Rally Products and Services

[leboutillier]

Hi Gang,
This will be my first rally and was hoping you "rally vets" could offer some advice; are there typically a lot of vendors who attend the rally who not only sell their products, but can take care of the installation while at the rally? There are several items I would like to purchase for my 12GS (tank bag, new tires, additional lights, riding apparel, etc). My plan is to make the trip UP to the rally without the above gear. Once there, I can roam the vendors and make my final decisions and purchases. On my ride back, I'll have all my goodies attached.

Whatchallthink? Thans in advance for your assistance.

Update to this post: All great information. Although it appears that I won't get to shop, touch, and install at the rally, at least I have time to stock up here at home. I will be checking this thread daily so if anyone else has input, please post. Thanks again to everyone who replied.

[Holly]

Hmmm, I remember a vintage rally where a vendor was selling women's underwear with various brand logos on it. There was a discount if he got to install it.

Holly

[sjbmw]

The tire guy in Vermont got absolutely swamped, as did all the Bob's BMW mechanics (and parts guys). Those that were in dire need (damaged tires, etc), they tried to handle first.

If your bike has to be tied up for an entire day, you could miss out on a fun ride for sure.

[mika]

Hmmm, I remember a vintage rally where a vendor was selling women's underwear with various brand logos on it. There was a discount if he got to install it.

Holly

[SHERIDESABEEMER]

Last year dealers and vendors had their hands, and bays, full doing fix and repair for people with broken bikes. Many people who wanted ad-ons put on their bike where out of luck. I would urge you not to rely on the availability of vendors/dealers for the installation of non essentials. Be prepared to do the install yourself, or to ship the goods home - UPS will be on site.

[Rob Nye]

The tire guy in Vermont got absolutely swamped, as did all the Bob's BMW mechanics (and parts guys). Those that were in dire need (damaged tires, etc), they tried to handle first.

If your bike has to be tied up for an entire day, you could miss out on a fun ride for sure.

Bob's BMW was not doing any service in Vermont.

You might be thinking of Max BMW Motorcycles who rented a huge tent and set up four complete service bays at the rally, a first and likely not to be repeated feat.

Max was very busy during the rally and at the end of the week he rented additional trucks as there were 15 bikes that needed service to get home. Between his two stores they had everybody headed home quickly.

To answer the original question I suggest you make a list of any specific items you want and contact the vendor in advance to see if they will be doing any installations at the rally. Motolight usually does installs however most companies are not geared up for mobile installation.

[sjbmw]

I should have known that. I got a replacement system case overnighted by them at VT.. good guys as Max's.

Brain.....

[Godfather]

Hmmm, I remember a vintage rally where a vendor was selling women's underwear with various brand logos on it. There was a discount if he got to install it.

Holly

Was this vintage "underwear" or under wear on "vintage womem"

[Holly]

Hey, we aren't telling our ages. The undies were new and nice.

Holly

[SUE]

I agree that you shouldn't arrive at the rally knowing you need tires. (Like I did at Vermont.) But sometimes these things happen.


Rest assured, there will be several resources for buying tires and having them installed at the rally.

[The_Veg]

I'll second the vote for Motolights! While I have only installed them myself and therefore cannot vouch for their installers' work, the product is *SUPERB* and I have used them for six years. I'm on my second set, and the first set still worked after a crash that left one light-housing hanging by the wires. Motolights are worth the price.

[SUE]

I should also add that there are three AWESOME dealers here in Wisconsin. They have all cleared their calendars for the week of the rally and will be set-up to help everyone who needs supplies and services.

Mischlers is loacted in Beaver Dam, about 30 miles west of the rally site. They will be vendors at the rally.

BMW Motorcycles of Milwaukee is about 15 miles south of the rally site. They will be vendors at the rally.

Nick's BMW is located in DePere, a neighbor community of Green Bay. That's a sweet 100-mile ride north of the rally site.

[donkes]

"Hmmm, I remember a vintage rally where a vendor was selling women's underwear with various brand logos on it. There was a discount if he got to install it."

Very clever Holly