Trade it or keep it??

[John Brase]

I went to the dealer for new tires for my '78 R100RS yesterday. While waiting I became rather enamored with a new R1150RS on the floor. It is a leftover '03 and the dealer acts like he wants to be rid of it. He quoted $12,995 and offered $4,000 trade in for my RS.

Since having both bikes is probably out of the question financially, I need some advice, like what is my '78 really worth? Its gold, repainted about four years ago, one owner, 60k on the clock (but the speedo was not working for a couple years) well maintained. New motor two years ago (long story, but I blew 'er up), new clutch at the same time, new tires and wheel bearings (yesterday) and a new Mayer saddle (if it ever arrives). Short version is that I think this is a very good bike. But, I sure like that new fangled one.

So, what do you all think?

John

[Braddog]

From what I've read on these boards, and from what the word is on the streets, airheads are appreciating in value. It sounds like you've got a pretty good one, there John.

However, the new RS wouldn't be a bad idea at all, either. I'd say figure out a way to acquire/keep both of them. $4000 on a trade? That means that street value is probably in excess of $5000, right? I bet you could whittle them down a bit if you didn't offer your RS as a trade.

My $.02 (and you know what that's worth!( :wave

[DarrylRi]

First of all, go over to the IBMWR Marketplace (http://www.ibmwr.org/market) and watch it for a while to see what your bike model, or models like it, are asking. You can look on ebay, too, which has the advantage that you can actually see what things are selling for.

You should also test ride the R1150RS. It's a pretty different feel from an airhead. Before you get on it, prepare to be seduced by the power, the brakes, the tire grip, and the suspension. Then try to ignore that. Any "modern" bike will be worlds ahead of your airhead in those areas. (You could buy an SV650 for a lot less and still get huge improvements.)

The question you're really trying to answer is, will you be happy on this bike more than you'll miss your airhead a couple years from now. It's impossible to know, but that's what I would have in the back of my mind.

I've already done this once. I sold off my R80 when I bought my R1100RS, 11 years ago. I do miss the R80, but for me, the R11RS was a good bike to get, and it has been a wonderful travelling partner over the years.

[lkchris]

A '78 RS--unless it's a Motorsport with all the right numbers--isn't worth $4K.

This is just your dealer trying to make you feel good, and, of course, the only number that matters is the ultimate price.

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Airhead values to increase.

They're not plummeting like K-bike values, of course.

New parts on an old bike make little to no difference on its resale value, and "custom" seats may even reduce it.

The Oilhead is a MUCH better bike--as long as you can stand the seat and the brakes.

[lorazepam]

If you are getting the 0.9 deal on financing and 5 payments, you could try to sell the airhead on your own and apply that to the payments.

I love my R1150RS, and if you have both, you can ride and appreciate both generations of this fine ride. I would vote to keep it so you arent doing what 90% of us do. "I had one of those and sold it, sure wish I had kept it now."

[R100RS]

I love my airhead RS. I'd never want to part with it. If at all possible, get 'em both!

Otherwise, I think $4k is a fair price on a 78 and don't think you could get a whole lot more for it (if any) on the private market. With the trade, there's no hassle.

[whicks]

Having just acquired an R1150 RT to go with my R80RT,I think the next thing I'll do is start a special savings account to pay my tickets with.After 20 years of Airhead riding,the power is addictive! The ABS could save your life,as long as they keep working.Try and keep them both,but if you are like me,you probably won't ride the old bike much!

[mt4jim]

In my opinion, you could do a lot better with a well maintained, late model used R1150 or 1100 that runs well (no surge). Some of these bikes were better than others. Best way of knowing if the bike is one of the "good" ones is to have a previous owner go to the trouble of sorting it out. AND, it reduces the price you pay enought to keep that Airhead RS!

I'd recommend you keep both for a year or two and then sell the one you ride the least (if you must).

[John Brase]

You guys talked me into it. I did the deal today, and I'm keeping the '78, for a while at least.

I whined a little, and reminded the sales guy that at the end of the month he needs to pay inventory tax (again) on the bike. So he sweetened the deal by agreeing to sell me the system bags at his cost. They will deliver it next week.

I'm still going to ride the airhead to the rally - maybe with a "For Sale" sign on it. Maybe not.

Thanks for all the advice. My wife thanks you too. :mad

John

[James.A]

Having just acquired an R1150 RT to go with my R80RT,I think the next thing I'll do is start a special savings account to pay my tickets with.

That's why I no longer own an oilhead.

[lorazepam]

You guys talked me into it. I did the deal today, and I'm keeping the '78, for a while at least.

I whined a little, and reminded the sales guy that at the end of the month he needs to pay inventory tax (again) on the bike. So he sweetened the deal by agreeing to sell me the system bags at his cost. They will deliver it next week.

I'm still going to ride the airhead to the rally - maybe with a "For Sale" sign on it. Maybe not.

Thanks for all the advice. My wife thanks you too. :mad

John


You could always trade the the '78 for a F650 for the wife. Then she could ride with you.

[The_Veg]

I'm really surprised that the dealer even entertained the notion of taking an Airhead in trade, let alone a 27-year-old one!

But it sounds like you're gonna get the joys of both worlds and I am envious!

[bikerfish1100]

gee, surprised everyone missed the fine print Its gold . that makes it a European version RS, = to or better than a Motosport in terms of original collectibility. 40mm heads, maybe kick-start, probably oil cooler, probably lower ratio rear end, probably 4way flasher. unfortunately, with the repaint, it probably dropped a touch in value. if you can keep it, it would be good, as it is a more rare model of that vintage than most. do not trade it for a F650.

[Yockyrides]

My guess is that a well maintained airhead R bike is maintaining value at very least. When I stopped into a local dealer for a couple of oil filter sets, he made a beeline for my 83R65 in the parking lot and immediately asked if I was interested in selling. The bike looks good but has obviously been ridden. He was out of luck though. I love it too much.

[magwa]

that you *were* able to keep both bikes. Good move. I am lucky to have the R100RS in the stable with the '04 R1150RS. I, too, jump on the Oilhead almost every time I want to ride. Butt *almost* is the key word here.

When I go out to the garage, my gaze always falls first on the Airhead. I say, "I'm riding that bike next weekend." Weekend comes, Oilhead hits the road.

For that once in a while time that my brain cells gell properly, the R100RS is a winner. And for that time you have a friend rider that you trust and who happens by in a cage, great to share the wealth.

I absolutely love the Oilhead RS. Butt there's something special in the relationship between me and the Airhead. Bummer, too. I'd kind of like to sell her. Butt it would be like selling my dog.

[Stuff2C]

When I enter the garage the choice is hard-hitting, the 1200GS or is it the F650 Dakar what about the R80RS. When the RS wins the coin toss there are no regrets. That 20-year-old bike still turns heads and puts a BIG ASS SMILE on my face. Other bikes may come and go, but the RS has a permanent home.
:heart

[bobw]

I feel the same about my '94 GS. It is a real blast to ride. The LT is nice and really handles well for a big bike but the GS is simply a lot of fun. I don't anticipate ever selling it.