why bmw is not selling more bikes ...

[ferenc]

(bet bwm does not read this) ...
Walnut Creek dealer has no current brochures, no bikes.  nice folks and great parts dept.
Livermore dealer  answers phone only on third attempt.   Bike on floor in cobwebs – no info, brochure, nor time to speak with me – 4 of them, one customer.  30 minutes later,  i walk out.
Modesto  dealer says come on down for a test ride - just bring license.  His helpful staff offer ride on triumph(!) but demand my insurance cover all.  my insurance refuses, claiming dealer should be primary.
Back to livermore.  4 workers again, one talking to triumph customer.  10 minutes later, he disappears.   ‘workers’ on bwm side, chatting amongst themselves walk away as I approach.  puzzled, i do same.
5.  ktm/triumph dealer in concord discussed their offering in depth, and i'll be going back for a test ride.
BWM dealer help  not much worse than BMW not showing up at bike show in San Mateo.

[Nodaclu]

I know it's a bit of a drive for you, but I'm betting that you won't have those same experiences at A&S Cycles in Roseville.

[Stripes]

Weird... The same thing happened to me at a BMW dealership in Grand Rapids, MI. I called them(the dealer) on the phone to make sure they had a 2011 R1200RT that I could look at & they said they had one & that they even had a '10 model that I could take for a short 15 mile ride if I was interested. So my buddy & I stopped at the Triumph, Ducati & KTM dealer in Kalamazoo to look at a couple of new Triumphs & the '12 Multistrada before looking at the Beemer which is 2 hours away. The Triumph dealer was helpful, but I really wasn't interested in any of the bikes. I was actually a little disappointed, I was hoping I would fall in love w/ the Sprint GT or Tiger. I do however am still intrigued by the Multi Touring S. Anyway, we get to the BMW dealer & there are at least 5 employees standing there or sitting on bikes talking about rides. None of them even acknowledge me or my friend. After walking around the bikes, gear & parts dept for 30 minutes the parts guy asks how we are doing & we said good & if there is anybody I can talk to about the RT & where the '10 model was as it wasn't out on the showroom just the '11 was. He then says he thinks the '10 is in the back & that any of the dudes by the front door can help. I procede to the front door at which this time the employees are talking about how there has never been an accident at the intersection in front of the store, & as we're walking up to them they all kind of scatter like cockroaches in different directions. I meet my friend back at the '11 RT where we look at the spec. sheet & sit on the bike for 12 minutes when some skinny guy in jeans & a t-shirt asks if we are finding everything okay & I say to him that I would like to talk to somebody about this bike which he replies I will let them know & 14 minutes later no one comes out so my friend & I leave stopping by the service dept. & asking a question about removing the rear wheel on my '00 R1100R & the guy was very helpful.  We walk out to the bikes & suit up & leave, & as we pull out we notice the employees standing by the front door again talking. I'm hoping my experience at the BMW dealer in Canton which is only an hour from my house goes a little better. Cheers

[ferenc]

I know it's a bit of a drive for you, but I'm betting that you won't have those same experiences at A&S Cycles in Roseville.

thanks, i made a ride out my trip to moodesto yesterday (canyon, redwood, mines road and del puerto canyon) so it wasn' a total loss!  suggested routes?  i wont be taking my truck, in anticipation of buying!

i've bought parts from the roseville guys before - very efficient and helpful, but found out one of the local dealer parts guys is related to one of my engineers - had great service from him before, and he was the most helpful in discussing bikes (for which they had no brochures or floor models)!

the bmw  bikes i am interested in are the f series,
ferenc

[vitaminC]

How about SF BMW or CalMoto? If you know which bike you want to ride, try making an appointment instead of just showing up. And its the end of the season, which may explain the lack of bikes on the floor- especially the F's.  I think the new 12's start arriving this month.

[David 13]

It happens.  I've heard the same stories about Harley dealers, more than once.
dc

[DNA]

Interesting...

I just moved tot her east bay this month and was quite excited when I found a BMW/Triumph?KTM dealer 15 minutes away in Livermore.  Yes - I had all three of these brands in my garage at the same time last year and sold off all but the big GS.

I am quite serious about getting a Streety for lane splitting as I already have a lot of experience with the motors and most of the special triumph tools.  Same with KTM - I have owed several and love 'em.

To put it into perspective - in the DC area - we only had 2 BMW dealers and the closest was at least an hour from my house.  A serious PITA for service.  Here there are several close together so there are nice options - but the service is lousy.  My experience witht he dealers in DC was it was a bit hard to get their attention - but once you spend money and make the jump from tire kicker adn dreamer to a customer they treat you very well indeed.  It remindede me of the airlines - once you make permier executive - you are a king and the peasants got trated poorly.  Is this fair?  As a business traveler I spend a lot on airline tickets - probably 20-30x more than the average person - so spending limited resources on serving me probably pays off in the end.  I sense BMW dealers are similar - loyal a nd loaded. Newbs might be a waste of time?

When I spoke with the owner, they talked aboput not being able to order the inventory they used to due to slow sales and credit limitations, so the good old days of lots of bikes sitting unsold are long gone - along with a lot of dealerships.

Quite frankly, I plan to hold back a bit right now- and possibly try to pick up something used at this point.  Having 5 bikes is just too much to keep up with 3 small kids int he house.

[viffergyrl]

^^This. You may not be perceived to be worth their time unless you hunt them down. 20% of the effort for 80% of the result is how they are working. And how I work as well.

If I am seriously interested in buying (not just looking) I chase down the sales people and make them help me.   Let them know you are interested in buying in the next three months. Or this month. Or this week. But I'm used to this being female and not to be taken seriously in the vehicle world (happens when I shop for a car too).   Or I tell them I'm just 'doing research' or 'seeing what's new' and just want to sit on some bikes but not ready to buy just yet. There are times when I want them to leave me alone.

[ferenc]

lol - i was wondering if i had to bring a babe with me to get their attention!

first time i showed up was after a call, saying i'll be down, and i did with my truck.  nada
second time, it was unannounced, and i rode in.  nada.

the moo-desto (pun intended) dealer i spoke with on the phone, first i left him a message, he called back a few days later, pushed for me to come down with my license for a test ride (or two).  i said i'll get back to him after i look at my schedule.  he knew i wanted to get a bike within a month, as i'm anticipating hitting 00000.0 on my odometer (!) at which time i planned to put that daily ride on the back-burner.  i called him the eve before said i'd be in - he suggested morning, which is when i showed up (113 miles each way), and then at the last minute i walk away because they had no insurance on their test ride bikes!

talk about incompentency and poor customer service skills!

i agree that a pushy salesperson will push away more customers like me, but i expect to be treated with courteous service and some sense of professionalism.

is it part of the ego-bmw image they are trying to instill?

by they way, i am not wealthy, but assured them that the decision on which bike to buy would not be based on budget.

ferenc
ps  before i  bought my vx, i was looking for a 2nd wee, and two suzi dealers (one of which is out of business) agreed over phone to sell the bike.  the sf dealer's manager said his sales guy should not have agreed, and the one that is out business backed out 5 minutes before i actually was about to head out, saying, oh, yea, we don't have the wee, but we do have other bikes we'd like to sell!!!

perhaps it's just a 'salesperson' style/'mentality'/nature here - not just beemer flakes i encountered.

[DangerMoney]

When I spoke with the owner, they talked aboput not being able to order the inventory they used to due to slow sales and credit limitations, so the good old days of lots of bikes sitting unsold are long gone - along with a lot of dealerships.

This is a common problem in business these days. Banks are reducing credit limits which limits the ability of businesses to carry inventory, which limits growth, which and thus the ability to hire new employees/bring the laid-off back.

[viffergyrl]

  The 'babe' idea only works if you bring an umbrella girl with you. I generally don't fit that category.  

[jhawk]

When I spoke with the owner, they talked aboput not being able to order the inventory they used to due to slow sales and credit limitations, so the good old days of lots of bikes sitting unsold are long gone - along with a lot of dealerships.

it's not limited to BMW.... it's a fairly common scenario across the country during this recession....  the BMW dealership here is doing well, they have plenty of new bikes

[ferenc]

it's not limited to BMW.... it's a fairly common scenario across the country during this recession....  the BMW dealership here is doing well, they have plenty of new bikes

during high unemployment and a recession is the time to dump the lazy, unproductive bufoons and hire hardworking, capable, and motivated staff - that is when such are more readily available and affordable.

it's a poor excuse to blame the economy for underperforming staff - and management, especially in the livermore operation - maybe it's just a laundering front???  of course, i'd be the first one to not use the threat of others wanting to keep one's job as a motivational tool, but we all have a choice.

going up to chico and roseville for a potential test drive as some have suggestd - hmm, not sure it's worth it - that's currently my choice ;-), so i guess i better stop whining!  unless, of course, they served peet's, or ...

regarding babes?  i say, each dealer should have one to bring in customers, not each customer should have one to bring the dealers around!  you can substitue 'babes' gender as needed for appropriate orientations of customers ...  a dealership is not the kind of place one should waste time in with one's 'babe', eh?

enjoy,
ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

Ferenc, I'm sorry that you're having such trouble with the BMW dealerships out there. If I were in your shoes, I'd tell them all to go pound rocks and I'd buy from a good dealership, whatever the brand (if you found a bike you like, of course).

If you feel motivated enough, how about writing to BMW headquarters and telling them about your experience? I bet they want to know about experiences like yours.

I've had the opposite experience. My local dealership is excellent. Dealers for other brands in the area have reputations from all right to pretty lousy.

[ferenc]

Ferenc, I'm sorry that you're having such trouble with the BMW dealerships out there. If I were in your shoes, I'd tell them all to go pound rocks and I'd buy from a good dealership, whatever the brand (if you found a bike you like, of course).

If you feel motivated enough, how about writing to BMW headquarters and telling them about your experience? I bet they want to know about experiences like yours.

I've had the opposite experience. My local dealership is excellent. Dealers for other brands in the area have reputations from all right to pretty lousy.

good idea:  here is my next email recepient:
motorrad@bmw.de
enjoy,
ferenc

[ferenc]

Interesting...

I just moved tot her east bay this month and was quite excited when I found a BMW/Triumph?KTM dealer 15 minutes away in Livermore.  Yes - I had all three of these brands in my garage at the same time last year and sold off all but the big GS.
...
Quite frankly, I plan to hold back a bit right now- and possibly try to pick up something used at this point.  Having 5 bikes is just too much to keep up with 3 small kids int he house.

hey, welcome to california!  looks like your map needs more coloring.
i know what you mean about juggling life's many demands.

for me, i'm basically looking for a sane standard bike that would easily lane share, and, except for lacking a center stand, the street triple may win out,
ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

good idead:  here is my next email recepient:
motorrad@bmw.de
enjoy,
ferenc

Make sure to send one also to the U.S. division, in New Jersey. We know they read English.  

It might even be better as an old-fashioned business letter via the U.S. mail.

[nevinfs327]

The Mission District dealer seemed really nice.  I went for parts, but was certainly acknowledged by sales people too, and they were busy (15 customers to 3 or 4 sales people it seemed).  Parts and service were both helpful.  Just had to wait my turn.  

Regarding the Street Triple, I bought an aftermarket center stand that works great and bolted on in maybe 20 minutes.  http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productprint/4942/699/

[Rincewind]

Sorry to hear that the West Coast BMW dealers are not meeting your expectations.  The two BMW dealers near me I consider exemplary.  

for me, i'm basically looking for a sane standard bike that would easily lane share, and, except for lacking a center stand, the street triple may win out,
ferenc

Like Nevin, my Street Triple is equipped with the same center stand.  Be aware though that the center stand may have issues with the latest bikes - there is some emissions gizmo that is said to be in the way for mounting the center stand on 2012 models.

The Street3 is a great bike, though the BMW's have good points too such as better fuel economy and some better accessory options.  

[ferenc]

The Mission District dealer seemed really nice.  I went for parts, but was certainly acknowledged by sales people too, and they were busy (15 customers to 3 or 4 sales people it seemed).  Parts and service were both helpful.  Just had to wait my turn.  

Regarding the Street Triple, I bought an aftermarket center stand that works great and bolted on in maybe 20 minutes.  http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productprint/4942/699/

hey, thanks for the tip on the mission dealer - will have to look them up.  i recall going with a friend to a dealership out by 280 - great crew, there, forget which japanese bike  he had, and what else they carried.

interestingly, the ktm/triumph/ducati dealer said that the '11 speed triple could not receive a center stand.

perhaps s-t.net users should buy bikes directly from factory - what is the value added (perhaps negative?) by the sales guys!

ferenc

[ferenc]

Sorry to hear that the West Coast BMW dealers are not meeting your expectations.  The two BMW dealers near me I consider exemplary.  



Like Nevin, my Street Triple is equipped with the same center stand.  Be aware though that the center stand may have issues with the latest bikes - there is some emissions gizmo that is said to be in the way for mounting the center stand on 2012 models.

The Street3 is a great bike, though the BMW's have good points too such as better fuel economy and some better accessory options.  

...

so, does it really have problems with too many wheelies (short wheelbase and lotsa oomph?) as indicated in a 5/11 cycle world review - i want to control the bike, not the other way around!

[Rincewind]

so, does it really have problems with too many wheelies (short wheelbase and lotsa oomph?) as indicated in a 5/11 cycle world review - i want to control the bike, not hte other way around!

I would say that is an exaggeration.  It is capable of very nice wheelies but mostly they are a result of how you ride it.  If you ride it normally without excessive throttle, then the front will normally stay down no problem.  The oomph is not as immediate as, say, a Speed Triple 1050 - with the 675 you must sort of "stoke the fire" to get maximum thrust.  Going over road crests the front will go skyward, but only if you are on the throttle hard.

[cbsnbiker]

perhaps s-t.net users should buy bikes directly from factory - what is the value added (perhaps negative?) by the sales guys!

ferenc

If BMW offered a Euro delivery option, like with the cars (that still exists, right?), I'd be all over it next time I bought a bike.  

[nevinfs327]

hey, thanks for the tip on the mission dealer - will have to look them up.  i recall going with a friend to a dealership out by 280 - great crew, there, forget which japanese bike  he had, and what else they carried.

interestingly, the ktm/triumph/ducati dealer said that the '11 speed triple could not receive a center stand.

I need to make a correction - I was thinking of Munroe Motors in the Mission when I was typing before, forgetting that the BMW dealer I stopped at that day was a separate shop.  I have no experience to speak of there other than walking directly to the gear section, looking for 5 minutes, then leaving after a quick look.  Can't speak to their sales people.  If you do come up, Munroe is worth a stop.  They have some cool machines.

The link I included from Twisted Throttle state that the center stand fits up through '11 Street Triple models, but won't work on '12 models.  And wheelies aren't an issue - not nearly as much as on my old Superhawk.  I often ride with cargo on the rear or a passenger too.

[Rincewind]

On further thought, you may also want to consider the Bonneville SE model for a more moderate and softer standard-style bike.  

+1 on the Superhawks being wheelie machines!  

[atadaskew]

interestingly, the ktm/triumph/ducati dealer said that the '11 speed triple could not receive a center stand.

2012 has the issue, not 2011.  For 2012 there is a charcoal canister in the way.  Like that can't be removed...

[bikerfish1100]

interestingly, any BMW dealer (including my 10 mile away local one) i have ever been to has been quite generous with allowing test rides, and staff has always been helpful.
my local Suzi/Yammie dealer on the other hand- I went there last Saturday, looking for a bike for the new g/f, and just as i've gone in there multiple times, seen many employees- they only smiled at me as i walked out the door; no contact beyond that. we went to the Honda dealer up the street, and bought a bike within half an hour.

its not a BMW issue, its a crappy employee & disconnected supervisor issue.

[Jason F.]

And here I thought that the reason BMW did not sell more bikes was that it took piles and piles of this



to buy one of their machines.

[cbsnbiker]

And here I thought that the reason BMW did not sell more bikes was that it took piles and piles of this



to buy one of their machines.

No more so than for a Harley -- in fact, less so.  

[Jason F.]

No more so than for a Harley -- in fact, less so.  

Yes but a Harley will make you more attractive to the opposite sex and extend your penis at least three inches. I mean really they just sell themselves.

[Stripes]

Yes but a Harley will make you more attractive to the opposite sex and extend your penis at least three inches. I mean really they just sell themselves.

  So true! So true...

[ferenc]

2012 has the issue, not 2011.  For 2012 there is a charcoal canister in the way.  Like that can't be removed...

hey, i have wrenches!  the helpful concord guy said there were no visible places to mount it (holes in bottom of the frame?)
there are no facts, just biased opinions, my conclusion is.  it's amazing society survives on so little truth,
ferenc

[Rincewind]

hey, i have wrenches!  the helpful concord guy said there were no visible places to mount it (holes in bottom of the frame?)
there are no facts, just biased opinions, my conclusion is.  it's amazing society survives on so little truth,
ferenc

It's true that the mounting spots are not as visible as on some other bikes.  Here is the PDF installations to see what I mean --

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/filemanager/download/2181/

[BBB]

I often wonder why people complain about salesmen not approaching you when you go into a showroom. I personally prefer that they didn't and that if I want to ask something I will go up to them and engage in a conversation with them. It's a simple concept that has worked on numerous occassions for me.

[cbsnbiker]

I often wonder why people complain about salesmen not approaching you when you go into a showroom. I personally prefer that they didn't and that if I want to ask something I will go up to them and engage in a conversation with them. It's a simple concept that has worked on numerous occassions for me.

I tend to prefer a soft sell myself.

But there's a soft sell, and then there's being completely ignored.

Even worse is when I've gone up to someone for help and have been treated as if I were inconveniencing him. I even once had a salesman tell me that he doesn't like motorcycles!

[Orson]

I've read that many BMW salesmen are disillusioned by the wildly successful sales of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio.

[Castaway]

Finding the balance between hard and soft salesmanship may be difficult to find. I personally don't like it when sales staff approaches me with a "Hey bud, how's it goin'?"
 intro. But I can understand that some interaction is needed to happen if bikes are gonna sell.

I had luck with test rides at Mountain View BMW/Triumph. I test rode many a bike there, and truly thought that if I were gonna a bike from a dealer I'd give them my business. But I don't buy bikes much (had my last one for 11 yrs).

Like Nevin said, Munroe's is a cool shop, and just down the street is Scuderia, where you can see KTMs, Bimotas, and Aprilias. Both are local shops run by moto enthusiasts.

[falconati]

Eek!  I've only had great experiences with the BMW dealerships I've dealt with.  Sorry you're having a rough time - like anything in life, some dealerships are better than others.

[ferenc]

Eek!  I've only had great experiences with the BMW dealerships I've dealt with.  Sorry you're having a rough time - like anything in life, some dealerships are better than others.

yeah, but 0 for 3, you'd think i was playing for the )(*#$()*#@$ (insert your unfavorite baseball team name here)!
i got a formal (but cordial) email reply from the mother ship in Bayern,
Franz
as of last night, at 99,900.7 and counting down to 0 on my current primary ride

[falconati]

Yeah, that's frustrating.  Good luck  

Until you actually get the chance to ride one, I can tell you that I really enjoyed my experience on an F800GS (the only BMW F-bike I've ridden).  I posted about it in another thread that I will try to find, but the takeaway is that everything was the high-quality that I'd expect from the bavarians.

[falconati]

Here's the thread I mentioned: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,64458.0.html

[cbsnbiker]

I remember reading that message back in August.  

[ferenc]

Here's the thread I mentioned: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,64458.0.html

hey, thanks for the reference.  i'm told the 800 bikes are not as buzzy as the 650s, but i'd hate to make a $10k mistake based on no personal experience.  my f650's suspension is a bit too soft for my taste, and it'd be good to look at the f800xx - the 'r' does have rear damping and rebound ...

hope you're enjoying your nice weather,
ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

hey, thanks for the reference.  i'm told the 800 bikes are not as buzzy as the 650s, but i'd hate to make a $10k mistake based on no personal experience.  my f650's suspension is a bit too soft for my taste, and it'd be good to look at the f800xx - the 'r' does have rear damping and rebound ...

hope you're enjoying your nice weather,
ferenc

You are correct -- the F800 is not as buzzy as either your F650 or mine.

However, it is perfectly understandable that you will want to check this for yourself. The F800 is buzzier than my K12; then again, almost all bikes in existence are.

[bikerfish1100]

hey, thanks for the reference.  i'm told the 800 bikes are not as buzzy as the 650s, but i'd hate to make a $10k mistake based on no personal experience.  my f650's suspension is a bit too soft for my taste, and it'd be good to look at the f800xx - the 'r' does have rear damping and rebound ...

hope you're enjoying your nice weather,
ferenc

yeah, sure wouldn't want to fly out to D.C on a 1-way tik to pick up something like this
, and then spend 3.5 days riding it 1900 miles back home, having made the purchase having done nothing more than sit on one in a parking lot, and never seen more than a photo prior to purchasing.
if you did, might end up with a really fun bike that is just a total hoot to ride, on most any road at all, paved or not.

[ferenc]

wow, looks like a showroom!  and it's yellow (i miss my old yellow/black honda :-)

i read somewhere that there are no more 49-state bikes (with CA being the 50th), but 39-state bikes now that 10 more have adopted CA emission standards.

ferenc
most of the times, my bikes look like they're part of the oakland rats mc

[falconati]

That yellow/black combo is so pretty.

[bikerfish1100]

found it on eBay. used car & bike dealer outside of D.C. high end only- BMWs, Porsche, M-B, etc. Nice ride home.

[vitaminC]

Which F are you looking for? I was picking something up at CalMoto today, and they have two new F800GS, one F800ST,  and (I think) one F800R.

[ferenc]

Which F are you looking for? I was picking something up at CalMoto today, and they have two new F800GS, one F800ST,  and (I think) one F800R.

i'm hoping the f800r, thinking it's suspension may be more 'stiff' than the dual sports ...
ferenc

[DangerMoney]

Both San Diego-area BMW dealers have F800Rs in stock. One of them is selling their R demonstrator at a nice discount.

[ferenc]

Both San Diego-area BMW dealers have F800Rs in stock. One of them is selling their R demonstrator at a nice discount.

hey, may be i should give them a call - which has the demo?
fernc

[DangerMoney]

San Diego BMW. Keep clicking on "specials" on the left side of the page until you see the F800R.

Motorsports
2011 F 800 R
Demonstrator
2,557 miles
$11,639.00

If you need it, the other is BMW Motorcycles of Escondido.

[vitaminC]

i'm hoping the f800r, thinking it's suspension may be more 'stiff' than the dual sports ...
ferenc

I've ridden this one;  fun bike, and they have a great route for the demo ride, just dress warm if it's foggy. I think they were asking ~12k OTD.

[ferenc]

I've ridden this one;  fun bike, and they have a great route for the demo ride, just dress warm if it's foggy. I think they were asking ~12k OTD.

so, you're saying the sf guy has a test ride program?
tx, i'll givum a call.
ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

*All* BMW dealers in the U.S. are supposed to have test ride programs.

I may hop over to my local dealer and do a test ride or two today -- we'll see.

[DangerMoney]

*All* BMW dealers in the U.S. are supposed to have test ride programs.

BMW dealers have the option to buy new bikes from the factory that are then designated as "demo" bikes.  Be aware a given dealership may not have a "demo" bike for the model you're interested in. After a minimum number of miles are put on the demo bike, it is then sold at a discount.

To go on a demo ride you'll need to wear proper gear, have a valid M/C license and sign a release.

[ferenc]

...

To go on a demo ride you'll need to wear proper gear, have a valid M/C license and sign a release.

release form?
ferenc

[vitaminC]

release form?
ferenc

You release them from liability should you hurt yourself; in today's society, such a form should not come as a surprise!

If you like the more upright bikes, you should also give the Tiger 800 (not XC) a spin, as it's also pretty sweet. I was very close to buying one before I came to my (financial) senses... the XC has the squishy forks you're trying to avoid.

[ferenc]

You release them from liability should you hurt yourself; in today's society, such a form should not come as a surprise!

If you like the more upright bikes, you should also give the Tiger 800 (not XC) a spin, as it's also pretty sweet. I was very close to buying one before I came to my (financial) senses... the XC has the squishy forks you're trying to avoid.

personal liability i'll happily sign off on - just don't want to assume responsibility for their bike (geico said no).
thanks for the tip, the tiger reminded me of the '12 wee, but, even if its suspension is not as adjustable, it may win out over the other two front runners, the f800r and the street triple r.

i'll have to find time to contact the sf bmw dealer mentioned in an earlier post.

the mother ship in Bayern has been silent - i just don't want to be baited in to a dealership and have them 'switch,'
ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

personal liability i'll happily sign off on - just don't want to assume responsibility for their bike (geico said no).

Check on that. They may want your insurance to cover you.

Mine (Progressive) does.

[ferenc]

well, it pays to read the fine print, and thanks bmw in sf for being clear on all the requirements for a demo ride, including:
>>>>>>
- An active insurance policy that will cover you and the motorcycle that you are riding while on the demo ride. Be sure to call your agent before scheduling a demo ride if you are unsure on this point as some major insurance companies do not extend coverage to any vehicles other than the primary one listed on your policy.
<<<<<<

Well, that rules me out, as Geico said no to being the primary on a bike that is NOT mine ...

Auf Wiedersehen, SF BMW, I'm sorry to say.


here is what i just found on the bmw usa site:
>>>>>>
Do you meet the following criteria?
  º   age 18 or older with a valid driver's license endorsed for motorcycles
  º   must have experience on motorcycles appropriate for the bike you wish
to demo
  º   no serious moving violations on your current record while riding motorcycles
  º   fit to ride with appropriate rider clothing
<<<<<<
but their dealer list does not take into account dealer test ride supply, bike supply, nor dealer's own special test ride requirements.

[falconati]

I think you're just taking this too seriously.  They're not going to call up Geico and make sure you're covered.  They're just absolving themselves of the liability.

You should be able to walk in, talk to a salesperson, sign a form, and hop on a bike.

[Stripes]

You should be able to walk in, talk to a salesperson, sign a form, and hop on a bike.

That's exactly what I did yesterday! I am now buying either an '11 R1200RT or a '12 R1200RT... My friend, who has no intention of buying a new motorcycle took a brand new GTL for a demo & even told the owner he wasn't buying he just wanted to try it. A copy of the Drivers Licence, 4 initials & 1 signature later, we were on a 30 minute test ride! I love BMW!

[cbsnbiker]

I think you're just taking this too seriously.  They're not going to call up Geico and make sure you're covered.  They're just absolving themselves of the liability.

You should be able to walk in, talk to a salesperson, sign a form, and hop on a bike.

That's fine -- until something goes wrong. Then you may be on the hook for it.

That's exactly what I did yesterday! I am now buying either an '11 R1200RT or a '12 R1200RT... My friend, who has no intention of buying a new motorcycle took a brand new GTL for a demo & even told the owner he wasn't buying he just wanted to try it. A copy of the Drivers Licence, 4 initials & 1 signature later, we were on a 30 minute test ride! I love BMW!

Congrats!

Test rides have helped me make up my mind about buying bikes. But even when I haven't been shopping, a test ride can be helpful to the dealer. For example, I can tell someone else that I enjoyed a test ride, and *that* person may make the purchase.  

[ferenc]

I think you're just taking this too seriously.  They're not going to call up Geico and make sure you're covered.  They're just absolving themselves of the liability.

You should be able to walk in, talk to a salesperson, sign a form, and hop on a bike.

youre right!  they are absolving themselves of an liability if something happens.  I am the one who called Geico as I was not ready to be on the line to buy a test bike at full retail!
ferenc

[ferenc]

That's exactly what I did yesterday! I am now buying either an '11 R1200RT or a '12 R1200RT... My friend, who has no intention of buying a new motorcycle took a brand new GTL for a demo & even told the owner he wasn't buying he just wanted to try it. A copy of the Drivers Licence, 4 initials & 1 signature later, we were on a 30 minute test ride! I love BMW!

hey, glad it worked out for you!
incidentally, what did you initial and sign?
what if you did not like the bike and wound up having to pay for it in case, g*d forbit of a high side?

most of the time it does work out ok (i've not had a moving violation since college, and have never had a collision i was responsible for (ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh), but there is always that first time, and thus the insurance, especially on a new bike!

ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

hey, glad it worked out for you!
incidentally, what did you initial and sign?
what if you did not like the bike and wound up having to pay for it in case, g*d forbit of a high side?

most of the time it does work out ok (i've not had a moving violation since college, and have never had a collision i was responsible for (ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh), but there is always that first time, and thus the insurance, especially on a new bike!

ferenc

Can you purchase a rider for your insurance to cover test rides? Maybe $10 or so is all it will take?

[ferenc]

Can you purchase a rider for your insurance to cover test rides? Maybe $10 or so is all it will take?

hey, even $25 - good idea.
when i called geico from moo-desto, they said the best they'd do is take a 2nd (?) and not a primary coverage position on someone else's bike.  apparently, if someone rides my bike once or twice, with my permission, my geico would take a first.

i may give geico a call in the coming week to confirm i understand the whole scenario.  in the meantim, no sig,
ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

hey, even $25 - good idea.
when i called geico from moo-desto, they said the best they'd do is take a 2nd (?) and not a primary coverage position on someone else's bike.  apparently, if someone rides my bike once or twice, with my permission, my geico would take a first.

i may give geico a call in the coming week to confirm i understand the whole scenario.  in the meantim, no sig,
ferenc

I don't blame you. I wouldn't do the demo without insurance coverage either. But if you can get it, all the better.

[Stripes]

incidentally, what did you initial and sign ?

Basically that I knew how to operate a big motorcycle, if I was uncomfortable operating while out on the test ride I would pull over & they would come get me & the bike, if I got injured due to something I did I wouldn't sue them, & if I wrecked the bike I would be responsible for fixing it or buying it. I've signed many of waivers before & have bought at least 8 motorcycles after the test ride. Cheers

[ferenc]

Basically that I knew how to operate a big motorcycle, if I was uncomfortable operating while out on the test ride I would pull over & they would come get me & the bike, if I got injured due to something I did I wouldn't sue them, & if I wrecked the bike I would be responsible for fixing it or buying it. I've signed many of waivers before & have bought at least 8 motorcycles after the test ride. Cheers

cool, and, again, i'm glad it worked out for you.  what if you did not like the bike and hit some gravel/oil (heaven forbit) - well, welcome to buying/fixing the bike, like it or not.
foolish, headstrong and blind in my eyes!
why have insurance if it does not insure you?
ferenc

[ferenc]

i'm happy to say that bmw did sell one more bike this week.
got a great deal on the f800r from ozzie's in chico.

one ride so far and looking forward to many more,
ferenc

[coho]

i'm happy to say that bmw did sell one more bike this week.
got a great deal on the f800r from ozzie's in chico.

one ride so far and looking forward to many more,
ferenc

Sweet.  Congratulations, ferenc.
Ozzie's are good folks.


Now turn off the computer and go riding. Also,

[ferenc]

Sweet.  Congratulations, ferenc.
Ozzie's are good folks.


Now turn off the computer and go riding. Also,

interestingly, i only have one photo of the bike, and that was on the back of my pickup at ozzies, with jessee and lily next to the truck.  i did not get their permission to post the photo, however.

i'll have to post a photo, for sure.
i'm very happy with the choice and purchase,
ferenc

[ferenc]

interestingly, i only have one photo of the bike, and that was on the back of my pickup at ozzies, with jessee and lily next to the truck.  i did not get their permission to post the photo, however.

i'll have to post a photo, for sure.
i'm very happy with the choice and purchase,
ferenc

so, i took these last night by the 'wall' up on grizzly, part of my AM and PM commute.  sorry they're grainy and the contrast is challenging.   pretty much original, except for the gloves on the pillion.
center stand being added today!
wohooo,
ferenc

[Bain Dramage]

Seems like their sales are doing fine:

January 2012 Sales: BMW Motorrad records the best ever January sales figures


After a new retail record in 2011, BMW Motorrad has started off the new year with a solid plus. With sales of 5,237 units (previous year: 4,714 units), 11.1 % more motorcycles were delivered to customers in January 2012 than in the previous year.



Full article: http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/02/07/january-2012-sales-bmw-motorrad-records-the-best-ever-january-sales-figures/

[Stripes]

cool, and, again, i'm glad it worked out for you.  what if you did not like the bike and hit some gravel/oil (heaven forbit) - well, welcome to buying/fixing the bike, like it or not.
foolish, headstrong and blind in my eyes!
why have insurance if it does not insure you?
ferenc

I would have paid my deductable & my insurance would've covered the rest...

[ferenc]

i shopped around for insurance this past few weeks (slightly off topic here), and got quotes ranging from $260 to $1260 for the same coverage!
still with geico, substituting the f650 with the f800r,
ferenc
ps  perhaps they were cheaper because they don't like to cover dealer's bikes?

[Dave.TX]

All I know is I've bought 2 bikes from Lone Star BMW/Triumph in Austin, TX, and each time they've been really good to me. Everyone is approachable from sales to service and the owner. I guess it depends on the owner.

[bikerfish1100]

i have always known BMW & Ducati dealerships to be very generous with test rides. not so much from the Big 4.

[stevent]

i have always known BMW & Ducati dealerships to be very generous with test rides. not so much from the Big 4.

Ditto    

[radon222]

Getting back to the original thread topic... Yep I'd say its pretty clear that BMW is not selling enough motorcycles and they really need to step up their game.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-news/2012/bmw-motorcycles-sales-record.htm

[Bain Dramage]

Yea - it must suck to be BMW.

I bet the new liquid-cooled Boxer will be terrible too. I'll have to force myself to test-ride one.