Bill P. Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I'm contemplating doing a trade with a member of this forum. He has a 2004 RT that he bought from the original owner. The original owner put 300-400 miles on it and then didn't ride it. It has the 600 mile service done and the fluids were changed at 1200 miles. The bike looks really clean. Is there anything I should look for or be wary of for a 4-5 year old bike that has only 2000 miles on it? Thanks! Bill Link to comment
AZgman Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Anything that touches the fuel would be a concern as would be the tires. Not a big problem, but one that should be addressed. Link to comment
Bill P. Posted March 5, 2009 Author Share Posted March 5, 2009 Sorry for the newbie question but how should it be addressed? Thanks! Anything that touches the fuel would be a concern as would be the tires. Not a big problem, but one that should be addressed. Link to comment
johnlt Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 If the bike was garaged i.e. out of the sun and the tires look good with no checkering on the sidewall, I personally would think they are fine. You might want to flush the gas tank and put on a new fuel filter but if it runs fine, go with it. 4 years is not a big deal. IMHO Link to comment
skinny_tom (aka boney) Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Is there anything I should look for or be wary of for a 4-5 year old bike that has only 2000 miles on it? Yes. Be wary that it feels under ridden and will expect you to bring it's milage back up to average. It will instil in you a serious case of wanderlust. Pretty soon you'll be making "quick trips" for the weekend to places like Torrey Utah and hauling yourself halfway across the state for lunch. Link to comment
Fugu Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Throw some fuel conditioner in the tank and top it off with fresh premium fuel. flush brake system check lubricant levels and adjust if needed, or just change as part of the getting to know your new bike process. I'd put on new rubber. If the brake rotors are discolored from surface rust and you can see where the pads were resting on them you might take a scotch brite to them, break up that crud with a crosshatch pattern of light scuffs from a not too aggressive pad. Then ride it like you stole it. I got mine with 10k looking brand new and it got really good somewhere around 25k engine wise. Coming up on 50k and the valves hardly budged last time. Link to comment
BeemerLover Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 There can be issues with shrinkage of gaskets for bikes that have been sitting for a long time but that doesn't mean that it has happened. Suggestion: take it by the BMW dealer and have them do their 60 point (?) inspection. It will cost you a hour of labor but may reveal problems or assure you everything is OK. I had this done to a bike years ago and it saved me from having to replace a seal between the engine and the tranny. Didn't buy the bike. If all proves to be good then do what FUGU suggested... ride the snot out of it. It is one of the best ways to bring one of those back to life... or to keep it running good for that matter. These engines like to be run hard and it will warm everything up and get the juices flowing to all parts of the engine again. You might also pose the question in the Oilheads forum as there are people there who have a lot of experience with this engine who may not view this Motorcycle Talk section. Link to comment
AZgman Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 There can be issues with shrinkage of gaskets for bikes that have been sitting for a long time but that doesn't mean that it has happened. Suggestion: take it by the BMW dealer and have them do their 60 point (?) inspection. It will cost you a hour of labor but may reveal problems or assure you everything is OK. I had this done to a bike years ago and it saved me from having to replace a seal between the engine and the tranny. Didn't buy the bike. If all proves to be good then do what FUGU suggested... ride the snot out of it. It is one of the best ways to bring one of those back to life... or to keep it running good for that matter. These engines like to be run hard and it will warm everything up and get the juices flowing to all parts of the engine again. You might also pose the question in the Oilheads forum as there are people there who have a lot of experience with this engine who may not view this Motorcycle Talk section. +1 !!! Link to comment
knight88 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 If it has 2,000 miles on it now it looks like the current owner put on 1,600 miles since he got it at 400 miles so I would say it shouldn't have any issues other than what he may disclose to you. Link to comment
Bill P. Posted March 5, 2009 Author Share Posted March 5, 2009 Ok thanks guys. Appreciate all the advice. Link to comment
Skywagon Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 In 2004 I bought a 1979 R100RT with 10,000 miles. It too had sat a lot, especially in recent years. You have been getting sound advice here. Start it up, ride it. let it sit for a bit and look for weeping oil or fluids which will be a sign of gasket rot. The chances are pretty small if it has been in doors. Plan on a new battery soon. If it runs good, looks good, and the price is right, you'll love it. Link to comment
velomoto Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Yes, be wary that if you purchase the bike it is highly likely you'll fall in love it and never want to stop riding! As others have noted, have the dealer to a check. Also, if it matters to you the dealer can get you the actual build date. Link to comment
Riding Fool Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Howdy, I had one of those and put about 25K on it. It was a great bike. I think if this one were mine and it had been sitting for years, I would start by changing all of the fluids. I would then run the hell out of it and then put it on the center stand for a couple days and see if it leaks anything. Of course, if you have a way to do it, nothing beats having the dealer check it over with a fine tooth comb. Good Luck. I loved that bike. I shouldn't have sold it. Link to comment
Armando Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 Bill, do not take a chance. let me know who you are buying from and I will take your worries away. Link to comment
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