Bmw shop

[lonewolf]

I was told they was moving into a new place this year. I guess something must have happen. Maybe one day we will get one in the state and stay around!

[Vance]

A good dealer in the Birmingham area would sure be great benefit wouldn't it??? You are right Bruce...maybe one day....

[basketcase]

Do I take from this that they are closing up for good?

Yo lonewolf, we are both in T-town. Let's catch up sometime and shake hands.

[Cousin Al]

Red Mountain Motor Sports filed chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 9.

[basketcase]

Red Mountain Motor Sports filed chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 9.

Wow. I did not know that, but I can believe it.

Last year a day or two after I bought the RT I emailed them using their online tools to inquire about having a full BMW service, a general purpose, thorough check-over, and two new tires put on the bike. I never heard a word back from them. After waiting a few days I inquired here and someone gave me Terry's name at Pelham. Terry was delighted to have the work.

Around the same time a local friend stopped in their store on his way back from Anniston. He was in a company vehicle (he owns the company) and in work clothes, which for him are jeans and a khaki shirt. I mention that because his comment to me was, "I guess I look like I can't afford to buy anything." The guy has owned at least 15 new motorcycles in the last 25 years that I've known him.

He walked around the store for 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged his presence. The girl at the desk never looked up from the computer, and then just before he left someone else wandered through and said "if you need anything flag me down."

Sad to say, but they are in chapter 11 because they earned it.

[lonewolf]

I had the same luck the last time I was there. I was looking at a bike and could not get no one to help me. Went to ten. And got one at bloodworth, real nice people. We really need a good bmw shop in Alabama, maybe one day. It is bad to go out of state to have work done on you bike. I can miss one up working on it.

[cpannarbor]

They won't be back.

But...If you ever head down to the Gulf Coast, check out the new HUGE location of BMW Motorcycles of Pensacola. They are truly great guys starting with the G.M., (Tod Shuls), Parts (Shaun) and their Master Tech (David). Tell Tod I sent ya!

[Jake]

Attitude

Wow. I did not know that, but I can believe it.

Last year a day or two after I bought the RT I emailed them using their online tools to inquire about having a full BMW service, a general purpose, thorough check-over, and two new tires put on the bike. I never heard a word back from them. After waiting a few days I inquired here and someone gave me Terry's name at Pelham. Terry was delighted to have the work.

Around the same time a local friend stopped in their store on his way back from Anniston. He was in a company vehicle (he owns the company) and in work clothes, which for him are jeans and a khaki shirt. I mention that because his comment to me was, "I guess I look like I can't afford to buy anything." The guy has owned at least 15 new motorcycles in the last 25 years that I've known him.

He walked around the store for 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged his presence. The girl at the desk never looked up from the computer, and then just before he left someone else wandered through and said "if you need anything flag me down."

Sad to say, but they are in chapter 11 because they earned it.

I wouldn't take it personally if your experience at the shop was less than satisfactory. I was in the shop for their first anniversary celebration. There were about 12 - 15 people present and George Barber walked in. He sauntered around the shop, looking at all the bikes and was completely ignored by the staff. I assumed he would not want to be bothered but eventually went up to speak to him and thank him profusely for what he has done for motorcycling and for Birmingham in general. I also complimented him on the museum and especially its design. He was most gracious and seemed generally pleased with my heartfelt compliments (even taking personal credit for the structural design of the museum which any architect would be proud of). I never knew if the staff did not know who he was or purposely ignored the most important individual in our motorcycle community. As an aside, I watched to see what he had driven to the shop since I didn't see him arrive. What does a guy with his means drive around town? A ratty old Honda minivan (I'm sure it belonged to the track).

Jake

[Vance]

no doubt a good dealer of our preferred brand would be a great asset to Alabama and the entire area,and as said above, maybe one day. I know it is a tough business (as cheap as we are)...but hopefully someone good will pick it up...

[basketcase]

I bought my first BMW back when Carlos had the dealership at Vinemont, AL.

#1. Carlos understood sales - if you came in his shop you were greeted quickly.

#2. Carlos was an excellent salesman who would go the second mile to close a deal.

#3. Carlos took care of his existing customers. See #'s 1 & 2 for more insight.

#4. Carlos did not suffer fools. If someone came in with a "my class A credit rating makes me somebody" attitude, or otherwise conducted himself as a horses arse, Carlos knew when to name the game and usher him to the door.

Too bad BMW changed their business model and made it so hard to keep the good dealership we had... Nothing has ever succeeded in the glitzy model they wanted in B'ham.

[jdubeemer]

I bought my first BMW back when Carlos had the dealership at Vinemont, AL.
Too bad BMW changed their business model and made it so hard to keep the good dealership we had... Nothing has ever succeeded in the glitzy model they wanted in B'ham.

I bought my first BMW from Carlos also in 1997. You are correct that BMW has eliminated the small dealerships and have tried to make them look like glitzy car dealerships. I grew up in Ohio hanging around John Penton's shop where he sold at least 5 different European models including BMW out of a converted chicken coop. If you look at the BMW motorcycle world wide market the USA is a small portion of their sales. They are apparently trying to improve their image to increase sales. I don't think that the demise of the BHM dealership had to do with that but poor management. There is a market for BMW bikes in Alabama but whoever gets to replace the dealer here better have their people skills honed to fine perfection. Just my humble but honest and accurate opinion.

[Vance]

Jim, I absolutely agree with your honest and humble opinion!

[twinsig]

Maybe someone will step in and make it work. Cheaha HD had the same problem and changed hands but the building & business remained the same.
Now, if someone is looking for a hog (hawg) that's the place to go, the new owner is making deals knowing he'll not make a profit while he rebuilds the name. Mt. Cheaha HD is/was renowned for its bad reputation as was BMW Bhm.