New Airhead

[SkyRider]

I have always wanted a boxer. In fact, I was saving up to buy a recent one, perhaps a R1200R. Driving by the local dealer in PA, a 1983 R80RT caught my eye. That is when I joined this forum! Great info – I think the “Renegade” story put me on the right footing to be somewhat intelligent about what to look for.

I was on my way out of town and I would not be back for a few weeks. What a great opportunity to throw some chance into the equation, while away I would learn about this bike, and if it were still there when I got back, well, that could mean it was meant to be.

The big lesson I learned was that the dealer wanted way too much for the bike. It is one thing to negotiate 10% off, but how do start with an offer 30% off? Well, before we talked turkey, I had to ride it. That is the great thing about trying stuff that is new to you. All the strange sensations, the vibes, sounds, and handling. Some things make you cringe, and some things make you smile. This RT is a “wannabe” - it has the RS fairing. That is what attracted me in the first place; I just liked the shape of it and I do not like being in a bubble of turbulence behind the larger windscreens. This bike is beyond being concours, so who cares if the cuffs and collars don’t match. Plus, I am a sucker for snowflake wheels.

I took a liking to the stubby handlebars. Of course the effort is more, but they did put me at an angle that I am accustomed. The windscreen was perfect; my helmet was in clean air, but no blast on my chest. Acceleration is too strong a word, building up steam on the highway the whole bike seemed to settle down, no nasty vibes, the well worn Corbin saddle gave me the impression that I could spend all day at 70+ on this bike. Turning off the highway, I found a new to me, beautiful, PA back road. Sweeping turns, woods, and a stream off to the right – and the road kept going. Now that put a smile on my face – knowing I was on a classic boxer with the sport kit. I wish I had someone take a picture…

OK, so perhaps I was hooked, but, I AINT GOING TO PAY TOO MUCH FOR THIS BIKE! The salesmeister (I am learning German already) did not seem to mind that I was gone for so long, I think he had confidence. I had some confidence of my own - he was sitting on this bike for weeks, and I know the dealer to be reputable, they did not want to sell this bike to some know nothing kiddie/stunter type. For their piece of mind, they would prefer it to go to someone who had some idea of what they were getting in to. Being a retail dealer, I did throw them a bone. So, I paid $2300 for a $2000 bike. – by my reckoning. I am sure I will be back for parts, and when it comes time for the newer boxer, they will see me again.

A new story begins, and my K1100LT has a partner.

Cheers, Len S

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/lsmetona/R80/LensBMWR80RT_RS01.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/lsmetona/R80/LensBMWR80RT_RS03.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/lsmetona/R80/LensBMWR80RT_RS05.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g196/lsmetona/R80/LensBMWR80RT_RS14.jpg

[zoridog]

Nice bike! Enjoy.

[robsryder]

I have always wanted a boxer. ....OK, so perhaps I was hooked, but, I AINT GOING TO PAY TOO MUCH FOR THIS BIKE! .... So, I paid $2300 for a $2000 bike. – by my reckoning. ...

From your description and the pictures, I wouldn't say that you paid too much. I think that $2300 was quite a deal.

[SkyRider]

From your description and the pictures, I wouldn't say that you paid too much. I think that $2300 was quite a deal.

From what I have seen on eBay, slighter better bikes don't get much past $2k. Perhaps the economy? Anyway, we will see what maintenance lurks. Now that the bike is in my posession, can't wait to have a closer look.

cheers, Len S

[MIAirhead]

Buying a bike is like getting married. You can not explain why you like the one you wind up with sometimes. Its a spiritual thing, as long as you not paying thousand more the its worth, just relax and enjoy.

[robsryder]

From what I have seen on eBay, slighter better bikes don't get much past $2k. ...

My experience with eBay has been mixed. I've paid $400 for an airhead 5-speed transmission that turned out to be nearly worthless. I've also purchased a couple of good transmissions (good being relative as they still required disassembly and new bearings / seals, shift springs, etc. before I'd fully trust them).

Getting a bike that you could test ride first is worth quite a bit over buying one sight unseen. Also not having to ship a bike is an effective savings.

If you look at places like Re-Psycle BMW that sell airheads you'll see prices in the $4000 and up range. This is because they offer a sort of guarantee on their bikes and there is some confidence that the bike will work as promised. Low priced bikes on eBay might not be as reliable and require a lot of extra work to be road worthy.

I've had very good experiences in buying used airheads from local BMW dealers. The reason is that I like working on the bikes and the dealers realize that they can't put the labor / money into a used bike. I'm sure that the dealers don't pay much for the bikes that they buy or take in trade, but they do make a small profit. I am willing to buy bikes (after inspection) on an as-is basis. This keeps the costs down for me. Someone else might want to have the work already done, which could easily add a couple of thousand bucks to the cost.

So, I still think that the R80RS that you got was a good deal. And if you like it, it doesn't really matter what you paid, as long as you felt like it was worthwhile.

[SkyRider]

I've had very good experiences in buying used airheads from local BMW dealers. The reason is that I like working on the bikes and the dealers realize that they can't put the labor / money into a used bike. I'm sure that the dealers don't pay much for the bikes that they buy or take in trade, but they do make a small profit. I am willing to buy bikes (after inspection) on an as-is basis. This keeps the costs down for me. Someone else might want to have the work already done, which could easily add a couple of thousand bucks to the cost.

So, I still think that the R80RS that you got was a good deal. And if you like it, it doesn't really matter what you paid, as long as you felt like it was worthwhile.

Yup, Getting to see, ride and cursury inspect is worth dollars. The bike really did put a smile on my face, and I expect many more. I feel I got a good deal. I am no re-seller, but I do try to think of myself trying to sell the bike. I think a good price determiner is eBay. You can do a search and actually see what people are willing to pay. It can be an eye opener both ways, I have seen things get bid up to prices that I would not have expected, and, as is the case with the airheads, I was surprised to see them so low. But if I were selling it, I would have to let it go for the going price if I wanted it to sell. After "winning" stuff on eBay I have come to realize that my winning bid means I was willing to pay more than anyone else in the world.

I like working on motos myself, so, it would be nice if there was no surprises with my 26 year old purchase, but I won't cry about if something creeps up. But for now, I am going to enjoy riding! There are some issues with the bike, and I will make separate posts for them, in fact I'll make the first one tonight.

Cheers Len S

[boxermaf]

don't use fleabay as any sort of accurate metric for bike value .v.s. cost/price - there are many junkers there that sell for premiums, and occasionally, there are some very fair deals. There are almost no "incredible deals" on ebay as far as airheads go.

I would say that you got a very good bike for that money - I've paid more in private sales for a bike that was mechanically OK but in much worse cosmetic condition. Count yourself lucky and enjoy it, and be friendly to that dealer who gave you a good deal!