up taking it to Paul's Garage in Dallas, Georgia in the out skirts of Atlanta. Was quick to fix and good to go!

 

[SGTBILL]

I recommend Dean at Moto Aria in Louisville, KY. He takes care of my wife's 2014 F700GS and is a master technician. There is also a shop in North Vernon (Train Town Cycles) I have heard good things about but haven't been there yet.

 

[lkchris]

Just called my local BMW dealer to schedule a 62,000 mile Inspection on my 2004 R1150RT. He said they don't do work on older bikes as all the techs are trained on the newer models. I change the engine, gear and rear drive oil but not prepared to do other procedures.

Are you aware of any independent mechanics in the central Indiana area that will work on "older" BMW's?

Thanks, as always, for the advice.

I think it's as much a function of not owning the collection of special tools required for a particular motorcycle generation as it is tech training.
It's good to understand the massive liability possible with motorcycle service.

Here is some food for thought ...

There are three major buildings that make up the BMW dealership in my town.

The largest building to the North is the building for BMW car sales
The middle building is the building for BMW motorcycle sales and service.
The south building is the Mini operation.

This organization began as owned by a sole, very enthusiastic owner. Eventually he sold the whole operation to a medium size car dealership chain with multiple locations and multiple brands in multiple states.

Nothing has changed as regards the motorcycle operation and ***this dealer will service older BMW motorcycles.*** I would put it up against any dealer in the USA as regards service quality, customer care and exceeding expectations. It's super, as they host a monthly Wheels and Coffee event and we get to see Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and lots of cool motorcycles. Nate Kern has appeared multiple times in addition to other adventure types, training groups, etc. They've hosted track days and adventure rides.

It's not all doom and gloom.

 

[riderr1150gsadv]

Where?

 

[PGlaves]

Where?

If you are asking Kent, where, the answer is Albuquerque NM.

 

[stevenrankin]

At least some of you guys have a dealer near by.

I have been deciding to join the new bike world and buy something new. I like the R1300GS. No local dealership. St.

 

[PGlaves]

At least some of you guys have a dealer near by.

I have been deciding to join the new bike world and buy something new. I like the R1300GS. No local dealership. St.

That depends on what a person considers near by. The closest dealer to us is a mega-multi-brand dealership 260 miles away and the other closest two are 430 and 455 miles away. And lots of places in the plains and mountain-west are even further from dealerships.

 

[omega man]

Relative convenient locations are a factor in my purchases. Never a fan of when a corporation issues an ultimatum to an existing dealer to bring their dealership up to “spec”- or else.
Honda marches on-
There are over 1,000independent Honda dealers in the United States. You can use the Honda Powersports website to find a Honda motorcycle dealer near you.



Honda is one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world. In 2023, Honda sold about 459,000 motorcycles in North America, making it the second largest regional market for the company.

There is a Honda dealership nearby, since 1954 IIRC, that still looks the same.

OM

 

[stevenrankin]

Paul, I can appreciate not having a dealer in every city when population density is low. I live in a an area with four dealerships all over 225 miles away. One of them is in an area of even lower population density.
My last dealership in my county closed because of retirement and could not find anyone to buy his dealership for his asking price. The next closest dealership got pulled because of issues with BMW.
No one is running to open a BMW motorcycle dealership these days that I am aware of.

Yes, if I choose to buy a R1300GS, at least two of the far off dealerships will pick up and deliver for service. A nice touch but not great.

I really don't care if Honda has a dealership on every street corner. I don't chose to ride Honda, never have, never will, just like Harley Davidson. It would be easier for me to go to one of the five HD dealers and pick up a Hog then the Honda. Again, HD has nothing I am interested in. I fell in love with the BMW boxer engine 45 years ago, am still riding my first new bike 40 years later, wrecked another loved airhead, want to replace it. I would like to buy something new, but BMW makes it difficult to justify a new bike. At least with an airhead /6 to 95, I can do the work myself or I have a shop nearby. More than can be said about a new BMW. St.