Help please

[SW1150GS]

Hi all. Can anyone point me toward a proven GS independent specialist in Somerset / Bristol? I live just south of Bristol. Baffling poor starting problem of late on my much loved 03 / 4 valve 1150GS. Just serviced. Also have now changed: battery, plugs, coil, fuel filter .... etc. Okay once she is warmed up but refuses to start from cold . Just back from a 3000 mile Europe run - no problems whatsoever - snow rain or shine .. Need someone with the diagnostics kit / experience ... Cheers

 

[topcat2006]

If you don't mind the ride to Stroud, Mike at Stroud Motorcycles is the man to see.

They also have courtesy bikes for the ride back home.

 

[Bazzer66]

Not sure how far south of Brizzle you are, you could try Grahams Motorcycles in Taunton? Failing that, give Craig a call at Black Desert Training - he's a fine chap and seems to help out anyone in need of it - ex-BMW bike mechanic and ace biker.

Good luck.

Bazzer

 

[Roadcaptain]

or Sherlocks near Tiverton

 

[Steve B]

As Topcat already mentioned, the chaps in Stroud are very reliable. They used to work at the local BMW dealership (BVM) before setting up on their own when the franchise was lost to Gloucester and went all corporate

I have used Dave of Feral Works in Yate (can't recall his last name). I'll see if I can find his card & details. He's a one man band but has a long knolwedgeable history with BM bikes and he has also raced so knows his stuff. He came by word of mouth which always counts in my book.

Steve

 

[rjsmith26]

+1 for Mike at Stroud

 

[SW1150GS]

Amazing help and support. Thanks one and all. I will reach out and let you know how I fare. Great community. By the way someone messaged me or check the earth lead which attaches to the engine. Well I can see it but it's under the battery box. Only problem is you can't clean and service it without removing the ABS. One for the specialists I think

 

[Packer]

Amazing help and support. Thanks one and all. I will reach out and let you know how I fare. Great community. By the way someone messaged me or check the earth lead which attaches to the engine. Well I can see it but it's under the battery box. Only problem is you can't clean and service it without removing the ABS. One for the specialists I think

If the earth lead is suspect you could always add an additional, temporary one, directly from the battery -ve terminal to a starter mount bolt or the jump lead connection point on the back of the left pot. If it works you know what's wrong, if it doesn't you don't waste money pulling the bike apart for no good reason.

 

[SW1150GS]

Thanks for that suggestion. Halfords tomorrow for a generic battery lead. Cheers

 

[SW1150GS]

Cheers Packer! By passed the ridiculous engine earthing point as you suggested, everything now back to normal for a week. In the end got a lead fro my Halfords and attached it to one of the bash plate fixing points. I intend to run like this until Abs needs service or attention. The lead is black and I routed it discretely so that you can hardly see it. Cheers!

 

[Orinoco]

Late to the party, but for future reference, The Bike Works is in Weston, behind Screwfix, their mechanic, was with BMW for 39 years. Got by GS serviced their, reasonable costs, £50/hour.

 

[Bazzer66]

Late to the party, but for future reference, The Bike Works is in Weston, behind Screwfix, their mechanic, was with BMW for 39 years. Got by GS serviced their, reasonable costs, £50/hour.

Not too late for me thanks Orinoco, I've just arranged to drop in at The Bike Works to see if Tony (the ex BMW man) can diagnose a worrying clunking noise coming from my clutch/gearbox - sounds expensive and only 10 days until we depart for HUMM2015 - anyone got a bike I can borrow?!!!

Bazzer

 

[Humbug]

I have a good friend who is a wizard with bikes, BMW's especially. He has a R90S, R80 and a R65, all of which you could eat your dinner off. All these he restored himself from almost basket cases. He works from home in Hinton Charterhouse near Bath and his rates are unbelievably low. Fully trained in motorcycle maintenance he is also a brilliant engineer. Definately the man for the job. I wouldn't take my bikes to anyone else. He does this for a hobby and his love of bikes, he doesn't do it to make a living so you won't be paying stupid labour charges or VAT. Unfortunately I can't pm you his contact details as you are not a subscribed member. Pay the £12 and do it. You won't regret it.

 

[A303]

Studley Motorcycles

Buzzer,

Might be a bit late, but I've just realised where you live, I use Darren Studley in Dorchester.

Ex CW Dorchester bmw trained / qualified mechanic and came with excellent references from many people on here. He sorted out my 1150 ( coil sticks ) full service and MOT.

His mobile is 07884 180968.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[Mongolian Explorer]

I have a good friend who is a wizard with bikes, BMW's especially. He has a R90S, R80 and a R65, all of which you could eat your dinner off. All these he restored himself from almost basket cases. He works from home in Hinton Charterhouse near Bath and his rates are unbelievably low. Fully trained in motorcycle maintenance he is also a brilliant engineer. Definately the man for the job. I wouldn't take my bikes to anyone else. He does this for a hobby and his love of bikes, he doesn't do it to make a living so you won't be paying stupid labour charges or VAT. Unfortunately I can't pm you his contact details as you are not a subscribed member. Pay the £12 and do it. You won't regret it.

Hi
Can you PM me his details, I need some work done and live just outside bath
Thanks in advance

 

[Bazzer66]

I have a good friend who is a wizard with bikes, BMW's especially. He has a R90S, R80 and a R65, all of which you could eat your dinner off. All these he restored himself from almost basket cases. He works from home in Hinton Charterhouse near Bath and his rates are unbelievably low. Fully trained in motorcycle maintenance he is also a brilliant engineer. Definately the man for the job. I wouldn't take my bikes to anyone else. He does this for a hobby and his love of bikes, he doesn't do it to make a living so you won't be paying stupid labour charges or VAT. Unfortunately I can't pm you his contact details as you are not a subscribed member. Pay the £12 and do it. You won't regret it.

Thanks for the steer, I've just PM'd you (I have paid my Subs - they are well worth it!)
Cheers
'Buzzer' (aka Bazzer)

 

[Bazzer66]

Buzzer,

Might be a bit late, but I've just realised where you live, I use Darren Studley in Dorchester.

Ex CW Dorchester bmw trained / qualified mechanic and came with excellent references from many people on here. He sorted out my 1150 ( coil sticks ) full service and MOT.

His mobile is 07884 180968.

Best of luck,

Dave

Hey thanks Dave, turns out its likely to be a worn final drive - so have reluctantly ridden the bike back to Bristol Dick Lovett Motorrad for the expensive replacement option - but hopefully should get it fixed in time for my planned departure to Morocco on 8 May 15. I'll keep Darren's number handy for next time - there's bound to be something else wrong with the bike soon!!

Bazzer

 

[Madmountainman]

I have a good friend who is a wizard with bikes, BMW's especially. He has a R90S, R80 and a R65, all of which you could eat your dinner off. All these he restored himself from almost basket cases. He works from home in Hinton Charterhouse near Bath and his rates are unbelievably low. Fully trained in motorcycle maintenance he is also a brilliant engineer. Definately the man for the job. I wouldn't take my bikes to anyone else. He does this for a hobby and his love of bikes, he doesn't do it to make a living so you won't be paying stupid labour charges or VAT. Unfortunately I can't pm you his contact details as you are not a subscribed member. Pay the £12 and do it. You won't regret it.

I'm paid up and you never told me ya bugger!!!

 

[Madmountainman]

Oh, Darren's contact info here.

 

[Humbug]

I'm paid up and you never told me ya bugger!!!

You never asked.