Should You Buy A HIGH MILEAGE Motorcycle? PART 2

The second look at our high mileage BMW we do an oil analysis and compare it to our Honda ST1300 which has 80% less mileage the BMW does. Do we keep the BMW or do we send it down the road? Is it Shot or Not? Should you spend your money on a bike with high mileage? We try to answer this question and have some fun along the way.
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[@tordarbast]

Excellent approach! I have a small machining shop for repairing stuff. I was contacted by a man about help fixing his Harley Davidson mc. This was some years ago.. he wanted to do the large service on it and wanted the cylinder foots machined for flatness and honing of the cylinders so he can exchange the piston rings. I got curious and asked how many km it had been used. He said I bought it new and have rode it 500 000 km. I asked you mean 50 000 km? No he said. I said shouldnt we bore the cylinders and change out the pistons as well? He said No I dont think its needed. Okeej??? I said come over and we have a look. I measured the wear on the cylinders and it was surprisingly minor wear, honed them on the good old Sunnen honing machine and I was quit satisfied with the outcome, the cylinder diameter got to be a little larger than nominal but not so much it will affect the outcome, also machined the cylinder foot and checked the pistons for abnormal wear at the ring lands and more. I was quite impressed with this bike and how he was able to ride so much on it here in Sweden because we have real winters half the year. He said I ride alot all year, winter and summer! Dont remember the model year, maybe he had it for 10 years something.. However it was a stock EVO engine.

[@psycotria]

Thanks for the oil analysis info. Liked and Subscribed.

[@_Everyone__]

Thanks for sharing your work and findings, I'm looking at a model like that and I needed to her this (with lower milage)

[@danpos1971]

Very interesting post. I bought a 1999 BMW R1100RT with 110,000km. So far I put 500km on it. I absolutely love this bike. I'm going to do a complete service on it soon. Also the cam chain tension update. Previous owner just did the Hall sensor and alternator belt. Plus all fluids, but not spline care. I was a little concerned about 110,000km until I started looking at other R1100RT's with double the mileage. I would repair the bike, and not worry about that wear. I hope you continue to do updates on the BMW. They are beautiful running bikes with the awesome 1100 boxer engine. I think you should do a complete series on this bike. Clock some amazing mileage! That will rub his nose in his silly comment.

[@johnny207]

What a wonderful channel, so informative. You’re gonna get huge, All the best from the UK.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks so much for liking & subscribing, new video out Friday!

[@tysoncott7402]

Really digging your content, i eat, sleep, & breathe motorcycle content like this.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

I appreciate the compliment, Thanks for Liking & Subscribing!

[@80sPhoenix]

Have the same, 2001 bought with 102K miles on the clock for 750£. Touring all Europe. Never lost a beat and I did replace nothing. They are real German Panzer if well cared. Saw some with over 250k miles on the clock still going like new.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the view! Be sure to check out what happened when this bike went on the Dyno kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo

[@grapevine99]

The small amount of nickel found in the BMW RT oil likely came from the nikasil (NiCom) lining of the cylinder wall.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Appreciate your comments, likes and subscription!

[@malcolmmathers2690]

ive had several older bmws never had any major issues with any off them i still have a 2010 f650 gs twin 800cc rotax motor it does have sketchy fueling system but corrects itself i think its a censor in injector body but on the whole they been good reliable rides the quality off componets is obvious and bmw carry parts for older models still. a bonus

[@philshawpercussion6482]

Great videos, with in-depth information, presented beautifully! Thank you for all your hard work. I'm the happy owner of a 2000 BMW R1100RT with 105,000k. Best bike I've ever owned and it will probably be the last. I love the bike more now than when I first bought it and considering the age I appreciate the engineering that makes this bike such a joy to ride. I'm 67yrs old and after an all-day ride, I find myself driving past the house because I'm not tired and still having fun. They have some quirks. The surging some people complain about is an easy fix on mine. Sinking the throttle bodies works every time. The most accessible bike I can think of to adjust the valves on. Easy to do regular maintenance on yourself. I hope you keep the Beemer. If the suspension is done, and it should be by now, don't spend nearly $2000 on replacement OME or aftermarket units. BMW says they can't be rebuilt, but they can, by very reputable shops right here in Canada and at less than half the cost. It is a tall bike and can feel heavy when stationary but once rolling, it feels light and handles very well at low speed as well as high-speed sweepers. It's no surprise that when you went looking for a high mileage bike it was a beemer of this vintage or even older. Many credit the 1974 BMW R90S as being the first sport touring motorcycle and the R1100RT is the progression at the time of that line. Fix the Beemer PLEASE!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the view Phil! Be sure to check out what happened when I put this bike on the Dyno kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo

[@jeffsappington9704]

Love this series, even though I'm late to the party. So many of these older motorcycles are still great rides. I currently ride a 2005 H-D Road King and a '98 Honda VFR 800 that I recently purchased and have worked my way through its condition. The example you provide of an oil analysis is brilliant and gives a fact-based look into the motor's condition. I understand some rider's hesitancy to purchase an older bike with high mileage (kilometerage?). I had an '85 Honda XR350R about 15 years ago. The bike ran great and was well taken care of by its previous owner. On a ride in the mountains of Colorado, the kickstart return spring snapped, floated around, and jammed in the oil pump, breaking the pump housing. I was able to limp the bike home. This is where I learned the term "indefinite backorder". This means the piece is no longer manufactured and won't be. I was able to get it running again, but ended up selling it cheap to someone just wanting something to tool about with. There's always that chance that a part will wear slowly, but at the wrong moment have a catastrophic failure. As an optimist, I always feel that will happen to someone else's bike, not mine. Cheers, Rod.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Hi Jeff Thanks for tuning in and be sure to check out what happened when I put this bike on the Dyno! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo

[@fkat28]

Thank you for your detail and scientific explanations. I accidentally left comments of this video onto your subsequent video on Hondas, so here it goes again: the motorcycle make and model you're asking us to guess is likely an early 2000 model of K1200RS or GT. I currently own a 2004 k1200gt and a 2017 RT, love them both. I also own various other BMWs in the process. Current collection also have Japanese bikes and a Harley. Love bikes.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Cool, thanks for the feedback & view. I have a new Honda video out today, I hope you will check it out!

[@garythompson7078]

Hi Rod. One thing you did not mention that is a common check item on these bikes. The alternator belt should be changed as they can fail and even wipe out the Hall sensor. Water also gets past the seal as it is behind the front wheel. This can kill the Hall sensor too. Hope this helps.

[@garythompson7078]

@The_Grouchy_Old_Man Any of the Boxers from this period.

[@JR-bj3uf]

I used to get the Ion Butt Association's newsletter. I remember an article that talked about a test of a high mileage Honda ST1100. A local long distance riding club in Europe had purchased the bike with well over 180,000 km showing then they loaned it out to group members. The only thing the bike really needed was, tires, brake pads and a hose kit when it popped a cooling line at the 240,000 mark. The Honda ST series are way over engineered.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & view! You may also like kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo

[@WimS675]

Compliments from the Netherlands. Pleasant to watch and listen. As an 14 year long owner of a 2002 St1300 I like this kind of content. With 105k on the clock my bike runs as new and is very reliable. No repairs, yearly maintenance only. Motul 7100. New bike is a 1st gen VFR 800 Fi (1998-2001)

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for Liking & Subscribing!

[@drewmorg.]

Those 1st gen VFR's are so classy. The single sided swing arm is just gorg. How do you find the comfort?

[@Babybugex]

Keep her up. I can see good things for your channel.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for Liking & Subscribing, New Video this Friday!

[@aidenmornay]

Great video,i think the bike is perfect,it really does not need anything else, except perhaps use it

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Very true!

[@1glopz]

Rod you just screwed up a great many deals for used beemers out there but you are spot on ( kudos )

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Our Local shop recently told a customer, they've been servicing his bike for close to 20 years, that they were no longer interested in working on his bike because it was too old. I understand the reasoning but not the message. Maybe the Motorrad has given up trying to get oilhead customers to upgrade when so many are going strong? Thanks for the view & feedback, hope you check out the performance vid where we put this bike on the Dyno!

[@brianfromnh2596]

I had a 1995 GL1500 with 120,000 miles and a 2006 ST1300 with 107,000 miles. Its last big trip was 3,500 in 14 days. Current rides include a new to me 2005 R1200GS with 92k, I thought I'd try a Beamer for change. Well maintained modern engines will go over 200k miles.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

All your bikes are high mileage legends for sure. Thanks for liking and subscribing!

[@richardballinger517]

Re mistery bike. Did put VFR800 before but to be more precise. 98-01 FIW 5th Gen Red.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for Liking & Subscribing, New Video this Friday!

[@androidemulator6952]

Magnetic sump drain plug ?? - can also tell you a lot about whats going on internally...

[@svensevens]

Loved the videos, what are your thoughts about a Kawasaki Concourse 2015 with 30k miles is it a good investment at $7.5k

[@ClintShadowrider]

Bud I have 2 ST1300 motorcycle one is ex police with over 300.000km the other is a red now painted white st1300 with 150.000km both run like a dream.. high kilometres are no issue.. the first ex police bike has only has a Alt wire re soldered still the original parts other than brake pads and tyres.. it'll still go to 100kph 2 up in 2.5 seconds with no leaks or smoke..

[@stephenmoody8059]

Honda Intercepter 800 1999? My second favorite bike of all time :)

[@brittneynicole9210]

not sure but i know for sure its a vfr have a 02 vfr800 and its just amazing

[@rabfergy7155]

Fix it

[@ChristianParis2001]

Thats not how you use that leakdown tester the pressure on the left was zero which means it wasn't putting any air into the cylinder. You have to turn the regulator and put pressure into the cylinder with that piston at top dead center then read what the leakage percent is.

[@williamzeller294]

That's really not too many miles. I ran my Concours 1000 to 127,000 (204,000km) miles and it was still running fine. My GL18 was at 118,00 (190,000km) and went on well with the next owner. My best bike ever was my ZX1100E. Sold it at 106,000 miles (170,000km) and it was still in near-perfect running condition. All three had original clutches when sold that all worked just fine. I've never replaced a clutch on a bike I put most of the miles on, and that includes several 50,000+ milers. Mr. Fort Nine is a good example of how presentation and self-assurance don't necessarily mean expertise or experience, and not just in this case.

[@user-oz7bq2lt9t]

yep +1 for honda vfr 800 fi 2001

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for Liking & Subscribing, New Video this Friday!

[@richardrichard9953]

My brother in law called me from a car auction. Told me there was a 1997 BMW R1100Rs with 12k miles on it for $1800.00. I said “ Buy it”. Ended up costing me $2700.00, $500.00 in back Registration and $1400.00 in repairs. When I finally picked up the bike I discovered my dipshit brother in-law can’t read an Odometer. The Bike had 120k miles on it. Luckily the Mechanic said the bike had been maintained and had actually had a lot of work done on it. I still have it and ride it. One of the best bikes I’ve ever owned.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

They are really, really hard to beat!

[@clickireland1113]

Go for it

[@GuiRt1150]

I Think you have To open this engine when you get 200000 miles just to análise how its possible its so strong … Even with 200000 miles compression it Will be Nice and runs Nice … 🤣👍👍👍 Nice vídeo

[@Babybugex]

Honda VFR800Fi Interceptor: I will roll the dice and guess (2000) year. It has to be 98-01 as Richard has already said. The dash is a giveaway.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks so much for liking & subscribing, new video out Friday!

[@denniskoomen1974]

2000 vfr800 Pre vetch for the win 😜

[@LS-uv9gg]

(Apologies for the late comment considering the time of video posting, and if this has already been mentioned ) Just an FYI- "Silicon" is not "Silicone", two completely different substances. If Silicon is found in the oil, it's most assuredly not from RTV's or other sealants etc. EDIT- Oh, and sorry, I don't mean to sound all pedantic and know it all, hahaha >_

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Appreciate the feedback! I did do some research on this and found that although Silicon is an anti foaming agent found in some oils and as a general sign of environmental dirt, as a source in engine oil Silicon can also be derived from Silicone based greases and sealants. Silicone is typically over 25% Silicon. These sealants and grease can leach Silicon based on the data I found. I'm not a chemist but found silicone and a worthwhile consideration for the low quantity of Silicon in the oil, it also sounds better than saying it was just dirt... Thanks for the View!

[@LS-uv9gg]

@@RodRidesWrenches Well, now I feel like a penny waiting for change... (also this reference shows how old I am, lol) I never knew there was Silicon *in* Silicone. Colour me surprised and now more knowledgeable, thanks man!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

@@LS-uv9gg Thanks for the follow up and your subscription, New video out tomorrow!

[@hbor77]

High mileage is in general not a problem. Honda has quite a number of models who can easily do that like the Goldwing, ST110 & ST1300 and also VFR’s last long.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the view! Check out what happens when I put this bike on the Dyno kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo

[@stewartgunter9878]

98 vfr800fi great bikes

[@angelsierra1988]

Keep it...

[@colmoreilly1009]

Hinda Vfr800fi 2000 I have a black one. Nc46

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for Liking & Subscribing, New Video this Friday!

[@bjrnhjjakobsen2174]

Please fix the BMW😜

[@RodRidesWrenches]

I have got to work on it... Thanks so much for liking & subscribing, new video out Friday!

[@johnny207]

Honda VFR800Fi 5th gen. 2000/01

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks so much for liking & subscribing, new video out Friday!

[@gerrypowell2748]

Well worth fixing

[@RodRidesWrenches]

👍

[@dariuszzukowski5244]

I wonder what happend to this bike, as it seems to be the last video with it.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

I still have it, it is my bad weather bike but I was unable to ride it this past winter due to an injury. Upcoming for this bike is an ABSectomy maybe and a couple other little things. kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo

[@assessor1276]

Fix it Rod - and please film it!

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the view, be sure to check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo for more on this bike.

[@raoufhakam5936]

Thats a 2000-2001 Honda VFR800Fi 5th Gen

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for Liking & Subscribing, New Video this Friday!

[@nealsmo4359]

90% of bikes would be shot at that mileage. Touring bikes are built for high mileage, tend to be ridden modestly, and require a larger bank account for buy in. That also means it’s more likely to be maintained properly. Would you see the same results on a 100k+ 600cc super sport? Not likely.

[@secretsix6]

1999 vfr 800

[@danielteivelis]

HONDA VFR800 Year 2001.

[@sv650nyc7]

These values are tiny. My 40k mile oil analysis had higher values for nickel and tin.

[@topfell8277]

My 2000 has 61k can rebuild anything

[@wipperwil]

Honda VFR800 from 2008-12

[@tonynicholson2697]

I am seeing this 7 months after you posted this video. I wonder if you kept it?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Hi Tony yes I still have it and have a new video or two planned around this bike this year. Not sure if I can ever sell it! Welcome to the Channel!

[@ToddMills801]

98-01 VFR Intercepter

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Hi Todd - Hope you can respond soon, please send me your email address you won the $100 Gift Card! [e-mail]

[@paulcreber1105]

Vfr2001

[@julianahelenadavis8110]

You are very understanding of a motorcycle, but get someone that doesn't know much and is their first bike. Not trying to defend the other channel but I think his focus is more on new riders. I'm a new one myself and is scary to have to know so much about a bike before buying. Not realistic it would be nice to have your knowledge though.

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Hello Juliana and thank you for your feedback. Often with new riders a major concern is budget, as miles go up on any machine, the price typically goes down. My point was to belay the comment Ryan made that any motorcycle with 100,000 is shot since he didn't provide any data. In context to Ryan's video and a channel to which I feature and enjoy very much, that wasn't the focus of his video. I did think his unsubstantiated statement was something we could poke a bit of fun at and stress, more importantly, when looking at a motorcycle just because it has high mileage doesn't mean it is not worth consideration or purchase. I have often mentioned that I would rather own a high mileage bike with a solid service history than a low mileage one that has had no service. As for my experience, it's free just subscribe to the channel! 😁

[@julianahelenadavis8110]

@@RodRidesWrenches understood. Many videos out there are helping us new riders. I appreciate your time for replying so quickly. I'm considering to trade my new bike gs310 for a f700 GS used only 16k miles. That's the reason why I watched your video but the fork is leaking a little bit of fluid . It was an old man's bike he trade in for a touring bike. Wondering if that's a good purchase. The bike looks good. Have good upgrades. The bike runs same as mine and Bmw is going to service before selling . What are your thoughts?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

@@julianahelenadavis8110 The F700GS is a great bike, light low center of gravity and easy to ride. I have owned a BMW F800. Have the bmw shop replace the seal and change the oil in both forks. The brake fluid should be changed if they recommend. - Good Luck!

[@julianahelenadavis8110]

@@RodRidesWrenches thank you so much and subscribed 😀

[@RodRidesWrenches]

​@@julianahelenadavis8110 👍

[@RetiredTSgtUSAF]

I love the bike, please fix it up. Or punt it to me

[@dorongilad8484]

It is only a motorcycle. Why should you be concerned about it? It survived for more than 20 years without you and still performs wonderfully. These BMW bikes are made with a lot of attention and good materials and in my experience, I prefer them to modern bikes which are less reliable and full of electronics...

[@RodRidesWrenches]

ONLY A MOTORCYCLE???? 😯 Thanks for the view & feedback!

[@topfell8277]

You can buy high miles just factor in the repair cost

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & view!

[@richardmackintosh2921]

BM is good for nother 200

[@richardknott2021]

Fix it..

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks Richard, be sure to check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/emGnk5l-rt10jpo for more on this bike.

[@alvaromateosfernandez-maqu5772]

Vfr800fi 98/99

[@giuseppediplacido8974]

get to 300000 kms

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks for the feedback & the View! Be sure to check out what happened when I put this bike on the Dyno kzbin.info/www/bejne/fobGlYueoNZ1g7c

[@aidenmornay]

Please ignore the motor cycle, CELEBRITY, what he does is purely and only for view's and publicity,never even reads his comments

[@gerrywhelan5761]

194,180 km = 108,000 miles🤔?

[@RodRidesWrenches]

Thanks New Video is out today! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJPSiJp9a7dsgJI

[@warrenhancock5742]

More like 120,000.

[@shawkard]

I’d love to buy your BMW . I was last in Vancouver in 2002 the week George W Bush declared war on Iraq 🇮🇶. I loved the place so much I didn’t want to come home but my family didn’t feel the same . Now I’m alone in the world with everyone gone maybe I should 😎🇬🇧☀️

[@1glopz]

Ryan click bait extraordinaire

[@scoremxcom]

"Celebrity"