ducatiman
Guest
it is 8 year old and has 50k on the clock with an incomplete history what should i ask, look and listen for
welcome 
50 k miles is not uncommon for a bmw.
they all make noises not hird of by jap bikes and lots of owners do there own servicing.
whats the asking price.
the red flashing lights on the dashboard should go out when you pull off [abs].
check discs for wear.
corrosion on engine cases [front] they all do that sir
check for off road damage/use.
good luck.
50 k miles is not uncommon for a bmw.
they all make noises not hird of by jap bikes and lots of owners do there own servicing.
whats the asking price.
the red flashing lights on the dashboard should go out when you pull off [abs].
check discs for wear.
corrosion on engine cases [front] they all do that sir
check for off road damage/use.
good luck.
A Bike that Fits
Registered user
Since you ride a duke you'll be used to the bag of spanners in the washing machine noises that a BWM makes.
50K miles is nicely run in.If the owner has been doing the servicing (its easy btw),question him on what has been done.
Thankfully no cambelts or fiddly desmo valves every 2 years with BMs.
Main problem is corrosion on the silver painted bits at the front.
Also check play in rear wheel (bearings) and if the clutch has been changed.
Usual checks you would do on any bike.
If an ABS model,make the dash lights go out and you hear a "clonk" of the ABS setting when you pull away.ABS probs are £££££££.
1150s
Check the rear disc this wears on the inside as this pad wears out first check this and if you need a new disc knock it off the price.
BUT GET IT!! only just run in at 50.000. mines done 78.000 and still goes as well as ever.
dave (Abba fan) GS.
Check the rear disc this wears on the inside as this pad wears out first check this and if you need a new disc knock it off the price.
BUT GET IT!! only just run in at 50.000. mines done 78.000 and still goes as well as ever.
dave (Abba fan) GS.
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HonaGS.
Guest
It worth having a look along the underside of the shaft. If there is a black oily mist mist there it means the seals are on the way out, get it done in the next couple of thousand miles.
Corrosion on the fork brace (or whatever it's proper name is), fork legs and bit of engine. It's meant to be like that, it a sign of along and loving relationship. If it bugs you hammerite silver does the trick.
Bangs, clanks, wirrs etc etc etc. another BMW feature, best cured with earplugs.
Corrosion on the fork brace (or whatever it's proper name is), fork legs and bit of engine. It's meant to be like that, it a sign of along and loving relationship. If it bugs you hammerite silver does the trick.
Bangs, clanks, wirrs etc etc etc. another BMW feature, best cured with earplugs.
Onwalkabout
Registered user
From a cold start the ABS lights may not go out the first time you pull away. Let it tick over for a minute or two and restart after a short delay. If the battery is questionable the ABS lights should go out this time you pull away. The ABS needs a well charged battery to activate the test sequence. The test sequence gives a rather unnerving rattle the first time you hear it! Also check for staining on the generator cover as occasionally you can get a fuel leak on the left side. Easily fixed with a couple of new clips but a yellow staining indicates this has occured in the past. Corrosion on the front fork brace can sometimes be cured by a trip to the local dealer as there have been some warranty issues here and some dealers (such as mine in Geneva) will sort it out for no charge. Oh, and check under the back seat for the tool kit - a bonus if it is (all) still there!
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