Unfortunate meeting between car and parked bike

[meintjiesj]

Back from what started as a very enjoyable trip over in NI and the Republic but then a car drove into the side of the bike's front forks (while it was parked up) and pushed bike into another stationary car. It is an economical write off according to insurance but I have the option to buy back the bike at very reasonable price (2013 1200GS LC). Initial report is front end damage and left side injector is leaking fuel when you switch on bike. I did notice the plastic cover over the injector was scuffed badly (no idea how that happened), the bike did end up on the pavement so wonder if it hit the curb on its travels.
So would you repair or sell as parts. Bike was kept in a very good and clean condition. Washed after every ride, parked up under a blanket in winter and services by myself ever year and has 23k miles on clock.

 

[Kitsilano]

Perhaps the question for you might be, "What price do you put on a smile, for every future ride? "

Just sayin'

(Glad that you were not involved and are safe!)

 

[meintjiesj]

Perhaps the question for you might be, "What price do you put on a smile, for every future ride? "

Just sayin'

(Glad that you were not involved and are safe!)

I will get another bike again, if I do not repair this one. Using my wive's scooter now and that is turning me into a teenage hooligan.

 

[wessie]

So would you repair or sell as parts.

that would largely depend on what you mean by front end damage, and the cost of repairs. What insurance category has it been given?

it's a 12 year old bike. Is there much of a financial incentive to decline the full payout? You need to put some hard , cold numbers on paper and forget any emotional attachment to the bike.

Bear in mind, with the insurance marker, the bike is not going to have the same market value as an unmolested bike, might be difficult to sell on or a dealer might decline to take it in part exchange. Insurance premiums will increase due to the claim but also due to the category marker. A repair is probably only worthwhile if you will ride it into the ground.

Buying it to break sounds like a bit of a gamble.

Without seeing the numbers, my instinct is to negotiate hard with the 3rd party insurers to get the fattest cheque possible and then buy a replacement. Ignore any pressure from your insurer to settle quickly. They are acting in their interest, not yours.

 

[Davey B]

Personally...I'd take the money and replace it.

 

[Udders]

Personally...I'd take the money and replace it.

Yep.
With a far superior 1150.

 

[DJ123]

Depends on the cost of the buy back, and potential repair costs.

If it's a really low offer to buy it back, why not. And refresh it with 2nd hand parts. If you're going to keep it until the end/for many more years - the (re-sale) value is irrelevant.

Out of interest what are they offering on it?

 

[KMD]

What would you be able to buy with the insurance pay out ? Would it get you a same age, same mileage, same condition bike? That is seldom the case in my opinion. With what is on offer, would you be able to buy the salvage, repair it without being out of pocket, and have ‘your’ bike back in its pre accident condition ? Plenty to think about.

 

[Davey B]

A big issue if it were me would be...any hidden damage, or damage you discover while stripping the front end off. You MAY end up spending more than it's worth and it'll still have a Cat N or S.

 

[meintjiesj]

Yep.
With a far superior 1150.

I loved my 1150, still one of two bikes I should not have sold.

 

[meintjiesj]

Depends on the cost of the buy back, and potential repair costs.

If it's a really low offer to buy it back, why not. And refresh it with 2nd hand parts. If you're going to keep it until the end/for many more years - the (re-sale) value is irrelevant.

Out of interest what are they offering on it?

£2250 buyback. Just adding up all the parts that I did not have covered is £1900(Denali, Wunderlich, Givi and Innovv, Hexezcan) Plan was always to ride it for many years, the 1150 before that I had for 15 years.

 

[Udders]

Here’s a nice one to start with!

Sold Thread '2003 R1150GSA Bumble Bee'

Aug 17, 2025

Registered 2003, 59600 miles (still being used so may go up) Hubby has owned the bike for the past 11 years
MOT expires 27/11/25 happy to put a full year on before sale.
4 Keepers including hubby

Has following -
Sports screen plus touring screen
Tank cover in same colours as tank plus map holder.
Light bar and spotlights
LED rear light
Engine Bars
Side stand enlarger
Cylinder Head guards
Radiator guard
Bumot side cases and toolbox
BMW OEM Top Case with backrest made by Saddlecraft.
Replacement seat but still BMW and has been reupholstered and slightly lowered from standard height, much...

• Fancy Pants
• Replies: 20
• Forum: Sold Items

 

[Steptoe]

£2250 buyback. Just adding up all the parts that I did not have covered is £1900(Denali, Wunderlich, Givi and Innovv, Hexezcan) Plan was always to ride it for many years, the 1150 before that I had for 15 years.

Do you have the bike at your premises? Or is it still in the repair garage which did the damage estimate ?
If it’s still in the repair garage first thing to do is to get it back home.
Then offer the insurance company £1200/£1500 for the salvage, and repair it yourself .. 99% directhe fuel leak will be nothing more than a broken plastic fuel pipe which attaches to the injector.

 

[meintjiesj]

Here’s a nice one to start with!

Sold Thread '2003 R1150GSA Bumble Bee'

Aug 17, 2025

Registered 2003, 59600 miles (still being used so may go up) Hubby has owned the bike for the past 11 years
MOT expires 27/11/25 happy to put a full year on before sale.
4 Keepers including hubby

Has following -
Sports screen plus touring screen
Tank cover in same colours as tank plus map holder.
Light bar and spotlights
LED rear light
Engine Bars
Side stand enlarger
Cylinder Head guards
Radiator guard
Bumot side cases and toolbox
BMW OEM Top Case with backrest made by Saddlecraft.
Replacement seat but still BMW and has been reupholstered and slightly lowered from standard height, much...

• Fancy Pants
• Replies: 20
• Forum: Sold Items

Don't do that, it is a lovely example.

 

[meintjiesj]

Do you have the bike at your premises? Or is it still in the repair garage which did the damage estimate ?
If it’s still in the repair garage first thing to do is to get it back home.
Then offer the insurance company £1200/£1500 for the salvage, and repair it yourself .. 99% directhe fuel leak will be nothing more than a broken plastic fuel pipe which attaches to the injector.

It is in Belfast now according to the AirTag. Do you think they will go for a counter offer, never been in this situation so I not to familiar with all the ways of making it play in my favour.

 

[crumbles]

If its in Belfast
Who will pay for the repatriation too Edinburgh...another factor too add in if you have too collect it..

 

[APHezzer]

Totally agree with Davey B .. hold out for the best deal and take the cheque .. years ago I had a front end collision and I had the option from the insurance company but my old man, who was still around and had been a consulting mechanical engineer, said 'son, there could be damage which you cannot see, such as hardening or fractures, and these could lead to a failure .. it's not worth it'. I took the cheque and felt good about it.