This will make you crazy

[nealart]

Check it out:

http://tinyurl.com/5pqt6g

[shire2000]

Using today's currency rates, 1750 British Pounds = $2,621.70 US or $3,219.48 Cdn. Now, IF the bike is really as nice as the description and IF you can get a good deal on Trans-Atlantic shipping, then it could turn out to be an excellent purchase.
A couple of big IF's.

I know of a few people who have done this with British Bikes, but we all know those guys are a bit crazy to begin with. :laugh

[nealart]

I don't think it makes sense to ship one, but I guess the Brits are not into old BMWs.

Here is another one:

http://tinyurl.com/68hp9a

[kstoo]

Some would argue that that is not what made me crazy but that could push me over the edge.


The second one is $1728.44.

If I could get my Cherokee to pull the trailer accross the Atlantic ......

[shire2000]

Actually, the Brits are into old BMWs and a lot of other old margues. There are lots of old ones on the road over there and with their MOT testing every year, they tend to be in pretty good condition.

I just checked with a shipping company and got a quote of $750 Cdn to crate and airfreight the bike to Vancouver Canada. That would bring the price to approx. $4000 Cdn. That is still a good price for the bike, if it is in good mechanical condition. A good RS sells around here from $6000 and up, depending on condition. Pristine condition is around $9,000Cdn.

I don't understand why BMW bike values in Canada are so much higher than the USA. We tend to put more miles/kilometers on our bikes, ride them harder, and pay way more for the priviledge to do so. That is why I am always on the lookout for a good deal south of the border. Maybe it is time to start looking farther.

:ca

[RJM2096]

Nice cycle!

How does one know that this is not just a con. Often cars and motorcyle that seem to good to be true are just that.

[shire2000]

Well, Rob, you don't know. I have developed a few good friendships with people in other countries and chat with them about some of my purchases, prior to making an offer. I have purchased just over 200 motorcycles from the USA and brought them all home to Canada, over the past 5 years. No, I don't keep them all, I fix them up and sell them.

Usually what I will do is arrange for one of my respected friends to go and have a look at the bike, or parts I am interested in. If all checks out (including appropriate paperwork if need be), then an offer is made and I forward the funds to my friend who then makes the deal. Usually the friends gets a small remittance for his/her time and effort.

I have some good friends in England and will be looking into maybe importing a couple of bikes. You usually can get a better deal on the shipping if you can crate a couple of bikes together.

Also, I think that with the way the economy is going right now, you will start to see some very good deals on some pristine vehicles. People will be unloading their "excess" inventory of stuff sitting int he garage. If you are well positioned monitarily, you can maybe get that special bike or car that you have always dreamed about.

[nealart]

Here is one you can flip in Canada and get some gambling in too!

http://reno.craigslist.org/mcy/923381988.html

[AnnapolisAirhead]

Here is one you can flip in Canada and get some gambling in too!

http://reno.craigslist.org/mcy/923381988.html

Nealart, when I can finally afford to look seriously for an RT are you for hire to located one?
Of course, I'd want a portrait of it painted please. :stick

Seriously though, I'm thinking the one in Reno would clean up nicely.

[OHScot]

It won't do you any good in North America it drives on the right. :stick

[nealart]

Nealart, when I can finally afford to look seriously for an RT are you for hire to located one?


Ha. I think I need to shop around for a pickup truck that gets good gas mileage.

Every time I find a good deal it's at least 1000 miles away.

[R90S]

I wrote to the seller and received a prompt reply about the serial number.

Numbers match. Built in 8/76 for Euro market.

[shire2000]

The one in Reno looks ok, but to put it on the market here I would have to remove the trunk, replace the seat and the centre stand with stock items. People up here prefer the stock stands and seats on airheads. That would just be for starters. Have no idea about the mechanicals and the paint looks a bit shabby. I have picked up better units of similar vintage for much less.

While on a trip down the Oregon coast, last spring, I came across a much nicer 1979 RT with 15K on it, that was completely stock. Asking price was only $1700. Bought it, called my brother-in-law to start driving down with the cube van while I scouted out a few more. Brought back the following, 1980 R100RT, 1979 R100RT, 1981 R65LS, 1984 R80RT and a ratty 1977 R80 that we fixed up as a rat bike for my brother-in-law's girlfriend to learn to ride on, again. Total cost of the bikes was less than $8000. Total cost of driving the van down and return was $400 in fuel. Total cost of fixing the bikes up was around $5000 for all bikes except the R80 rat bike. That one is going thru a transformation this winter. Sold the other 2 R100RTs for $6500 and $8000, the R65LS went to someone I knew wanted one for $5000 and the R80RT went for $5500. Total profit was over $10,000. I don't count my labour as I do it as a way to support my hobby of riding old Airheads.

I enjoy wrenching on these old beasties, and the wife usually knows where to find me. Out in the shop getting dirty. At least she knows I don't chase other women and hang out in bars.

There's lots of good airheads out there just waiting for a good home. I aim to keep finding them and getting them back in loving hands. These bikes were made for riding, not sitting in the garage or barn most of their lives. It hurts me to see them with such low miles on them. Get those wheels turning and change the fuel in the tank as often as you can.

:ca

[AnnapolisAirhead]

The one in Reno looks ok, but to put it on the market here I would have to remove the trunk, replace the seat and the centre stand with stock items. People up here prefer the stock stands and seats on airheads.

That's a Reynold's Ride-Off center stand. Each to their own, but I ride my bike everywhere and every chance I get and while its obviously not a stock center stand, it is a major convenience on my bike and they don't make them anymore. One inconvenience is changing a tire on the side of the road, so I carry a clear fir 14" 2x4 to get enough lift.

If you buy it, I'd buy the Ride-Off stand from you. I guess I'm attracted to those bike that look like they are headed to pasture. I enjoy wrenching on them too, lots to learn for me. The Reno bike is (I think) a somewhat unusual color combination mentioned in the BMW Twins Restoration Guide (Ian Falloon). I believe the snowflakes were also tinted that antique gold color. Anyway, that and the low mileage are what makes that an interesting bike for me--and its an RT. He is the third owner, bought from an older gent who sold it after sitting for 5 years. The current owner has had it running for about a month and is commuting with it now. I always wonder about the history--unless you are sitting on the bike, its hard for me to assess.

It's a good damned thing I don't have a lot of discretionary income, I'd be tripping over bikes.

[shire2000]

Yes, lots of people love the Reynold's ride-off stands. Myself, I prefer the stock one. I like being able to get that front wheel off the ground, or the rear one if need be. I put a lot of long distance miles on my RT and only use the standard panniers to pack stuff in. I prefer not having to find room for a chunk of 2x4. But that is personal preference. I also prefer the stock side stand, while others like the Brown's. What ever floats yer boat.

I think I will pass on that Reno bike right now. Still have 3 bikes in the garage to finish and 2 more waiting for pickup in Seattle.