About to go look at 2004 R1150R -- need advice

[cswett]

Bike has been sitting in the back of a garage and has only 2,000 miles. It's about as close as I'll be able to get to buying a new Beemer. Oil hasn't been changed since the 600 mile service. Owner said since he rides so little, always puts it fuel stabilizer and has it on battery tender. Anything I should watch out for? I'll need to ride it about 180 miles to get it home.
Thanks

[towerworker]

That sounds like a bike to be had! You don't say what your riding experience is so my answers are on the assumption that you have no BMW experience. Forgive me if that's incorrect.

I would of course check all fluid levels including taking a peek at the brake master cylinders. There is a translucent plastic window in the front master cylinder that would show the level. The rear is on the right side of the bike just over the seat and helmet lock. The gearbox and FD should be full but you can remove the fill plug on both to check the level. Should be able to touch or see oil just below the threads. Sight glass on the left side of engine will show engine oil level. Somewhere in the middle of glass is ok.

Check tire pressures-----34 to 38 lbs +/-, There may be some slight corrosion on the brake discs but that's not a real issue as it will clean itself off after some braking but just be aware of it and be careful initially in your braking. You will find the engine to be extremely "torquey" and on your first ride out you may stall it easily until you get the feel of the engine and clutch. You will also notice the slight torque twist to the right if you blip the throttle while sitting at idle. Completely normal.

Check clutch level as well. You will really want to bleed the hydraulics first thing before any extensive riding--brakes and riding, I mean get it home first but make a decisive plan to do that at first opportunity. The brake and clutch have alot of aluminum components and the brake and clutch fluid is hydroscopic in that it absorbs moisture and that will ultimately corrode the system. Those systems need to be flushed and bleed completely every two years.

You don't say where you are in this country or others so that may be helpful on climate issues to prepare for. Good luck and let us know how it works out!

Wayne

[Buckster]

I would change all the fluids or have the bike serviced-that's a long time of just sitting there. Some of the fluids could have become contaminated with moisture including the gas-not good.
Good luck.

[boxermania]

If the deal is made....ride around the owners house to get familiar with the bike. For 180 mile tri I would look for a friend and a trailer to return home. If that is absolutely not possible, ride it home after a good ckeckup, listen and learn the bike durng the trip.

As mentioned in the posts above I would chnage all fluids and filters once I get home. There is a lot of info here that can be of help to you.

Best wishes and god luck

[cswett]

thanks for your help == I've been riding a K75 for about a year but have oil head lust in my heart. I won't be able to trailer it home, but will take it easy. If I pull the trigger today won't pick it up for another week, so you guys will have more time to offer advice, if you see fit.
Gracias

[RVC7]

Bought my '02 home last July. It was about 300 miles away. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect when I checked it over so I rented a special motorcycle trailer from Uhaul for about $19.00 and got a couple of tie downs for about $10.00. It turns out the front tire was in bad shape and it rained pretty hard on the way home. I'm glad I brought it home that way. Good luck and enjoy!

[owldaddy]

Something not mentioned yet is those darn wire ties on the wiring loom coming down the steering head, get some cutters and loosen up that loom before the overly tight condition causes trouble with your electrics. Check the thread called
"Starting problems" This is a MUST and should be done ASAP. Doesn't cost anything to do it either, that's the best part, if you don't do it, your going to have trouble later.

[Boxer]

Being a 2004, it probably has a maintenance free battery..That is, no water to put in it. IF NOT...That battery could be as dry as a 60 year old widowed school teacher.

Don't even bother checking the brake and clutch fluids through the windows, Just get that old stuff out of there...Front brakes, rear brakes, and clutch line.

Oh! And don't forget to put fresh air in the tires.

[towerworker]

And check the antifreeze in the radiators.

[stevedore]

Bought my 04 two years ago on Ebay. The owner lived in Nashville.I flew from Fort Lauderdale, completed the purchase and drove it home. Only snag was a flat tire when I ran over something in the road. BMW of Atlanta really helped me out , great folks. +1 on checking the fluids but if it seems to run OK during a test drive you should be fine.

[Sunbeemer]

Bought my '02 in Mississippi that had been sitting for a year + when the owner had a new battery installed to sell it. I changed the oil, fixed a windshield wellnut that had popped loose, checked it over and rode it home 750 miles. It was a good way to get acquainted with it!