HELP! I think I'm completely F*#%()ed!

[salukikev]

Hello all- sorry to have my 1st post be so dramatic, but here's my story:
So I bought this bike- a 1997 BMW GS 1100, you might have already seen it advertised for sale on trademe-- anyway, so everything was great till it threw a bearing in Nelson halfway through my trip. Now its being repaired (hopefully) and I'm told it requres a new gear. This gear is insanely expensive from BMW and probably wouldn't arrive before I leave, I can't find anyone who even has one new or secondhand anywhere in NZ, and I'm flying out of Auckland on tuesday. I'm pretty much out of ideas at this point on how to get out of this situation. I rented a car and am writing from Queenstown now, but need to return to Nelson on the way back to Auckland. I honestly just have no ideas on where/how I can acquire this gear and so here I am posting on this forum in the hopes that someone out there has an idea.
the Part # is 232 1234 5502 and is a 20 teeth gear. I don't know what else to do. Please help if you can! thanks!
-Kevin
salukikev@gmail.com
704-519-8823 (email is the best method to contact me right now)

[tri boy]

Tough break mate.:no: I'm no help, but hopefully some BMW nutter can help you out.
Good luck.

[SDU]

Buggar! That is so frustrating for you. Can you get the part couriered from Aussie or states? sometimes if you can find a place that has them in overseas it is faster than waiting for the local shops to get it in (cheaper too in some cases).
A long shot but perhaps calling one of the rental companies that use BMW as they may have parts in there workshops.


http://www.motorcyclesnewzealand.co.nz/default.asp

http://motorcyclerentals.gotournz.com/

http://www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz/hirebmw.html

By the way welcome to NZ & hope the holiday up until then was good.

[dino3310]

sorry to here about your dilemar, sorry i cant help ya, i would if i could.
only thing i can think of is a bike wreckers.

[Crisis management]

Sorry to hear that, I have been admiring the bike on Trademe, unfortunately as others have said, unless someone turns up with the part you seem a bit screwed.
My only other suggestion is to sell the bike in it's not working condition, change your add on trade me and put a buy now on it, alternatively, the bike shop may be prepared to buy it off you.
It probably means you will take a bit of a hit on the price but it may provide a solution for you.
I would actually be interested in buying the bike myself except I'm leaving on holiday on Sunday so can't.....

Again, sorry to hear of your misfortune, but take a positive step, sell the bike and get your money before you leave the country.

Good luck
Iain

[salukikev]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! Yes, I was enjoying the trip till now and I'm still doing my best to make the most of it despite being trapped here. Originally I was ready to trade the broken bike for a comparable triumph at thunderbikes, with a trade value of $4k. But that triumph had a broken coil, so I would have been stuck in Nelson for 2-3 days anyway. :(
I explained that to Murray in Nelson (where its at now), and he commented that he'd give me $4k for it as well (cash- not on trade), so maybe that is my last reasonable option, which means I've instantly lost over $3k...
Time is running out, but every time I talk to the shop- my situation gets worse, so now I'm afraid to call.... it certainly does seem like I'm completely and thouroughly screwed at the moment..

[The Stranger]

Hello all- sorry to have my 1st post be so dramatic, but here's my story:
So I bought this bike- a 1997 BMW GS 1100, you might have already seen it advertised for sale on trademe-- anyway, so everything was great till it threw a bearing in Nelson halfway through my trip. Now its being repaired (hopefully) and I'm told it requres a new gear. This gear is insanely expensive from BMW and probably wouldn't arrive before I leave, I can't find anyone who even has one new or secondhand anywhere in NZ, and I'm flying out of Auckland on tuesday. I'm pretty much out of ideas at this point on how to get out of this situation. I rented a car and am writing from Queenstown now, but need to return to Nelson on the way back to Auckland. I honestly just have no ideas on where/how I can acquire this gear and so here I am posting on this forum in the hopes that someone out there has an idea.
the Part # is 232 1234 5502 and is a 20 teeth gear. I don't know what else to do. Please help if you can! thanks!
-Kevin
salukikev@gmail.com
704-519-8823 (email is the best method to contact me right now)

Victorian Motorcycle Wreckers in Ausie.
vicwreck@iinet.net.au
0061 3 94571733

Fast, friendly, reliable, reasonable prices.
They got me a GSXR 1000 crank here in 2 days.
Couldn't source one here second hand and was going to take way longer than that to get one new, not to mention the time it would have taken to arrange the mortgage.

[salukikev]

Thanks for the suggestion, SDU. I've written all 3 hire services, please let me know if you think of any other suggestions! and yes- 'Frustrating' certainly is an understatement! :crybaby:

Buggar! That is so frustrating for you. Can you get the part couriered from Aussie or states? sometimes if you can find a place that has them in overseas it is faster than waiting for the local shops to get it in (cheaper too in some cases).
A long shot but perhaps calling one of the rental companies that use BMW as they may have parts in there workshops.


http://www.motorcyclesnewzealand.co.nz/default.asp

http://motorcyclerentals.gotournz.com/

http://www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz/hirebmw.html



By the way welcome to NZ & hope the holiday up until then was good.

[trustme]

Have you contacted the BMW Owners register. Long shot but it is a small country & invariable someone knows someone who has a cousin with a mate who can help . Google, BMWOR, should get them & look for a local contact
Good luck

[bart]

Queenstown.........I could think of a lot worse places to be stuck

[salukikev]

Queenstown.........I could think of a lot worse places to be stuck

Now I'm stuck in Christchurch... hopefully that's comparably distracting... doing my best to salvage this trip somehow. :apint:

[salukikev]

Have you contacted the BMW Owners register. Long shot but it is a small country & invariable someone knows someone who has a cousin with a mate who can help . Google, BMWOR, should get them & look for a local contact
Good luck
that BMWOR suggestion was a great one, thanks! Posted there, got one longshot of an option- apparently somebody wrecked a gs1100 recently with a triumph, but I can't get in touch till monday when they open.... sigh.

[offrd]

Try http://www.motorworks.co.uk/.

New and pre loved bits and they ship pretty quick, take visa and send to NZ!

I have used them twice now.

Good luck!

[JATZ]

Try http://www.motorworks.co.uk/.

New and pre loved bits and they ship pretty quick, take visa and send to NZ!

I have used them twice now.

Good luck!

Used them myself to get parts for the beemer. 2 spark plug caps for about $100 n.z. instead of the $90 odd each the local guys were going to rob me. I don't think you pay the vat either

[Moki]

Tough break.

Try Dave Wilson or Dave Beasant at Thunderbike in Nelson. They deal quite a bit in Beemers and run BMW rentals/tours so they may have what you're looking for. They'll be able to help you out. http://www.thunderbike.co.nz/contact-thunderbike.htm

Good Luck

[salukikev]

Ok, want to hear something pathetic? So, in addition to dealing with this situation, I got to deal with the police back home. Apparently my Ducati was stolen. The good news (I guess) is that its now at the police impound and, maybe, hopefully, isn't totally destroyed. I guess I won't know till I see it. I didn't think this could get more ridiculous, but here we are.

Next, I spoke with the bidder in that auction and released him from his obligation due to his misunderstanding. Now, Murrays 4k offer is also invalid as he doesn't have the new parts handy and is changing ownership of his shop.
So... what to do? I left a bill of sale at the shop, and the panniers, and I understand I neednt be present to complete this transaction, but more than anything I just want this chapter of my life behind me. I snapped a picture of the damaged gear and broken bearing. It IS the part discussed which costs $215USD. A 2nd hand one on the north island has been located for $350. I may have another one located as well with just 200 kms on it. Anyway, if anyone is interested in the bike described in this situation, please email me an offer sold as is, and I will make it happen. Thanks.
-k
ps. The rear wheel bearing also should be replaced as noted.
pps. I'm going to copy this to the other forums I posted at. Sorry If this gets repetitive- but I just want to be done and go home.

[salukikev]

BTW. Here is the pic I took which shows the gear in need of replacement, plus call outs and the said shattered bearing. My close inspection of the other gears did not reveal any significant damage, however the mechanic I'm sure would prefer to replace the whole gearbox since he has a reputation at stake.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/salukikev/Broken.jpg

[salukikev]

Just reposted to trademe with updated description:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=161037032

[fridayflash]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! Yes, I was enjoying the trip till now and I'm still doing my best to make the most of it despite being trapped here. Originally I was ready to trade the broken bike for a comparable triumph at thunderbikes, with a trade value of $4k. But that triumph had a broken coil, so I would have been stuck in Nelson for 2-3 days anyway. :(
I explained that to Murray in Nelson (where its at now), and he commented that he'd give me $4k for it as well (cash- not on trade), so maybe that is my last reasonable option, which means I've instantly lost over $3k...
Time is running out, but every time I talk to the shop- my situation gets worse, so now I'm afraid to call.... it certainly does seem like I'm completely and thouroughly screwed at the moment..
4k? take the money and run! lol sorry to hear of your woes matey,come back next year for another try? good luck:mellow:

[MaxB]

That sucks, I hope you can salvage whats left of your trip.

Sorry for being late to this thread and you may alrady know this but should you ever do this again a guy that comes highly recommended is Tom Cutter. He is basically mr transmission for BMW worldwide. US based but he can get parts here in 48 hours. Helped heaps of my mates out over the years. He also does Ducatis too.

http://rubberchickenracinggarage.com/

[Moki]

Bummer.

Hope that doesn't put you off coming to NZ again. I know it's cold comfort from a fellow yank, but I've been in a similar situation in Europe and
I just went with the way things went and figured it all was part of the great big adventure. If your not forced to sell at this stage I may be able to assist in some way in terms of getting this fixed and in a reasonable state to be sold for you to get a decent price. Just a last ditch option to consider. With the parts involved - as you've discovered -NZ is at the end of the world so we normally have to wait for the right boat to get in for the right parts.

-Karl

[NordieBoy]

I does look like a nice bike.
Although the BM does look a bit weird when it's back-end is over on the bench and there's this sort of robotic amputated torso on the shop floor.
Makes it easier to work on though.

[marks]

I does look like a nice bike.
Although the BM does look a bit weird when it's back-end is over on the bench and there's this sort of robotic amputated torso on the shop floor.
Makes it easier to work on though.

auction closes tonight

what do you think its worth?

[NordieBoy]

auction closes tonight

what do you think its worth?

It's a big BMW.
1/2 a dozen beer a scoop and 2 fish.

[Mom]

auction closes tonight

what do you think its worth?
Put a bid in mate and see if you are sucessful.


It's a big BMW.
1/2 a dozen beer a scoop and 2 fish.

Not sure how you would bid that really.

Seriously guys, this poor bloke has run into trouble here, maybe he is a fool, who knows... but he is a visitor to NZ and has run into trouble. He has come to KB for assistance not to be ripped off, or laughed at. I am ashamed on your behalf.

[pete376403]

I think that's just Nordies way of saying big BMWs don't do anything for him.
No disrespect to Salukikev apparent (to me anyway)

[NordieBoy]

Of course it's in jest.
I don't drink.

He's also posted it up on AdvRider.

I've looked at the bike in the flesh and had a hunt around locally and Kev has already tried everything I could think of bar shipping it to the States (he is home now) but it's @$2500 now with an hour odd to go so that's out of the question.

Good luck to him.

[marks]

Put a bid in mate and see if you are sucessful.



Not sure how you would bid that really.

Seriously guys, this poor bloke has run into trouble here, maybe he is a fool, who knows... but he is a visitor to NZ and has run into trouble. He has come to KB for assistance not to be ripped off, or laughed at. I am ashamed on your behalf.


Are you full of sh1t or just joking ?

[marks]

It's a big BMW.
1/2 a dozen beer a scoop and 2 fish.
only 1 scoop?

[Mom]

Are you full of sh1t or just joking ?

Nope, neither of the above mate. I was deadly serious.

I obviously dont share your sense of humour.

I really hope that salukikev has the same sense of humour as you do.

[twotyred]

It's a big BMW.
1/2 a dozen beer a scoop and 2 fish.
:laugh::yes:

[salukikev]

Hey all-
Thanks for the continued support. Here's an update on life:
I'm happy to finally be home- though it sucked to have to go bail my Ducati from police impound, I'm glad to have it back. Apparently some presumed homeless guy was rolling it down some neighborhood with a screwdriver stuck through the ignition trying to sell it. Hopefully he's still in prison. On the upside, I found spare parts not too far out of town, and spent today working on it and re-keying the locks to the new ignition key, and re-welding a footpeg mount. So it's not TOO bad- should be roadworthy this week.

The BMW from hell, however- is still at Murray's. Two closed auctions, and two guys that have backed out, and an impending deadline from Murray of the 30th when his shop is sold. I'm worried now, and I absolutely HATE the thought of investing any more money (that I don't have) into this catostrophe, but I might buy and send over the replacement parts, as they aren't nearly as hard to find here. Anyway, sounds like some may have surfaced in NZ as well. The description is verbatim from Murray's prognosis, including the part where we disagree about the replacing the single broken gear, or the whole gearbox. In seeing the rest of the drivetrain first hand and close up- I didn't observe any damage to the gears- in fact the original machine tool marks are still evident on the surfaces, as the bike was well maintained. I believe Murray is more concerned with his liability even to the consequence of the buyer. As a mechanical engineer/bike enthusiast who services my own bikes, I'd feel entirely confident with just changing out that gear and bearing. Anyway, it may go back to auction (3rd times the charm?) or I might have to think up a plan B.... or plan C.
For now- just updating anyone interested. Thanks again for the help!
-k

[gunnyrob]

Sorry to hear your news, I too am an owner of a Big Beemer R1200GS currently in bits (Search this site for Gunnyrob's Beemer breaks again!). From the damage, it appears that someone gave it a good blast with a pressure cleaner & got water into the dry clutch. Said clutch died in a big way, taking out all the splines on the gearbox output shaft, clutch, pressure plate etc.

It's been in the workshop for the last 6 weeks, hopefully will have it sorted by the weekend, and am looking at $3.5k damage to the VISA.

Shit happens, I'm warmed by the idea that 10 minutes before I got plastered with it that I was having one of those "in the groove" moments where everything was just perfect. I hope this experience hasn't tainted your experience of NZ, and you'd recommend coming back.

(To tell you the truth, I'd love to tour the states at some stage......)

[NordieBoy]

Kev, did you offer it to the others on the auction?
There is that facility if an auction falls through.
You can offer it for the same price (or higher or lower).

[chester]

did you ever think of getting the gear repaired and replacing the broken bearing?

[OV Lander]

If it were mine I'd ship back to the states (won't be too much more than the cost posting lumps of steel this way), repair it with parts at a fraction of the price over here, swap the headlight (for one that points the wrong way!) and enjoy the beast with a smug satisfaction that I have not just lost a heap of dollars.

I'd look at failed deal as a blessing in disguise!

[salukikev]

Kev, did you offer it to the others on the auction?
There is that facility if an auction falls through.
You can offer it for the same price (or higher or lower).

I'd love to do that, but the website doesn't let me contact them. I'm sure its intentional, and I've tried not-so-subtly to indicate to them to 'google my name' to make contact (which brings lots of easy email links such as this thread). If there's another workaround way to contact bidders, please let me know!

[nallac]

on your closed auction you should be able to do a fixed price offer to the other bidders/watchers.

Bummer about your bikes dude.

not a nice way to leave NZ
or arrive home to the US

[NordieBoy]

I'd love to do that, but the website doesn't let me contact them. I'm sure its intentional, and I've tried not-so-subtly to indicate to them to 'google my name' to make contact (which brings lots of easy email links such as this thread). If there's another workaround way to contact bidders, please let me know!

Yep, go to your auction and you should have a link that lets you offer it to other bidders or something.

[ynot slow]

Could be trade me with their only residents of NZ or Australia supposedly sell on the site.If this is so give your user name and login details to a trusted friend in NZ to reoffer the bike.

[pete376403]

Got a TradeMe fixed price offer today (as I was one of the bidders on the bike) so it looks like kev was able to get around the problem. Was offered for $3k5.