Wichita BMW dealer

[STArnie13]

For those looking for getting work done on their BMW's at the Wichita dealer-don't plan on getting much work done.  They are giving up their franchise this week.  They are going to try and have some parts on hand to do some work but warranty work can't be done.  Any work that requires the BMW computer can't be done as BMW is taking it.  I just heard this over the long weekend.  Hopefully it doesn't cause too much trouble for anyone.  

[speedjunkie]

Yep, I heard this too.  A coworkers wife works there, said BMW had become increasingly difficult to deal with, and the dealership was tired of fighting it.  First they give up Ducati, now BMW, what's next?  The only semi exotics we have now are KTM and Moto Guzzi.  

[GurgieTrueshot]

MA Power sports is giving up BMW?  

What the hell. I'm Pissed

[pearsonm]

So is MAP not doing well? That was one place I loved to hate. I always saw more Atlas-Tulsa BMW license plates then MAP. Is there no longer a Triumph dealer in Wichita? Biker's Edge, wasn't it?

[GurgieTrueshot]

Is there no longer a Triumph dealer in Wichita? Biker's Edge, wasn't it?

Biker's Edge is still there. On Central I believe it is. As of this summer they were still a Triumph dealer.

[speedjunkie]

Yeah, Biker's Edge is still the Trumpet dealer.  Mark, I tend to agree with you on your feelings towards MAP.  Nice place to window shop, and that's about it.  




Mike

[GurgieTrueshot]

  The only semi exotics we have now are KTM and Moto Guzzi.  

Where is the Guzzi dealer?

[speedjunkie]

Motorsports down on K15.



Mike

[pearsonm]

Motorsports down on K15.

There was a tall guy there with blond hair and glasses who seemed really nice. If I were to buy a bike in Wichita, it'd be from those guys.

[Vitamin K12]

... I always saw more Atlas-Tulsa BMW license plates then MAP.

Not to worry, as Atlas-Tulsa closed shop completely about 6 months ago.  I've written BMW & they say they're actively looking for another dealer for Tulsa.  For the moment, that leaves us with BMW of OKC.  I tried to buy from Atlas, but their sales staff was so UNimpressive I had to buy in OKC.  The level of service over there is head & shoulders above what Atlas offered.  I let Atlas work on my bike once...that was enough for me.

The BMW dealer from OKC owns a Vespa dealership in Tulsa & they keep a small BMW parts stock here (mainly filters & such).  You can also drop you bike off & they will truck it to OKC, do the work, & return to Tulsa for no additional charge.  Not as good as a local dealer, but not a bad substitute.  

In case anyone's interested, I was told that BMW requires a minimum staff of 12 and a starting investment of $5 million if you want a dealership of your very own!  I grew up in Wichita & if memory serves, wasn't the BMW dealer on west Douglas?  Guess I need to ride north & see what's new up there.

[pearsonm]

Not to worry, as Atlas-Tulsa closed shop completely about 6 months ago.

No way! Weren’t they the biggest bike dealer in town? Man, that's saying something if they were so bad yet people still picked them over MAP. MAP used to be Nichols on Douglass street before they took over K&N’s old turf out west.

Is there still an Aprillia dealer in Salina, KS? They sold Suzuki’s too and the MAP guys hated them. I think there was even an MV dealer in Hutchinson at one time.

[bete]

No way! Weren’t they the biggest bike dealer in town? Man, that's saying something if they were so bad yet people still picked them over MAP. MAP used to be Nichols on Douglass street before they took over K&N’s old turf out west.

Is there still an Aprillia dealer in Salina, KS? They sold Suzuki’s too and the MAP guys hated them. I think there was even an MV dealer in Hutchinson at one time.

  Hi Mark; There is a new Aprillia dealer in Wichita. it' on south Seneca.  I'm not sure they will make it, only Aprillias and scooters.  Brice.  PS. The blond guy at Motorsports is Mike, just bought a Kawasaki Versys from them a couple months back.

[pearsonm]

PS. The blond guy at Motorsports is Mike, just bought a Kawasaki Versys from them a couple months back.

You bought another one? Dude, I've got to stop trying to keep up!  Well, congratulations.    I must say, I'm quite jealous. The current feature story at Motorcycle.com is on the Versys and it sounds like a heck of a bike. It should devour the roads out here.

[bete]

Did I miss something? what happend to your F4i ?.  Yea the Versys should be fun in your country, but I,m keeping the BMW also, it's so comfy. see you in the spring sometime.  bete.

[pearsonm]

Did I miss something? what happend to your F4i ?.  Yea the Versys should be fun in your country, but I,m keeping the BMW also, it's so comfy. see you in the spring sometime.  bete.

A big, bad gravel monster got my little Honda. I'm taking a SV650S to the track this year. I can't totally give up the street, but the stupid stuff on public roads has got to stop.

[bete]

I hope to get the Versys outfitted with hard bags soon,(bin on order for 2mo.). If I come down there with it you should try it, it fits us tall people well. bete.   PS. hope you didn't get banged up this time.

[bete]

Not sure if I should resurrect this topic or start over? but anyway I ran into the manager (Brian)at Bikers Edge yesterday, He said BMW and Ducati had been in contact with them about taking over the two lines. I,m not sure they have the room for two more brands. Anyway thought it was interesting.  bete..

[STArnie13]

I would doubt that BMW would try those guys out unless they relocate to a larger facility.  One of each of the BMW models would about fill up the shop.  Ducati might try them where they are as they wouldn't sell that many and they don't have all that many different models.  It would be nice to see one or both back in town.

[pearsonm]

My recollection of that place is that it's a cruiser shop all the way.

[JeffM]

I drive by there pretty regularly (only live 2 blocks away), and it's definitely cruiser oriented. They do have about 2 of the Triumph STs / supersports on the floor usually, but everything else is cruiser oriented. When they have a bikers' night or event, it's all cruisers. I'd love for them to take on Ducati though, just so I'd have a local place to go and drool on stuff.

[speedjunkie]

In course terms, Bikers' Edge is a very "clean" version of Truett and Osborne down on 31st.    They actually have one of each Triumph model on the floor, maybe more.  Lots of demo bikes.  They also have customs and the entire Victory line.  Of course, Polaris is in the back shop, but still a lot of wheelers back there.  

I think they would be ok with the Duc line, but the BMW line is a little too snooty for them.  Sorry Bete!  I have been quite impressed with BE's desire to break out of their old mold tho.  They sponsor a local Rat group as well as other events.  Brian, Amber, and Linda are all GOOD people IMO.  I know where I'll be taking my HD when the warranty is up!  BTW, I do try to buy all my accessories from them as well.  Screw HD and their markup!  

Hey Mark, here's one for you.  Mike (tall blonde guy at Motorsports), first time I met him he was working at BE.  Then moved to K&N, then finally to Motorsports.  Must like it there, it's been several years now.  

Later!!



Mike