Picking up a new (to me) bike next Tuesday
Discussion
I've been vaguely looking for a bike since I moved to California three years ago, with biggish bikes like BMW Boxers and FJR1300s on my Craigslist search list. I thought I'd made a reasonable offer on an FJR1300 on consignment at my local dealer last week, till the owner suddenly claimed (after it had been sitting on the dealer floor for a month) that he'd been offered $500 more but I was welcome to match it...
So instead, I've arranged to buy a 1999 R1100S on consignment outside Sacramento. I'll get an early flight on Tuesday, and the owner will meet me at the airport. Assuming it matches up to the description, I'll hand over the $3200 we've agreed and ride straight home to LA. Unfortunately I need to get home that day so it'll just be a 400 mile drone down the I-5, which is hardly the best way to get to know the new toy.
Final glorious touch - the Yamaha dealer called me yesterday to say the "other buyer" had "backed out", so I could have it for what I offered. Hopefully someone has learned a lesson about playing silly games instead of just making a counteroffer like a grown-up.
Photos and info to follow.
So instead, I've arranged to buy a 1999 R1100S on consignment outside Sacramento. I'll get an early flight on Tuesday, and the owner will meet me at the airport. Assuming it matches up to the description, I'll hand over the $3200 we've agreed and ride straight home to LA. Unfortunately I need to get home that day so it'll just be a 400 mile drone down the I-5, which is hardly the best way to get to know the new toy.
Final glorious touch - the Yamaha dealer called me yesterday to say the "other buyer" had "backed out", so I could have it for what I offered. Hopefully someone has learned a lesson about playing silly games instead of just making a counteroffer like a grown-up.
Photos and info to follow.
I like the R1100 S and the 1200 for that matter.
Presume that is an aftermarket screen, get the stock one fitted I reckon, they’re a real cool looking ‘sportster’ keep the touring gear in the garage if I were you.
Great front end feel, I remember test riding one on a damp October day in UK and thinking how sure footed it was on greasy leaf blown mornings…not that you’ll need that in LA!
Enjoy.
Presume that is an aftermarket screen, get the stock one fitted I reckon, they’re a real cool looking ‘sportster’ keep the touring gear in the garage if I were you.
Great front end feel, I remember test riding one on a damp October day in UK and thinking how sure footed it was on greasy leaf blown mornings…not that you’ll need that in LA!
Enjoy.
I always liked the R1100S. Not the fastest or the sharpest handling but a great "do it all" package.
That looks like a good one though the screen is a bit ... huge!
A weak spot on BMWs of that era was the drive shaft UJs. They're not on the service schedule so can run dry and eventually fall apart, often in an expensive way. Take the shaft out every couple of years and apply some grease to the UJs and you should be fine.
That looks like a good one though the screen is a bit ... huge!
A weak spot on BMWs of that era was the drive shaft UJs. They're not on the service schedule so can run dry and eventually fall apart, often in an expensive way. Take the shaft out every couple of years and apply some grease to the UJs and you should be fine.
Good point about the screen! The original is strapped to the pillion seat in the top photo, and I'll swap it at the weekend.
I was impressed with how well it handled the trip home. The bike seems to have a natural cruising pace of 80mph, and got 40ish US MPG, or around 50 Imperial MPG on the ride.
I was impressed with how well it handled the trip home. The bike seems to have a natural cruising pace of 80mph, and got 40ish US MPG, or around 50 Imperial MPG on the ride.
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