GS-Riders International

On a recent trip I experienced a problem with my AGM battery. One day I stopped to help another riding companion and shut off the engine by putting down the sidestand, leaving the ignition key on. I was running my auxiliary driving lights at the time and that quickly ran the battery down. We jump started the engine from a car with no problems. Here is a good tip, if you jump start from a car, do not have the car engine running.

Two days later we came out from the hotel and everyone started their engines. Everyone except for me that is. I turned on my ignition and pushed the starter button only to have nothing happen. Again we tried to jump start the engine from another battery but without success. Measuring the battery voltage with a digital voltmeter showed the battery voltage jumping all around indicating a failed battery. My friends were reluctant to leave me for an appointment but I insisted.

I called the BMW Roadside Assistance number (toll free). The person I spoke with was very courteous and helpful. Withing a few minutes a tow truck arrived and carefully loaded my motorcycle onto the tow truck and carefully tied it down. He transported me to the nearest BMW dealership which was 60 miles away. I had spoken with the service manager at this dealership by telephone and they were waiting for me when we arrived. I explained that I thought it was only the battery. The service technician quickly confirmed that, charged a new battery and installed it. Connecting the diagnostic computer to my running GS confirmed everything was indeed correct.

All in all, this was a satisfactory experience. Total cost to me was zero. Everyone was courteous and professional and very sympathetic to my circumstances. The BMW warranty covered everything without any issues. I wish my local BMW dealership was as nice as the one I visited.