Buying 2004 R1150R - what should I look for?

[rogerinth]

I have arranged to view and test ride a 2004 R1150R. It has done 25,778 km and reportedly has a full BMW service history.
Can someone advise key items to look for when I inspect the motorcycle?
Many thanks

[mogu83]

Roger,
Try looking here: viewforum.php?f=2

[rogerinth]

Thanks - went through these discussion threads and deduced that the clutch master cylinder should be checked for leaks. Didn't see much else to worry about. Would that be a reasonable conclusion?

[deilenberger]

Roger - we're clueless since this is the forum for the R1200R - not an R1150R.. different bikes, and different (and more problems) on the R1150 series bikes.

[rogerinth]

Whoops - I'll try again elsewhere! Thanks

[f4tweet]

I would be sure the ABS system, if it has one, has been serviced properly and in a timely manner.

[rogerinth]

Many thanks - it seems clutch, clutch master cylinder leaks, and ABS should all be checked thoroughly.
I'll revert after my viewing which is next Saturday.
Rgs

[georgek]

I'd also look for leaks around final drive. i personally did not find, but mechanic did. he could have noticed 24K gold bearings were missing, and i would have believed him too.

also, check heated grips work. why not? those had failed on me too, and it was not a fuse issue.

[rogerinth]

Great - thanks. I've added these to the list (I forgot to ask if it has heated grips but since the bike is in the Philippines I do not think this will be too important).

[rogerinth]

Arrived early at friend's home and, after meeting the current owner and a lovely and much needed breakfast, viewed the R1150R. The bike owner explained that he had bought it from the owner of AUTOHAUS (main Philippines BMW dealer) when it was about a year old with 1,200 kilometers on the clock. It now has approximately 25,800 kilometers which were said to have been acquired on long trips rather than short around town riding. The owner also confirmed he has had the bike regularly serviced at BMW (records available), and that it has never fallen or been dropped.

Upon inspection, it showed it's age (2004) in that the plastic switches and alloy was dull and a little tarnished. One weld on the frame was a little rusty and the tires, whilst not particularly worn, looked as though the rubber had hardened. The date stamped on the rear tire was 2005. The paintwork was, as far a could be assessed, without blemish and overall the bike looked quite lovely. It has aged (now 8 years old) gracefully and to me it has "matured" rather than decayed. The test ride was fine other than I found the gear shift noisy. No fluid leaks were evident and the clutch, ABS all seemed sound.

We quickly agreed a price, the bike was left at my friend's house pending a check-up at the BMW dealer, formal Land Transportation ownership transfer, and me transferring funds to the seller.

I can't wait to return to Manila to pick-up and ride my new motorcycle - I am so excited and have had a smile on my face every since!

[bmwdave52]

I had a BIG smile too! It's still there. Good luck!