Page 73 - Motorcycle Trader (February 2020)
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BAVARIAN BUSINESS they’re working on changes from relatively
It’s clear he’s also comfortable enough S H E D M A S T E R S straight-forward air-cooled machinery
these days to lean on staff for support, BM Motorcycles to liquid-cooled monsters bristling with
citing James MacDougall as a good LEFT To call head electronics. Does that become a problem?
example. Famous for his seemingly mechanic and electrical “Tech changes with the bikes present
psychic diagnostic skills – particularly guru James MacDougall challenges but, as James would say, it’s just
with electronics – James has been with the Chris’ right-hand a motorcycle. Electronics can be trickier,
man would be an
business since before Chris bought it, and understatement. but we have the gear and it’s very reliable.
he’s integral to its smooth running. BELOW The K100 series, “All the problems people think they
Others can also influence where the along with early GSs, might have with electronics, we see very
business goes. He cites the now impressive are Chris’ personal little of. There are some issues with ABS
showroom stacked with accessories as an favourites. This one is systems from the early 2000s, but other
the 16-valve K1100RS,
example. “We were doing bits and pieces which looks like it might than that, water-cooled stuff is not an
five years ago, then Evelyn came down – be an ex-police bike. issue.”
she worked for Touratech – and we’ve just He does however like to relate the tale
done as we’ve been told,” he says, smiling. of an oddball quirk that happens on rare
“If a staff member knows what they’re occasions with the later gear. “Sometimes
doing, you get a feel for it pretty quick and it won’t start. So you disconnect the
just run with it.” battery, turn it on and off with no power,
However, he’s still very much hands-on. reconnect the battery and ‘reboot’ it, just
“I like to have a handle on things. It’s a John like Windows! You let it cycle through and
thing. It means that if someone has a week restart the bike.
off and I can step in. It’s handy, being able “The big thing with a modern bike is it
to do most jobs.” has to have a very good battery with good
Of course, you’d expect some changes voltage, so it’s not throwing error codes
are forced on the business, as the fleet everywhere that are just voltage-related.”
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