Front suspension damage, buy or run away

[Lost_too]

Hello, I am new on this forum and am considering buying a 99 LT with 34k. I am coming off a VFR and KLR and have had my eye on a LT for some time even though the local BMW dealer shut down.

This bike went down on its left side. The mirror is gone and the clutch lever snapped in half. The rub rail was torn off but other than that the plastic is in very good condition. It looks like it is ready to ride, but...

Here is the primary concern. The wheel is off 10 degress +/- from where the bars are centered. The fork tubes look straight so I assume it is a problem with the triple clamps or telever suspension. Been doing some research on the telever suspension but have yet to see a good scematic as to what parts might be at issue and the costs involved.

I know this is limited information but would appreciate any suggestions. advice or estimates.

The asking price is less than $3000 so my thought is that I would be willing to spend another 1k to get her fixed properly.

Thanks

[Morley]

I would be willing to spend another 1k to get her fixed properly.

Thanks
Being a BMW its probably going to cost quite a bit more than that. Make them an offer of $1800 and let them "talk" you up to 2k. Then even if the bike can't be fixed economically, you could tear it down and part it out and get your money back plus.

[Patric]

Well ,it might be the handle bar is bent a little . Being the clutch lever was damaged , and the handle bar is pretty long & covered . So it would be hard to tell it was bent at a glance .

[DLBass]

Unless the front wheel /fender area has taken an obvious impact I would suspect the bars/ bar alignment rather that the suspension set up. Could be quite a cheap fix, but needs a bit more investigation me thinks.

[gbob]

I jump on it to fix it my self ,but if you have to hire out the labor better add up the $ ,try and get the price down ,will it have a "salvage title "? that will bring down the resale value but not the FUN RIDING value .with a clean title and repaired might be $7500 -8500 bike
parts seem high to me but I may be a little tight fisted
doing it your self you will learn about this GREAT bike
I have not found anything tricky about the LT
they ain't much to look at but I cannot see the bike when I am riding and grinning

Bob G
99LT

[zippy_gg]

Check the tipover wing on the left side and compare it with the one on the right and see if it bent. If it is, chances are the sub-frame is bent and the bike is worthless... as a bike. It might still be a good deal if you want to part it out, but you need the space, tools, and the inclination to do so.

[Lost_too]

I jump on it to fix it my self ,but if you have to hire out the labor better add up the $ ,try and get the price down ,will it have a "salvage title "? that will bring down the resale value but not the FUN RIDING value .with a clean title and repaired might be $7500 -8500 bike
parts seem high to me but I may be a little tight fisted
doing it your self you will learn about this GREAT bike
I have not found anything tricky about the LT
they ain't much to look at but I cannot see the bike when I am riding and grinning

Bob G
99LT

I agree and I kind of enjoy turning a few wrenches. It will have a salvage title.

I posted some pics of the bike under my gallery lost_too. The fender and the wheekl do not have signs of a big impact. Upon closer inspection, the left bar appears bent.

Thanks all for the imput.