Thinking about an airhead...thoughts?

[Chocaholic]

There's a guy in Kentucky that has an R90S for a reasonable price. Looks nice, etc., but it's a 7+ hour drive each way and he only communicates via poorly written e-mails. Have given him my ph number, but won't use it. The IBMWR Marketplace: FS: 1974 BMW R90s.

Just don't feel like 14 hours of driving to find out it's a turd. Pics look nice though (except for that ridiculous windshield). Anyone happen to be near Owensboro, KY?






Nothing of interest that I could find in Atlanta.

The K13S is my workhorse (love that bike)...this would be a bike to tinker with, putt around on occasionally, but mostly just a novelty. Open to suggestions or leads. I don't care for the RT because of the huge fairing and sky-high windshield.

Nothing urgent, just an itch that will get scratched eventually. If anyone has a jewel collecting dust, drop me a line.

[speeder]

I think I've seen that one on ebay(?) I have r90s as a saved search. I really want a nice one but unfortunately, you get what you pay for on those. How much is it?

[Chocaholic]

4700. It was repainted 7 years ago, but looks like a nice job. If I was 20 years younger I wouldn't think about a 14 hour round trip to check it out. Not any more!

[VaSteve]

Eh....I don't have a jewel, but I have an R65 I'm planning to let go. I need to list it again.

[LakeCleElum]

If only it was a '69 R90s...........

[rfuerst911sc]

I think that is a decent price for what appears to be a nicely upgraded bike. I agree the road trip is risky but it just depends on how much does this bike interest you ? For 4k it would be a great buy..............so you have not been able to talk to him at all ?

[Chocaholic]

No. I called him, phone rang and rang, finally he answers. Very noisy background, static, etc. He asked me to call back in an hour. I did so. No answer. Left a VM asking him to call me back. Nada.

Could be an old man (good), could be a scam (bad), could be a garden-variety idiot (bad). I live an hour south of the Atl airport. Not sure I want to drive 7 hours each way to find out it's sold, no longer available or a POS.

Also, his ad indicates lots of work done to bike (rings, valves, timing chain, fork seals, spline lube, etc). Would like to know who did work since he lives in BF Kentucky.

Bottom line, I'm in no rush and I've learned over the years that it's a good idea to vett the owner a bit before hitting the road with a pocket full of cash. May have to let this one go.

[KFC911]

When I read the thread title, I immediately thought about one of my college roommates....she was cute and a lot of fun though

[herr_oberst]

The ad is extremely well written. That's a plus.

[jyl]

Price seems more than reasonable based on the ad. Maybe there's a local Pelican who could take a look for you.

[Chocaholic]

Starting to suspect scam. Inquired about source of work on bike. Mystery guy who moved away. When I called him, through the static and poor connection, I thought I detected an accent that didn't sound like Kentucky. When I left a voice message later, the recording was a very clear woman's voice. Interesting that he won't call me back and didn't answer when I called. Also, see email thread below. Anyone know how to do a picture search?

__________

Work and maintenance was done by a fellow BMW enthusiast. He's German living in the neighborhood but relocated to Spokane, WA a year ago. Depends on the timing. I am not willing to drive half way. Why not send a truck down here. Except you are worried about condition, this bike is in excellent shape. It only cost $480 to ship via Shipping Masters. You can pay PayPal and send a truck down here once funds clear.

Trevor

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Comcast
To: "bigtrevorcirle@juno.com"
Subject: Re: R90S
Date: Wed, 25 May 2016 08:32:37 -0400


Trevor, who did all the work on your bike?

I'm looking at a 14 hour round trip. Just need more info. Would you consider meeting part way?

On May 24, 2016, at 4:02 PM, "bigtrevorcirle@juno.com" wrote:

Depends on the timing. I usually prefer anytime on Saturday or Sunday. I'm at Owensboro, KY.

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Comcast
To: "bigtrevorcirle@juno.com"
Subject: Re: R90S
Date: Tue, 24 May 2016 15:38:01 -0400




Trevor...left you a VM. Pls call back when you can. Need to determine if I'm driving to Ky tomorrow to see your bike.

Thanks,
Mike


On May 24, 2016, at 12:55 PM, "bigtrevorcirle@juno.com" wrote:

Mike,

Yes, it was an excellent paint work. Yes, it comes complete bike bags. I'm in Owensboro, KY. Where are you located? I received another reply to this ad this morning and will hope to wrap up deal soon.

Cheers,
Trevor Cole
Owensboro, KY
859-740-1301
__________________________________________________ ______

[stomachmonkey]

First thing you do is a google search for the images.

Then you come up with https://motorcycles.yakaz.com/bmw-airhead-s-fairing for $7,300 in PA.

Now you need to start to consider which of the two ads are the scam.

Lack of communication and the more attractive price make me lean more towards one more than the other.

[Chocaholic]

UPDATE - figured out how to do an Image Search using Chrome. This guy is a scammer. Copied pics from a bike listed on a PA Craigslist ad from a month ago. How do people sleep at night? Very frustrating! Glad I didn't load up and drive to BF Kentucky!

Edit...Stomachmonkey, thanks. seems we posted about the same time. Pretty sure this is a scam. Just e-mailed to tell him I'm ready to make the trip. Asked for his address. We'll see...

[motion]

I always do a quick Google search of some text in the ad, to quickly see if its been lifted from another ad.

Search:

"Bike runs really great and has never let me down. Engine and tranny have both been gone through. Tranny upgraded with the shift kit. Engine was rebuilt with new rings, timing chain, and heads refreshed. With the refresh electronic ignition was added and the heads were dual-plugged."

You'll find a couple hits, along with an Ebay auction from PA. Pretty easy to see that something fishy is going on.

Sorry to hear it didn't work out for you. Nice bike.

[Chocaholic]

Great idea to check text. Just learned something. But losing faith in humanity! The thrill-of-the-chase continues!

[tevake]

Nice to get that one out of the way without a long trip. Good save S M.
Back to the quest

[wildthing]

He will say either he's out of town or bike unavailable. He will try to string you along as well as a few others and see who will bite the PayPal then ship.

[Baz]

Hey Mike - just read through your thread. Glad you were able to determine with the forum's help it was a scam.

My philosophy (as a buyer) has always been if the seller is unwilling to CLEARLY communicate - whether or not it's a scam - it's a deal breaker - especially on something like this.

That looked like a nice bike for the asking price though. Maybe followup on Steve's '80 R65? I think I remember seeing it and it's nice.

[Baz]

BTW, here's the original ad from eBay that was authentic that they copied from:

BMW R Series | eBay

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Just on principle alone I'd drive the 7 hours to hit him in the nuts with a tire iron...if he's really there.