BMWs

L&C in Tunbridge Wells is.

 

What's it to be - is it still Z1000 homness?

 

http://www.vinesofguildfordbmw.co.uk/

and

http://www.bluebellbmw.co.uk/

to name a couple but there's lots more

--
Steve Parry
K100RS SE & F650
and a 520i SE Touring for comfort

http://www.gwynfryn.co.uk

 

that's the theory.

Though there's a little devil on my shoulder suggesting I buy a
supermoto instead.

 

Well, I might well be selling one shortly ...

 

yeah, but I'd want a fast one ;-)

 

Park Lane BMW has always been a combined dealership IIRC.

 

said...

ITYM Cooper BMW in Tun Wells

 

Dead poncy, it is, too.

Ali

 

Tunbridge Wells certainly was.

 

One in Northampton is/was too.

--
_______
..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
\`\ | /`/ GSX-R1000K3
`\\ | //' BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, SKA#2
`\|/`
`

 

Yes, Germans workers like their beer and holidays. Somebody has to pay
for them.
I reckon it's just the cost of the workforce.

 

I've still never seen one, but I accept the torrent of contrary
evidence.

 

I think that the KTM 990 SM would be rather fun.

 

I think the HP2 might copnveiveably be able to justify its high price. For
the rest, BMW use some unique technology, which increases their costs, but
mostly it's got to be just marketing. It's interesting to compare the
relative costs of BMW and Triumph models in different markets. They're
similar sized companies, manufacutring in similar environments, (i.e. EU).
Looking at the Tiger vs GS, there's quite a big difference in price over
here but it's even greater in the USA. That has to be down to BMW
deliberately keeping the price high, because they know they can get away
with it.

 

Actually, I doubt that. Manufacturing in Japan isn't exactly cheap anymore
so a lot of other businesses that used to go to Japan for high-quality,
reasonably priced stuff now have it manufactured in China, Korea and other
such places.

 

D'you know if they're any good? Getting a bit fed up with travelling to
Chelmsford for services...

 

No idea. I browsed there, a few years ago, shortly before buying the
Trophy, and they seemed nice.

 

Well, according to what's been posted on ukgser they no longer do bikes.
Their (now ex-) head mechanic seems to have set up shop on his own and it
looks like he's got a good rep but he hasn't got the BMW diagnostic
software, apparently :-/.

Nevermind, probably still worth a call even if it's just to find out if he
works on bikes that are still under warranty.

 

I think it's a combination of:

a) They are a 'premium' brand and can get away with charging a brand
premium.
b) Supply and demand; they sell everything they build
c) The link to the car manufacturing; the cars' brand image is reflected
in the bikes' and often the customers will be the same
d) The demographic market they're addressing; older, more affluent
(generalisation)
e) Their cost-base will be higher since they manufacture in Germany and
have significant 'social costs', work councils etc. etc.
f) Unlike Japan there is a significant cost of capital for BMW. Japan
has had long term interest rates that are excessively low.

That'll do for now. Not sure how much of it is right and how much is
bullshit.