Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Labor cost in Europe Labor cost in Europe
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Dec 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Dallas,TX
Posts: 41
Labor cost in Europe
Hi,
My bike (05 r1200gs) is currently parked in Germany.
I am planning to purchase aftermarket shocks from USA and get them installed in Europe when i visit my bike. How much should i estimate to pay for the installation of the front and rear shocks. The service will probably be done in germany.

also, how much should i budget for a full service at the bmw shop.

thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I would suggest you find the address of the nearest BMW dealer to your bike and ask them for a quote, unless you plan to use an independent service centre in which case a question to the nearest community to your bike for a recommendation.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/i...l/dlo/dlo.html
Last edited by mark manley; 15 Dec 2013 at 09:57. Reason: more info
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Dec 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I changed a front shock on a new 1200GS just two days ago.

It takes about an hour if you know how to strip the bike down.

Rear shock maybe two hours as it's a bit more tricky.



A UK BMW dealer will charge about £110 an hour.

An independent about £40
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Dec 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Dallas,TX
Posts: 41
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I changed a front shock on a new 1200GS just two days ago.

It takes about an hour if you know how to strip the bike down.

Rear shock maybe two hours as it's a bit more tricky.



A UK BMW dealer will charge about £110 an hour.

An independent about £40
thanks for the helpful input - that gives a starting reference point for the budget.
now onto how to find an independent shop
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 114
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I changed a front shock on a new 1200GS just two days ago.

It takes about an hour if you know how to strip the bike down.

Rear shock maybe two hours as it's a bit more tricky.



A UK BMW dealer will charge about £110 an hour.

An independent about £40
F......g hell wrap up...£110 quid an hour......I know everything costs money and the fuhrer at BMW motorcycles in Germany probably wants their pound of flesh out of the dealers for 'approved equipment' etc but I was expecting 80 quid or so an hour..
Its not like you can have a complimentary Hoover with a bike like they do to with the cars to justify the bill..ouch..
I know certainly with a some of the car dealers now most things major are priced out of the door,unless its warranty and mechanics just become bored out of their tiny brains as service material..
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Dec 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by marcm View Post
F......g hell wrap up...£110 quid an hour......I know everything costs money and the fuhrer at BMW motorcycles in Germany probably wants their pound of flesh out of the dealers for 'approved equipment' etc but I was expecting 80 quid or so an hour..
Its not like you can have a complimentary Hoover with a bike like they do to with the cars to justify the bill..ouch..
I know certainly with a some of the car dealers now most things major are priced out of the door,unless its warranty and mechanics just become bored out of their tiny brains as service material..
They charge £90 + VAT @ 20%

With price of the Diagnostic equipment and ridiculous amount AND cost of special tools needed to work on modern BMW's, I can almost see where the cost comes from. You're also paying for the technicians to be sent on a few training courses every year which costs hundreds per day to attend.

More than I would pay but that's because I haven't got it to pay.

Plenty of people think it's worth the cost. And to be honest, the state of some of the repairs I've seen done by non-training BMW mechanics, you sometimes wonder if they're right.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and storing a motorcycle in Europe wheatwhacker Trip Paperwork 22 8 Oct 2024 17:36
Budgeting Europe Chefonbike68 Europe 23 2 Oct 2013 09:24
Europe Tour - 6 months matloik Europe 6 25 Jul 2012 07:57
Overstaying 60 day 'Greencard' in Europe with U.K insurance *Touring Ted* Trip Paperwork 37 2 Apr 2012 16:59
Buying a bike in BC or in Europe - which is best option? bcBiscuit Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 4 26 Feb 2012 16:29

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:19.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top