I don’t know my bike’s service history; can you tell me what it needs?
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Yes. Bring us your VIN and we’ll check whether the bike was serviced at any BMW dealer. If it was maintained at home, bring written records or receipts showing when the work was done. If there are no records, we can go off the mileage on the bike plus our initial check-in inspection and base our recommendations on that.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just drop in?
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Some quick jobs; a small adjustment or an emergency tire replacement, could be done by the end of the day but please call ahead so we can make sure we’re able to accommodate you. We prioritize scheduled appointments first.
I’m new to riding; which upgrades make sense first, and do you advise or just install what I ask for?
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We always recommend riding your bike for a couple hundred miles first, then we’ll help you build a setup suited to your riding goals. For example, a gearing change on an S 1000 RR is a perfect first step to tailoring the bike to you. Changing the suspension, exhaust, and tune all at once before you’ve ridden it can actually make it harder to find that connection between you and your bike.
If I bring my own parts, will you install them?
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Yes — we can install most parts you bring in. The one exception is exhaust modifications, which we can only fit if they’re California CARB-compliant.
I dropped or crashed my bike — do you handle insurance, and can you tell me if it’s safe to ride?
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We can handle the insurance estimate for you and act as a mediator between you and your insurance company to keep the process smooth. You’ll still need to contact your insurer directly to start the claim. We’ll assess the damage to determine what’s needed to make the bike road-safe and get you back on two wheels as smoothly as possible.
What electric motorcycles do you service, and is EV service different?
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We were a Zero dealer, so we have experience with them. For battery service specifically, we’re able to work only on BMW EV motorcycles such as the CE 02 and CE 04. Contact us for pricing on servicing your EV motorcycle.
Can I bring tires I bought online, and will you help me choose the right ones?
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For liability reasons, we can only install tires purchased at San Jose BMW — but we offer the best deals around. We stock track-day, touring, commuting, and off-road tires, and we’ll gladly recommend the right tire for how and where you ride.
How does pick-up and delivery work — how far do you cover, and what does it cost?
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We can pick up your bike as long as you’re within about 2.5 to 3 hours of the dealership. Depending on distance, the cost typically ranges from $150 to $500.
I’m passing through on a trip and something’s wrong — what does emergency service mean?
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We can accommodate out-of-town and out-of-state travelers any day. As long as it’s not a full engine rebuild, we’ll do our best to get you in and out the same day so you can keep your trip moving.
How does motorcycle storage work?
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Storage is handled on a case-by-case basis and works best if you’re traveling, live out of state, or can’t pick up your bike due to an unforeseen event. Your motorcycle is kept in a 24/7 secured indoor location. Contact us to arrange storage and pricing.
I have an idea for a custom build but don’t know where to start.
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Reach out to our service department and let’s talk through what you’d like to build together. We’ll guide you from concept to finished bike.
Who qualifies for a loaner bike?
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To qualify for a loaner, you’ll need to have held a valid M1 license for at least two years.
How often does the R 1300 GS need servicing?
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Your first service is due at 600 miles, then every 6,000 miles or once a year — whichever comes first. Staying on schedule keeps the bike running to factory spec and protects your warranty.
What’s included in a major service on the R 1300 GS, and what does it cost?
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A major service is a valve check plus air filter, spark plugs, valve-cover gasket, brake-fluid flush, and coolant check. Pricing starts at $1,100.
When do the valves need checking on the R 1300 GS?
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Valve checks are due every 12,000 miles. Actual valve adjustment times/milage can vary with your riding style and how consistently the bike has been maintained.
Can you service the GS’s electronics and rider aids?
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Yes. We can service the ASA (Automated Shift Assistant) and the automatic ride-height adjustment. Dynamic ESA itself is a sealed module that can’t be serviced, but if there’s an issue, we’ll help you find a solution.
Can you check my GS before a big trip?
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Absolutely. Come by for a pre-trip inspection and we’ll make sure you’re ready for anything the trails or the highway brings your way.
Does my GS need driveshaft service?
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Driveshafts are recommended for inspection every 24,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first — usually just a re-greasing of the splines and a drive-oil renewal. Separately, BMW has a driveshaft service action: some 1200 and 1250 boxer-twin models qualify for driveshaft replacement for the life of the bike. Contact us with your VIN and we’ll check whether your bike is eligible.
What’s the service schedule for the S 1000 RR?
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Your first service, the 600-mile break-in, which also includes removing the speed limiter, is followed by service every 6,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. The 18,000-mile service is the big one: a valve check plus chain adjustment, air filter, spark plugs, valve-cover gasket, brake-fluid flush, and coolant check.
When are valve checks due on the S 1000 RR?
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Every 18,000 miles. Valve checks are especially important on a high-revving, high-performance motors to keep everything within spec. With regular maintenance intervals completed, we’ve seen these bikes run well past 60,000 miles.
Do you do track-day prep and race setup for the RR?
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Yes. We’ve dedicated the past 50 years to offering the highest level of knowledge and experience at the track. We can dial in your chassis, suspension, and even electronics and sensors, tailoring the bike to your needs and the specific track.
What suspension setup do you offer for the S 1000 RR?
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For DDC-equipped bikes, we offer in-house-developed drop-in springs rated at 11 N/mm and 8.5 N/mm. We tailor the front of the bike to your specific weight with gear and help set up the rear through the settings available in Race Pro modes.
Can you install Alpha Racing parts on my RR?
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Yes — we’re an authorized Alpha Racing dealer with all the tools to install and support Alpha Racing accessories and sensors, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have.
Do you tune the S 1000 RR?
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No. Even though some tunes are advertised as 50-state compliant, as a California dealer we can’t install modifications that may alter emissions.
