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OLD BIKES NOT WORKED ON...

1K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Kudzu 
#1 ·
I have a huge issue with no service manual...... Local dealer will not touch my 07 GSA.
No bikes over 15 years old worked old.
They claimed old bikes can break when they work on them and then they are responsible.
My logic says all year bikes can have a failure while working on them....if dealer did it- fix it.
 
#2 ·
Sounds like the product of a litigious state, @Kudzu, and a dealer that has enough easy work, doing services on late models.
There are manuals available for your model. I’d expect there’s a Haynes manual, and there are those who sell pdf extracts on eBay of the official BMW soft manual. There’s also a downloadable 2017 version of the official manual on the net somewhere, covering all models of the modern era.
 
#3 ·
I understand their reluctance. Elastomers and plastics degrade with age into rigidity and brittleness. Corrosion can turn a five minute job into a four hour job. Previous hack mechanics can leave nightmares. Older bikes are more likely to suffer from previous poor maintenance and careless storage. Newer bikes mostly need routine maintenance, older bikes are more likely to need repair. And old bike owners tend to be parsimonious.

Old bikes are for tinkerers with tools and patience. If your toolbox is a credit card better to ride a newer bike.
 
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#4 ·
This leaves many riders naked..... some don't know one end of a wrench from the other. The older I get, the less laying on the floor i desire..
This also leaves leaves riders of older bikes out on tour in trouble. They are many miles from home.
 
#5 ·
You're not wrong, but reality is what it is.

Some dealers will work on anything that rolls in, while others focus on newer models for which they're trained & equipped.

Realistically, older bike owners should be prepared to get more knowledgeable about and hands-on with their machines. This includes having tools, parts, manuals & diagnostic equipment available. This also includes having knowledge of specialized forums like this one, personal networks like BMW MOA Anonymous, and friends & independent dealers familiar with their bikes. Motorcycle insurance with roadside assistance coverage provides some peace of mind on the road.

The older your bike and the lower its production numbers, the more self-reliant you'll need to become. ADVrider is an invaluable global resource for all motorcycles, especially adventure & dual sport. I doubt there's any problem you'll have or service procedure you'll encounter that hasn't been covered a hundred times there.

Dealers tend to be about making money, while enthusiasts tend to be about making cool stuff work. It's not necessarily right or fair, it's just reality. Your '07 GSA is a solid bike with a few well-known & addressable issues - try to enjoy the ride.

Best, Dave
 
#6 · (Edited)
I don't know where you are located but this guy did reliable work on old bikes when he was in Austin. Now he's in Oxford AR.


Roger is a good guy in South Austin TX. He likes old BMWs but he's often busy.


If you're in central California call Ted Porter for a recommendation.

 
#9 · (Edited)
I don't know where you are located but this guy did reliable work on old bikes when he was in Austin. Now he's in Oxford AR.

Good to know. We ride that area each October.
I saved his website and saved the location to my GPS.
 
#11 ·
Another great DIY resource is Jim von Baden Productions.

Jim is a great guy who has lots of free maintenance videos and other useful info on his site. He also sells more complete maintenance CDs for a very nominal fee, basically just helping cover his costs. He used to have maintenance get-togethers in his driveway, don't know if he still does. Trustworthy source of maintenance info on our Boxers.

Cheers, Dave
 
#12 ·
Some franchised dealers can be a bit weird but most bike workshops including the franchised ones here in Scotland will work on pretty much anything. Plus there is a huge restoration market for bikes and cars right across the UK, and loads of places specialising in repairs of classic vehicles right down to nut and bolt restorations if you want.
 
#13 ·
BMW Charlotte and Greensboro will only work on older bikes in the off season or when they are not busy.
This still bugs me----I do OK on some work, but stop when I get to the X.
Wish I knew of a private mechanic nearby (Charleston, SC ).
 
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