Getting back on two wheels.

[Sunbeem]

I had a phone call yesterday from a guy I met when he asked about the RS recently. He was wanting to get a bike again, after having British bikes in his youth. Seeing the RS, he walked over and chatted for a while.
He knew of a BMW that might be on the market, so I gave him my number, and agreed to have a look at it if it would be of any help.
He then mentioned this to a mate, who said he had a BMW which he was thinking of parting with, due to his age ...
So - it's a 1979 R80/7 I'm told. Pics should be arriving soon.
Any hints on how to evaluate the bike will be appreciated -- I hope to introduce the new owner soon, if it works out.

Sunbeem.

[vanzen]

I have always used the factory's "Service Schedule, BMW Inspection" protocol to assess an unknown BMW mc.
This will be a chart listed in the tool-tray "Rider's Manual, a chapter titled: " Service Maintenance"

[Steve in Golden]

Used Motorcycle Evaluation Guide

A Google search will turn up tons of useful info on checking out a used MC. Of course, whenever I've bought a used MC, I don't closely follow the formal rules, though I should. It's more of a seat-of-the-pants intuitive kind of thing for me: does the owner seem like a trustworthy fellow, does the bike seem well taken care of, etc. Generally it has been my experience that fellow beemer-philes are a trustworthy lot.

Nonetheless, the old adage still applies: "Let the buyer beware".

[enigmaT120]

You need to take it out somewhere and see how fast it goes. If it will top 100 mph it's probably OK. Well, so long as the brakes work too.

[Deleted User 287]

I know who he should NOT buy one from!

See if the seller will let you drain some of the gearbox oil to check for cream in the coffee.
It might be worth taking a bottle of 90 wt. so you can fill it back up.

And pull the rear wheel! Check the final drive splines.

Lot's of receipts is always a good sign. A service log book is even better, just ask Duane.

[Chuey]

I think it's best if you look at it as something that will cost considerably more than the original purchase price. Buying used, is somewhat dependent upon various personal thresholds. Those would be things such as how sharp do you need it to look? How perfectly does it need to run. Those parameters vary among end users.

Chuey

[Garnet]

I think it's best if you look at it as something that will cost considerably more than the original purchase price. Buying used, is somewhat dependent upon various personal thresholds. Those would be things such as how sharp do you need it to look? How perfectly does it need to run. Those parameters vary among end users.

Chuey

Yep, just take a look at my piles of junk finely restored classics.

[Sunbeem]

I had another call today. He's seen the bike, which refused to start.
This put him off a bit, but the bike was last taxed in 2006 I think, so we agreed that the condition of anything rubbery was maybe going to be questionable.
He can't remember the actual mileage, but thinks it was under 10,000 and the present owner got it at six months old.
The snowflakes were recalled, and Boyer ignition fitted.

Pics are apparently a problem, but he will ask if I can take a look.
If the story is correct, the metal may be in very good condition, while seals etc may be in need of replacement on a fairly wholesale basis ...?
I'd like to be able to give him an idea of what's in store -- he would like to run a pair of airheads, including an RS, and this one may make a good long-term second bike.
Certainly by the sound of things, it's a rare appearance by a little-used old airhead.
And a world away from most low mileage motorcycles.

Sunbeem.

[ME 109]

Lot's of receipts is always a good sign.

Man, I have a forest worth of receipts for my RS.
I see them more as evidence against me.

[Deleted User 287]

Lot's of receipts is always a good sign.

Man, I have a forest worth of receipts for my RS.
I see them more as evidence against me.

N.S.