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Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 8:46 am
by jbtex
Hello from rainy Texas! I am new to the forum and baring any issues will be a new owner of a 2003 R1150R tomorrow. I am excited about the bike.

I do have a couple of questions and would love input before signing the papers tomorrow.

The bike is visually in immaculate condition and has only 18,000 miles on it. I test rode it, and it handled very well.

The bike must have been sitting for a while in the showroom. The battery had a tough time getting the motor cranking. The dealer will be replacing it before I pick it up, so that's a non-issue.

However, I also noted a spot on the showroom floor of some oily discharge. It must have been sitting there for a while. When I pointed it out, I was told that those bikes do that, so I thought I better ask here to see if the salesman was accurate or if it is an indicator of a more serious issue.

What else should I be looking before finalizing the purchase?

I am looking forward to picking it up tomorrow and becoming a frequent participant on the forum.

Appreciate your input!

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 7:11 pm
by Sunbeemer
:? :?:

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 7:12 pm
by Sunbeemer
Sorry I was not able to reply sooner, maybe it's too late, but anyway, no beemer leaks oil anywhere, that's what Harley's are known for.
Where was the leak on the floor, under the engine, transmission, or final drive (rear end)?

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2018 8:08 am
by jbtex
Appreciate the comments, Rich!

I'm scheduled to pick up the bike this morning. I checked this out a bit more and it is definitely a concern. The spot on the floor seemed to be directly under the engine, but by the time I noticed it, the salesman had moved it out of the showroom floor spot it was sitting in.

I will inspect the underside closely to see if there are any wet spots on any of the seals, or discoloration from any potential leakage. I got input from someone else stating that there is a small hole at the bottom of the clutch housing which is a drain for the oil or transmission fluid that could be coming from the rear crankshaft or the transmission input shaft. Didn't seem to be too much of a concern to see some wetness there, but pointed out the same that real leaks are an issue.

I don't mind dealing with an older bike with potential issues, as long as I know what they are and don't cost more than the bike to address them. :)

I'll take another thorough look at it before signing. Thanks for the input! Truly appreciate it!

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 5:26 am
by riceburner
Oil leaks into the clutch housing would (to me) be a deal breaker.

Replacing those seals is an all-day, gearbox out job and will cost you thousands at a dealer, or hours of your own time.

IF the leak is from the rubber boot around the final drive - that's less of a worry (to my mind).

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 10:50 am
by Bogdan
Maybe BMWs don't leak but these models often seep if you're using synthetic oil. The previous owner of my ride used dyno oil but I went synthetic after purchase - as that's what I prefer. Oil appeared in places along the large vertical seal. I went 5k miles before the next change and the seep/leak wasn't enough to necessitate adding oil. However...it made me nervous. I thought once an avenue was established, the flow could get worse. Don't know if that's true. One experienced wrench told me that is a why RTs, with their farings, are preferable - you don't notice stuff like that. Anyway....I now use dinosaur oil and see no leaks/seeps.

A puddle under the bike - even a small one -is another matter. Deal breaker ?

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 5:32 pm
by Photoguy
For the record, my 2003 doesn't leak oil. The garage floor is nice and clean under the bike (at least oil free). FWIW, they do spit water from the exhaust seep hole near the cat on the left side... but that doesn't look oily.

Anyway, congratulations, it's a great bike. Enjoy!.

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 7:09 pm
by towerworker
My '04 with 93K has never leaked oil. But your leak may be something as simple as a very slightly loose drain plug or oil filter. As others have pointed out some other leak locations can get expensive. But tell your salesperson that "they DON'T all do that". I've had two with a combined total of near 150K and never was there an oil leak.

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 9:03 pm
by Hyja1
Never an oil leak in 16 years aside from a weeping oil fill cap.... Dont know if synthetic oil would have created any problems but i’m using dyno oil and don't see myself changing.

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2018 9:03 pm
by Hyja1
Never an oil leak in 16 years aside from a weeping oil fill cap.... Dont know if synthetic oil would have created any problems but i’m using dyno oil and don't see myself changing.

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2018 8:57 am
by sykospain
These bikes don't leak oil - absolutely.
Salesman moves bike from original place thus removing the evidence.
Say no...
If you haven't signed yet.
Regards and welcome to the forum.
AL in s.e. Spain

Re: Howdy from Texas - Request for Input Before Purchase

Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2018 8:04 pm
by Biff's R
No leaks from under the engine in 87k miles on the silver R and none in the 17k on the red r. I used Mobil 1 oil the whole time. I did have some leak from forgetting to put the fill cap on once. LOL