mechanic?

**alan hopkins** · #1 24 Apr 2003

Hi all.

Need to have the old beem looked over as first stage in overland prepping.
I am in the midlands. Ideally want recommended mechanic who knows the old g/s inside out, someone who would recognise common problems from a quick lookover and a short test ride.
Needless to say main dealers with twelve year old chief mechanic with laptop are out of the frame.

thanks in advance
alan

**Julio** · #2 26 Apr 2003

HI

The only person I let service my bike is Jim Cray of Cray Engineering, he practically rebuit my r100 gs and it runs superb. What this guys doesn't know about BMWs. I'm getting over 95 miles more on a tank 43litres compared to when the main dealer serviced and prepped my bike.

Downside
1) he's in Sittingbourne in Kent
2) He don't come cheap.

Cheers

Julio

**Sean Kelly** · #3 28 Apr 2003

Hi

You could checkout Phil Hawksley Lecister based http://www.boxerman.co.uk. I haven't used him but believe he's respected.

Cheers

------------------
Sean

**Roboyobo** · #4 12 May 2003

Don't rule out all dealers.

Try CWMotorcycles in Dorchester, Dorset (www.cwmotorcycles.co.uk) - supposedly the best bike dealership in Britain. The head mechanical bloke, Wally, has been doing BM's for over 20 years, and is particularly knowledgeable on old GS's. He's done inumerable good things to my R100GS and my F650. The other director, Dave Wyndham, is currently prepping his own R100GS for a big trip, so is worth talking to.

It's also one of the few BMW dealers that i know off who actually sell (and love) old GS's.

Rob

**Richard Jakobek** · #5 13 May 2003

I have to echo Julio's comments regarding Jim Cray. Top man. Really knows his stuff. Also, I would recommend Paul Ricketts at Bracken in South London. He's been working on these bikes since the 80's and there's nothing about them he doesn't know. I know a number of overlanders have had their bikes prepped at Bracken.