Start the bike or no?

[jlaban]

I'm trying to sell a '94 K1100RS. I'm in Maine and it is cold; currently 8ºF. When, and if a prospect shows and wants the bike started, should I?

It certainly is reasonable to want to see/hear the machine run. I am, however, aware of advice not to start and idle the bike, for short periods, because of condensation concerns. Snow and ice prevent taking it for a ride.

My inclination is to permit a start if the prospect is truly interested, ie; wants an RS, is comfortable with ride position, price, weight, etc. If simply investigating, I'm averse.

Talk to me.

John

[queretaro]

I like your reasoning, if the prospect is truly interested you must start it. Otherwise there is no sale.
good luck,
Mark

[r11rs94]

I'm trying to sell a '94 K1100RS. I'm in Maine and it is cold; currently 8ºF. When, and if a prospect shows and wants the bike started, should I?

It certainly is reasonable to want to see/hear the machine run. I am, however, aware of advice not to start and idle the bike, for short periods, because of condensation concerns. Snow and ice prevent taking it for a ride.

My inclination is to permit a start if the prospect is truly interested, ie; wants an RS, is comfortable with ride position, price, weight, etc. If simply investigating, I'm averse.

Talk to me.

John

Yes I would if the above criteria is met.

[billpierce]

It certainly is reasonable to want to see/hear the machine run. I am, however, aware of advice not to start and idle the bike, for short periods, because of condensation concerns.
John

As long as you let the engine come up to full temp for a few minutes any water will evaporate out of the oil.

[MotorradMike]

From the little I know about K bikes, the engine is the most bulletproof part!

I'd want to take it for a ride. It's only 5 weeks to possible ride weather, do you have to sell it in the dead of Winter?

[jlaban]

No Mike, I don't, but I'd like to.

John

[BubbaZanetti]

not a big deal, IMO, to do this once or twice for an interested prospect.

again, just let it warm to operating temp for a bit if you have moisture concerns.

[jlaban]

I appreciate the responses.

John

[GlobalRider]

I'm trying to sell a '94 K1100RS. I'm in Maine and it is cold; currently 8ºF. When, and if a prospect shows and wants the bike started, should I?

Only if, and that is if you care about your motorcycle:


You pre-heat the engine oil. Place a 1500W box fan heater pointing up under the engine block for at least an hour.
Disconnect the fuel pump connector and pre-oil the engine by cranking it over for at least 10 seconds. You better have a good battery.

[jlaban]

Well, it is interesting.

A fellow looked at the bike, liked it, but was surely disappointed when I balked at starting it... and I understood.

He called today and bought the bike. I think selling a bike in the north in winter has one advantage. It's that we are so into dreaming about riding and not being able to do it that taking the bait to buy is most tempting. Appetites are at a peak when food is withheld.

The buyer has nothing to worry about, it will start and run well. We'll see to that before money changes hands.

John

[nrpetersen]

Well, it is interesting.

A fellow looked at the bike, liked it, but was surely disappointed when I balked at starting it... and I understood.

He called today and bought the bike. I think selling a bike in the north in winter has one advantage. It's that we are so into dreaming about riding and not being able to do it that taking the bait to buy is most tempting. Appetites are at a peak when food is withheld.

The buyer has nothing to worry about, it will start and run well. We'll see to that before money changes hands.

JohnDo the guy a favor & preheat it before he picks it up. A cold start on an engine in which the oil has drained from everything tears hell out of the expensive wear surfaces. The bearings can take it, but it is the cylinder bores, cam & other incidentals lubed as a mist with spray from the crankshaft, and that takes a few minutes to develop - especially if the engine oil is summer weight.

Once the engine has been run recently & has the right weight oil, it isn't so critical. But if it has summer weight oil in it and has been sitting for a long time, you are pushing your luck.