Engle Motors

Reviews 3

CL

Cleve Bryant

After buying an RKA tankbag for my K1200LT at the BMW MOA Rally in St. Paul (directly from RKA), I decided to buy a Shiloh Rackbag as well. Visiting the RKA website revealed prices. Since my general policy is to support local businesses, I chose to buy from a dealer. The two nearest were in Kansas City and St. Louis. KC made for a nice ride from my Central Iowa home on a beautiful Saturday. I called to verify the bag was available, speaking to a Jon Bush. He said he would hold it for me, and did not insist on a credit card before doing so. This left a very favorable impression, which quickly evaporated upon my arrival. the Engle dealership is located on a small lot next to a c-store, and in one of the most congested areas in the city. I saw it in plenty of time, but also saw no obvious place for ride-in customers to park. The narrow area in front was crowded with Engles stock. I pulled into the c-store lot and parked next to a high retaining wall. I reached the store by walking up a narrow driveway that was blocked by vehicles parked in tandem. The parts counter is at the back of the store and clearly accessible. I was greeted by a friendly man named Chuck. Jon was busy looking something up, but he pointed to my bag on the floor behind the counter. Jon quickly took over the transaction. With the addition of a raincover, the price quickly ballooned from the original $150 cost of the bag. The raincover added $20, and state and city sales taxes tacked on another $14.20. Since on the phone I had asked Jon if the price would be $150 plus tax, I was annoyed. I asked if he could give me any kind of discount. He replied, "I already did." I didnt believe him, but having come this far, I forked over the credit card and walked out. Jon was smoking in the driveway. As I was gearing up by the cycle, Chuck came rushing out with a couple of free key tags advertising Engles dealership and exchanged the usual rider banter with me. He also gave me directions to my next stop. After returning home, I checked RKAs website to verify the cost of the bag and the raincover. Jon charged me the correct amounts, but no discount was involved. Sorry, Engles, but a couple of key fobs wont make up for lying to a customer. It isnt the money--ordering from the RKA website would have cost as much when shipping was added. I sensed an attitude that "O.K., this fool came all the way from Iowa to buy something he could have purchased from the Internet, so I can do anything I want." In fairness, I did receive what I came for. I enjoyed a long ride in perfect weather. I was able to visit some friends in the area. But the courtesy discount usually afforded BMW riders who buy BMW-specific gear would have meant a lot. So would a courteous attitude. I see no reason either to choose or to avoid Engles for other business, but be aware that you will probably pay top dollar and may be treated brusquely. You might also want to make a couple of passes down Truman Road; there might be a better place to park.

JO

John Velghe

Engle is an excellent, family-owned dealership and their reputation in the greater Motorcycling Community (particularly among BMW and Triumph owners) is rock-solid. Theyve been around for three generations. I discovered after I bought an old BMW that had been in a garage for 15 years -- a 1976 R60/6. They stock most of the parts Ive needed over the course of six years rebuilding my bike and whatever they dont stock they have in used parts or they can order. When I wanted a second, newer bike they had a 2006 R1200GS that they gave me a fair price for. Peter gave me good value for my trade in and have taken care of me every step of the way for service, tires, etc.. Whenever Im "stuck" working on my older bike, Bob - their BMW Guru - or Chuck and Adam in Parts have always been willing to take time to talk to me and look at my bike and suggest things I can do to resolve my problem. Those guys and Mike are always willing to help me out and I have friends in town to have the same experience. Theyve done repairs for me for both bikes at a price way less than I expected. When my battery died or a tire went flat they brought the truck and trailer to me for a pickup or delivery in town for free. Ive even called them while traveling with a question and theyve taken the time to offer advice on maintenance. I didnt know these guys from a stranger when I first walked in and theyve been nothing but courteous, helpful, fair and honest in dealign with me. Bob is considered one of the most knowledgable "airhead" mechanics in the country and hes also incredibly well-versed in the newer bikes. I think people who are critical of them are the outlier. Some people think the world of motorcycles is one where you get something for next-to-nothing. Thats fine if its a one-man shop where theres no overhead. Engle has always treated me fair, been helpful and professional. If you want something for nothing, look elsewhere. If you want a great combination of a family-owned business and professionalism at a big-name dealership, this is the best around. Like I said, I didnt know these guys at all before I first went in there. Im not a friend of the family or a "buddy" posting a fake review. Im just a guy who owns motorcycles and works on them and knows a good dealer from a bad one. This is one of the good ones.

MA

Mark Brick

I must say I have dealt with Engle Motors twice and they have been absolutely wonderful in dealing with. Actually they have gone way beyond cool on both occasions. On the first occasion I went in just to see what they had in stock and say hello. I live equally distance from St Louis and Kansas City, but have bought my last two BMWs from St Louis. Not anymore! These guys rock. They had little things that BMW rides love in stock. Arai helmets, adaptiv technologies radar equipment, SENA communicators, and a great selection of clothing. They might want to add more KLIM gear.(IMO) My second experience was equally as good. My friend and I rode out to Las Vegas on our BMWs. My friend became ill and couldnt make the ride back. So we decided to ship the bikes back and take a flight home. The shipper picked them up and told us I or someone would need to be there with cash or check and they dont take credit cards. That was an issue. I called Engle and asked them if they could pay for the shipping and I would come in the next day and pay them. They didnt hesitate and said no problem. It was a $800 deal. The day the shipper dropped my bikes off, Engle paid for the shipping and called me right away. I came in a day later and paid them and off I went. It was like I was a great long time client, I love that and it will pay them dividends when it comes to my next bike purchase. Thanks a ton guys! * Ed was my main contact