How to Buy an lder BMW ver the Telephone

In 1981, I published an article in BMW Owners News regarding how to buy a classic BMW long distance (-/2, -/5, -/6 etc). In it, I included a list of telephonic questions a prospective purchaser can use.

The point of these questions was to enable someone interested in buying an older BMW motorcycle that is far away from him/her to gather enough information so as to know whether to continue on or not.

The next step would be to ask for photographs of the motorcycle in question. One technique I have used is to send the seller a blank roll of 35mm film, ask him-or-her to expose the entire roll taking near and far shots from every possible angle, and return it to me unprocessed in an envelope I provide. It costs the seller nothing, but allows you to get a pretty good look at the bike.

Jeff Dean
November 5, 1995

Update notes: I have used the list below numerous times since I wrote it in 1981. It has worked pretty well, so I have changed little. If readers have suggestions for changes or improvements, let me know and I will include them. Thanks!

In the computer age of today, sending 35mm film can be avoided if the seller can send you digital “.JPG” photographs of the motorcycle under discussion. My, how things have changed since 1981!

Jeff Dean — jeff.dean@att.net
July 4, 2000

GENERAL

• What is your asking price for the bike?
• Is the motorcycle registered legally in your state?
• What is the year of the motorcycle listed on the title?
• How long have you owned the bike? How many previous owners?
• Does the bike have the original speedometer?
• Does the speedometer work correctly? Does the needle jump?
• What is its odometer mileage? Is that the original mileage?
• Does the bike have BMW stock mufflers? If not, what kind?
• Does the bike have stock BMW handlebars?
• What tires does the bike have on it? How much wear left on them?
• Does the bike have a complete tool kit?
• Does the bike have its owner's manual? Other manuals?
• Does the bike have its original fork-lock keys?
• Does anyone hold a lien on the bike, or are there other owners?
• What spare parts and accessories come with the bike?
• Slash-2 models: Is the bike an Earles-fork or telescopic model?
• Slash-5 models: Is the bike long-swing-arm or short; 4- or 6-gallon gas tank?
• Slash-6 models: Does the bike have a kick starter?

• Does the bike have its original paint, or has it been repainted?
• What condition is its paint overall?
• Is its pin-striping all intact?
• Is any of the chrome pitted or rusted?
• Is there rust anywhere: wheel covers, air cleaner, wheel rims, handlebars, handlebar clamps, rear shocks?
• Are there in dents in its sheet-metal parts?
• Does the bike have a stock BMW saddle? What kind? Is the cover original? If the cover is original, what condition is the seat cover--torn, cut, threadbare? Does it have the passenger grab-strap? If the bike has wide dual saddle, does it have chrome rear-quarter handles?
• Do you know if the bike has ever fallen down or been in an accident?
• Have the pretensioning levers on the rear shocks been cut off?
• Is the plastic cover over the ignition keyhole in place (/2 & /5)?

• What problems have you encountered with the bike during your ownership?
• What work does the bike need done to it now?
• Does the bike start easily when cold? Warm?
• Does the clutch slip under hard acceleration?
• Do all gears engage smoothly and correctly?
• Have you had the brake pads inspected? Do you know how much wear is left on them?
• Does the front end wobble at any speed?
• Does the bike have BMW stock exhaust pipes? Have you ever removed them? Do you know the condition of the exhaust threads?
• Do you know if any seals leak: rear main, transmission, drive shaft housing, rear drive unit?
• Do you know if any gaskets leak: cylinder bases, oil pan?
• Does the bike have the original Everbest fuel petcock or a replacement?
• Did you keep all your service and repair records on the bike? Would I be permitted to see them?

• Does the generator charge the battery correctly?
• Does the bike have the original BMW headlight?
• Does the bike have the original BMW taillight?
• What kind of battery does the bike have? How old is it?
• Does the bike have the stock BMW horn?
• Does the bike have Hella bar-end turn signals?

• Does the bike have a BMW original rear-view mirror(s)?
• Does the bike have crash bars? If so, what kind?
• Does the bike have saddlebags? If so, what kind and condition?
• Does the bike have a fairing? If so, what kind and condition?
• Does the bike have an accessory (aftermarket) sidestand? What kind?