R110GS

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250483868647 this
is being considered by a colleague. I know little about them myself
and wouldn't buy one, especially from someone who writes ads like
that.

Thoughts?

 

Well, it doesn't seem to be the elusive 110cc model, which is good .

Apart from "the 1150 is better", I'd try to find out what the actual
pannier damage is. It seems to be very clean for the mileage which is
good as these can turn into a corroded mess quite quickly. Clutches
don't last very long (around 35k on average on oilheads) and cost an
arm and a leg to change because the bike is built around them. Engines
will use some oil, the gearbox will be clunky and the seating position
might need getting used to.

Not bad bikes otherwise, but it'd need to be cheap.

 

There appear to be an increasing number of my *friend* or *colleague*
wants to buy [insert some flavour of BMW here] threads.

Are they also worried that they might be stout?

 

This particular colleague currently owns a bright yellow bandit so
already has the piss taken out of him on a regular basis. He's also a
porridge wog.

 

They are very sought after as the build quality of thee 1100s was very
good. Built before BMW went sourcing sub-assemblies in China. The paint on
the shaft & engine cases looks a lot tidier than on my 2000W R1150.

Apart from the normal checks to verify mileage etc from old MOT certs, the
rear shock may be knackered at that mileage, especially as he says it has
been used with a pillion. Plenty of aftermarket options, so not something
to be overly concerned about. Should be on its second clutch by now.

I'd want to see that the ABS worked i.e. does the bike pass the self test:
it will make a clunking noise as you pull away from a standstill, followed
by the red LEDs going out. A fix can be simple (clean the battery
terminals) or expensive (new ABS pump). Suspect the latter if the self test
fails as any sensible person would fix a cheap fault.

 

Ha, I spotted that too late.

Thanks I'll pass on your comments.

 

Looks pretty tidy to me, and if I'd not bought the Bumblebus I'd be
tempted myself.

The questions I would ask are around service history, especially as BMW
don't simply have 5k & 10k services that alternate and more, they have
6k, 12k and 24k services and also 1 and 2 year annual services that vary
in expense depending on what brake fluids need changing.

At 72 and a bit k, it should just have had the 3rd 24k service. If it
hasn't, and it also needs a 2-year annual, that will set your mate back
IRO £500 at an independent specialist and about twice that at a main
agent.

If it all works and the service history's up to date, it could make a
very good buy.

 

This is true. The *very* early 1100s were something of a disaster area,
though. Poor engine management and a load of other problems (mostly
gearbox and top end related). I didn't much like the early 1100GS I
rode.

Then they got them sorted.

AnD then they went to the 1150 and they were just about perfect.

And then, as you say, they went to the 1200 and it all fell apart. As
did the bikes.

 

Bidder 4's doing a bit of fishing

 

What, referring to the bike as 'her' ?

Well, the bike's near you, so why don't you go and kick the tyres ?

I'm near the M3 / Hampshire / Petersfield tomorrow, so if you can't I
probably can ...

Paul.

 

The interested party lives even closer, Basingstoke, so can view if he
wishes.

 

Poor bugger, I think he's suffered enough ..

Paul.