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Where to get your bike serviced (or not)
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Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl


Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10082
Location: Bumf***, WA

PostPosted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:40 pm    Post subject: Where to get your bike serviced (or not) Reply with quote

Since not all of us have the time, tools, space, or inclination to wrench on our own bikes, I thought I'd put up a sticky where people can recommend good places to take their klassic Ks. (K75, K100, K1, K1100)

A few notes: (and my personal opinions)

1) Dealerships: Yes, we've all heard horror stories of people spending hundreds if not thousands of $$$ only to have an issue not dealt with. Sometimes it's a poorly run shop or possibly even a dishonest but one thing to consider is that dealership shops, like any business, have employee turnover. Our bikes are now over a decade out of production. Many of the employees who spent their careers working on our old bikes are long gone. Thus the shop is left with employees who don't have a lot of experience, or even training, with our bikes. As such, they're not going be able to intuitively work on our bikes and can only refer to step by step technical documentation.

2) Independent Shops: Well, to start with, most often lower, even much lower labor rates. Combine that with the fact that most (to my knowledge) charge actual labor rates vs. standard labor rates. Obviously this results in a "fairer" and possibly much lower bill then you'd get from the dealer. Secondly, a lot of the independent wrenches ARE those guys who left the dealer 10 years ago so they have both a background of BMW technical training on our bikes as well as hands on experience with our bikes. I'm sure there's a few marginal ones out there but logic tells me that the ones who stay in business are the ones who do a good job at a fair price and have customers that return to them over and over and refer other busines their way.

3) Negative reviews: Slamming people on The Internet is easy and, in a case where you feel you've been wronged or ripped off, satisfying as well. However, I'd like to focus this thread more on where to take your bike as opposed to where not to take your bike. If you absolutely have to slam a business then please be factual and avoid emotional and/or libelous remarks.

As people post to this thread I'll make an effort to update this top post with a list.
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Jim
Site Admin


Joined: 17 May 2003
Posts: 3840
Location: WHERETHEFUNNEVERENDS

PostPosted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 2:27 am    Post subject: indie shops Reply with quote

RECOMMENDED

Anderwerks, LTD
Dave Anderson
#4-3704 6 Street Northeast
Calgary, AB T2E 6K5, Canada
(403) 277.4269

http://www.anderwerks.com/


Virginia Motorrad
Anton Largiader
Rio Road
Charlottesville, VA
(434) 295.0496
(434) 409.3767

http://www.largiader.com/shop/

Eurogeek Motorsport
Curtis Smith
555 South Blackbird Roost #5
Flagstaff, AZ
(928) 773.8913‎

http://eurogeekmotosport.com/

Eppa Wimbish
Aylett, VA
804.769.2324


NOT RECOMMENDED

Bob's BMW

Battley HD/BMW

Morton's is iffy
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1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."


Last edited by Jim on Sat Feb 02, 2013 12:57 am; edited 1 time in total
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Off the grid
Chaotic Good


Joined: 05 Jul 2006
Posts: 3414
Location: At the local taco truck waiting for Jo.

PostPosted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 4:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

For BMW work?

On LI there are NO BMW dealers. (but there are 2 KTM dealers...go figure) The only BMW dealer went tits-up 2 years ago.

That being said, I can reccomend:

RoadRunner Cycles in Glen Cove, NY (closer to Manhattan)
Father-son team, son is a bit of an egomaniac but both are former old-school oilhead/airhead wrenches. Top-quality work with more than fair prices but turnover is slow due to them only being able to have 5-8 bikes in the tiny shop at a time.

Richuitti Motorsports in Bellport, NY. (Out on da island)
My personal mechanics owned by 2 brothers, one a former certified BMW tech. Top-quality work, fast turnover, personal "done with a handshake" style, rock-bottom prices. One of the things I would seriously miss after I move from this God-forsaken place is this shop. Seriously, it's THAT good. They specialize in BMWs...I always see a half-dozen carcasses around but will work on anything...jetskis, mini bikes, enduros, cars, etc.
Cons: If you like your shops meticulous this isn't the place. The work area is the size of an aircraft hanger and looks like a Sanford and Son episode. They are true grease monkeys. The older brother Joe rides a chopper to work. Cool
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supercat1
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 11 Aug 2009
Posts: 458
Location: Hoboken, NJ

PostPosted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

motor care in lawrence, ks.

engle motors in kansas city. the local bmw dealer.
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hirschhs
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 28 Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Location: Bucks, UK

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

For southern UK:
Garry Webb in Great Holland, Bracknell
has been working on Ks for a very long time. Ex aeronautic engineer and bike racer. He's pretty much a one man operation but a great diagnostician, top quality work and fair pricing. PM me for his number.
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1994 Yamaha 600 Diversion 'Hers'
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mnb
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 20 Jun 2007
Posts: 660
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Scotts Valley, CA (near Santa Cruz):
The Beemershop
http://www.beemershop.com/

The owner worked for BMW dealers for 26 years. As such, their service and pricing is similar to going to a dealer. They'll take good care of you there. They're especially good with the older BMWs, although they stay current and certified on the latest models.



Watsonville, CA (between Santa Cruz and Monterey):
Santa Cruz County BMW
http://www.bmwsantacruz.com

A good dealership with a good staff. They have yet to disappoint me.
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Sonu
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 15 Jan 2004
Posts: 393
Location: San Jose, CA

PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 9:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mnb wrote:
Scotts Valley, CA (near Santa Cruz):
The Beemershop
http://www.beemershop.com/



+1 for the BeemerShop.

This is the only independent BMW shop in the San Francisco Bay Area that I know of. I've been going there for a couple of years now and am always happy with their work (new forks installed, steering head bearings, throttle body synch, wheel straightened).

The owner, Ted Porter advertises in BMW On and has a following across the country. He does a ton of Wilburs and Ohlins shock installs. The parts guy Josh is very good too.

Sanjiv
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RJTrucker
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 31 Mar 2008
Posts: 234
Location: Central NJ

PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 9:37 pm    Post subject: Repairs in NJ Reply with quote

MG Cycles
Howell NJ
(732)886-6445
The shop works on Classic K bikes as well as Airheads. He also does work on newer BMWs. He used to be known for his work on British bikes and he still ownes a few nice ones but now preffers to work on BMWs. Owners name is Mike. If you go there tell him I sent you. I could always use the brownie points.

Ron
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1993 K11LT
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Geoff
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Posts: 551
Location: Illinois

PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm not aware of any independent BMW shops in the Chicago area.
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BobZ(IL)
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 20 May 2007
Posts: 651
Location: Bourbonnais, IL

PostPosted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:

I'm not aware of any independent BMW shops in the Chicago area


Try Motoworks at 1901 S Western.
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Geoff
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Posts: 551
Location: Illinois

PostPosted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

BobZ(IL) wrote:
Quote:

I'm not aware of any independent BMW shops in the Chicago area


Try Motoworks at 1901 S Western.


I thought this place was a scooter dealer. Thanks for the info.
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bmwtf
Mad Brick Rider


Joined: 14 Jun 2008
Posts: 89
Location: So IL

PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 2:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Forever Endeavor ABCBMW
Eureka, MO

(South of St. Louis, MO)

Did great job on my K1100LT.
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SugarHillCTD
Site Admin


Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 4240
Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 6:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Since this sticky has been updated, I wanted to add my 2 cents.

http://www.affordablebeemerservices.com/service/index.php

In Manchester, NH. A former dealer wrench, has a small well organized shop behind his home, very reasonable rates- he really knows K100/K1100.
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Geoff
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Posts: 551
Location: Illinois

PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cycle Werks
Barrington, IL
www.cyclewerks.com/
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Ted
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 11:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Beemers Uber Alles
9248 Mike Garcia Drive
Manassas VA 20109
(571) 318 2472
george@beemersuberalles.com
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jim'sbeemer2
Brick Rider


Joined: 08 Feb 2011
Posts: 34
Location: Hurley, NY

PostPosted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 11:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have taken my bike to both dealer, and bike shop. Dealer:
Max BMW
Hoosick Rd.
Troy, NY
As it goes, the mechanic that was there last year has an 85 K100. stupid milage from what I'm told. Fair place to take your bike for issues you do not have time, or tools to do work with. How ever, me on a budget, they could not properly diagnose my stall issue I had, if you remember my first posts. When I discovered the issue my self, I did get my parts there.

R&R Cycle
Rt. 32
Saugerties, NY
A good place to take a bike. I have known Frank for a few years when I had my Kawasaki 750 LTD. He not only remembered me from then, He also remembered the K1100rs I currently own. (The original owner was John Henson, Jim Henson's son) I have documents to prove it. Any way, he too had some problem not only to make the bike fail for them, Rolling Eyes , but had no idea what could have caused it with out further tests and expense. So as I posted before I found the problem on my own. I still would recomend them to do a good job and a clean one as well.

I never took my bike here, but my brother did because they were the only ones that could work on his Aprillia Falco, and he gave them a good recomendation.

Martin's Euro
Conn.
I think near New Haven? Confused I'll have to get more info.
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geno_rocket



Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 16
Location: Gateway City, Missouri

PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

bmwtf wrote:
Forever Endeavor ABCBMW
Eureka, MO

(South of St. Louis, MO)

Did great job on my K1100LT.


This is a great shop for K bike work. Tom and Dave know the bikes forward and backwards. +++++++
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Bell1st
Brick Rider


Joined: 20 Jul 2008
Posts: 32
Location: Hong Kong

PostPosted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 8:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

+1 for affordable beemer. Chris is a straight shooter and knows the K bikes very well. Wish I was closer to his shop!
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bobdcamp
Brick Rider


Joined: 30 Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Location: Durham,NY

PostPosted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 12:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Please do not take your BMW to MAX in Troy,NY. I had my 81 R100RS there after I was unable to get it to idle, Three weeks later I was told a number of different things. 1. The compression was down 50% in left side,
2. I might need NEW cylinders/pistons. That will need to come from Germany
3. I will need a top end overhaul. A buddy told me about Heids in Johsberg,NY. I gave them a call brought the bike to them and with 10 min.
YES I said 10 Min. it was put right. I have 40mm De Lorto's on my RS, the gasket for the pumpers was sucking air. cost penny's.
Max BMW charged me$120.00 to remove the valve cover and put it back on.
I asked Heids to check the compression there was a 8lbs drop on the L
side, 4lbs wet.
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SugarHillCTD
Site Admin


Joined: 10 Oct 2007
Posts: 4240
Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 5:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

bobdcamp wrote:
Please do not take your BMW to MAX in Troy,NY. I had my 81 R100RS there after I was unable to get it to idle, Three weeks later I was told a number of different things. 1. The compression was down 50% in left side,
2. I might need NEW cylinders/pistons. That will need to come from Germany
3. I will need a top end overhaul. A buddy told me about Heids in Johsberg,NY. I gave them a call brought the bike to them and with 10 min.
YES I said 10 Min. it was put right. I have 40mm De Lorto's on my RS, the gasket for the pumpers was sucking air. cost penny's.
Max BMW charged me$120.00 to remove the valve cover and put it back on.
I asked Heids to check the compression there was a 8lbs drop on the L
side, 4lbs wet.


Had a bad experience with the sales department at Max NY. Won't post it here but anyone can PM for info.

John
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'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
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