Advice on buying dropped r1150r

[vicsunus]

Hello all!

I recently joined the board because I'm interested in buying a 2003 r1150r.
I saw on Craigslist someone selling a 2003 r1150r. Its a good price (2500), except it is damaged.
He described the damage as: "The bike is a salvage title because it was dropped once and one of the engine chain tensioners is broken, but its runnig and its in general good shape."

I showed him this (http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/Ca ... rSwap.html) asking if it was this that was broken and he said "Yes is that one and the adjuster that goes inside the head"

I've texted him and he claims the damage is easy to fix, it just takes some time to install the broken part and he doesn't have time. In the ad he says it runs, therefore I ask if I can just ride it home with a broken tensioner. He doesn't recommend it and says " It's still rideable, but the chain is off its way, so if ride the bike, the friction on the head could cause the chain to brake, that's why I don't recommend to ride it until the problem is fixed "

From what I've read, the left engine side was known for that rattle until you installed the tensioner upgrade. And some people just leave it like that. I've read the pdf on how to do the tensioner replacement, and am confident I can do it myself.

My question is, should I buy and attempt to fix this bike, given its just replacing the cam chain tensioner? Can dropping the bike really break that part? Or would you suspect there is damage inside the engine as well.

[NoRRmad]

My question is, should I buy and attempt to fix this bike, given its just replacing the cam chain tensioner? Can dropping the bike really break that part? Or would you suspect there is damage inside the engine as well.

Boy, I can't imagine how the cam chain tensioner could be damaged by a drop; it's pretty well submerged in aluminum. A long slide on the cylinder head might grind things down enough to damage the chain itself, but not the tensioner. I suspect the owner doesn't know what's wrong.

Later: There is another cam chain tensioner on the other side of the bike. It's more like a chain guide than a tensioner, and I can imagine a scenario where a long slide with the engine WFO and the valve covers spraying sparks until the actual chain touches ground and stops suddenly. That might break the chain guide, and might not be recognized until repairing the valve cover and chain sprocket didn't fix everything. The right-side chain guide is not as easy to replace as the left-side tensioner.

[MarkShelley]

I can`t imagine how the tensioner would be damaged either. I wouldn`t touch it if I were you.

[vicsunus]

I've seen pictures of it. there doesn't seem to be much damage except to the muffler on the left side.

I too was wondering how the tensioner would break submerged in the engine. Even the telelever arm doesn't contact it.

I think maybe the seller doesn't know that the rattling noise is normal and attributes it to something broken. And it could be that normal noise. The seller deals with repo'd and salvage bikes. The seller did take off the head cover and said nothing was broken inside.

Here is the ad: http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/3686055429.html

[Biff's R]

The turn signals are all broken. missing the spark plug covers, and a dented muffler. It also look like the handlebars have rolled back a bit. I would look at it, but wouldn't buy it sight unseen.

[NoRRmad]

I think maybe the seller doesn't know that the rattling noise is normal and attributes it to something broken. And it could be that normal noise. The seller deals with repo'd and salvage bikes. The seller did take off the head cover and said nothing was broken inside.

Rattling noise is normal for a few seconds while oil pressure builds. If the right-side chain guide is broken, it could rattle around the chain path until it jams somewhere.

Still, easily $2500 worth of parts there, if you wanted to bother...

[sweatmark]

The cam chain tensioner does not break. Design was changed to improve performance.

The cam chain guide DOES break:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... hain+guide
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... hain+guide
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... hain+guide

Replacing cam chain guide(s) is major surgery.
If a guide broke, and piece blocked oil flow at pump pickup, then extent of engine damage could be severe.
Odometer miles mentioned nowhere in the ad.

"As is, Buyer assumes all risks." How much are you willing to risk?

[Bruce H]

I'd be willing to buy it, looks in perty good shape for the $2500.00 asking price. Go for it!