Anyone deal with Mid-America Powersports?

[nightcrawler921]

I'm looking for info on Mid-America Powersports BMW dealer in Wichita, KS. I am getting ready to purchase a new LT and would like to know if anyone here has experience with them and their service dept. They are a YamHonAsawki dealer with BMW also. They are my closest dealer but not sure how dedicated they are to BMW. Any help is appreciated.

Todd

[lurch102]

When I lived there they didn't exist, as such. If it's the one on West St., they were K&N Yamaha/Kawasaki and under that name, I wasn't impressed with the help I got from the sales and parts department, never used the serrvice dept.

However, that was in the '88-'95 time frame, and a lot's changed since then, evidently. I'm sure the snot-nosed kids that worked there that seemed so put-upon when asked for help have probably grown up into snot-nosed adults and moved on.

I've got three buddies in the Wichita/Newton area that have bought from them recently. I'll ping them and see what they have to say.

[nightcrawler921]

Thanks Lurch. Let me know what they say.

[ATFLT]

I bought my 99 LT from Nichols before they merged over at Mid America. Their main mechanic Clarence is a nice guy. He does most of the work on BMW's. I just had him replace my throttle cables. He hadn't done it before and BMW sent them the wrong parts at least once. It could have been that the parts guys didn't know what to order as they gave me a price for the throttle cables about $35 and they wound up more than $200 because they had to switch to 06 cables.

I have found the service people very nice now. Before the merger they had some idiots in the service area. They refused to work on my 83 Venture because it was too old in about 2000. That manager is gone and they tell me that age is no longer a problem.

I bought my 03 ST1300 from them but the owner at the time is not there anymore. I have heard that the new owner doesn't like to deal much. As I said I haven't delt with him so that may not be true.

[lurch102]

I had an ongoing issue with Nichols and my '84 goldwing electrical system as well. The manager then (looked like Stephen King) left shortly thereafter. Finally, I just learned to fix my own stuff, that way I can take my frustrations out on my idiot mechanic when needed!

Heard back from my buddies. Turns out two bought from OKC and one bought his used so, other than parts, none of them have had much experience with MAPS either. Just thought of one more.... Mike Fry in Newton posts on here as M_fry or mfry or something like that (or at least he did prior to the board upgrade). Might try PMing him.

Sorry to be such a useless knowledge base!

[lurch102]

STRIKE THREE!!!

Mike bought his used from Gene Bachman in Moundridge, not from MAPS.

Sorry Todd

[nightcrawler921]

I'm starting to see a pattern here. I didn't get a good feeling when I shopped there, but wanted more input. The last time I was there they tried to steer me towards a Goldwing. Also they do not allow any test rides. They say closer is not always better. Thanks again Lurch.

Todd

[lurch102]

I don't want to leave the impression that MAPS is bad. I haven't had any exerience with them, per say. It's their forebearers that I had problems with.

You're just about as close to CO's front range. I've heard good things about Ft. Collins, Denver and Co Springs have dealers too, I believe.

Good luck!

[nightcrawler921]

No Lurch, I didn't take it that way. I just meant not hearing anything good or bad about the new ownership was probably a sign. I have been on the phone this afternoon with the dealers in Denver and CO Springs. Denver won't budge off of list and CO Springs will come down about 1,000. Just have to choose a color, I like Blue. Plus gives me an excuse to see friends in Colorado and ride in the mountains.
Todd

[lurch102]

From another buddy in the area....

"I’ve purchased bikes from Mid America, had them do service work and purchased parts. I’ve had good dealings with them on purchasing bikes but also know some people that have been messed around. They do have a good BMW service tech but scheduling can be a problem sometimes. I often just order my parts from Engles in Kansas City, MAPS really struggles on BMW parts sometimes.

If you live in this area and want a BMW you might get a good deal on a bike, especially if you are trading in a non BMW as they are often willing to give more for another brand than the single line dealerships. Parts and service are mediocre. No worse than the Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki guys get but not the top notch you hear about from some of the single line dealerships."

Hope this helps.