Bavarian Cycle Works

San Francisco, United States

4.3

Closed now

20 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 415-829-8235
Website:
www.bavariancycleworks.com
Address:
501 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA, 94110
b/t Mariposa St & 18th St
Mission
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 mi16th Street Mission
0.8 miMUNI 10 Townsend Route
0.8 miKansas Street & 23rd Street
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Today

Today 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Closed now
Local time (San Francisco) 6:50 PM Thursday, June 26, 2025

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

expert repair and service of BMW and European motorcycles, with an emphasis on fuel injected models. We offer the cleanest, most modern independent service center in the Bay Area, with all bikes parked indoors at all times.

BCW utilizes two Bosch hydraulic/​air tire changers and a CEMB high speed dynamic balancer. Our tire prices are very competitive w/​mounting and balancing specials with tire purchases. We also service other makes as well with TEXA worldwide diagnostic capabilities for Suzuki, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph, Moto Guzzi, Honda, Yamaha and other European bikes. BCW is the home of the BoosterPlug w/​all models in stock.

We also offer powdercoating and paintwork as well.

History

Established in 2010.

After 20+ years in San Francisco BMW dealerships, owner/​partner David Benda decided that the time had come to provide the kind of service that has been sorely lacking in the Bay Area. The goal is real expert service, without the attitude and the «get every dime» mentality of the alternative. In addition, we encourage our clients to speak directly to the technician who will be performing the work in question. BCW’s mission each and every day, is for our client’s to smile all the way home after picking up their bike from servicing.

David is the last remaining local member of the storied Bavarian Cycle Works team and resurrected the business name with Al Reyes’ blessing in 2010.

Meet the Business Owner

David B.

Business Owner

David comes from family of motorcyclists from Northwest Indiana (Chicagoland.) He has been professionally repairing BMW motorcycles (among others at points) since 1986 and is one of the first recognized BMW Master Technicians in the US. Upon moving to San Francisco, he landed at Bavarian Cycle Works on 8th Street. When the transition was made to become part of BMW Of San Francisco in 1997, he went along as the key piece to the puzzle. When the next transition was made to BMW Motorcycles Of San Francisco, David went along as well-​for a while…

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20 reviews of Bavarian Cycle Works

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Bruno, CA
I was in need of some assistance/​advice with some bike issues. As I searched the web, Bavarian Cycle Works popped up! There’s a reason why these folks are booked! I called Bavarian Cycle Works for some advice and they were nothing but helpful! Although they are busy, they took the time to answer all my questions! I see other folks with negative reviews, but it’s so hard to believe! As long as you’re THOROUGH with your bike issues & respect the fact that appointments are necessary, you’ll recieve the best honest service! BMW rider or not, I highly recommed this place! 5 Stars for sure!
Place rating: 1
San Francisco, CA
By not following their own work-​order on my BMW K75, my headlight and turn-​signals were
not functioning after operating normally when I brought the bike in 5 weeks earlier for an
ignition problem.
I didn’t realize the problem until after I had paid my bill (in cash) and they wouldn’t correct
the situation.
Place rating: 5
Burlingame, CA
A few months ago the entire driveline in my 2009 K1200LT failed including the gearbox, clutch and driveshaft.
This is was a complex and labor intensive repair. Besides making a crucial recommendation that helped me locate a warranted, used gearbox (which saved me ALOT of expense), the repair was flawless. There were also issues with general performance that Dave earnestly worked hard to resolve and ultimately restored the bike to ‘better than ever’ running condition.
Although I experienced some communication issues that had me a little concerned, in the end, everything was resolved to my complete satisfaction.
There is no question that Dave is a superior mechanic, a true BMW specialist and probably the only viable independent alternative to BMWSF.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
David kicks ass. I’ve been going to him for my 77′ r100rs for a couple of years now and he’s been absolutely fantastic to work with. He knows BMW’s inside and out, and takes the time to get to know you, your bike, the style of riding you like, and to make great recommendations.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
I wrote a 1-​star review in a moment of anger and disappointment, but they don’t deserve that. I’ve been going to BCW since practically the week they opened, and I always appreciated the great service and great advice.
Unfortunately, it seems like their success has made them too busy to give all their customers the personal attention (and timely service) I so valued in the past. After making an appointment weeks in advance, it still took them nearly two weeks to do some very basic work – and then I feel they gave me bad advice because the good advice would have meant less work/​$$ for them. That’s exactly the opposite of what I look for in a shop.
But even a great shop is going to drop the ball once in a while. I’ll probably give them another shot… eventually.
Place rating: 1
San Francisco, CA
This is what the jerk owner wrote to me after I tried to pay them and get my bike back. They wrote a quote for $ 500, and then wanted $ 1200. But this is what he wrote to me:
«The law did take it’s course. and once we saw the frame up into little pieces it will be just steel. good riddance, moron.
David»
Don’t ever use these people!
Place rating: 5
Fairfield, CA
David Benda really knows his stuff! I bought a used R1150R and drove it about a year with almost no service history. The bike had just under 60k miles and had some minor electrical problems so he suggested doing the 12,000 mile service just to get everything up to date and gave me a great deal on all the labor.
This is about as professional and friendly as it gets.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I couldn’t be happier with the results I’ve gotten from BCW! Every time I ride away, after having work done there, I’m reminded of what a sweet ride I’ve got. Nice work!
Place rating: 5
Granite Bay, CA
I commuted from Sacramento to the city to get my 6K w/​Annuals done at BCW based solely on the positive Unilocal reviews. A great experience from top to bottom. Great staff, and great technicians, great price too! Couldn’t be happier with the level of service, and personal attention given to my bike. Definitely the best place to take your 1200 GS. He treats your bike as if it was his own. I will be taking my bike here for all future services.
Place rating: 1
San Francisco, CA
These people wanted over $ 1,000 to clean and balance my R60/​5 Bing slide carbs. That is just crazy, $ 1,000 bucks???
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
They did the 36,000 mile tune up and installed a Booster Plug on my 2002 R1150GS. The bike runs awesome. The throttle response is nice and crisp. No low speed jitters at all. And the comfortable freeway cruising speed went from 80MPH to 90MPH. Gas mileage improved as well. So let me think, go a lot faster faster, no jitters, and better mileage, I’d say this is a rock star shop. Nice work. Thanks.
Place rating: 5
New York, NY
Dave is the best. He is honest and dependable, and goes the extra mile to make sure I’m happy with the work. I’d recommend any BMW owner to take his/​her bike there.
Place rating: 5
Groveland, CA
Awesome shop — I’m now a regular with these guys! David treats every bike like his own; not only is the service top-​notch, but he has great lines on alternate parts and solutions that you won’t find in an OEM shop. After market brake rotor? Sourced at half of the best I could find myself, and with oil resistance! New tires? Better quality and a better price than I could get. And that’s just the beginning!
My bike has *always* come out of the shop a smoother better beast!
Oh yes, and they’re friendly too — punctured my brand new Pilot II just a week after they were installed; David popped in a tube at cost while I waited.
You sure get what you pay for and then some. Sometimes his advice alone is worth the price of admission. For example, David suggested a change to how I ride my bike in order to resolve an emerging clutch issue on my K1200RS. As a result, the clutch issue went away and he saved me the time and expense of the big clutch job!
Why go anywhere else??? DON’T! Bring your BMW here!
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Awesome, awesome, awesome.
I’ve taken my R1200R to BCW for one of the big services, tires and a few other bits and bobs. Always super helpful, speedy, and friendly — plus there are a always bunch of cool bikes to stare at.
Yesterday, though, they really came through for me. I work nearby, and when I hopped on my bike to head to a meeting, my rear tire had a big screw in it, AGAIN. (my rear tires seem to be a magnet for screws and nails)
I called up BCW and asked if there was any way they could get to it today. They said they were pretty slammed but to drop it off and I’d get it back tomorrow for sure. I rode the block and half over there very slowly and when I arrived at 3:30, Dave said «I’ve got a bike promised to be done this afternoon, but I’ll try to squeeze yours in as well — probably get it back today.» So I cabbed it to my meeting and lo and behold, around 4:45 I get a call that my bike is done.
I’m a year-​round motorcycle commuter (Oakland to SF) so getting it back same day wasn’t just awesome, it saved my ass. Can’t say enough nice things about these folks — highly recommended.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
David does great work, and really is honest about doing the right work when it is needed. BMW riders, take your bike here!
Place rating: 5
San Rafael, CA
THE BEST. Been to ALL the other places to «officially» take your BMW, from SJ to (now closed place) San Rafael since 2004. GO HERE for your BMW bike needs. Not only are they honest and forth coming, they can actually do what they say, in the time they say. No surprise services at your expense, SO nice in this day and age.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
These guys rock. David helped me out with a handling issue on my bike, got my suspension tuned and did service all for so much less than I was quoted at another place. I loved my bike before but now even more! I didnt realize how much better it could be. David was friendly and professional and Lori is an absolute sweetheart. The shop is impeccably clean with some killer prints hanging on the walls and a super comfy waiting area. I kinda wish I had to wait just to hang out there. Oh, by the way, I know they specialize in BMW’s but I own a 07 Ducati Sport 1000 that he knew more about than I did.
Place rating: 5
Orinda, CA
Dave & Lori are hands down the best I’ve encountered in almost ten years of BMW Ownership. I’ve taken my bike to all the dealerships and gotten screwed one way or another but was referred to BCW by the other only dependable Beemer mechanic I’ve been able to find who didn’t have the computer to «Fault code» the ABS on my 2004 R1150RT. Dave is thoughtful, professional and really appreciative of his customers. If you are tired of getting up-​sold and screwed over by the dealerships and shifty shops, call Dave at BCW. He also installed the Booster Plug on my RT which has transformed the bike from a pain in the ass old beast to its quick & powerful youthful self. Dave saved my bike at 67k.
Place rating: 5
Lake County, CA
These Guys are Pro’s…What a pleasure to deal with them! My Bike runs Perfect after they worked on it. The fact that they love what they do shows in their attitude and expertise.
I will be back for sure… much appreciate finding them. After going through many other shops in the Bay these guys are the ones you want wrenching on your BMW’s!
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
This place just open before Christmas 2010. They specialize in BMW but were very helpful with my search of a battery for my R6. This guys have great attitude towards running this business and helping customers.