Old bike - low miles.

[PaulB]

Good morning all.

Yesterday I bought a 2013 C650GT - 8 years old but only 5000 miles on the clock.
I think the mileage is genuine because the first owner took 2 years before he had the 600 mile service and I know the bike has been stood for at least the last year.
What sort of things should I be looking out for?

Thanks
PaulB

 

[Minister of Etc]

A couple things come to mind.

1. Recalls -- BMW has issued 2-3 recalls over the years for the brake lines on the C-series scoots. You can check the recall status for your new-to-you bike HERE. The nice thing is, recall work is done gratis by BMW dealers, and can usually be coordinated to coincide with your 6k service.

2. Rotten Rubber. A 2013 model year bike with low miles is still 8 years old, and time does its damage. Specifically, I'd check tire sidewalls, radiator hoses, and as many other lines as you can get visible access to. If you're feeling frisky, now's a good time to learn how to take the bodywork off of the bike, and get a look at the drive belt (another key piece of rubber).

HTH

 

[EvilTwin]

Isn't there an issue with the timing chain tensioner on these early models?

 

[PaulB]

Thanks for your suggestions, I've been online and it seems there is a safety recall still outstanding - I'm waiting to hear more.
Both tyres are under 2 years old so should be OK.
The bike was serviced last month so I'm hoping there's nothing else to worry about - I want to get out and ride it, hopefully the bodywork can stay on a while longer...

 

[slant911]

I bought my 2014 last year with 953 miles on it. Made sure all recalls were done. You can call BMW with VIN and they will be able to tell you if it is up to date. Definitely consider new rubber. I did michelin tires and they are very nice. But there are others also that are good. Congrats on new bike.

 

[mjnorris]

Also if the bike starts to stall at stop signs or traffic lights you need to check the idle actuator vacuum lines. Specially molded rubber hoses that are cheap by themselves but about 1 1/2 hours of labor to uncover replace and recover them.

 

[Delray]

I bought a 2013 earlier this year. Here is the thread on my maintenance updates ....

https://www.bmw-scooters.com/index.php?threads/updating-maintenance-on-a-2013-bmw-c-650-gt.2239/

To the afore-mentioned concerns about eight-year old rubber, I would add eight-year old fluids. Specifically, brake fluid and coolant. They should be updated.

To the (VERY CRITICAL) concern about the timing chain tensioner, yes, make sure this has been or gets updated. It's a recall item. BMW can tell you if it's been done and will update for free if not. If it fails, and many did on earlier models, it's an engine killer -- destroys the machine and makes it worthless.

 

[PaulB]

Flipping heck!! Sorry for the strong language ;-)
The outstanding recall is to replace the brake hoses and that is now booked in.
The bike had already been recalled for:

Timing chain tensioner
Side stand switch
Luggage rack screws
System update

I am glad I didn't own the bike from new!
Now to put some miles on it

Slant 911 - you bought a 6 year old bike with less than 1,000 miles on it? I thought mine was low-mileage for the year!

 

[Ceesie76]

In April I bought a 1971 Volkswagen. THAT's old, 2013 is a spring chicken. Have fun riding and nothing to add to the good advice already posted.

 

[Delray]

My understanding on the brake hose is if you constantly turn the handlebars hard left, in the lock position, that can chafe the hose and eventually cause it to fail. I never lock my bike (or make left turns that hard ;o), so that recall item is still outstanding on my 2013. I had it done on a previous GT and IIRC they didn't replace the hose, they put a protective sleeve around it.