Anyone that knows me knows two things are for sure and certain:
1) I cannot fix anything on my motorbike myself; and
2) Under "tight-arse" in the dictionary, there is a picture of me.
I hate spending money, and I hate spending money on motorbikes even more. Which is a shame, because I love motorbikes and a I have few. Five, presently.
As a collective consequence, my bikes are always over-worked, under-loved and in a poor state of repair.
For example, the front brakes have faded completely on my very collectable GSXR750 "Anniversary Edition", and it is running like an absolute pig.
Why? Because it never gets ridden!
Why? Because it has no front brakes
Desperate to keep it at least ticking over (so I don't have to replace a flat battery or pay a man huge dollars to get the crap and corruption cleaned out of the stagnating float bowls), I took it out recently for a ride around the block with no front brakes.
This was, just quietly, terrifying as the bike is worth as much as river front block in Applecross but insured for about as much as derelict meth-house in Balga.
Within two streets I hit an orange light, stomped on the rear and slid into the intersection. It promptly went back to its holding pen and there it was left; in storage, chained and locked up to within an inch of its miserable life.
And so the fact remains: when it comes to getting a bike serviced, no matter how desperately it is needed, I find it very difficult to stump up the cash. A major service is never going to be under a grand and there is always the inevitable "Sorry Sir, you will also need to do x, y and z."
I bought my BMW F800 GS quite a few years ago with about 43,000 kms on the clock.
Make no mistake, I love this bike. I have loved it from the moment I purchased it.
It does everything beautifully. It is as reliable as the seasons used to be and you can use it as cafe racer or a long-distance tourer. It is the sort of bike that is worth looking after. It is the sort of bike that deserves attention.
But have I ever had it serviced?
No, not once since I purchased it 13,000 kms and four years ago. I have changed the oil and filter twice! Thats it. Shame! Yes, shame on me.
So, as it ticked over 57K I figured it was time to give it some love. And immediately there was conflict. Where do I get it serviced?
I wanted to take it to BMW Auto Classic in Victoria Park (W.A). But I was terrified for the potential cost and was anxious for the level of customer focus that I would get for my dirty old girl that is probably only worth 1/5 the value of most of the used bike in their showroom.
But I need not have fretted. The team there, led by Joel McRedmund, were absolutely amazing.
After assessing the bike, immediately and efficiently, they let me know exactly what was needed, exactly how much it was going to cost and even gave me the option of genuine vs. non-genuine parts. But it was what transpired after I picked the bike up that has left me in wonder.
Auto Classic identified that the twin front disc rotors were below legal. Being the tight-arse I am, I opted for non-genuine to save a few bucks. Though not their preference (obviously), Joel did not challenge my decision.
The first set arrived, were fitted, and were warped.
The second set arrived, were fitted and were warped.
The third set arrived, from a different supplier, were fitted and were (thankfully) fine.
Did the service guys complain about having to do the same job three times because
their customer was too tight to stump up for genuine kit? No. Not at all.
Rather, they apologized for the time it took to get me back on the road!!!
Honestly, spending the money and getting my Beemer back running like a dream has been one of the most unexpected pleasures I've had in recent times.
So, if you have a BMW and you are looking for incredible service, go to Auto Classic BMW in Vic Park. They even have a proper barista that will knock you up a macchiato while you wait for your bike to get the love it so desperately deserves.
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