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Buying Panniers (and such) Out of Europe
#1
I've got this '22 RS cooking, and, given supply chain issues (and general impatience), I'm lining up mods/accessories, including panniers and liner bags (which will be OEM in Asphalt Grey).

In some search or another, this place came up:

https://bmw.europe-moto.com/gb/

They have what appears to be a smokin' deal on the exact package described above (including locksets and attachment hardware) for just under $1,100, delivered to KC. Maybe it's the "if it's too to be true..." ethos I was raised with, but I continued to dig on reviews of the company, service, etc., and it's not that pretty a picture.

"In stock" turns out to be a stretch in many cases, it seems, and then there are the unexpected DHL "duty" charges that pop up before they'll leave it at your door. To quantify it, their "TrustPilot" score was about a 2.1 on 5-point scale.

Before I back off and see what my friendly dealer might be able to do (along with all the other stuff I'll have him order), I just thought I'd see if anyone here has had any experience with this particular vendor.

"You can't be too careful these days," said the grandpa!
KC Area
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#2
Seems like it was another site people in the US were using. The savings were good even with the shipping charge.
I don't think they had to pay the tax but that may have changed this year.
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#3
If Gloss Black will work for you here's a like new set of bags and top box for sale.
I don't know the asking price.

https://www.r1200rforum.com/threads/like...ost-618638
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#4
(11-03-2021, 07:13 AM)Lee Wrote: Seems like it was another site people in the US were using. The savings were good even with the shipping charge.
I don't think they had to pay the tax but that may have changed this year.

I found that site this morning, as I'm still wanting to test the 'too good to be true' concept. The owner who started this thread rode the roller coaster on timing of delivery, but I'm not really driven by lead time (since I have plenty of it). This might ring a bell:

https://www.kfm-motorraeder.de/

I've sent them an official "inquiry" for a quote (all very German, it strikes me!), and will see what happens.
KC Area
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#5
This is the site I was thinking of.

https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/...niers.html
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#6
(11-03-2021, 08:08 AM)Lee Wrote: This is the site I was thinking of.

https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/...niers.html

From reading a few threads about the issues with European supply houses, it appears that the biggest surprises, delays and unexpected fees involve companies operating in the UK, primarily due to Brexit.

The shop in my post above is out of Germany and they've already come back with a quote of about $990, delivered, for the same kit.

I'm all for supporting local, but $500 is $500, which is about the delta vs. having the dealer provide the same merch.
KC Area
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#7
Well, since nobody came screaming "Don't do it", I did it.

2 Asphalt Grey panniers
2 Cylinders
2 Liner Bags
2 "Assembly Kits"

Had several exchanges with a (seemingly) nice guy in Germany, clarified it all, caught the fact that his original quote didn't include the "Assembly Kits" listed above (can't be too careful, huh?), so it's assuring to know that there really is a person on the other end.

No idea yet as to lead time, but I'm in no hurry. Just decided to bit the bullet and wait.

Including shipping, EU889.23, or $1,027.13, according to Google/Morningstar.

Will provide updates if there appears to be interest out there.
KC Area
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#8
This luggage didn't need its own travel-logue, but there are some topline learnings that others may benefit from down the road.

1. They wouldn't sell me the lock cylinders without a VIN, so i ended up sourcing a set from RevZilla for about the same money.
2. Getting the goods from BMW to the vendor took less than a week, BUT...
3. Once the vendor packed the inner bags and hardware inside of each hard case, then packaged it all up very nicely (VERY Secure), off the box went to DHL, who left it sit in a warehouse in Frankfurt for about 3 weeks.
4. At about the 3-1/2 week mark, the very large box ended up State-side, BUT...
5. It sat in US Customs for about another week, and THEN...
6. It was on my front porch.

The goods arrived in perfect shape, expertly re-packaged, lots of bubble-wrap, etc. Communication throughout was timely and clear (especially with "Anja," the C/S rep on their end). On the auto-generated emails, Google's "Translate this page" feature came in handy (too many years since college German classes, including a term in Mainz, which was cool).

Ordered on/about Oct 4th, received November 9th, so right at 5 weeks lead time. Worth the wait if exchange rates hold.
KC Area
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#9
Thanks for the update.

Did Revzilla sell the locks cheaper than the shop?
Usually Revzilla sells BMW stuff at list price.
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#10
(12-10-2021, 08:10 AM)Lee Wrote: Did Revzilla sell the locks cheaper than the shop?
Usually Revzilla sells BMW stuff at list price.
Reminders:
1. There are plenty of old mathematical (if not social) arguments for buying through your local dealer if the price is within 10-15% (and you still have a local dealer to support).
2. You can always ask your local dealer if they can match the internet price. (I bought my last Shoei X-14 at the dealer for 15% less than the Revzilla price, which is limited by minimum advertised price.) I should note, this price was offered to me, as a loyal customer, without any mention of online competition.
"A good man always knows his limitations...."
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#11
(12-10-2021, 10:47 AM)Ray Wrote:
(12-10-2021, 08:10 AM)Lee Wrote: Did Revzilla sell the locks cheaper than the shop?
Usually Revzilla sells BMW stuff at list price.
Reminders:
1. There are plenty of old mathematical (if not social) arguments for buying through your local dealer if the price is within 10-15% (and you still have a local dealer to support).
2. You can always ask your local dealer if they can match the internet price. (I bought my last Shoei X-14 at the dealer for 15% less than the Revzilla price, which is limited by minimum advertised price.) I should note, this price was offered to me, as a loyal customer, without any mention of online competition.
Your points are perfect Ray. There is a MAP price (minimum advertised price) places like Revzilla can advertise. Recently I made no mention of on line prices to my BMW dealer and got a cheaper price including the 6.875% MN tax on a set of Roadsmart IV tires then advertised at most sites on line. In addition buying through your perferred dealer establishes a relationship that could impact other activities. As well as giving them a few dollars to help keep the doors open. When I lost my drive shaft 300 miles from home my dealer had a driver bring a pickup down with a bike in the back for me to ride when they picked my broken down RS.
Darrell
2016 R1200RS
2022 R1250RT

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#12
My dealer has banked enough of my money over the past couple of years that we have a fine relationship, not to worry; the RS is the fourth bike since, 2019, for example, and I turned back my T120 ('20) once we agreed on the RS deal. Figured it was an opportunity to turn a very low mileage, popular model (nicely modded) when they had zero inventory of ANY T120s.

They sold that bike a couple of weeks ago at a nice markup, so it was a win/win for everyone.

I also gave them the opportunity to come anywhere close to what I was able to do with KFM on this luggage and they simply passed.

As to the locksets, I'm sure they were close to/at list price, but they were available @ Revzilla (which a lot of stuff isn't), there was no sales tax involved and they were 30-odd bucks apiece. Engle won't miss that sale, as I have another grand in add-ons/swap-outs for the RS waiting for me to pick up so they don't get lost awaiting the arrival of the bike. I'll write them a check so they don't have to pay the credit card processing fees, which they appreciate (as they appreciated the early turn-in of the Triumph).
KC Area
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#13
(12-11-2021, 08:37 AM)ESquared Wrote: My dealer has banked enough of my money over the past couple of years that we have a fine relationship, not to worry;



   
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#14
(12-11-2021, 08:37 AM)ESquared Wrote: ...I also gave them the opportunity to come anywhere close to what I was able to do with KFM on this luggage and they simply passed.

As to the locksets, I'm sure they were close to/at list price, but they were available @ Revzilla (which a lot of stuff isn't)....
Huh.

'Nuf said.

Not all dealers have the resources to let the parts guys work their magic with numbers and stock.

About to ride over to the holiday party at Gateway in St. Louis (featuring food and especially desserts from Tom Huff's wife, Liz.). I'll likely order a $9 screw for the left head protector I recently lost somewhere between here and San Francisco. (I like to think that I don't usually miss loose screws - this is the first I've lost since I purchased the bike. Shelling out $9 is more an emotional rather than financial penalty, to remind be to be a little more fastidious in my maintenance routines.)

Sounds like you have a fun year up and coming on a great bike.
"A good man always knows his limitations...."
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#15
It's funny, the parts guys tend to stay away from transactions like this with me, as I guess I've now established a history of working with the owner.

I knew it was a 'hard pass' on the panniers, so we moved on. Headed up there this afternoon to get the Wunderlich bar kit, Mudsling, X-head covers, Suburban peg kit.

Looking forward to my best riding year ever in'22!
KC Area
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#16
(12-11-2021, 11:31 AM)ESquared Wrote: Looking forward to my best riding year ever in'22!
Right. Many happy returns on your work.

Talked to the owner at Gateway for a couple minutes about these issues today. I think it comes down to available and convenient warehouse space and thinking ahead. (E.g., he now has more R18s in stock than any dealer in the world - quite an investment, but sure to attract new customers to his shop. In the short time I was there, they sold 2 for $10,000 each, and 1 for $12,000, reducing inventory to 41, and thanks to BMW incentives, made money on all.)
"A good man always knows his limitations...."
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#17
(12-11-2021, 04:35 PM)Ray Wrote: Talked to the owner at Gateway for a couple minutes about these issues today. I think it comes down to available and convenient warehouse space and thinking ahead. (E.g., he now has more R18s in stock than any dealer in the world - quite an investment, but sure to attract new customers to his shop. In the short time I was there, they sold 2 for $10,000 each, and 1 for $12,000, reducing inventory to 41, and thanks to BMW incentives, made money on all.)

$10,000 for a new R1800 is a heck of a deal and the offers look pretty good now.
Not being interested in the R1800 I had not looked at the offers.
I see they are doing the BMW makes the first 6 payment thing again.
When we bought our 2003 K1200RS bikes BMW paid the first 5 payments. That saved us $3,000. They also gave us each $750 toward BMW gear (back when $750 could buy a full suit) and they also paid for most of a Edelweiss tour in Montana.
Lee
Iowa, USA
2022 R1250RS White Sport

Past BMWs: 2016 R1200RS x 2,  2011 K1300S x 2,  2003 K1200RS x 2,  1991 K75S x 2,  1987 K75T x 2, 1984 R100RT
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#18
#Esquared, which supplier did you get your inner bags from? I'd like to order a set. PM me if easier. TIA
Be stubborn with your dream but flexible with your path. '20 R1250RS, '87 VFR400F Former bikes: '66 T120 Bonneville 650, '69 CB750, '73 CB350F, '83 VF750F, '84 VF1000F, '85 VF1000R, '07 VFR800, '10 GL1800, '16 Ducati Scrambler.
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#19
I got all of the luggage (except for the cylinders, which they wouldn't sell me without a VIN, interesting), from KFM (see Post #4 above for the link to their site).

Don't know if you've ever ordered from them, but you need a part number to even get a price quote.

The right liner is P/N 77418549408 and the left one is P/N 77418549407.

At the time I ordered my kit (in November, '21), they were $65.36 ea, plus freight, which I think is a pretty hefty flat rate (like $80), so it may or may not make sense for you to just go for the liners. I was able to amortize the freight over the hard bags, liners and connection kits, so it didn't sting so much.
KC Area
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