Airhead goes to the shop

drooartz · 08-01-2010, 09:03 AM

So I made the decision to take my new R75/5 down to the city to a great independent BMW shop. While I intend to do all the future work myself, I'd really like to ride the bike a bit *before* putting in a lot of time and effort -- and I'd also like to ride it this year. I looked at my schedule, and realized that I wouldn't be able to get to it until winter if I did it myself. A very rare case of more money than time.

So I broke out the trailer and off we went. They'll do a full service and chase a few small electrical issues (blinkers, horn) so I can get the bike registered. Then I can ride it for the rest of the season and make sure I like the bike before really tearing into it (a lesson I learned during my Bugeye Sprite restoration).

So just a bit more waiting and I'll be able to ride again!

Renner · 08-01-2010, 09:15 AM

looks like good riding weather you're having.

shop time then registration... so about a week and we'll be seeing ride pics?

drooartz · 08-01-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renner

shop time then registration... so about a week and we'll be seeing ride pics?

Just depends on when they can get started on it. I'm figuring two weeks. Ride photos shortly thereafter.

ChromeSux · 08-01-2010, 11:33 AM

Hey i have seen that bike before, up close and personal, rode it too

Glad to see you are going to get it ready to ride.
Just so happens I am in Salt lake City for the next 5 days, not really that far from that bike again.

Bill Harris · 08-01-2010, 11:35 AM

It's always a good idea to "fine tooth comb" a new-to-you bike to at least zero-out the maintenance mileages.

coastranger · 08-01-2010, 09:20 PM

careful " full sevice" can be spendy, ; example like lube the clutch splines, Id save that for a winter project

jedcaum · 08-01-2010, 11:09 PM

Why do independent shops take so damn long to get anything in, up, and out? 2 weeks at our local joint often turns into 6, and requires escalating threats and other forms of cajolement even then, for even the simplest of things. And it ain't like I see thousands of other bikes cranking out of there in the interim.

This seems to me a purely bike related phenomenon, and I'm genuinely curious.

It's also why I don't take mine in anymore.

Martian · 08-02-2010, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedcaum

Why do independent shops take so damn long to get anything in, up, and out? 2 weeks at our local joint often turns into 6, and requires escalating threats and other forms of cajolement even then, for even the simplest of things. And it ain't like I see thousands of other bikes cranking out of there in the interim.

This seems to me a purely bike related phenomenon, and I'm genuinely curious.

It's also why I don't take mine in anymore.

I think any repair person that hangs out their shingle to fix anything; boats, bikes, or houses, takes the "independent" part seriously. I know I do. Being independent, means you can take off work or put off jobs when the urge strikes. If you're good enough, the job will be waiting for you when you return. If not, then you won't be "independent" for long.

drooartz · 08-03-2010, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coastranger

careful " full sevice" can be spendy, ; example like lube the clutch splines, Id save that for a winter project

I got a reasonable quote up front -- not cheap, but what I expected. This shop is highly recommended from friends (and my father-in-law, who's president of the local BMW club). As for the time, they are a small shop with 3 mechanics -- with one who's the real airhead specialist. I'll happily wait (and pay) for quality work.

Besides, with the price of this service and the shipping costs I'm right about even with what I got selling my '07 Bonneville earlier this year. Works for me.

bmwhacker · 08-03-2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drooartz

So I made the decision to take my new R75/5 down to the city to a great independent BMW shop. While I intend to do all the future work myself, I'd really like to ride the bike a bit *before* putting in a lot of time and effort -- and I'd also like to ride it this year. I looked at my schedule, and realized that I wouldn't be able to get to it until winter if I did it myself. A very rare case of more money than time.

So I broke out the trailer and off we went. They'll do a full service and chase a few small electrical issues (blinkers, horn) so I can get the bike registered. Then I can ride it for the rest of the season and make sure I like the bike before really tearing into it (a lesson I learned during my Bugeye Sprite restoration).

So just a bit more waiting and I'll be able to ride again!

Looks like a 1972 short wheel base?

drooartz · 08-03-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwhacker

Looks like a 1972 short wheel base?

It's a '73 LWB

bmwhacker · 08-03-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drooartz

It's a '73 LWB

Man, I'm getting senile.....

drooartz · 08-03-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwhacker

Man, I'm getting senile.....

In your defense, it's a very small picture... though the bike is listed in my sig...

coastranger · 08-03-2010, 03:50 PM

yes an good mechanic for things you dont want to tackle is a priceless connection
around my parts, the best is in dundee oregon, you have to wait about 2 weeks, year round, for him to fit things in
but when its done, you dont have to think or worry twice
fortunately, ill prob stop rinding before he retires, I have him beat by a "few" years

08-01-2010, 09:03 AM	#1
drooartz ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Oddometer: 125	Airhead goes to the shop So I made the decision to take my new R75/5 down to the city to a great independent BMW shop. While I intend to do all the future work myself, I'd really like to ride the bike a bit before putting in a lot of time and effort -- and I'd also like to ride it this year. I looked at my schedule, and realized that I wouldn't be able to get to it until winter if I did it myself. A very rare case of more money than time. So I broke out the trailer and off we went. They'll do a full service and chase a few small electrical issues (blinkers, horn) so I can get the bike registered. Then I can ride it for the rest of the season and make sure I like the bike before really tearing into it (a lesson I learned during my Bugeye Sprite restoration). So just a bit more waiting and I'll be able to ride again!

08-01-2010, 11:33 AM	#4
ChromeSux Motor Sickle Addict Joined: Sep 2008 Location: Lenoir City TN. Oddometer: 1,098	Hey i have seen that bike before, up close and personal, rode it too Glad to see you are going to get it ready to ride. Just so happens I am in Salt lake City for the next 5 days, not really that far from that bike again. ChromeSux screwed with this post 08-01-2010 at 11:39 AM

08-01-2010, 11:35 AM	#5
Bill Harris Confirmed Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2008 Location: backwoods Alabama Oddometer: 4,019	It's always a good idea to "fine tooth comb" a new-to-you bike to at least zero-out the maintenance mileages. __________________ '73 R60/5 Toaster

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08-01-2010, 09:15 AM	#2
Renner combustophile Joined: Jul 2007 Location: sunny SoCal Oddometer: 1,569	looks like good riding weather you're having. shop time then registration... so about a week and we'll be seeing ride pics?

08-01-2010, 09:20 PM	#6
coastranger Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: coast range oregon Oddometer: 430	careful " full sevice" can be spendy, ; example like lube the clutch splines, Id save that for a winter project

08-01-2010, 11:09 PM	#7
jedcaum Lucky, Lucky Bastard Joined: Jul 2008 Location: Belleville, IL Oddometer: 375	Why do independent shops take so damn long to get anything in, up, and out? 2 weeks at our local joint often turns into 6, and requires escalating threats and other forms of cajolement even then, for even the simplest of things. And it ain't like I see thousands of other bikes cranking out of there in the interim. This seems to me a purely bike related phenomenon, and I'm genuinely curious. It's also why I don't take mine in anymore.

08-03-2010, 03:50 PM	#14
coastranger Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: coast range oregon Oddometer: 430	yes an good mechanic for things you dont want to tackle is a priceless connection around my parts, the best is in dundee oregon, you have to wait about 2 weeks, year round, for him to fit things in but when its done, you dont have to think or worry twice fortunately, ill prob stop rinding before he retires, I have him beat by a "few" years