A GOOD MECHANIC... PLEASE?

[dogman]

Does anybody have knowledge of or use a good mechanic in the southern counties UK who is proficient with GSA1200's so that I can avoid the over priced BMW servicing tariffs? My bike is new so it needs to be someone who can tick all the check boxes to fullfil the warranty conditions eg fully competent and original parts used etc..
Barnstormer quoting best part of £200 for a running in check! (because the bike not supplied by them)! Park Lane £160. I have looked at the schedule list for that service and it aint a very long list!
Obviously if I cant find an alternative, then BMW it is. Cant take any risk with a bike costing that dosh - to be clear I am not looking to cut corners. Just hoping that others may have found a way of avoiding being 'done up the rear' any more than we need to be? Any constructive suggestions welcome. Otherwise I'll just get ready to bend over!
Cheers!

 

[patboy]

I use Mark Holden (MHM) 204-206, High St Bromley Kent BR1 1PH (02084644400)
He is an ex BMW mechanic and very good.
I'm sure a few more will be along to recommend for the SE.

 

[Wapping]

Can you narrow down your area?

There's a bod in Chelmsford, Essex - Regina Road - who people like. I forget his name. A search will turn it up.

Our very own St Eptoe may be worth a call, too.

 

[dogman]

I'm in Hampshire, but if someone is good and reasonable I would travel out of county within reason and combine the service with a nice ride out.

 

[Steptoe]

Barnstormer quoting best part of £200 for a running in check! (because the bike not supplied by them)! Park Lane £160.

Cant take any risk with a bike costing that dosh - to be clear I am not looking to cut corners.

My advice - new bike, running in check. Go to a main dealer. Getting an independent to do the work will still cost you, but not as much as something going tits up and then trying to get a BMW dealer to take on any warranty claim.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Do you really think the dealer is doing you? Ask for a breakdown of the quote before you take it in for service and hold them to it.

Also, just get them to advise you of brake pads, discs, bulbs etc. You can source and fit your own for a lot less and save a fortune.

I`ve never paid more than £200 for a service (mine has had 8) and I think it`s worth a bit extra to have that dealer stamp in the book if there was a problem with a warranty claim.

Oh, if Bahnstormer is trying to charge you extra because you didn`t buy it from them, they are out of order and it would be wise to take that up with the service manager. You never know, he may match other quotes you get because they do want the business.

 

[Slowdown]

There was much discussion when I bought my bike (2 years ago) as to whether the first service was £80 or £180. It transpired it came down to whether or not the final drive oil needed changing, I think. The final drive oil was(is???) expensive, hence the expense.

But saving a few bob here and there boils down to one thing - 'Do you feel lucky?' in not having to try and claim on the warranty.

Well, do you?

 

[Wapping]

My advice - new bike, running in check. Go to a main dealer. Getting an independent to do the work will still cost you, but not as much as something going tits up and then trying to get a BMW dealer to take on any warranty claim.

Top tip!

 

[Bahnstormer]

.
Oh, if Bahnstormer is trying to charge you extra because you didn`t buy it from them, they are out of order and it would be wise to take that up with the service manager. You never know, he may match other quotes you get because they do want the business.

Hi Sgt Bilco,

Just for the record, we wouldn't be charging anything extra for the running in service, other than the labour charge which, had we supplied the bike, is given free of charge or more accurately charged to the cost of sale.

Any dealer worth their salt gives a new bike customers a labour free running in service and a full tank of fuel, it amazes me how many don't and worse still don't tell their customers until delivery.

Paul

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Hi Sgt Bilco,

Just for the record, we wouldn't be charging anything extra for the running in service, other than the labour charge which, had we supplied the bike, is given free of charge or more accurately charged to the cost of sale.

Any dealer worth their salt gives a new bike customers a labour free running in service and a full tank of fuel, it amazes me how many don't and worse still don't tell their customers until delivery.

Paul

Thought so and thanks for clearing that up

 

[Slowdown]

Hi Sgt Bilco,

Just for the record, we wouldn't be charging anything extra for the running in service, other than the labour charge which, had we supplied the bike, is given free of charge or more accurately charged to the cost of sale.

Any dealer worth their salt gives a new bike customers a labour free running in service and a full tank of fuel, it amazes me how many don't and worse still don't tell their customers until delivery.

Paul

Good grief - an honest bike dealer!

Well said, sir! It still amazes me that people think things are 'free'

 

[Bahnstormer]

Hi Dogman

I've just checked and we'll only charge £180 all in for your 600mile service, please call Greg or Jody on 01420 587007 to book it in and on this occasion, just to show a little bit of goodwill, I give you a loan bike for the day, no charge.

Regards
Paul

 

[Beemerman59]

Any dealer worth their salt gives a new bike customers a labour free running in service and a full tank of fuel, it amazes me how many don't and worse still don't tell their customers until delivery.

Paul

Ahh another good reason to buy a GSA - 33 litres (or is it 37?) of Shell finest instead of just 20 for free ( or charged to cost of sale)