What to look for - bike purchase?
- Thread starter Rob_B
- Start date
start looking for AA membership 
1) Condition - is it corroded, has it been looked after? Evidence of crash repairs? Same for any used bike.
2) Service History - All services done, on time/mileage. Preferably main dealer, but some (like myself) like to do their own spannering. If you want warranty cover/goodwill in the event of failure you'll need full BMW history.
3) Typical Problems - check for the classics such as:
Front timing casing corrosion beneath the paint.
Evidence of oil leaks at the joint between engine and gearbox.
Evidence of oil leakage from the final drive unit.
With bike on centrestand, check for sidewards play in the rear wheel .
Check wheel rims for damage/kerbing. Spin spoked wheels and look for rim runout.
Quick visual check of brake pad thickness, gives a clue to care of ownership.
Check brake disks for wear, not cheap to replace.
Check rear drive flange where rear disk bolts on for evidence of cracking on mounting lugs.
Check tyre tread and condition, another clue to care of ownership.
4) Start the bike - Should be no smoke or loud noises. The boxer engine can rattle on initial startup but should settle to a regular idle quickly. If it wont start, suspect the fuel pump controller. If it won't even turn over, the batterys probably had it. If it shows EWS and won't start, the immobiliser is faulty, probably the ring antenna needs changing.
5) Insist on a test ride. Be sure the bike shifts gears without jumping out of gear, revs smoothly (for a boxer) and doesn't stall or cut out, brakes work without ABS warnings and suspension feels taught and doesn't wander or bounce.
6) Extras such as luggage and farkles. Most GS's come with a ton of owner-added value from Touratech/Wunderlich/Nippy Norman.
7) Check all paperwork matches the bike eg chassis no, engine no, colour, reg etc. Do an HPI check.
This list is by no means exhaustive and not meant to put you off - they are great bikes, go find a good one.
2) Service History - All services done, on time/mileage. Preferably main dealer, but some (like myself) like to do their own spannering. If you want warranty cover/goodwill in the event of failure you'll need full BMW history.
3) Typical Problems - check for the classics such as:
Front timing casing corrosion beneath the paint.
Evidence of oil leaks at the joint between engine and gearbox.
Evidence of oil leakage from the final drive unit.
With bike on centrestand, check for sidewards play in the rear wheel .
Check wheel rims for damage/kerbing. Spin spoked wheels and look for rim runout.
Quick visual check of brake pad thickness, gives a clue to care of ownership.
Check brake disks for wear, not cheap to replace.
Check rear drive flange where rear disk bolts on for evidence of cracking on mounting lugs.
Check tyre tread and condition, another clue to care of ownership.
4) Start the bike - Should be no smoke or loud noises. The boxer engine can rattle on initial startup but should settle to a regular idle quickly. If it wont start, suspect the fuel pump controller. If it won't even turn over, the batterys probably had it. If it shows EWS and won't start, the immobiliser is faulty, probably the ring antenna needs changing.
5) Insist on a test ride. Be sure the bike shifts gears without jumping out of gear, revs smoothly (for a boxer) and doesn't stall or cut out, brakes work without ABS warnings and suspension feels taught and doesn't wander or bounce.
6) Extras such as luggage and farkles. Most GS's come with a ton of owner-added value from Touratech/Wunderlich/Nippy Norman.
7) Check all paperwork matches the bike eg chassis no, engine no, colour, reg etc. Do an HPI check.
This list is by no means exhaustive and not meant to put you off - they are great bikes, go find a good one.
Your biggest potential bill will be related to an oil leak between engine / gearbox or worn clutch.
Your most likely bill is to replace a front engine plate for corrosion.
Don't pay bugger all extra for any Touratech / Wunderlich shite.
Most common spec is with ABS / Heated Grips. If it ain't got these two, you should be looking for a discount below book. Conversely I wouldn't pay a penny more for any extras.
Only accessory worth anything at the point of sale is BMW Luggage.
Check for full main dealer service history - personally I'd walk away without.
4k/yr should be average mileage - don't take any bull about the bikes being good for 200k. If you were to trade back in, they'd apply the 4k rule to you.
Good luck
Your most likely bill is to replace a front engine plate for corrosion.
Don't pay bugger all extra for any Touratech / Wunderlich shite.
Most common spec is with ABS / Heated Grips. If it ain't got these two, you should be looking for a discount below book. Conversely I wouldn't pay a penny more for any extras.
Only accessory worth anything at the point of sale is BMW Luggage.
Check for full main dealer service history - personally I'd walk away without.
4k/yr should be average mileage - don't take any bull about the bikes being good for 200k. If you were to trade back in, they'd apply the 4k rule to you.
Good luck
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