Dealers feedback

[Doctor T]

Hi chaps. I've had this idea to rate dealers. It's not a name and shame topic but a guide to help fellow members find the best service in their area.
So I will start
BMW One Worthing.
Took my bike into them for warranty work(Fuel sender)
First contact was the reception staff. Before anything they offered me a coffee and then booked my bike in. Then the tec came up to me,shook my hand and informed me that he was working on my bike.
This was on a Thursday and was told after investigating the fault, they will put a claim into BMW UK. This meant I may have to wait until Monday to collect my bike. No problems as I wasn't in a rush. I was offered a few bikes to use until mine was ready. a GS310, A brand new RT or a new R1800 classic. I took the Classic. They waved the insurance and brimmed the tank.
Monday mid day my bike was ready but I could make it. They said no problem see you tomorrow.
That is one of the best dealer experience I've had in years.

[michaelc2710]

Allen Jefferies NOW Vertu Shipley

Always had brilliant service from these guys over the years, great deals on new bikes and discount on parts and clothing etc.
When my RT broke down Williams Manchester was the closest dealer so it was taken there...... Sh1t doesn't come into it.
After 12 weeks of arguing and them telling no fault found, I got BMW UK to recover it from there to Vertu Shipley, 3 days in and a warranty claim raised for new alternator to be fitted.
They got me £250 compo and full free service why they had the bike in bits.

They always go above and beyond to help.

[David.]

During my ownership, over the last 10 years, my Camhead RT has had 11 services, all except one have been at Cooper now Vertu Sunderland. The exception was at Allan Jefferies now Vertu Shipley from where in 2014 the used motorcycle was purchased. In 2012, the motorcycle was supplied new by AJ's and the 2 previous owners had it serviced there too.

Vertu Sunderland are my nearest BMW Motorrad dealer so it makes sense for me to use them. In the winter, they have offered a free collection & delivery service which is very convenient. When asked, the parts department have always offer a 10% discount. Although not discounted, I can get parts from Vertu BMW Teesside car dealership which is only 3 miles away, rather than a 70 miles round trip to Sunderland.

Vertu have a Motorcycle Club, which offers a 10% discount off clothing and accessories.

At the time, both AJ's Shipley and Vertu Sunderland have offered reduced hourly labour rates for older motorcycles.

Earlier this year (2024) a.n.other and I went to Vertu BMW Motorrad Exeter for him to purchase a used GS.

(In 2007, bought my first Hexhead RT from Sunderland).

Looks like the Vertu group get my vote.

[David.]

The other BMW Motorrad dealer I have used is Barrie Robson (York). In 2010, purchased a new Camhead from them. They are a family run business with a personal approach, you are a customer not just a number. I dealt with Barrie's stepson, he sold me the motorcycle, arranged servicing, sold parts & accessories, a one stop shop. Unlike larger dealerships where they have separate sales, service and parts/accessory departments and you get passed around between them. Biggest doesn't always mean best.

[Steve398]

My local dealer is Bahnstormer at Alton, and whilst I don’t use them very frequently because of their labour costs I have had dealings with them over the recalls and updates, and found them to be very helpful in all other aspects from advice to free coffee.

On the recent shaft inspection and ‘enhancements’ they were excellent, the shaft was replaced as expected but after a couple of weeks the rubber concertina thing came out of its mount. A quick call prompted a free replacement and fitting together with a GS as a service bike. Sorry Simbo, fun though it was… too exposed in crap weather.

Downside? I was refused a test ride on a K1600 because being my 74 yrs of age! Unlikely that I’m ever likely to buy one anyway, and now I’m 75 I’m out of their insurance limits.

[David.]

A theme developing here seems to be based around warranty work and recalls/updates. There is no doubt from my own experience too that this is an area where BMW Motorrad do excel. Yes, it would be good if it wasn't necessary but when it is, you are generally looked after. Under a new or used bike warranty it's free and a £50 or £100 excess with an extended insured warranty.

One question is, how many owners keep up dealer servicing after the new or used bike warranty has expired. The hourly labour costs are ridiculous as too are the cost of genuine BMW parts & oils etc.

[Glenn]

One question is, how many owners keep up dealer servicing after the new or used bike warranty has expired. The hourly labour costs are ridiculous as too are the cost of genuine BMW parts & oils etc.

I've never got that far. The 1200Rt was traded in after 10 months at a profit for my first R1250RT. that bike was written off after the collision before it's 2 year extended warranty expired, the 2nd R1250RT still has 16 months of it's extended warranty to run.