These ($$) are very valid concerns. I am fortunate to have a very reputable and well established BMW dealer only an hour drive away. There is another BMW dealer closer to me that sells other brand name bikes including Honda. I have bought many bikes from them over the years. Believe me, all this came into play when deciding on the next bike. If I didn't have these dealers near me it would have been a much easier decision. My riding buddy rides an RT and loves it. We are somewhat handy and have been able to do all the fluid maintenance on it, we will do the same on the K1600. The valves on the K1600 call for a valve checkup at 18,000 miles. That I will allow the dealer to do, so yes I will be on the hook for that. I figured I would give BMW a shot, never had one and always admired them. If this adventure becomes to costly I'll just lick my wounds and get back into the Goldwing. Heck, I might end up with another F6B as it was one of the best bikes I ever owned. For now I just get my "hooligan" fix on the 22 year old Valkyrie in the garage. Love the Valk, but the F6B could just carve corners some much better. Time will tell I guess. Happy New Year and ride safe.