Independent mechanic in the South for 800GS

[Kiwi66]

Hi All,

Both wife and I am about to embark on a trip down to the southern hemisphere for 12 months and I would like to get the wife's bike properly serviced before they go in the container. I have read somewhere that there is a recommended 800 independent mechanic down here in the south of England who can give the bike what it requires, this also includes replacing the head stock bearings as I have noticed a little notching and better to do preventative maintenance rather than road side !!!!

Anyway your collective help on this matter would be very helpful.

Oh, I am getting my 1200 serviced by a regular forum visitor.

Regards

 

[thomo57]

Motoscot is your man

http://motoscot.co.uk/

 

[Kiwi66]

Any further South?

Cheers Thomo,

Yes I have read some good feedback about Motoscot and will definitely be using him when we return, but I was looking slightly more south. I know I have read somewhere that there is a chap around Tunbridge way but unfortunately SEARCH hasn't been my friend.

Fingers crossed there is someone out there with greater memory retention than myself.

Thanks for taking the time to reply back.

 

[widget]

http://bgmbmw.com/index.html

i have the wifes f650gs booked in for service and headbearings.

 

[Smythson]

Neil (Steptoe on this site) is in Kingston, SW London nr A3 if that's any closer. I think his website may be down at the moment as it used to be gsshop.co.uk

S

 

[Kiwi66]

Thanks guys

Cheers to Widget and Smythson,

Spot on Mr Widget - I knew there would be an answer within the collective mass. Will give bgm a call on Monday.

And to Mr Smythson - yes Mr Steptoe was my first port of call, he was very honest and recommended I harassed the forum as I want the head stock bearings replaced and from what I have read well lubricated aftermarket bearings like SKF or NSK are the way to go. Hopefully bgm can do the work. Actually my 1200 is booked in with Neil on Monday for a big once-over before the bike is containerized.

Many thanks gentlemen for taking the time to reply.

 

[bobbsy]

Hi, I posted this into the regional section, but thought I'd add it here also:

Had been a dit demoralised with service experiences and price from BMW battersea service centre. SE London doesn't seem to have many independent BMW workshops!

Anyway, was booked in last friday to MH Motorcycles at Bromley for new steering head bearings, progressive fork springs, and annual service. Can't be happier - Mark and Darren very knowledgeable and pleasant, work was carried out quickly and faultlessly - bike feels like it has a new front end and engine feel great after the service. Cost extremely reasobale compared to previous services. Wholeheartedly recommend."

 

[Kiwi66]

Thanks Bobbsy

My reasoning behind going for an independent is that due to recent events I have lost faith in my local dealership, and whether rightly or wrongly, believe that an independent will spend a little more time giving impartial advice. So far I have had my 1200 serviced by Steptoe and my experience only supports the positive comments throughout this forum. It was Neil that recommended that I get the 800 serviced from a mechanic with more experience with the 800's than himself. Now that's the type of honest information I respect.

So I have booked the 800 in with Brian at BGM. I am sure all will be well, but I will keep MH Motorcycles on file just in case. Will let you know what my impressions are.

Thanks Bobbsy for taking the time to reply.

 

[widget]

Just picked up the bike from BGM, Very happy with the service I received. Brian answered all my questions about various things regarding this and my bike. I will be taking the GSA when it's next due a service.

 

[Giles]

http://www.bgmbmw.com/

You've also got this guy.

pembuury - (Tunbridge wells).

 

[Kiwi66]

Thanks Widget and Giles

Booked in with Brian, so hopefully by Tuesday afternoon he will have restored my confidence in the mechanical trade.

Regards

 

[Richie N]

I'd be interested in hearing your views on BGM, as I had my bike serviced there and although generally happy with the service was a little shocked at the price. More of a shock however was the fact that he tried to sell me new pads/discs - telling me that the pads and discs were knackered (non oe that had wrecked the front discs) - I'm still using them! In fact, I rarely use the back and they are the original pads after 33k miles. I wonder what his mark up is on nearly, what, £900 worth of parts?!!

I'll be going back to Catterham BMW next time.

Rich

 

[Kiwi66]

Mechanic Report

As promised here is my report on my experience with Brian at BGM.

Following your collective advice I contacted Brian and after a lengthy and informative chat I was booked in. Part of my brief was that because we would be away for 12 months "down south" I wanted him to give the bike a big once over replace all fluids and anything else that he deemed necessary. Again whilst dropping of the bike we spent some time discussing what would be done and I left confident.
When I returned some hours later the bike was still in pieces on the hoist. I understand that most people don't like customers watching and asking silly questions but again Brian was more than accommodating.

And the most pleasant thing of all was at the end of the day. After working on the bike for a full day, putting up with stupid questions, as well as giving the bike a full service from head to toe including new head stock bearings the bill was considerable less that what a stealer quoted for an 18k service.

But to me the most important thing was that I left feeling that Brian had done a genuine and honest job. For me this is the most important point of all.

Definitely on our return we will be going back.

 

[Giles]