I do not believe they have closed. I just spoke with Dan in parts last week and he did not mention anything about closing. I did just tried their phone number and the recording talks about their winter hours being in effect. But that is about it.
I heard that they announced last Thursday that the next day Friday would be their last day open. Not a very good way to treat your employees. But IF it is true they hopely had good reasons to drop the hammer on their employees and customers.
Cincinnati really is out of business. There were some good people there. Now I will have to go 100 miles to Louisville. Man I really love my LT but with no dealer support, I don't know. I am going to have to think about this.
Anyone know how long Tri-State has been in business? I guess what irks me the most is that seemingly established and successful dealers are going belly up and BMW doesn't seem to mind. Obviously their dealer network needs a complete overhaul.
Nice to hear Indy may get another dealership, but for me...Grand Rapids will still be slightly closer. I've heard both good and bad about Fort Wayne. Lately, a buddy of mine has gotten a real run-around with some service issues. BMW's seem almost like an after-thought for them since their Jap bike section has opened.
Visited Tristate this evening and the owner Bill Gardner announced to his staff last Friday they are closing. Last day will be this Saturday - this dealership was 10 years old and the last 5 at their current location. I have been doing business with them for the past three years.
Dan the parts manager just said the BMW was no longer in a cooperative mood. Bill was not in a very talkative mood - I can understand. I believe he just said - "thats life".
Just met a guy at Tristate this evening who just bought a K1200R and took delivery last Thursday and he was "fit to be tied" since he bought the bike with the understanding that Tri-state would be there for him - there was some talk of lawyers . . .
This was a very good dealership with a no attitude solid work ethic and friendly group of people - from sales (Bill), to parts (Dan) and service (Jeff). It is my understanding that they just did not move enough bikes which creates parts, apparel and maintenance business. Someone said that there are about 1100 customers in their database that are local Cincinnati area and that was not enough to keep this business profitable for both BMW or Tri-state. Not sure of the specific details for the shut down . . .
On another note I also believe St. Louis BMW is shut down as well . . .
Well, crap! Isn't this about the same timing that Revards had? Give them a week's notice at christmas time?
I've never had the chance to deal with them directly but my riding buddy's been through two RTs with them and has had absolutely nothing but great things to say about them. My condolences to the employees.
Someone said BMW dealers are in need of an overhaul. I do not think that has been the problem. It is BMW corp. that is greatly in need of an overhaul. These people have their heads in the sand and appear to care less about the U.S. market. As the industry grows their dealer base shrinks and they just sit by and do nothing. It does not take to much thought to figure out where the real problem is. I've never met a BMW motorcycle dealer who did not seem to care and who wasn't knowledgeable. BMW corp. does not realize how lucky they have been to have and to have had such a good group of loyal dealers. If it were not for the love of my LT and the quality dealers that I have done business with I would never purchase a BMW product. Some day if BMW corp. does not figure this out there will be no one left who will be willing to open a BMW store, we are a small community and the word is getting around. The good news is there are many good competitors who are beginning to offer very competitive product at much better prices and with an excellent dealer base. Let's just hope this is the year BMW wakes up, I will not be holding my breath, however. RIDE SAFE
I just came over from HD to BMW this past August because of the way HD treated me and others. They didn't want to honor there warranty without a big uncalled for hassle. And now Tri State BMW is closing and I live 10 miles from there. If I had known they wouldn't be around in a couple of months I think I would have went with a Gold Wing. And still may sell my 02 K1200LTC.
I've got the same story, only my dealer was less than 4 miles away. However, with that being said, I've got no regrets with my LT decision and, given the opportunity again with said dealer being gone, would not hesitate. I love my LT.
I too had bad experiences with HD support starting in the early 90s and decided that the best way to handle it was to learn to fix it myself. This paid off numerous times with the various HDs I've had and I'm resolved to do the same with the LT.
The best way to get to know your bike is to tear into it and learn how she works. There's a lot more to it, to examine and learn about, once you get the pretty covering off (kinda like dealing with the opposite sex).
I too came to BMW from Harley, but not because of my local Harley dealer. In fact they have been great to me. I bought the LT because I thought it was a superior motorcyle and that even though I knew service would be a problem (100 miles from nearest dealer), I thought the quality of the bike would make the difference. I do love my 2000 LT--was able to buy it at a good price-- and it is superior to my Ultra Classis in almost every respect. BUT, if I can't find competent service in the near future, I might be going back to Harley, or even a Goldwing. I do still have my Harley, and more and more I am thinking I am going to have to keep it just to have bike to ride if mine ever needs repairs. I currently am going to Woodson's in Ft Wayne, and I think they do try to do a good job at a reasonable price. But to get an appointment there for major service you have to call at least 3 weeks ahead just to get scheduled in. I do hope Indy gets a dealer soon, and that they are competent and customer oriented. I am renting a Goldwing in a few weeks while I am in Las Vegas, so who knows! jrlakin
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