How high is too high?

Birch71 · 04-22-2013, 01:53 PM

Hi!

Long time lurker here...

After being off bikes since high school, looking to get back on! I've been looking at Triumph Thunderbird Sports or Sprints, but stumbled across an R1100S and I'm in lust.

There's a high mileage one nearby. Like 110,000 mi high. I know that's middle age for a well treated boxer, but what about everything else? I asked about final drive, clutch, but not sure what else to ask?

With 50,000 mi bikes going for $4-5k, what is a good price? Wondering if this is a decent pick up since I'm a touch rusty and might have a drop or three.

Also, as a side note, I'm 6'3" with some long arms. I fit well on a Sprint 1050, and the ergos seem similar. Can anyone comment on this too?

Thanks so much!

VetteRacer · 04-22-2013, 02:37 PM

Is it stock? Whats the maintenance history?
Mine is sitting around 80k miles, around 65k my driveshaft let loose because it wasn't reinstalled properly during maintenance (wasn't snapped in). Thats the only major issue that its had.
Cant comment on clutch.. or Sprint. I am 6'1" and have the low bars on mine, fits well.

Dealer has an 02 Prep with 70k miles & luggage (appears to be missing seat cowl) for $4k. Based on that I would say $3k is a realistic starting price, based off what goodies is has...
Goodluck, you will likely be happy with getting one of these, they are great bikes.
Matt

CoffeeGuy · CoffeeGuy's Garage

$3,000-$3,750 depending on farkles, condition, etc.
I wouldn't worry too much about mileage, it really just shows the bike was ridden and cared for.

136,700 on mine.

lht · 04-22-2013, 03:44 PM

Unless the drive train has been gone over you are going to have some expensive bills coming up. U-joints, paralever bearings, trans output shaft seal, clutch slave cly. ,
clutch assy.

BMW engine good, drive train BAD.

brentw1 · brentw1's Garage

+1 power train, and you should check cam chain guides and compression,
as far as ergos, I have a sprint 1050 which is a good bike, My r1100s has
has ohlins as does the 1050

sprint is faster, uses the driver for the radiator,
obnoxious primary gear noise, ride is more touring
springs seem softer, with barbacks and taller 07-09 bars it has
about the same reach as the r1100s with the dog bar backs
I have short legs so the peg placement on both is ok .

the r1100s with the ohlins, shorter torque arm. handles well.
not as fast as the sprint with the stock tune, does not use the rider as part of the
cooling system. motor not as smooth as the triple,

I prefer the sorted out brakes on the sprint, I have a 04 1100s
the whizzy brakes are a bit unpredictable.

I dont think one really replaces the other, but they have a similar mission,
as far as handling my sprint is very well set up, both are very neutral in cornering
if properly set up.

the r1100s is better for warmer weather, the sprint provides good cold
weather protection.

RBMann · 04-23-2013, 08:01 AM

If the one you are looking at with 110,000+ miles has the stock clutch then a new one is in the near future. For the price of the bike and a clutch replacement you could get a very nice low mileage bike.

Sideshow_S · 04-23-2013, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBMann

If the one you are looking at with 110,000+ miles has the stock clutch then a new one is in the near future. For the price of the bike and a clutch replacement you could get a very nice low mileage bike.

Or not? My 147K bike is running the stock clutch.

RBMann · 04-23-2013, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sideshow_S

Or not? My 147K bike is running the stock clutch.

Cool. From the three examples I have opened up and measured 100,000 is my guess for life span. Of course your #s will very.

Birch71 · 04-24-2013, 10:20 AM

Bike looks great in pictures, and there is a lot of service records. Going to have a look this week.

Organic Mechani · Organic Mechani's Garage

I pulled the trigger on a r1100rs with 114k on the clock and have not had a single regret yet about it. I was in the dark about the service history, and the internals and what kind of shape this was really in. I pulled valve covers off after the titles were traded, and was happy to find that everything looked new in side, no varnish stains of any sort, looked fresh! Moral of the story, high miles usually mean it was owned by an enthusiast, these bikes dont get high mileage by some one neglecting them. Dont be scared, they are not that bad to work on either...

Birch71 · 04-24-2013, 04:35 PM

Kinda what I am thinking. It's a base bike, no bags, heated grips or center stand.

Figure if I ride it for a year and really like it, I can look for a well farkled low mileage peach and rack up any loss to a lease fee.

Birch71 · 04-25-2013, 07:26 AM

Went for a quick spin. It was a little tight in the hips, so I think the lower pegs would help that.

Mechanically sound, but cosmetically showed its 111k miles. On second clutch and had major service over the winter.

Could tell how light and flickable this bike can be.

Owner said the shocks might need replacing soon. Any ballpark on that cost? No need for Ohlins on this one.

Headers are almost black and there's some surface rust and scratches.

Steve Carlton · 04-25-2013, 07:51 AM

Honestly, I think this strategy is penny-wise and pound-foolish. You're looking at a bike with a high risk of a failure that can exceed the purchase price. Doesn't even sound good, cosmetically. So, unless you're buying it for (say) $1,500 or so, you'll have a good chance of getting buried in it. For not much more than even $4-5K you can get a much younger bike with a lot more life in it. Also look for one with the options you'd want (ABS, luggage, exhaust, etc).

A job worth doing is worth doing right. Invest more and minimize your downside.

JonyRR · 04-25-2013, 07:56 AM

How high is too high?
I don't think I've ever been too high , cough, cough, burble, cough....
Just kidding.
Seriously, there are so many cherry, farkled 1100S's out there for around the same price.
These thing's ain't a japsikkle. Find one that's virgin and buy it...you will thank yourself endlessly later.

Birch71 · 04-25-2013, 08:27 AM

Went for a quick spin. It was a little tight in the hips, so I think the lower pegs would help that.

Mechanically sound, but cosmetically showed its 111k miles. On second clutch and had major service over the winter.

Could tell how light and flickable this bike can be.

Owner said the shocks might need replacing soon. Any ballpark on that cost? No need for Ohlins on this one.

Headers are almost black and there's some surface rust and scratches.

Birch71 · 04-25-2013, 09:44 AM

To be honest, if I could get it for $2k, I would strongly consider it.

At least around here, the decent ones are offered for $6k+ w/o bags.

But I did like it a lot. Drop the pegs and I'm set.

Organic Mechani · Organic Mechani's Garage

Do it--

VetteRacer · 04-25-2013, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birch71

To be honest, if I could get it for $2k, I would strongly consider it.

At least around here, the decent ones are offered for $6k+ w/o bags.

But I did like it a lot. Drop the pegs and I'm set.

At that price I would say its probably worth it... If they want more than that, take a look at the one at BMW of San Diego, $4k, less miles, luggage... And a fun ride from SD to Chicago!

Goodluck! And welcome to the brotherhood

Matt