I'm new to the group and am in need of some advise from the experienced folks here. A brief background: I'm an old fart (71), 50 years riding experience, certified MSF & STEP Instructor, currently own and ride a '05 BMW K1200LT and an '01 BMW R1150GS, owned a rig, '90 Honda GW/Champion Sidecar about 15 years ago. My GS is not seeing much action and since becoming certified and teaching the STEP program I've been interested in getting another rig.
Now my question(s);
I found a gentleman willing to trade a 1985 BMW K100LT with EML sidecar even up for my '01GS. From the pictures the rig looks in great shape, 37K miles. He says the only thing it needs is to have the bike seat recovered. The unit includes;Tonneau, new battery, built-in aux fuel tank in the sidecar with elec fuel fuel pump for Transfer, and Earles front end. While I my feeling is that the idea of a straight up exchange is a fair deal for both of us I am having some difficulty establishing a a fair market value for the rig. Not many like this on the market. If any of you out there can help me establish a ball park value for this unit I'd be most appreciative. Also, I'll probably have an opportunity to inspect this machine in the next week or so. I'm most concerned about what to look for with the EML sidecar itself as well as the EARLS front end as I have no experience with either and so would appreciate any input as to specific items or areas to look for problems. Thanks in advance for your help. (Since this is my first post I'm not familiar with the process of adding an attachment but I'll try)
JLK
NE Florida
Is it an EML sidecar on a k100 or the full EML package on a k100? Hopefully someone with specific knowledge of these will speak up but EML used to offer full conversion packages - including a replacement frame (at least for some models), leading link forks etc. As they are out of business, a current market value is not easy to pin down but it looks like the rig you are looking was an expensive, sophisticated setup.
that's a heck of a rig; i just took possession of a 87 K100LT/EML GT2001 very similar but not identical sidecar; both of ours about the same size. i love mine. it's a big down the road rig that will cover serious miles and also fun slower on backroads............i also have an airhead/eml, a R80 and R90/6 Ural (temporarly) if you want the rig, the trade sounds good to me........the K100 is a tough bike capaable of high mileage; make sure the rear drive splines are good and have been greased........i sent you a private email in case you want to call me.......i'm an old fart too, but not as old as you.
One old fart to another, Jack up the front of the bike and check for any slop at all in the pivot points on the leading link front end. There should be none.
If it is equipt with a steering damper check for any slack there too. Look at all the tires for any indication of wear due to possible toe in maladjustments.
It is possible to have wrong toe in and not feel it in the steering. This would be if the lean out were adjusted to hide it. If this is the case, Tire wear is greatly accelerated, usually on the hack tire.
Move the jack to lift the rear wheel and check for any side to side in the wheel and swingarm.
Then do the same for the hack wheel and suspension.
Phelonius
