What Should I Look for??

[Steve101]

Hi to all, I'm looking to buy a 1150 GSA.

I am tempted to buy private to make a saving but before I do I need your help.

When checking the 1150GSA what should I be looking for? Are there any model specific qwerks for wear and tear? or common faults that you guys have noticed?

Cheers.

 

[Zoton]

Hi to all, I'm looking to buy a 1150 GSA.

I am tempted to buy private to make a saving but before I do I need your help.

When checking the 1150GSA what should I be looking for? Are there any model specific qwerks for wear and tear? or common faults that you guys have noticed?

Cheers.

When checking the 1150GSA what should I be looking for:

Start with wheels,should be 2.

 

[Steve101]

Well Zoton thanks for the helpfull comment. For my first post I was looking for guidance and assistance from people in the know!

Yes I have a sense of humour before you slate me for not finding it amusing!

 

[Aurelius]

Hi to all, I'm looking to buy a 1150 GSA.

I am tempted to buy private to make a saving but before I do I need your help.

When checking the 1150GSA what should I be looking for? Are there any model specific qwerks for wear and tear? or common faults that you guys have noticed?

Cheers.

Start by putting the bike on its center stand, in neutral. Rotate the rear wheel slowly, checking for any signs of roughness or side to side movement. If the bearings are in good shape, there should be absolutely no lateral play either at the swingarm pivot or at the wheel hub, and you shouldn't hear any sounds coming from the final drive, or feel any vibration when turning the wheel. Check carefully for any evidence of tranmission fluid leaks at the wheel hub and rubber seals at both ends of the swingarm. Next, start the bike and shift into first gear. Listen for any grinding noises from the transmission (a sure sign of incipient failue, or so my dealership's mechanic tells me). Transmission and final drive failures are the only serious problems that plague these bikes, as far as I'm aware, but others may have more suggestions.

 

[Devon]

Full bmwsh with a recent service is a good start .

 

[jimbo]

Look at the owner. It is the sort of person you want to buy a bike from
How many previous owners has the bike had - people who keep bikes tend to look after them.

See how much corrosion there is on the front fork brace think.

 

[Richard stevely]

but most importantly.....

have a look for all the after market add ons from the likes of Touratech, Nippy Norman, Remus etc. If it hasn't got any then set aside a couple of thousand for when you do buy them.

 

[Vern]

If you buy one privately,as long as it looks good and got a service history,just buy it.IF it does have a problem or two,you could probably have it fixed and still save a bucket of cash from buying from a dealer.

I wouldn't worry too much about it myself,when was the last time you heard of anyone buying an absolute pup of an 1150?

Que long list of people who have bought absolute pups

 

[Fanum]

Look at the owner. It is the sort of person you want to buy a bike from
How many previous owners has the bike had - people who keep bikes tend to look after them.

I like that one......bikes do get formed by their owners and a bad owner will eventually produce a bad bike......

See how much corrosion there is on the front fork brace think.

But that one's bollix

The fork braces are covered in paint that's as much use as a chocolate fireguard.....it'll chip and flake, especially if the bike's 'properly used'......

It's a simple thing to fix up if you want to....smoothrite and a few hours prep and it'll look good as new......it's shallow cosmetics

 

[Zoton]

If you buy one privately,as long as it looks good and got a service history,just buy it.IF it does have a problem or two,you could probably have it fixed and still save a bucket of cash from buying from a dealer.

I wouldn't worry too much about it myself,when was the last time you heard of anyone buying an absolute pup of an 1150?

Que long list of people who have bought absolute pups

Que,well i did, sort off , 3 recoverys, rear shock failed ,new rocker cover,spark plug melt down, cant remember all but 9 faults in a year and a bit.
Shame as it was a cracking bike to ride.
Would still have it as well if all was ok.

 

[Zoton]

Well Zoton thanks for the helpfull comment. For my first post I was looking for guidance and assistance from people in the know!

Yes I have a sense of humour before you slate me for not finding it amusing!

I would not slate anybody if your pipe is out just re light it.
Any way , me I would only buy from a dealer, most are good and will give good after care and you get the years BMW warrenty.
But ya pay for it.

Good luck

 

[Steve101]

Hey guys theres some real good info there. Appreciated. Specially the one on how to test the final drive. Heres to many more happy motoring days on a GSA.

See ya on the roads soon!!