What to do with old bike?
Discussion
Following emergency spinal surgery on my neck about 3 months ago, unfortunately I will never be able to ride a bike again. I haven't ridden that much in the last few years anyway but this is now permanent, so I need to do something with my trusty old R1100RS. In the past I had put up a free advert on PH but didn't even get a scammer contacting me so I'm not sure if trying that alone again will be of any use. I will put it up here in any case but unlike last time, I do actually want to sell it this time.
What's the easiest thing to do with it now? I don't really have an emotional attachment to it as such but I still do like it and I'd be very sad to see it scrapped. Is it worth advertising on eBay or Bike Trader for a fee? How about Gumtree? Webuyanybike.com?
I would be quite prepared to let it go very cheaply to someone PH so if anyone's interested in a 1997 R1100RS, do drop me a line...
What's the easiest thing to do with it now? I don't really have an emotional attachment to it as such but I still do like it and I'd be very sad to see it scrapped. Is it worth advertising on eBay or Bike Trader for a fee? How about Gumtree? Webuyanybike.com?
I would be quite prepared to let it go very cheaply to someone PH so if anyone's interested in a 1997 R1100RS, do drop me a line...
Clean the bike. Take a LOT of pictures. Do an honest write up highlighting the good and the bad. Any service history is also good to point out.
Put it on eBay as an auction, add a s
t line (reserve that you're not prepared to take less than and away you go. People are looking for winter hacks around now so you should have no trouble selling it unless it needs a lot of work.
Also, before putting it on, do a search for your bike and year on eBay with "sold listings" as one of the filters. You'll get a good idea of what bikes have actually sold for which is always useful.
And if you've done the work for eBay, stick on PH. It's free and you never know.
Put it on eBay as an auction, add a s
t line (reserve that you're not prepared to take less than and away you go. People are looking for winter hacks around now so you should have no trouble selling it unless it needs a lot of work. Also, before putting it on, do a search for your bike and year on eBay with "sold listings" as one of the filters. You'll get a good idea of what bikes have actually sold for which is always useful.
And if you've done the work for eBay, stick on PH. It's free and you never know.
SteelerSE said:
Also, before putting it on, do a search for your bike and year on eBay with "sold listings" as one of the filters. You'll get a good idea of what bikes have actually sold for which is always useful.
BMW R1100RS - £1,100.0068,000 miles
4 bids
23-Sep 18:27
BMW R1100RS - £1,300.00
31,000 miles
12 bids
31-Aug 07:24
BMW R1100 Rs Telelever Classic Sport Tourer
39000 miles
£1,195.00
11 bids
Oh - and get a new MOT.
Thanks chaps, I'll put it up here and possibly eBay. I used to use it a lot in the winter; the heated grips and the confidence of having ABS (though I never needed it!) both came in very handy. It's clean and has been under a cover so shouldn't be difficult.
Unfortunately, unless someone comes and gives me hand, I can't get an MOT for it. I'm still not allowed to lift anything let alone taking a big bike off the centre stand for a start but even if I get my son to do that bit, I can't put a helmet on or ride it. That's the reason why I'm having to sell it in the first place. I always felt that if I kept it, one day I could still take it out, get it MOTed and go for a ride, but now that I'll never be able to ride again, that dream's dead.
TurbosSuck, here's a picture and I'll send you a pm as well, thank you
Unfortunately, unless someone comes and gives me hand, I can't get an MOT for it. I'm still not allowed to lift anything let alone taking a big bike off the centre stand for a start but even if I get my son to do that bit, I can't put a helmet on or ride it. That's the reason why I'm having to sell it in the first place. I always felt that if I kept it, one day I could still take it out, get it MOTed and go for a ride, but now that I'll never be able to ride again, that dream's dead.
TurbosSuck, here's a picture and I'll send you a pm as well, thank you
QQ, First off I feel for you greatly for being told you can't ride a bike again after such a massive injury must be huge! You have my sympathies, but on the bright side... you are still here!
I could be tempted by the bimmer... could you please pm me? If it doesn't work out I do hope you get a decent result out of this regardless
I could be tempted by the bimmer... could you please pm me? If it doesn't work out I do hope you get a decent result out of this regardless
I sold an 1100RT of similar vintage for about £1000, with declared faults (it would sometimes cut out and refuse to restart, then restart again after about 2 hours and ride as if nothing was wrong), so you should be able to do somewhat better than that. It looks a tidy bike.
Worst case, put it on eBay with no reserve and a 99p start. I've used that tactic a few times in the past, people think they're getting a bargain so they bid, then they want to win so they bid more. Either way, the bike generally reaches it's real value. It can be a bit squeaky-bum, but see it out, the bidding will often go mad in the final few mins.
Possibly wrong time of year to sell though - can you hang on to it until the spring?
Good luck.
Worst case, put it on eBay with no reserve and a 99p start. I've used that tactic a few times in the past, people think they're getting a bargain so they bid, then they want to win so they bid more. Either way, the bike generally reaches it's real value. It can be a bit squeaky-bum, but see it out, the bidding will often go mad in the final few mins.
Possibly wrong time of year to sell though - can you hang on to it until the spring?
Good luck.
Are you sure you won’t be able to ride again at some point down the line?
I’ve had two spinal fusions over the last three years and although I’ve never ridden a bike before I now really, really want one, that may be as much to do with a mid life crisis as anything else, but I know that I’m now well enough to even think about it, which is in itself a huge boost. Three months after my last surgery I was just about managing to go downstairs and make a cup of tea. If you can, give it time before selling the bike.
Kudos to those offering to help out getting the bike MOT’d.
I’ve had two spinal fusions over the last three years and although I’ve never ridden a bike before I now really, really want one, that may be as much to do with a mid life crisis as anything else, but I know that I’m now well enough to even think about it, which is in itself a huge boost. Three months after my last surgery I was just about managing to go downstairs and make a cup of tea. If you can, give it time before selling the bike.
Kudos to those offering to help out getting the bike MOT’d.
Ebay is a good bet, if you don't get a sale through here. Also if you have a facebook account or know someone with one, facebook marketplace is free and has enormous exposure. Gumtree is the lower end of the spectrum for me, full of messers and chavs.
Where abouts are you (roughly) and what sort of money do you want for it. I'll talk to my dad, it would be right up his street if he fancies a change.
Where abouts are you (roughly) and what sort of money do you want for it. I'll talk to my dad, it would be right up his street if he fancies a change.
Gentlemen, I'm truly humbled and very grateful for the responses and the offers to help with the MOT. I had a catastrophic disc prolapse at C6/C7 disc which partially paralysed me - complete paralysis of my right (dominant) arm, weakness in all other limbs and unable to pee. Emergency surgery did help a lot and the 3 less affected limbs were back to normal very quickly but my right arm is pretty weak with relatively poor fine control. I can hold a pen and write but it looks terrible, I can't open a tightly closed jar and I have open heavy doors with my left arm. Not that I had particularly good handwriting but it's even worse than it was. On the plus side, I have been allowed to start driving again some weeks ago so I'm back at work.
In terms of my recovery, I'm completely banned from lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects and any significant upper limb exertion until January at least. But even after that, the consultant who operated on me said that the discs above and below also looked pretty worn. Due to general degeneration of my cervical spine, most of my neck mobility was at C6/C7 joint. He had to fuse C6 and C7 vertebrae after clearing out the fragments pressing on my spinal cord and said that by fusing that joint, I would not only lose a lot of flexibility, it would put a lot more strain on the discs and joints immediately above and below meaning that any heavy load at my neck would leave me at risk of another catastrophic prolapse for the foreseeable future. That's bye bye riding a bike, track days, go karts or anything that puts a lot of pressure on my neck. What's even worse than not being able to ride is that I probably won't ever be able to perform surgery again. Although I had already cut it down drastically since leaving the NHS and starting to work in the pharmaceutical industry, I have still been operating with a few trusted friends. Unfortunately, my surgical specialty demands extreme precision so without exceptionally good fine control, I can't operate. I knew I was going to have to stop altogether at some point, but not having a choice in the timing really hurts.
Special thanks to SteelerSE and Carnage; you can't imagine how wonderful it feels to receive offers of support. I live in North Northamptonshire, NN6 postcode area, in a tiny village near Brixworth, just over 20 miles from Silverstone. I will PM both of you to thank at the very least.
I had always thought one day I'd find some time to get it MOTed and go for a hoon but now it's too late. There's no reason why it would fail an MOT, there were no advisories last time, it's got an Odyssey battery that's permanently on a CTEK battery conditioner and I have checked that it starts fine. I took that picture and a few others a few months ago when I last took it out of the garage and washed it before putting it back in again. I could keep it and sell later but it's become a painful reminder of what's happened, including not being able to operate, so I just want it gone now.
MotorsportTom, I will also PM you with further details. TurbosSuck, I tried to PM you but your profile doesn't allow emails, apologies. I have prepared an ad for PH but it's in the moderating queue at the moment. Although I've put it up for £1500, my finances are healthy and I don't necessarily need the money. I would be more than prepared to practically give it away for free to someone from PH/BB if they need something to keep them mobile. There have been less than comfortable times in my past and if I can help someone get through theirs, that would be payment enough.
I'll see if I can find the ad and copy and paste the wording in another post with a few more pictures.
In terms of my recovery, I'm completely banned from lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects and any significant upper limb exertion until January at least. But even after that, the consultant who operated on me said that the discs above and below also looked pretty worn. Due to general degeneration of my cervical spine, most of my neck mobility was at C6/C7 joint. He had to fuse C6 and C7 vertebrae after clearing out the fragments pressing on my spinal cord and said that by fusing that joint, I would not only lose a lot of flexibility, it would put a lot more strain on the discs and joints immediately above and below meaning that any heavy load at my neck would leave me at risk of another catastrophic prolapse for the foreseeable future. That's bye bye riding a bike, track days, go karts or anything that puts a lot of pressure on my neck. What's even worse than not being able to ride is that I probably won't ever be able to perform surgery again. Although I had already cut it down drastically since leaving the NHS and starting to work in the pharmaceutical industry, I have still been operating with a few trusted friends. Unfortunately, my surgical specialty demands extreme precision so without exceptionally good fine control, I can't operate. I knew I was going to have to stop altogether at some point, but not having a choice in the timing really hurts.
Special thanks to SteelerSE and Carnage; you can't imagine how wonderful it feels to receive offers of support. I live in North Northamptonshire, NN6 postcode area, in a tiny village near Brixworth, just over 20 miles from Silverstone. I will PM both of you to thank at the very least.
I had always thought one day I'd find some time to get it MOTed and go for a hoon but now it's too late. There's no reason why it would fail an MOT, there were no advisories last time, it's got an Odyssey battery that's permanently on a CTEK battery conditioner and I have checked that it starts fine. I took that picture and a few others a few months ago when I last took it out of the garage and washed it before putting it back in again. I could keep it and sell later but it's become a painful reminder of what's happened, including not being able to operate, so I just want it gone now.
MotorsportTom, I will also PM you with further details. TurbosSuck, I tried to PM you but your profile doesn't allow emails, apologies. I have prepared an ad for PH but it's in the moderating queue at the moment. Although I've put it up for £1500, my finances are healthy and I don't necessarily need the money. I would be more than prepared to practically give it away for free to someone from PH/BB if they need something to keep them mobile. There have been less than comfortable times in my past and if I can help someone get through theirs, that would be payment enough.
I'll see if I can find the ad and copy and paste the wording in another post with a few more pictures.
Here's the wording I've put up:
1997 / P BMW R1100RS. 43,000 miles. 2 stage heated grips. ABS (can be switched off). BMW panniers. Centre stand and side stand. Shaft drive. Adjustable visor. Electronic display (see minor fault below). I have owned this bike for the past 8 years, hardly used in the last 5 years. I will never be able to use it again due to health reasons unrelated to the bike. Currently SORN without MOT but insured and kept in dry garage. Odyssey battery installed and always kept connected to CTEK battery conditioner. Terminals are hardwired to the battery with a quick release lead and the conditioner will be included with the bike. Minor electrical fault with the electronic display after alarm was removed - doesn't show which gear it is in after 3rd and neutral light comes on when clutch is in as well as when in neutral. It doesn't affect anything else, starts and runs easily. £1499 or nearest offer. Please contact me if you have any questions. Text/email only 8 am - 6 pm, then available on the phone till 10 pm Mon-Fri, phone/text/email 8:30 am till 10 pm at weekends.
It looks like the ad might well be live already.
1997 / P BMW R1100RS. 43,000 miles. 2 stage heated grips. ABS (can be switched off). BMW panniers. Centre stand and side stand. Shaft drive. Adjustable visor. Electronic display (see minor fault below). I have owned this bike for the past 8 years, hardly used in the last 5 years. I will never be able to use it again due to health reasons unrelated to the bike. Currently SORN without MOT but insured and kept in dry garage. Odyssey battery installed and always kept connected to CTEK battery conditioner. Terminals are hardwired to the battery with a quick release lead and the conditioner will be included with the bike. Minor electrical fault with the electronic display after alarm was removed - doesn't show which gear it is in after 3rd and neutral light comes on when clutch is in as well as when in neutral. It doesn't affect anything else, starts and runs easily. £1499 or nearest offer. Please contact me if you have any questions. Text/email only 8 am - 6 pm, then available on the phone till 10 pm Mon-Fri, phone/text/email 8:30 am till 10 pm at weekends.
It looks like the ad might well be live already.
Hi, Sorry to hear about your situation. If you're unable to sort something out with SteelerSE and Carnage the offer still stands from me. I'm on holiday from the 12th to the 16th of November just to use up some leave and don't really have a lot planned. You're not that far from me and I was going to go out for some rides on the bike anyway. Let me know if you'd like to sort something out that week.
This place seems to be close... https://www.moultonautocare.co.uk/ - does bikes and have a good reputation if you believe what you read on the net. You might be able to get them to collect and deliver it back if you explain the situation.
Regards,
Mark
This place seems to be close... https://www.moultonautocare.co.uk/ - does bikes and have a good reputation if you believe what you read on the net. You might be able to get them to collect and deliver it back if you explain the situation.
Regards,
Mark
QuickQuack said:
Gentlemen, I'm truly humbled and very grateful for the responses and the offers to help with the MOT. I had a catastrophic disc prolapse at C6/C7 disc which partially paralysed me - complete paralysis of my right (dominant) arm, weakness in all other limbs and unable to pee. Emergency surgery did help a lot and the 3 less affected limbs were back to normal very quickly but my right arm is pretty weak with relatively poor fine control. I can hold a pen and write but it looks terrible, I can't open a tightly closed jar and I have open heavy doors with my left arm. Not that I had particularly good handwriting but it's even worse than it was. On the plus side, I have been allowed to start driving again some weeks ago so I'm back at work.
In terms of my recovery, I'm completely banned from lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects and any significant upper limb exertion until January at least. But even after that, the consultant who operated on me said that the discs above and below also looked pretty worn. Due to general degeneration of my cervical spine, most of my neck mobility was at C6/C7 joint. He had to fuse C6 and C7 vertebrae after clearing out the fragments pressing on my spinal cord and said that by fusing that joint, I would not only lose a lot of flexibility, it would put a lot more strain on the discs and joints immediately above and below meaning that any heavy load at my neck would leave me at risk of another catastrophic prolapse for the foreseeable future. That's bye bye riding a bike, track days, go karts or anything that puts a lot of pressure on my neck. What's even worse than not being able to ride is that I probably won't ever be able to perform surgery again. Although I had already cut it down drastically since leaving the NHS and starting to work in the pharmaceutical industry, I have still been operating with a few trusted friends. Unfortunately, my surgical specialty demands extreme precision so without exceptionally good fine control, I can't operate. I knew I was going to have to stop altogether at some point, but not having a choice in the timing really hurts.
Special thanks to SteelerSE and Carnage; you can't imagine how wonderful it feels to receive offers of support. I live in North Northamptonshire, NN6 postcode area, in a tiny village near Brixworth, just over 20 miles from Silverstone. I will PM both of you to thank at the very least.
I had always thought one day I'd find some time to get it MOTed and go for a hoon but now it's too late. There's no reason why it would fail an MOT, there were no advisories last time, it's got an Odyssey battery that's permanently on a CTEK battery conditioner and I have checked that it starts fine. I took that picture and a few others a few months ago when I last took it out of the garage and washed it before putting it back in again. I could keep it and sell later but it's become a painful reminder of what's happened, including not being able to operate, so I just want it gone now.
MotorsportTom, I will also PM you with further details. TurbosSuck, I tried to PM you but your profile doesn't allow emails, apologies. I have prepared an ad for PH but it's in the moderating queue at the moment. Although I've put it up for £1500, my finances are healthy and I don't necessarily need the money. I would be more than prepared to practically give it away for free to someone from PH/BB if they need something to keep them mobile. There have been less than comfortable times in my past and if I can help someone get through theirs, that would be payment enough.
I'll see if I can find the ad and copy and paste the wording in another post with a few more pictures.
Drop me a line mucker and I’ll get it to wherever it needs to go. I’m off work next week so anyway works for me. In terms of my recovery, I'm completely banned from lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects and any significant upper limb exertion until January at least. But even after that, the consultant who operated on me said that the discs above and below also looked pretty worn. Due to general degeneration of my cervical spine, most of my neck mobility was at C6/C7 joint. He had to fuse C6 and C7 vertebrae after clearing out the fragments pressing on my spinal cord and said that by fusing that joint, I would not only lose a lot of flexibility, it would put a lot more strain on the discs and joints immediately above and below meaning that any heavy load at my neck would leave me at risk of another catastrophic prolapse for the foreseeable future. That's bye bye riding a bike, track days, go karts or anything that puts a lot of pressure on my neck. What's even worse than not being able to ride is that I probably won't ever be able to perform surgery again. Although I had already cut it down drastically since leaving the NHS and starting to work in the pharmaceutical industry, I have still been operating with a few trusted friends. Unfortunately, my surgical specialty demands extreme precision so without exceptionally good fine control, I can't operate. I knew I was going to have to stop altogether at some point, but not having a choice in the timing really hurts.
Special thanks to SteelerSE and Carnage; you can't imagine how wonderful it feels to receive offers of support. I live in North Northamptonshire, NN6 postcode area, in a tiny village near Brixworth, just over 20 miles from Silverstone. I will PM both of you to thank at the very least.
I had always thought one day I'd find some time to get it MOTed and go for a hoon but now it's too late. There's no reason why it would fail an MOT, there were no advisories last time, it's got an Odyssey battery that's permanently on a CTEK battery conditioner and I have checked that it starts fine. I took that picture and a few others a few months ago when I last took it out of the garage and washed it before putting it back in again. I could keep it and sell later but it's become a painful reminder of what's happened, including not being able to operate, so I just want it gone now.
MotorsportTom, I will also PM you with further details. TurbosSuck, I tried to PM you but your profile doesn't allow emails, apologies. I have prepared an ad for PH but it's in the moderating queue at the moment. Although I've put it up for £1500, my finances are healthy and I don't necessarily need the money. I would be more than prepared to practically give it away for free to someone from PH/BB if they need something to keep them mobile. There have been less than comfortable times in my past and if I can help someone get through theirs, that would be payment enough.
I'll see if I can find the ad and copy and paste the wording in another post with a few more pictures.
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