K11 Owners Group

hockeyshifter · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:15 am Post subject: the NON BMW repair shop

Ok
i have done my home work and could not find any topic on the independant repair shop.

i got a royal run around today when i called the " CLOSEST" Bmw shop to have a quote for a fork seal; the other two shop are min 2 hour drive.. ( i would like to do this myself but time is a huge issue in the household.. something about not doing my fair share with the house chores.... were is cinderella when you need her. )

I would like to know if an independant shop will do as good a job or better or will a another dealer be able to perform the job . i have two shops (recemonded by co-workes that i trust) and one dealer that i could chose from .. the shop guys do moto cross and the other is a harley/custom place.. the dealer is a ducit/ triumph / aprilla dealer.

can i get the boards input as to what you have done in the past and what shop you trust to do a decent job.

thanks.
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fix the problem not the blame ; fix what is messed up ; NO one is to blame.

Sonu · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:56 am Post subject:

Hi Hockey,

I've taken the bike to the stealer for years.
With K11OG behind me I've learned to change all fluids and other made a few mods to the bike.

Recently I took the bike to an independent shop for some engine work that I was not comfortable taking on.

What a breath of fresh air Smile

I much prefer independents because
1) Techs are more open and accessible
2) Rates are much lower
3) Non-BMW experiences can be readily discussed as solutions to problems whereas at the BMW dealer that would be like pissing in church

YMMV

Good luck,

Sanjiv
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1997 K1100LT "Ziggy" _GarminGPS_Corbin saddle_K Guards _Hyperlights_Fog lights_Eastern Beaver Relays_Cee Bailey_4"speakers_Michelin PR4's_MoS2_Spiegler lines_TPMS_VDO

CheapJapCopy · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:35 am Post subject:

There is a third way.. Try and find a backstreet mechanic who specialises in BMW bikes. There's a few around my way, but maybe I'm just lucky. Fork seals are fork seals, no matter what the bike though, so you should be ok anywhere, however I'd have grave reservations letting someone loose on the clutch for instance, unless they'd done it many times before. Things like cable routing when putting it back together, and probably some damage/missing fastners from that "How the hell does this go back together?" moment they are sure to have while you're at home.

Of course, I must now add: YMMV
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1992 K1100RS - Red and gold.

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:58 am Post subject:

Up here in N.H. we have one dealer that has 2 shops with a good reputation (although pricey- no news there) and another dealer that I learned the hard way to avoid.

Then there is a great independent one man shop- owned & operated by a gentleman who is a qualified and certified BMW wrench. MUCH lower overhead ($$), most service is while you wait and great advice.

Going there tomorrow for usual service plus new rubber, front and rear.

Chris Harris really knows his stuff. If you are in the area (southern New Hampshire) his shop is the place to go:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzetip11/index.html
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:25 am Post subject:

Hey there Hockey.
Like Sonu, I went the dealer route in the beginning for about the 1st year and 1/2.
I have since been doing my own service work. The only exception at this point is tires. I do go to the dealer for those as my local indi shops won't/can't/don't want to mount and balance my non steel rims.
I put on some rancho gaiters after the last set of fork seals to hopefully prolong the time before they need replaced again. I think I would try and change the next set myself if they fail again.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Off the grid · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject:

I do as much work as I can myself, and I have a small independent mechanic that does the bigger stuff who I could not be happier with.

Fast turnaround, great prices, extremely knowledgeable and honest.

Plus I can just go and hang out in the shop, poking around at the bikes while they are on the stand....I love that shit.

A far cry from the stealer, who had a painted line going to the work bay that if you crossed you got yelled at.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"