First BMW (maybe) need advice

[TurkeyRun]

New guy here.... been lurking, except for a post over about the Harley's..... now I have some specific Motorrad questions.

I got a little cash, keyword little. Three Harley's in the garage, I'm not new to bikes. Do almost all my own work, keep'em running anyway. I'm so/so with a wrench but don't mind taking something to a professional when I'm in over my head. But, I digress.

Guy at work has a relative who wants to unload a 2002 R1150GS. I haven't been over to look at it yet. Here is what I know: It was parked in a driveway wet, and left for a couple years. My buddy says he put Seafoam in the tank when it was evident it would be there a while (owner had a wrist injury). He says that old fuel ate away the fuel lines, the paint has sun faded, and the seat and shocks needs replacing, battery needs a charge (at least). Says I can get the bike cheap.

Now, I've dealt with bikes in this kind of shape before - generally not a good time. I also know that if these are the issues that are known, there are probably others.

So, questions:

• What else should I be looking for?
• What kind of expense am I looking at for these known issues?
• What would be a real cheap-*ss offer to make this guy?
• What do I need to know that I don't know I don't know?

nadaguides.com has this bike at about US$4500 in my area for "average condition" and US$3500 for ..... not average. I'd like to get this guy to pay ME to hault it away for him, but I doubt that is going to happen

If this isn't the right place to go through this, my apologies are offered and any pointers on where to go are requested.

[GSAragazzi]

I don't know much about wrenching but I can offer you a simple formula to come up w a buying number.
You say that $3500 should get you a bike in so so condition, well you need to figure out that: if you pay $1000 you can only spend $2500 to break even.
This bikes are great when maintained bc once things go south replacement parts are expensive.

Btw a 2002 1150 should go for more than $4500 in ok condition.
Good luck, play it safe and under pay so you can protect yourself.

[slartidbartfast]

Engine should be fine - even after standing outside. You already know the fuel system has "issues" but that's nothing an average mechanic with a little patience can't manage fairly easily. I'd be worried about the electrics.

If it turns out to have intractable problems, you could break the bike for parts and make $1500 - That would be my offer.

[gsweave]

Originally Posted by slartidbartfast

Engine should be fine - even after standing outside. You already know the fuel system has "issues" but that's nothing an average mechanic with a little patience can't manage fairly easily. I'd be worried about the electrics.

If it turns out to have intractable problems, you could break the bike for parts and make $1500 - That would be my offer.

yep, +1

add, fluid change and brake/clutch line flushes...
most likely brake pads all around.

$1000.


but, it is a great bike, once refreshed, she won't drop so deep in value.


some great info on the bike and typical problems/repair here http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326162

parting out BMW's is just wrong. imo

[everycredit]

Originally Posted by gsweave

parting out BMW's is just wrong. imo

+1 on this

[TurkeyRun]

Excellent info - thanks folks!

I'll let you know how this deal plays out!

[LaurelPerryOnLand]

http://www.searchtempest.com/results...min&maxAsk=max

Use SEARCHTEMPEST.com to search all the Craigslist's in the country.

The above are the results of all 2002 R1150GS's within 3500 miles of ZIP code 80237.
You can modify the parameters to fit your needs.

Now you're a better informed consumer!

[def]

A boxer of that vintage that has sat unprotected will need the following;

1- new tires.
2- New fuel filter and maybe a pump.
3- New DOT4 brake/clutch fluid.
4- All new oils (engine, transmission, final drive).
5- New seat covering.
6- New plastic light housings (tail lamp, turn sigs).
7- New fuel lines (the in tank lines are high $).
8- Exterminator (there will be rodent nests in and on the bike).
9- New air filter.

That model has linked ABS brakes. The hydro unit may require repair from non-use, a $300.00 cost. A new ABS unit is $2000.00.

So, total up the costs and you have in the neighborhood of $1000.00 for just these parts. As mentioned, if the switches and other hardware on the bars have been exposed to the elements, you're looking at X2 that amount...and that doesn't include labor.

The tank liner may be compromised, another expense to have it cleaned and repaired.

You're now very close to the value of the bike in repairs. I would pay no more than a few hundred for the bike.

If you are going to do the work, get JVB's DVDs. Also, I would invest in the factory REProm, another couple hundred $s.

Let us know how you proceed. There are plenty of experts here who can help.

[TurkeyRun]

So, I bought it for $1800.

It wasn't in nearly as bad a shape as I was led to believe by the guy at work.

Yes, the QDs are shot, yes it needs a battery,

The inside of the fuel tank looked/smelled fine (no varnish gunk). The tires are passable and yes, I know I'll need new ones. The paint was fine. Of the time it spent sitting, most of it was in the garage, and about 1 year outside under the overhang of his roof on the north side (shady side) of the house.

I'm thinking QDs and fuel lines while I'm at it, a battery, motor oil/filter, and see if she starts. If yes, go from there.

My budget on this was $2500 so if I get her running for under that - I'm not in trouble with the Mrs, and I'll have a real live GS to ride! W00t!

I'm sure I'll have questions as I dig into this thing..... this board is awesome!

[def]

Looks OK but, looks are deceiving.

The photo shows a missing plastic cover on the right side, just under the tank as well as a missing windscreen. Do you have those?

Keep us informed as to your resurrection progress. If all is well, you have a bargain BMW GS of a desirable vintage.

We don't yet know if your bike has linked ABS brakes. Hopefully if so equipped, the ABS hydro unit is in working order.

[gsweave]

Originally Posted by TurkeyRun

So, I bought it for $1800.

It wasn't in nearly as bad a shape as I was led to believe by the guy at work.

Yes, the QDs are shot, yes it needs a battery,

The inside of the fuel tank looked/smelled fine (no varnish gunk). The tires are passable and yes, I know I'll need new ones. The paint was fine. Of the time it spent sitting, most of it was in the garage, and about 1 year outside under the overhang of his roof on the north side (shady side) of the house.

I'm thinking QDs and fuel lines while I'm at it, a battery, motor oil/filter, and see if she starts. If yes, go from there.

My budget on this was $2500 so if I get her running for under that - I'm not in trouble with the Mrs, and I'll have a real live GS to ride! W00t!

I'm sure I'll have questions as I dig into this thing..... this board is awesome!

She looks very decent for 1800.

Good buy.

Tires
oil, filter, tranny and final drive, oils. brake lines and flush.


You should be good to go bustin bugs.


put some wd40 on those sun faded plastic pieces. She ain't brandy new but....

[jachard]

Let me know if you need a new seat, I have one in great shape! Good luck!

[mouthfulloflake]

that appears to be a "GSA" adventure, from the purple wheels.

and the missing plastic side cover is $15 from bmw, I had to replace mine too.

01 46 63 7 671 732 COVERING RIGHT 0.29 1 $14.88

replace the brake hoses first, they are the most dangerous component at that age of sitting in my opinion, next to the tires of course.

the lines in the fuel tank may or may not be bad, but you can replace them all, and a new fuel pump with aftermarket stuff for under $100

I think you got a great deal!

[Davelee]

You'll love it!

[squish]

Was this an escort or marsheling bike? there's strobes on the side?

Looks like you have a very soild deal, even if it ends up costing you more then $2500,

I'd suggest getting it running and stopping first, then once that's done, starting fixing the cosmetic (and expensive issues)
that will have a better chance of making the wife more happy, or less mad. Unless she's like mine and she know's motorcycles then you can't pull a stunt like that...

But really make sure it goes and stops, then ride it for a while, while cleaning it up. I'd even wait on the shocks unless they are totally gone and are just now springs.

Watch the wiring it could be a mess depending on how the PO wired up all those lights. He might have also wired in a radio as well. Make sure you have a good wiring diagram of the stock bike.

I make copies and add the things I find to to the copy just so I can figure out what's going on.