Looking at 2001 R1150RT with 70,000 miles.

[58fleetside]

I am looking to buy an 1150 RT. I have located a 2001 1150 with 70,000 miles. Is this mileage likely to bring major repairs in the near future? What is a reasonable price?

Thanks,

[rmoody]

Check to make sure its had regular normal maintenance (documents, receipts, etc.). Any major repairs in its history (trans., seals, bearings, etc.)? 70K is not really a lot of miles for a BMW that has been maintained. Is it all highway miles, or was it used for commuting? I have a '95 GS with 81,000+ and it still rides and performs great. If in doubt have it looked at by a qualified BMW technician. You can get an idea of price by looking at the Flea Market above or other internet sites (IBMWR). :usa

[Yeti]

I've got a 97 RT1100RT with over 126,000 miles and it still runs great! (*knocks on wood*) It just comes down to how well it was cared for.

[Mika]

As the others have pointed out the key is a good inspection and determining how well it has been maintained. The balance in purchasing used motorcycles is low mileage does not necessarily mean low cost of ownership for the buyer. Storage can cause more headaches than we realize, and if it was poorly stored even more.

Does the bike have a reasonable amount of miles on a per year basis for the area you live in? Was it used in touring, a daily rider etc? I think you can make a strong case that a bike with reasonable mileage on a per year basis and that has been regularly maintained may turn out to be better bike to buy used and own than some garage queens.

[aaaaaa]

It seems that price is very dependant on mileage. Buying right will allow you wiggle room for repairs. I would figure $2K for filters, oils, tires, brake pads, fuel lines, battery, control cables, wheel bearings, pivot bearings and swing arm bearings. It probably wouldn't hurt to put a clutch disk also. The police usually retire RT-P's at about 68K for a reason.
robert

[CTHalk]

Take it for a nice long ride....so it is fully warmed up. Pay attention to how it shifts....especially downshifts. Try downshifting to second after a coasting deceleration in third. Try the same from second to neutral/first. If it hangs at all, it is a definite indication of spline issues. I've been there. The only symptoms my bike had were an occasional refusal to downshift unless I double-clutched. When I took it apart to lube the splines, I was met with totally wasted splines (at 43,000 miles). While I am waiting to find a good used transmission, I am taking my 1951 Harley out of mothballs. A new battery, fluid change, and tires, and it is good to go. Mega-miles on it, but it WORKS. Not too shabby for a 55 year old bike that some folks malign!