Frank's Motorcycle Sales

In 35 years of street riding, and 30 years of BMW motorcycle ownership, I have never had the misfortune of encountering such an awful dealership.

I first went to Frank's about ten years ago. I had a vacation home in Vermont, so I would need occasional service away from my usual dealer ... in Maryland, Bob's. The owner at Frank's, Lester, runs his shop on the philosophy that he needs to squeeze every dollar out of each warm body that walks in the door. I once went in for a tire change, and he detected water in my gas tank (it was pouring rain outside) so he spent another $150 removing it, without my permission. The bike rode in just fine, and it would have ridden home just as well.

Today, I went in for a Vermont State Inspection, since I live here full-time now. The front and rear touring tires on my R1200RT have 6800 miles on them, and the treads are NOT down to the TWI's, but Lester refused to give me a sticker unless I bought a front tire from him. I asked him to give me a "fail" sticker then, so I would be legal for 15 days, and he refused to do that as well. He admits that the tire is not down to the TWI, but says it's "not enough tread for us." This is just plain extortion.

The irony is, if he had treated me decently for once, I would have bought a tire from him, had all my service done there, purchased accessories, and bought another bike, which I am in the market for. Now I will do all those things at MAX BMW in Troy, NY.

My advice to those people moving to Vermont: either accept the long drive south for parts and service, or buy a Honda. Vermont's sole BMW motorcycle franchise is utterly unacceptable.

My friend took his America to have it checked over he is a homeless Veteran. The owner agreed to check it over without charging him the bike was running but would have hesitation and backfire at times. My friend went to pick it up and the owner wanted over $400.00 for repairs when he said it would ... be no cost to him. Well to put a short end to the situation my friend had to push his bike from the shop to the shop down the street because it will not even start,. This guy is trying to rip people off $400.00 when you ride it in and have to push it away what a service department. The owner is less then friendly.

I will never go there again. Lester the owner is rude, he acts like he is doing you a huge favor. The girl who works the parts counter is always confused and doesnt know the answer. Very ,very poor experience. Id sell my bmw before id have to deal with this dealer.

The technicians in the back are fantastic! Unfortunately the owner has them stay in the back and doesn't allow them to talk to you about your bike, what he found, or any suggestions he might have. This is a small dealer in a very rural state, not one of the superstores that have everything in stock ... and awesome product displays in the showroom. That's okay and I can accept that he doesn't have the buying power of a more financially endowed dealership.

But the owner's dour attitude and his often vulgar comments about non-BMW accessories or riding styles that don't match his own are unforgivable! My Kaoko throttle lock is, in his opinion, sure to cause my death. My PivotPegz will take off my foot in a low side. My Krista lights will cause the electrical system to malfunction. My Jesse bags put too much stress on the frame.

And for all this attitude expect to pay top dollar! There's a reason so many of the locals make the four hour ride to the next closest dealer for their parts and service needs where customers are greeted with a smile and a fair deal.