Hello? I went to look at this BMW......

And now it's on Fleabay.

Item number 130146955431

Cosmetically, it's not bad. Starts instantly and runs sweetly. What
the seller isn't telling anyone is that the charging system is FUBAR'd
(the alternator warning light doesn't go out) and that the left-hand
exhaust manifold ring is a shade loose and wobbly. Possible stripped
threads in the head.

There are no seat hinges - the seat's just held on by the lock. No
tools, no history.....

 

The charging system is a consumable on those.

At worst, a pre-loved head can be obtained from the likes of Motorworks for
not a lot.

There's a mod to put a locating pin on the other side of the seat from the
lock pin, to replace the hinges. A removable seat is much handier,
especially if it would otherwise foul the panniers when you try to open it.

My problem is that old airhead RTs are so familiar, I'd just automatically
get on it and ride off somewhere. But I've been clean for over a year now,
and I reckon I can resist.

Did you notice if the replacement exhaust system had a full collector box or
just an H piece?

 

I know. But not a cheap one, unfortunately.

H-piece. It's a Keihan system.

 

It's not the cost, not of one particular component. It's the never-ending
succession of bits required.

Which is better - lighter, more efficient and doesn't foul the centrestand.

 

The head exhaust threads can be repaired. They cut off the old thread and
shrink on a phosphor bronze replacement. It's worth a grand I suppose, what
with the hassle of fixing it.

 

Ooh! Tell me more

Er, 'ang on a minute... no you haven't...

 

On the list... eventually.

 

I could have had it for under that. I factored in the dead charging, the
possibly buggered thread, the bodged seat, the absence of any toolkit or
history, the fact that the bloke selling it was devoid of clue, and
reckoned it wasn't worth it.

 

Well yes one would need to desire a SOBMW project. Who would be that daft.

 

October last year? Whatever. It was only a little trundle and I didn't
enjoy it at all.

 

You fucking liar! You came back with a grin wider than the Severn
estuary!

 

That was a rictus of fear.

 

The fear of what would happen to your bollocks if you succumbed to the
urge to get another one...

 

BMW ownership isn't a marital issue. Some of the other bikes may be.