World of BMW bikes

[John Armstrong]

Has anyone any views on buying an ex World of BMW bike?

Are they a bargain, or a dog that's been thrashed to withing an inch of its life, tarted up and flogged onto some unsuspecting fool? I've seen on Ebay, someone thinking that as their bike was ridden by Ewan and Charley, it gave it something extra

 

[Steve]

Has anyone any views on buying an ex World of BMW bike?

If you're talking about the ones that have been used at the Off-road school - what do you think?

 

[John Armstrong]

But is there a price when they become good value?

 

[Pukmeister]

Specification, price, warranty, condition. All vital.

Mileage - not so vital.

 

[Steptoe]

Boy oh boy, do these bikes have a hard life - they all have low mileage, they don't stay upright long enough to clock up any

 

[judge]

Boy oh boy, do these bikes have a hard life - they all have low mileage, they don't stay upright long enough to clock up any

One or two on your swaray on Sunday will be described as low mileage, full service history examples and no mention of their lives spent with their wheels pointing skywards or submerged in gloop

 

[John Armstrong]

The advert:

2005 05 reg. 2000 miles, condition, Later this month (Oct) we take delivery of the F650Gs Dakar bikes used at the BMW off road skills centre. Typically they will have covered between 1000 - 2000 miles. Each one will be serviced by us and have the original tyres, indicators and mirrors refitted ( they were removed before they went off road) and we ensure they are fully roadworthy. They were registered in March of this year so carry the manufactuers warranty until 2007.There will be some cosmetic damage but this is reflected in the bargain price of £3250.

Worth it? If you're friendly with yur local dealer? "Fully roadworthy" I wonder how that should be interpreted? At least the mirrors, tyres and indicators are in "new" condition.

 

[Ruky D]

I was at the school in July and rode both a 650GS and a Dakar. Even at that point the cosmetic damage on many of the bikes was substantial. Many of the plastic panels at the front didn't fit or were gaffa taped together. Some of them were missing bits of switchgear - one of the bikes I rode was missing its indicator switch. Presumably they'd replace all that.

However, the bikes also rode pretty well. The gearbox was notchy, but then they all seem like that. None of the bikes broke down whilst I was there and the ride to and from the BMW lock up to the off-road arena went without incident.

One of the instructors said that they sell well at the end of their season, though he would I guess.

Dunno if that helps.

 

[Wizard]

If you're going to use it as it should be used, then I wouldn't hesitate. If you're looking a nice tidy wee commuter........ nah!

 

[Jim-Adv]

Isnt Dan Walsh using an ex off road school Dakar on his route through the Americas? Maybe Dan isnt the best advert but the bike seems to have held up well!

 

[beemerboy9]

Boy oh boy, do these bikes have a hard life - they all have low mileage, they don't stay upright long enough to clock up any

Yes. One of the first preparation exercises on the course it to lay the bike down - slowly!!!! - and pick it up again.

 

[Mike Werner]

Tiff bought one last year and drove it to Timboctoo...

 

[retroman]

Rydales Cardiff won't have 'em .... read into that what you will

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

The amount of damage that can be done to the engine clutch and gearbox is limited, imho. The bodywork damage happens at lowish speeds. With warranty too! I would go ahead.

 

[Detox]

Rydales Cardiff won't have 'em .... read into that what you will

Do Rydales get a look in? I was under the impression they always go back to Bath Road?