Buying a GS LC Sunday

[thumper]

Hi all, after looking for a while I've found 2015 GS with 11000 miles. Full BMW history and very, very clean. I'd appreciate any advise on what to look for with regards to electronics or suspension issues.
Thanks


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[Popell]

Private buy I assume if you’re buying Sunday?
Check if you can get a BMW extended Warrenty on it

 

[Jallani]

You won't be able to take out extended warranty through BMW if the original owner didn't extend after 2 years but BMW FSH should provide some reassurance (and hopefully goodwill if any issues).

With electronics, check the obvious no warning lights on dash (ideally riding it up and
down the road so traction/ABS lights go out). I would run through all the ESA settings to see the suspension adjust and no warning lights. Also, check condition of switchgear as known for issues over time (especially cruise control and start/kill switches).

Suspension is a difficult one to check as they normally fail mechanically with no obvious signs of leaking oil. Check sag and rebound by pushing down rear but you'll probably be unable to tell from inspecting. The sachs suspension is not serviceable by BMW so either complete replacement or getting rebuilt by a specialist.

I'd also check no damage to wheels and spokes all tight as they can't be rebuilt easily (only specialists can do it).

They are great all round bikes - good luck!

 

[ChazzyB]

Suspension is a difficult one to check as they normally fail mechanically with no obvious signs of leaking oil. Check sag and rebound by pushing down rear but you'll probably be unable to tell from inspecting. The sachs suspension is not serviceable by BMW so either complete replacement or getting rebuilt by a specialist.

And if it is an DESA bike (eg a TE) you must do the suspension bouncing with the engine running. It can lock up pretty solid when it's not.

 

[Matty589]

I take it you haven’t seen it in the flesh? If you’ve had good, sharp up-close photos then it may be OK, but I’d look very closely at the paint finish all over the bike, particularly for signs of lifting or bubbling under the paint - if it’s out of warranty and you didn’t buy it new from a dealer you may struggle with a warranty claim. I look at the brake callipers first - any furring or signs of corrosion and it’s either not been looked after or ridden all year round and not washed off after coming in contact with road salt. Check tops of forks as there was a recall (should have metal collars just below handlebar brace if done). Suspension and controls have already been mentioned. Finally - it’s a buyer’s market as there are tons of GS’es for sale. Don’t buy it unless it’s mint or a stupidly low price and you’re willing to accept paying out to get it sorted.

 

[thumper]

Thanks for the info all. Love a new bike in the garage, just hate buying one!!!!

 

[malcopopolo]

You can buy an extended warranty. You just pay for it but does not come into effect for 30 days.

Trust me I have done it

 

[Benji]

Me too, well worth it IMO

 

[casbar]

BMW will sell you an extended warranty anytime. I bought one for my bike which was a third owner bike and have had a warranty for the last 3 years

 

[stephen.stallebrass]

Apart from all the usual checks and inspections I would suggest you:

Take it for a good test ride - some warning lights won't come on immediately - the LampF light, for example, may not come on for 10-15 minutes indicating you have a bulb problem - which may find you replacing the very expensive headlight unit. The tyre pressure monitoring takes a few seconds to register.
Check the shocks, front and rear, for leaks as they fail quite frequently - visually check that the bike rises and lowers when changing the electronic preload and check that it doesn't knock or bottom out on compression and rebound.

 

[steele01]

Sorta hijacking a bit but take it for the extended warranty for a none BMW main dealer purchase it needs a full BMW history?

An to the op good luck with the hunt

 

[malcopopolo]

Sorta hijacking a bit but take it for the extended warranty for a none BMW main dealer purchase it needs a full BMW history?

An to the op good luck with the hunt

You would get away with if you have it serviced within by BMW before a warranty claim.

 

[thumper]

Thanks for all the advice

New to me, lovely and comfy.

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Looks really nice.