[bmwroadsterca]

There are many posts on various forums that demonstrate that it is indeed possible to service and repair these bikes. It does require an investment in learning and some tools but that is no different than older bikes.

Having said that it is also the case that BMW is actively and passively discouraging owners from doing their own maintenance and repairs. The most blatant move is the elimination of service manuals in 2021.

For most of its history BMW Motorrad made service information available. This enabled owners and independent techs to undertake most service and repair procedures themselves. For many doing one's own maintenance is a valued part of the motorcycle ownership experience. For others, who live far from the nearest BMW dealership or who embark on a great adventure to remote places, doing it yourself is the only option.

Similarly independent techs having service information give greater choice to those who don't want to DIY. All that changed in 2021 when BMW discontinued the provision of service information on ALL bikes old and new. Only bootleg copies of the factory service manual are available now. Haynes/Clymer/Chilton haven't produced a BMW motorcycle manual since 2018. If you own one of the most recent models you are totally out of luck.

More and more in North America we hear that BMW dealerships will not service bikes older than 10 years. When you combine the absence of service information with the unavailability of dealer service it does not bode at all well for the resale value of recent BMW bikes.

Fortunately there are quality alternative manufacturers out there still offering service manuals. No way will I buy a motorcycle for which the manufacturer will not sell a service manual.