Things to look for on a test ride

[Buz]

I'm going for a test ride on an 06 12GS tomorrow, can anyone point me in the direction of what to look out for both riding it and general condition of the bike? I've noticed there is a very small bit of bubbling on the front engine cover - but they all seem to do that!
I think it has done about 18K miles, assume it will have been serviced by the time i pick it up (if i buy it) what is the next service the bike will need?
It seems to be a Gloucester bike, KO06 MGJ so if anyone knows any history of it please tell

Bike looks in very good condition, engine bars, vario panniers, tinted screen, rear hugger not sure what 'packages' are on it, they are asking about 7K for it, does this sound an average price for a dealers bike?

I did search the 1200 section but couldn't find much of any use for these questions but search is not my friend anyway

 

[Spike]

check for play in the rear wheel, could be a sign of FD going.
Listen for strange noises from the engine, excesive rattles etc.
clutch slip in forth gear when accelerating hard.

If the bike looks good and rides well then I would see no reason to buy it, might be worth trying to knock a few quid off the price, tyres are good way of getting a few quid knocked off if they are geting worn.

spike

 

[phooey]

The nearest petrol station - usually

 

[Dean]

I'm going for a test ride on an 06 12GS tomorrow, can anyone point me in the direction of what to look out for both riding it and general condition of the bike? I've noticed there is a very small bit of bubbling on the front engine cover - but they all seem to do that!

Does not one of those mark Hooton shiny sexy plates cover up this bubbling?


Good luck with the test ride, great bike



Relax and enjoy the ride

 

[trainman]

I'm going for a test ride on an 06 12GS tomorrow, can anyone point me in the direction of what to look out for both riding it and general condition of the bike? I've noticed there is a very small bit of bubbling on the front engine cover - but they all seem to do that!
I think it has done about 18K miles, assume it will have been serviced by the time i pick it up (if i buy it) what is the next service the bike will need?
It seems to be a Gloucester bike, KO06 MGJ so if anyone knows any history of it please tell

Bike looks in very good condition, engine bars, vario panniers, tinted screen, rear hugger not sure what 'packages' are on it, they are asking about 7K for it, does this sound an average price for a dealers bike?

I did search the 1200 section but couldn't find much of any use for these questions but search is not my friend anyway

sounds a bit high, i paid dealer 7500 2 years ago for an 06 bike (12k miles), with panniers, maybe yours has more extras?

check brakes dont pulse (warped) and that all the warning lights and gadgets work and the usual bits like tyre and pad wear

and ask about recalls - fuel pump jobby etc

 

[Mr K]

1200 needs servicing every 6,000 miles or annually, whichever is first.

Just make sure it has a service history.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

7K seems high to me as well.

 

[Buz]

Thanks for the advice so far chaps

Looks like the low seat will be enough but does anyone know if its possible to lower suspension? Dealer says its a factory job only

 

[Pukmeister]

Thanks for the advice so far chaps

Looks like the low seat will be enough but does anyone know if its possible to lower suspension? Dealer says its a factory job only

The dealers talking bollocks, you can buy aftermarket lowering springs from Hyperpro, however you'll also need the correct spring compression tool to remove/replace them.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

You can either buy the shortened BMW shocks and I think both Wilburs and Ohlins do them. There was a set of lowered Ohlins on eBay, might still be there. Not sure why he said its factory only unless he meant you can only get BMW shocks which is still wrong.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

here you go for proof or purchase http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayIS...68&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123#ht_500wt_1156 nothing to do with me by the way.

 

[Beano]

BMW dealers bike will come with warranty and a good recovery service!!

so 7K is not to bad....(o6 1150GSA fetched £7750 on Ebay)

otherwise leaks around gearbox casing at bottom and obviously final drive seal,

 

[Bone]

Check for poor paint all over the bike.

My 06 1200 has paint blistering and peeling off. It has been looked after,cleaned,ACF 50'd etc.

 

[Mr K]

Thanks for the advice so far chaps

Looks like the low seat will be enough but does anyone know if its possible to lower suspension? Dealer says its a factory job only

You're not much shorter than me are you?

Stock seat on low setting.

 

[Buz]

You're not much shorter than me are you?

Stock seat on low setting.

I'm only 29" leg Chris, they put a low seat on and that seems to be enough really. What do you mean Stock seat, low setting? Can they be adjusted?

 

[jwpzx9r]

Take it to a nice straight bit of road without speed camera's and the like and wind it back to the throttle stop from about 4k in top gear if it pulls to 7k without slipping the clutch thats one thing out of the way. I saw a suggestion to use 4th but I would go for top it puts a full load on the clutch. It might pull fourth with a dodgy clutch but top will usually find it out.

 

[Myke Rocks]

Agreed.

Take it to a nice straight bit of road without speed camera's and the like and wind it back to the throttle stop from about 4k in top gear if it pulls to 7k without slipping the clutch thats one thing out of the way. I saw a suggestion to use 4th but I would go for top it puts a full load on the clutch. It might pull fourth with a dodgy clutch but top will usually find it out.

Exactly as described, but make sure there is around 20/30 miles on the bike before you try it. this means the flywheel is thoroughly warm, and, if there is oil on the clutch, it will only slip when warm.

Also, take the hand off the bars at some point and make sure bike tracks straight.

Myke