TagSport Pimped My Ride!

[CoolDaddy]

I have recently sold my 2003 Goldwing and have been lurking this site and the ST sites looking for help in making a decision between the RT and the ST. While I have known and loved the reliability of the Hondas, I admit that I have lusted after the RT since the 1100 days. The arguments extolling the benefits and shortcomings of each bike are pretty well documented and for me to ponder. While price is always an issue with beemers, I was willing to absorb that if it in fact rode as well as the RT riders have stated. A test ride was needed on both makes.

Closest dealer to me is TagSport in Geneva Illinois. Last weekend I took the 20 minute drive to the dealer early in the morning. Place was pretty slow. More staff than customers by a longshot. Spoke to a salesman, Kent, who seemed friendly and knowledgeable. After some discussion I asked about a test ride. He explained that they needed some advance notice to set it up and that they were too busy to do it that day, but that I should call during the week to schedule a ride for another day. Okay, I reluctantly accepted that as reasonable. I took him at his word.

I left TagSport and went to DGY Honda. They were swamped. Asked salesman Vince if I could test ride an ST. Sure thing! They wheeled one of the floor and got me out right away! Good customer experience!

I called TagSport this week and set up a ride for today. Left my number. "No problem, bring your gear, we'll set you up.", Kent said. Showed up early, eager. Place is again not busy. Ask for Kent and he comes out and says, " it seems we have an issue that came up yesterday. BMW is doing a demo audit and we are at the mileage limit on all our demos." I asked why he didn't call me and he looked sheepish and said he wasn't sure if I checked my voice mail at work on weekends. Bottom line, another Saturday no ride on an RT. They pimped me!

When I returned home there was a message from Vince at DGY Honda asking how my RT test ride went; did I want to test ride the ST one more time?

Well I haven't made my final decision but I have to tell you. I never would have thought that the BMW dealer would be that "scummy" and boneheaded. Now I know I have read all the posts about BMW dealers and their poor marketing skills, but I have read the same about Honda's. But my Honda dealers have always been great. I have three within 15 minutes of home. Now I have to decide if I want to go the next closest BMW dealer, about 45 minutes away, and start the test ride request all over. Or just accept the fact that this is an omen of what my BMW experience might be and alternately, that Mother Honda really wants me.

Decisions are seldom easy, particularly when the obvious is not what you initially wanted.

Thanks for letting me vent!

Ride Safe.

Mike
Wheaton, Il

[grifscoots]

Venting goot! Amazing how some of these folks stay in business, isn't it? I know if it was my business, and I found out customers were being dicked around, heads would roll.

[midwilshire]

I've been to some really crappy BMW dealers and, happily, some really fantastic ones. Sounds like the closest one to you might be the former, and that's too bad. But...

Whatever bike you get, it'll spend more time under you than in the dealer, so I hope you don't let the omen speak too loudly. I think you owe yourself a test-drive, if for no other reason than to prevent the "what-ifs" down the road. You'll want to feel happy with your diligence, whatever the outcome might be.

The comparative riding position is what brought me to the RT, but I do like that ST1300, btw. Hard decision to make on paper.

[BUGKILLER]

Ask for Kent and he comes out and says, " it seems we have an issue that came up yesterday. BMW is doing a demo audit and we are at the mileage limit on all our demos." I asked why he didn't call me and he looked sheepish and said he wasn't sure if I checked my voice mail at work on weekends. Bottom line, another Saturday no ride on an RT. They pimped me!


Mike
Wheaton, Il
Hello Mike and welcome.
Sounds Like salesman BS to me. What the hell is a "Demo Audit"? Once the dealer orders the bike he or the bank owns it. He does not consign the bike from BMW. If he sells a new bike as a demo unit, he the dealer takes the loss on the sale not BMW. He was probably trying to get you on another customers bike that was going to be in for service and tell you it belongs to the service manager.
My experience with both local BMW dealers has always been positive. If you want a real punch in the face try and test ride a Harley. The salesman will get you a rental contract and insurance waiver.
I'd give the owner or manager a call and vent.

[FWTX12RT]

Guess they don't need your business huh?

The first thing I would do is send your post in an email to the manager at the BMW dealership, Clearly explaining to him that this is why you are deciding to NOT purchase a bike from them.

I guess you could take it a step further by then informing them that you are buying your BMW from another dealer...

that'll teach'em (probably not... but it mght make ya feel better about being as you say "pimped")

[ADulay]

No matter what you do, at the very least, be sure and take the demo ride SOMEWHERE.

Like another has already said, it will eliminate the "what if's" down the road.

On a side note, my "local" dealer (55 miles away) went out of his way to make sure I got a demo ride in at whatever my schedule allowed.

My schedule allowed for a 66 mile test ride.

I bought that demo bike two weeks later.

AD

[Ranger]

Mike,

I know the dealers in the area and hope you're not referring to Barrington as the other shop in your area (PM for more). Chicago BMW, on the other hand, has always been great to me. As someone else mentioned, you're not going to spend that much time at the shop but you still want a resource you can count on. I've always had a great relationship with the guys at Chicago. And it's probably as far for you to get there as it is for me, I live in Gurnee.

I stopped in at TagSport once. I was looking for some sunglasses. They actually had a pair. The guy I was talking to didn't know how to find the price though. Anyway, they were nice but not real impressive. It is a newer shop (as far as I know) and maybe they'll get it together soon.

[sanjaun2]

I live within 30 miles of 2 outstanding dealerships. So, When the decision came to buy a second bike I bought a GT. If I did not have a "great" dealer within 50 miles I would have looked at another brand without hesitation. I am the customer and when I buy high end (BMW) I expect high end maintenance and customer support. Sounds like your dealership will not remain in business much longer.

[UncleRock]

Thanks for letting me vent!

Ride Safe.

Mike
Wheaton, Il
This is dirty old school biker time. I would upper deck them, for wasting my time.
Then drag their manager across the desk and explain to him why my money is going elsewhere.
Rock

[bigbear]

When we had a dealer in Rockford they wanted to keep there demo's under 100 miles. I don't know if this was tied to BMWNA or just the dealerships option.

There is a dealer in Savoy, IL Twin Citys BMW 217-356-0399 that I have great luck with over the phone for parts. I have not been to there shop but the parts inventory & delivery has been exceptional.

Savoy is a southern burb of Champagne / Urbana.

Reports I have heard about Tag in Geneva is that the owner is a jerk. I had one bad experience ordering parts and haven't given them a second chance.

Just my $.02 worth

[Lzyellodog]

When I bought my LT, I ijust walked into MAx's in Nh and Said I wantt o test ride a RT and a LT. They wheeled both out and away I went. I rode both bikes twice that day and ended up leaving with the LT. One of the best dealership experiences I have ever had. Oh yeah they had me sign a waiver. Other than that can not complain. Now they offer free pick up and delivery in CT, what else could I ask for? YEs I live 2.5 hours from them.

Good luck with the purchase. But as said earlier here test ride the RT someplace.

Happy Holidays

[tazz56]

On the plus side at Tag, they've always been nice to me. I was going nuts after my accident so every once in a while, someone would take me to Tag so I could at least LOOK at bikes. They didn't freak when I was rolling around the showroom in my wheelchair(plus got to park in the "bikes only" section of the parking lot,right up front). When I came in on crutches they helped me on an RT and took a few pictures of me sitting on the bike. If you look close you can see my crutches on a chair near the RT. I couldn't walk but I was dying to ride,(or at least pretend to). When I was healed enough I gave them a few days notice and they had a RT for me to try. I wanted to like the RT for all the improvements, and less weight, but it just didn't fit me so I sat on an '05 LT they had on consignment. It felt like I was "at home". I had a '02LTC, so with the improvements on the '05 I figured this is the one. I bought it the next day.
On the minus side, they couldn't tell what a grey cable under the seat was for, it looks like something for communications, but not sure. I don't have any headsets so for now it doesn't matter. There is a receptacle front and rear next to the power-points that look like they could be for headsets. The bike had 5931 miles on it so the 6K service was already done. I'm not mechanically inclined so I don't know how much of the tupperware needs to be removed for that service. What I do know is that the tupperware is misaligned enough that the gas-cap nipple won't go into the holder when fueling. Was Tag's mechanic the one who put the panels together sloppily or did the previous owner do it? I'm not sure where to take it for service next.

[Dick]

What I do know is that the tupperware is misaligned enough that the gas-cap nipple won't go into the holder when fueling. Was Tag's mechanic the one who put the panels together sloppily or did the previous owner do it? I'm not sure where to take it for service next.
Toad's gas-cap nipple won't go into the holder either. Worked fine for about 5 years, then after a 102K service, thangs didn't line up after all of it wuz put back together. I think I'm gonna fire the wrench!!!! :eek:

[fas]

I have recently sold my 2003 Goldwing and have been lurking this site and the ST sites looking for help in making a decision between the RT and the ST. While I have known and loved the reliability of the Hondas, I admit that I have lusted after the RT since the 1100 days. The arguments extolling the benefits and shortcomings of each bike are pretty well documented and for me to ponder. While price is always an issue with beemers, I was willing to absorb that if it in fact rode as well as the RT riders have stated. A test ride was needed on both makes.

Closest dealer to me is TagSport in Geneva Illinois. Last weekend I took the 20 minute drive to the dealer early in the morning. Place was pretty slow. More staff than customers by a longshot. Spoke to a salesman, Kent, who seemed friendly and knowledgeable. After some discussion I asked about a test ride. He explained that they needed some advance notice to set it up and that they were too busy to do it that day, but that I should call during the week to schedule a ride for another day. Okay, I reluctantly accepted that as reasonable. I took him at his word.

I left TagSport and went to DGY Honda. They were swamped. Asked salesman Vince if I could test ride an ST. Sure thing! They wheeled one of the floor and got me out right away! Good customer experience!

I called TagSport this week and set up a ride for today. Left my number. "No problem, bring your gear, we'll set you up.", Kent said. Showed up early, eager. Place is again not busy. Ask for Kent and he comes out and says, " it seems we have an issue that came up yesterday. BMW is doing a demo audit and we are at the mileage limit on all our demos." I asked why he didn't call me and he looked sheepish and said he wasn't sure if I checked my voice mail at work on weekends. Bottom line, another Saturday no ride on an RT. They pimped me!

When I returned home there was a message from Vince at DGY Honda asking how my RT test ride went; did I want to test ride the ST one more time?

Well I haven't made my final decision but I have to tell you. I never would have thought that the BMW dealer would be that "scummy" and boneheaded. Now I know I have read all the posts about BMW dealers and their poor marketing skills, but I have read the same about Honda's. But my Honda dealers have always been great. I have three within 15 minutes of home. Now I have to decide if I want to go the next closest BMW dealer, about 45 minutes away, and start the test ride request all over. Or just accept the fact that this is an omen of what my BMW experience might be and alternately, that Mother Honda really wants me.

Decisions are seldom easy, particularly when the obvious is not what you initially wanted.

Thanks for letting me vent!

Ride Safe.

Mike
Wheaton, Il

Mike,

My dealer, Sills Motors, in Cleveland, Ohio, gave me the key and said see ya later. I rode around for an hour and came back to negotiate the deal. That was on the LT in 2002. Came back to the same man and took out the 2006 GT. Same story. Went home and got SO for another test ride. He said keep it overnight if you want to and we nealry did. I put over 100 miles on the GT that day and filled up the gas tank. After conducting a bidding process with two dealers, I bought from my pal again, tha man who gladly offered test rides with ZERO restrictions. He discounted the large top case. He gave me a new trickle charger and a cover for my GT. He discounted the GT. He has sold me two new BMW bikes now. The other dealer, a BMW only guy in a new shop in Solon, Ohio, was trying to sell me at full boat sticker, saying how rare they were and how he could not discount.

Sills also sells Honda. If you want to call my pal, let me know. He told me the Honda is OK, not as well built, runs hotter in summer. He rides a BMW GS and drives a 3 series when our weather is crap, as it is now.

Good luck with your decision.

[Ranger]

Mike,

Have you tried calling Mike Abt at Chicago BMW yet?

[Kennjules]

The first thing I want to say is that the people at TAGSPORT are very condescending! From the moment I walked into their shop I felt as though I wasn't "Rich Enough" or worthy to buy a BMW. I was looking at a K1200LT last year and Kent let me take it for a test ride, I loved the bike, it was on consignment so I asked a few questions and I started the process of haggling back and forth. After I realized that I was a couple thousand short I told Kent that I could not afford to buy at this time. Kent tried to get me financing but I wanted to pay cash. A month later, After doing some research at the BMW marketplace online I found a beautiful LT in Iowa. It was $1500.00 cheaper, 5000 less miles, more bells and whistles and the color I was looking for. So, I drove to Sioux City, IA and bought the bike, I also stopped at the BAK BMW Dealer and they were very hepfull and informative. I never felt that they were condescending or better than me! After getting the bike home I drove it all summer, in the fall I set up a service at TAG for the 12,000 mile check up. When I arrived it seemed to me that Kent (Who previously acted like he liked me) was upset that I went out and bought a bike from someone else, He wouldn't give me the time of day.......As far as I know this is still a free country, I shouldn't be shamed because I didn't buy their bike.......By the way don't ever park by the main door with a car, the owner will actually come out and "yell" at you (It's a great way to treat customers). Tag Sport sucks, the people there are arrogant and pompous I only wish there was another dealer closer. The BMW motorcycle is a great machine I love riding! Don't be discouraged by a lame dealer.

Ken

[billd]

Guys, I have to agree with a those that mentioned TWIN CITY BMW in Savoy, IL. (basically part of Champaign-Urbana) .. These guys are more like most of the good dealers and owners out there.. friendly, helpful, Bikes, Clothing and parts available and happy to see you walk in !! I have purchased parts and accessories there and a neighbor has had service performed, with good experiences in all cases. I suggest if TAG is giving you grief.. AVOID THEM !!!! make a visit to Twin Cities here is their weblink, not really elaborate but they are not webmasters either ! :<) http://www.twincitybmwmotorcycles.com/en_US/

[sprdoorman]

Mike,

My dealer, Sills Motors, in Cleveland, Ohio, gave me the key and said see ya later. I rode around for an hour and came back to negotiate the deal. That was on the LT in 2002. Came back to the same man and took out the 2006 GT. Same story. Went home and got SO for another test ride. He said keep it overnight if you want to and we nealry did. I put over 100 miles on the GT that day and filled up the gas tank. After conducting a bidding process with two dealers, I bought from my pal again, tha man who gladly offered test rides with ZERO restrictions. He discounted the large top case. He gave me a new trickle charger and a cover for my GT. He discounted the GT. He has sold me two new BMW bikes now. The other dealer, a BMW only guy in a new shop in Solon, Ohio, was trying to sell me at full boat sticker, saying how rare they were and how he could not discount.

Sills also sells Honda. If you want to call my pal, let me know. He told me the Honda is OK, not as well built, runs hotter in summer. He rides a BMW GS and drives a 3 series when our weather is crap, as it is now.

Good luck with your decision.

Hey Rob,

Your bud, might as well say his name - Ken, Really treated me great too when I bought my LT. Test rode the LT twice, knocked a lot off the sticker, informed me to wait a week for a better deal in financing out of BMW, threw in a cover, GPS bag and just really treated my wife and I great. He's a really nice guy who really cares about treating his customers fairly.

Just wish I had as great an experience with their service dept., but I think I'm probably going to give them another shot next time I need something done.