Franks Motorcycle Sales and Service Review

In 2013 my old GS needed a battery. None in stock, but Frank pulled one from a bike on the showroom floor and gave me the OK to change it in the parking lot. This was 2nd day of my 3 week trip from Toronto to Newfoundland. Thanks Frank's BMW.

Very helpful. Doing a resto on old airhead and the Pelkys are taking care of me. Very pleased.

Very friendly, very accommodating. We ended up making a purchase. We are very happy.

In 35 years of street riding, and 30 years of BMW motorcycle ownership, I have never had the misfortune of encountering such an awful dealership.

I first went to Frank's about ten years ago. I had a vacation home in Vermont, so I would need occasional service away from my usual dealer in Maryland, Bob's. The owner at Frank's, Lester, runs his shop on the philosophy that he needs to squeeze every dollar out of each warm body that walks in the door. I once went in for a tire change, and he detected water in my gas tank (it was pouring rain outside) so he spent another $150 removing it, without my permission. The bike rode in just fine, and it would have ridden home just as well.

Today, I went in for a Vermont State Inspection, since I live here full-time now. The front and rear touring tires on my R1200RT have 6800 miles on them, and the treads are NOT down to the TWI's, but Lester refused to give me a sticker unless I bought a front tire from him. I asked him to give me a "fail" sticker then, so I would be legal for 15 days, and he refused to do that as well. He admits that the tire is not down to the TWI, but says it's "not enough tread for us." This is just plain extortion.

The irony is, if he had treated me decently for once, I would have bought a tire from him, had all my service done there, purchased accessories, and bought another bike, which I am in the market for. Now I will do all those things at MAX BMW in Troy, NY.

My advice to those people moving to Vermont: either accept the long drive south for parts and service, or buy a Honda. Vermont's sole BMW motorcycle franchise is utterly unacceptable.

Kamran is extremely knowledgeable and extremely easy to work with. It is clear that he is passionate about the brand and that shines throughout the entire purchase process. This is my second purchase from Franks and will definitely do business with them again in the future.

I'm heading out on a 2,500 mile trip today, and just noticed that my back tire wouldn't have made it the whole way. I called and Lester got me in this morning and swapped out my tire so that I can travel safely. Thanks Lester!!

Excellent service, great expertise.
Needed them to take a look at my GS and find out what was wrong. They diagnosed it correctly, only charged me for one hour and contacted me to discuss what to do next. I decided to try the repair on my own, and they gave me invaluable advise, described what I need to watch out for, and what parts I will need. Couldn't imagine a better customer experience.

The parts department is very weak here, I keep giving them a shot, but absolutely every time I call they are consistently rude. I get that retailing parts is not a high margin aspect of their business, but as a dealer, they should aim to be a helpful resource.

wonder if they know the guys who did there spray on seal roof used illegal gas in his spray

I agree with Justin, very unfriendly owner, I even contacted BMW , I will never go there again

Good guys over there. Went out of their way to help. Thanks a bunch

I have old bikes ('79 and '91) that I'm refurbishing a little at a time. Lester and Cameron have patiently explained to me how to approach different problems I've encountered, and will probably continue to encounter, even though I'm pretty much the amateur. Although I have brought my bikes in for service and inspection and bought a few things (mirror, gloves, etc.), I'm not a high-dollar customer, which makes their consideration and patience all the more impressive. I really like the personal and informal atmosphere, and the willingness to go into detailed explanations of the way things work and what needs to be done to get the results I want. This place is great! Thanks!

Great service! More gear than bikes. 90% BMW stuff but that is what they claim to sell so it makes sense! Not a big bike selection. But give them a visit for maintenance and BMW stuff. They also have great deals on gear!

I purchased a used BMW G310R in August 2020 and a new BMW F750GS in March 2021. Both experiences were very smooth and easy. Everyone was very helpful answering all my questions and helped to make sure I got exactly what I wanted in a bike! Thank you!

On my third BMW from Frank's. They take good care of me and my bikes.

I was traveling through Vermont and realized I need new tires on my Triumph Trophy SE. I made an appointment and when I rolled in the first thing the service guy told me was that the R1200RT BMW was a better bike. So I asked if the do not ride order on that model had finally be lifted and a solution for the shock absorbers found. That shut him up. Later another employee told me how the BMW adventure model was superior to the Triumph Tiger 800XC.
I understand that every one is entitled to their opinion, but for heaven's sake they're a Triumph dealer. They must be one of the worst Triumph dealers out there.
When I left and check tire pressure monitoring system I found that they sent me out with a brand new tire that was under inflated tire.
I feel sorry for fellow Triumph riders in that area that have to deal with these chumps.

What a great Vermont family run business!! I purchased a BMW G310GS from Frank's BMW on 05/23/20. I was greeted and promptly served then out on a test ride. The bike rode like a dream making it an easy decision. I thought I'd have to negotiate a price but to my surprise, I was given a price that was better than I could have dreamed of so no haggling needed!!!
Buying this bike was the best purchase experience I have ever had with a big ticket item.
Thanks Frank's BMW!!!

This is a wonderful, family run motorcycle shop with a knowledgable staff. They carry BMW motorcycles and Yamaha snowmobiles mainly.

Our family has been doing business with Lester for many years. He and his team are honest, skilled, and helpful. I highly suggest working with them, if you need someone to trust!

Had to buy new tires immediatly for my K1600GTL which I bought from Franks for 26 plus thousand dollars last fall. Budget was tight this month so I bought a pair of Continentals from a shop for less than half of Franks price for their PR3, which had to be done. The shop could not balance the tires due to the design of the BMW wheels, they did not have the adapters. Went to Franks for a helping hand with the balancing. Reminder, it takes me 1 1/2 years to make the money I gave to Frank's for the 26k dollar bike. Lester told me that it would cost me $75 per rim to balance because he "doesn't like working on other peoples work"????. I will need at 8 to 12 sets of tires before this bike leaves my possesion. Luckily there are dealers and shops who will treat you right. BMW corporate will get a letter from me. Please drive the extra milage to buy a BMW, Triumph or Yamaha
He has lost more than I ever will

The customer is always right? Not at Frank's. You will be looked down upon, spoken to condescendingly and treated like a child. I've had enough bad experiences here that I now trailer my BMW motorcycle out of state for warranty service. I will never spend another dime here.

Fit me in for service and replaced battery on the spot. Lots of knowledge and happy to share. Great family business. Thanks!

Very unfriendly staff. Very unwelcoming environment. Will not do business here.

Very friendly family owned dealer. Bought a BMW and they delivered to my house

I am on BMW number 3 from Franks BMW
They are fantastic people to visit.I been visiting there since the 90 s and every time it was the owner who spent his time with me.not many business owners do that.
David McManamay

Yep. it is all true.
I loved my last 2 BMW's, but dealing with Lester was an expensive and demeaning nightmare. A primary reason for NOT buying another one was to avoid this guy. Not all of us have the time to travel 4 hours to service a motorcycle. Sadly, Frank's is giving great motorcycles a bad name up here in the fine state of VT.
Good news= he WILL retire someday!

I've been a customer of Lester's since 2004 and visited his shop many times before that. I've always found him to be straightforward, honest and knowledgeable about any BMW I was considering.

I just bought a 2014 R1200RT from him that had the "do not ride" recall. He promised me that he would be the dealer to repair my bike when the parts were in. I live on Cape Cod, more than five hours away. When BMW Roadside Assistance would not take my RT back to him for the repair (they would only take it to my local dealer), Lester brought a trailer from his shop, drove all the way to the Cape, and retrieved my RT for repair. I have never seen that level of service in the 55 years of riding and multiple bike purchases I've made over the years.

i've had both good and medium. The good? Cop pulled me over at 9:00pm one night - my tail light had burned out - no ticket - just a much appreciated heads up. Happened to be in front of lester's house in front of "Franks Motorcycles". Lester comes out - opens up the shop and works on the bike for at least 1/2 hour trying to get the tail light to come on. I"m pretty sure that qualifies as over the top service. On the down side - i get the sense that there is a core set of "preferred customers" who get waited on first - if you aren't one of them i've had to wait quite a while to get waited on. Their repair service is excellent - but pricey.

Awesome place. If you are into motorcycles and snowmobiles, this is the place to go!

Kamran is a dream to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable about anything in the shop and will help guide you to a decision where you leave happy and able to enjoy your purchase. He talked to me for quite a while, asking questions about what I was looking for in a bike, riding experience, ect and before I knew it, he had me on the perfect motorcycle (Triumph Street Triple R). He went out of his way to make me feel comfortable, never rushed me or pressured me and was completely respectful. When I'm ready to trade up to the Triumph Daytona, I will certainly be visiting Kamran again.

Great Motorcycles serviced by knowledgeable people!

Disgusting attitude to new customers Kamran pelkey, told to bring in new new bike then told to take it back to dealer that sold to me . STAYAWAY!!

It never ceases to amaze me how the review process and subsequent scoring is largely dependent upon whether or not a reviewer ended up going into their own pocket. The fact is that dealerships are a business, and by definition require cash flow to keep the doors open. That said, let's take a look at a few of the expenses assciated with hanging any logo over the door: Dealers pay into BMW's national advertising campaign, quarterly taxes, payroll & payroll taxes, liability insurance, property taxes, tools for every make and model of bike (checked out a Snap On truck lately?), inventory (which is either sunk cash or a loan) and parts. Bottom line here is that the owners need to eat at the end of the day, and those expenses don't go away. The helmets and clothing get discounted until the margin is almost flat. These items (and the bikes or sleds) do not appreciate. If they don't move, they become a liabilty-fast. A quick note on tires. No, you will not get Internet pricing on tires at any shop, including Franks. There is simply not enough margin to cover damage. Tire machines can be rough on an aluminum wheel. GS laced wheels are ~$1000 each. You've got to sell a lot of tires to cover the eventual mistake. Ask me how I know. Lester stands behind his work. I recently brought a bike in that was out of warranty for a drive issue. Lester could have sent me packing or quoted me 4 hrs of labor and full price on parts. He didn't. Instead, he worked with BMW to cover the repair. Is this because I've spent money in his shop over the years? Maybe. Perhaps it's because he's been at it for over 30 years and realizes that nobody stays in the game without some give and take. Personally, I don't relish the idea of paying cash to have MAX show up with their van to truck my bike out of state. Having a local dealer who stands behind his products is good for everyone. So, if you're looking for free service, or heavily discounted material--look elsewhere. If you need solid advice and value for the dollar, go to Franks.

Just wanted to say thank you guy on the purchase of my wifes new sled

Great dealership to buy a new or used BMW. They are willing to spend the time to answer any questions.

Great shop! Love the family values where generation after generation works together to make each experience better then the last! Way to go Franks!

Shortly after moving to Vermont some 25 years ago, One of the first things I did was to visit the closest BMW dealer. After several questions and back and forth with the owner. I knew right away this was the last dealership I would ever spend a dime in. I subsequently ordered parts that I needed for my vintage bikes from my previous dealer out of state. Ever since I have heard nothing but horror stories from other riders, and previous employees about the poor management and over the top attitude from the owner Frank. I have since taken my business to Max BMW, and never looked back. I hate chain dealerships but in this case I have pleaded with Maxbmw to take over this location and do BMW a favor.

Have bought numerous items from Frank's and have always been treated like a friend and not just a customer. Lester has even offered to pick up my bike at my home in Derby for service work.
Word of advice to those who feel the need to be wined and dined when buying something, probably will be disappointed. If you're an enthusiast you'll love it at Frank's.

Nothing but good things to say about Franks. I've bought two bikes from here over the last few years and have had a good experience both times. Lester has always been helpful and answers every question I have. If you're looking for a big fancy dealer that makes you tea and rubs your feet while you wait, this isn't the one. But if you want one that is honest, fair, down to earth and non-pushy, I couldn't recommend Franks more. The "mom and pop" dealerships are few and far between these days, and this is one of the last good ones.

Magnificent customer service, Kamran is awesome, he helped me to get an awesome deal on my rear suspension. I am happy!!!

I have purchased New and (also) had service on Used BMW's done by Lesters team for years with only High praise to them all. The people who are saying they had an unpleasant experience, I would guess probably have a similar experience wherever they go. I remember one year it was closing time on a Sat. with the store being closed the next day, I was on top of Smugglers Notch with an old dead battery. Cell service was intermittent, I managed to get a call in before phone died. Lester hopped on a motorcycle off the showroom floor with 2 different battery sizes on board and traveled to rescue me. This is a Professional Business with a Love for the Sport.

Quality service, quality product and extensive knowledge found at this family owned shop. My husband and I have purchased and maintained 3 motorcycles at Frank's for the last seven years. Lester, Kamran, Jeanette and their team are always there to help. Kamran explained every control on my latest motorcycle before I rode it off the lot. Lester helped transport my husband's motorcycle to winter storage last fall when the snow started to fly a bit early. Jeanette always has the paperwork, registrations, and finances in order. Over the top in my book!