Looking To Buy A Used RT-advice?

[jbgheat]

Just retired early which is a good thing. But it also means I gotta keep a close eye on the funds I spend on toys. I have a few bucks saved to buy a used RT. Looking to ride about 6000 or so miles per year. Most of my riding will be around town, shorter rides around Colorado, and a 3 or 4000 mile trip every summer.

I had planned on buying a 1150 but in my search I came across a 97 1100. One owner, clean as a whistle, some nice accessories, well maintained, 28k miles. I think I can get the guy pretty close to NADA average retail.

Here's my question: Buy this bike or keep looking for a 1150? I could afford to spend more on a 1150 but I don't know if I would find one any cleaner. Have a couple of buddies that tell me I would be crazy to buy a 10 year old bike when I could afford a newer one. I've heard a few concerns about 96 and 97 RT's and transmission issues. I also have a couple of other buddies who say buy the cheaper bike and pocket the left over money and do some more touring!

Would appreciate any thoughts. I gotta believe someone on this website has been down this road before!

[ksmith57]

About a year ago i was in your same place (except i wasn't retiring). I was looking to buy the best sport touring bike i could get for under $13K. I looked into the ST1300 & FJR1300 both new, and found thr bike of my dreams in a garage in Santa Clareta - California - Dark Blue, $13K miles, bags,back case etc... for $10,500. I to could have had a very clean "97 - 1100" for $7,100, but am glad i waited.

Only draw back is when the battery goes dead there's no jump starting it....I ride over 800 miles a week so this won't happen to me but could to you if your not riding daily.

Quality used bikes are out there, they take about 4 months to find. Insist on records and check paperwork with the BMW dealer to assure services have been kept up.

Good luck and happy riding....

KSmith 57

:dance

[swilson143]

Only draw back is when the battery goes dead there's no jump starting it....I ride over 800 miles a week so this won't happen to me but could to you if your not riding daily.


:confused: Why is there no jump starting it? If its because the battery is under the tank? That shouldn't stop you. We drain the batteries on our R1150GS-P's all the time at work when they're shut off with the emergency lights going... usually at the scene of a collision. Hop back on to ride away and 'click'... not enough juice to start the motor.

First try is to push start... if you've got a buddy to push great. If not you can still do it yourself, even on level ground. From a seated position, walk the bike forward as fast as you can, then let the clutch out and hit the starter button at the same time. Often that little bit of forward momentum you gave the bike will be enough to get the thing to start up :D

Now if you're truely dead and actually need a jump start... keep an old wrench or screw driver in your saddle bag. Remove the seat so you can get access near the battery. Clamp the neg jumper cable to the frame someplace. For the pos side, clamp onto the old wrench or screwdriver. With the bike in neutral, carefully stick that wrench or screwdriver under the tank and touch the POS terminal on the battery. With your other hand, hit the start button. Hope this helps somebody.

Scott

[SNC1923]

I'd hold out for an 1150, in fact, I'd look specifically for an '04. Dual plugs, low miles, great bike. Dealers have clean ones for about 12k, which means you should be able to find one from a private seller for 8-10k, depending on miles, accessories, etc.

You'll never look back.

BTW, I just attended my first retirement seminar (about 20 years away) and the consultant said that people spend more money during their first five years of retirement than at any other time of their lives.

[osbornk]

BTW, I just attended my first retirement seminar (about 20 years away) and the consultant said that people spend more money during their first five years of retirement than at any other time of their lives.

Could be right. It might depend on whether you already have your toys or not. I retired 4 years ago at 55. I bought myself some retirement presents. Bought myself my first new travel trailer (after 7 used) and I bought myself my first new pick-up truck(after about a dozen or more used ones). Since then, I have spent less than the gain on my 401K and IRA. If you are in a low cost of living area, don't have debt, have a debt or rent free place to live and have your toys, it doesn't cost that much to live comfortably.

[alien_hitchhiker]

jbgheat - here's a link with some thoughts re: used RTs. It is a bit dated but still offfers fair advice.

http://bmwsporttouring.com/faq/new_or_used.htm

I rode a used 1100 and a used 1150 (single plug) when I was shopping a few years back. I went with the 1100.

Some of my reasons:
The single plugged 1150 surged as much as the 1100 (I fixed the surging with a Techlusion)

The 1150 was more 'vibey'

I hated the servo brakes on the 1150 and disliked the fact that they were linked.

I wouldn't dismiss a clean, well cared for and nicely priced 1100. They are excellent bikes. I hope to keep mine for a looong time.

[AZgman]

About a year ago i was in your same place (except i wasn't retiring). I was looking to buy the best sport touring bike i could get for under $13K. I looked into the ST1300 & FJR1300 both new, and found thr bike of my dreams in a garage in Santa Clareta - California - Dark Blue, $13K miles, bags,back case etc... for $10,500. I to could have had a very clean "97 - 1100" for $7,100, but am glad i waited.

Only draw back is when the battery goes dead there's no jump starting it....I ride over 800 miles a week so this won't happen to me but could to you if your not riding daily.

Quality used bikes are out there, they take about 4 months to find. Insist on records and check paperwork with the BMW dealer to assure services have been kept up.

Good luck and happy riding....

KSmith 57

:dance

I bought an '03 last year out of the classified ads in the MOA ON magazine. It only had 1200 miles on it so was essentially brand new. $10,500 or about 1/2 the list of a new RT. I love it! It took me 4 or 5 months to find it, just as KSmith mentions above.

[jbgheat]

Appreciate all the input so far.

In and around Colorado right now, there are several 1100's for sale in the $7000 range and a few 04 1150's for sale in the $11,000-$12,000 range. I'm trying to find that right bike in the $9000 range!

Almost all of the bikes for sale around here are priced about $1000 above NADA average retail. Maybe I'm being a bit stubborn but I'm hoping to find a bike that is at NADA average plus $500 at the most.

[jyambrovich]

Dear jbgheat (don't have your real name),
First - CONGRATULATIONS on the retirement! Attaining a goal like that is wonderful.
Second, here are my personal observations on the 1100RT. I bought mine (my first BMW) last year in June, found it on Craigslist. It's a 2000 model and had 29,500 miles on it. I paid $7900. Previous owners (I am the 3rd owner) had installed the Techlusion R259 box to overcome the surging issues (check out www.Beemershop.com for an interesting commentary on how to overcome it for $1).
I have put 7,600 miles on it since June 10 and love it. I personally don't like the idea of the linked brakes and don't think that the servo-assisted (power) brakes are of any great benefit.
I just had a guy come up to me at a stoplight on my way home from work yesterday with a deep blue 1100RT (I don't know what year). He said "nice bike" and I replied "I like the color of yours". He said he'd just bought it with 162,000 miles on it!!! I looked at the odometer and it had over 162,000 miles on it - YAY!! I figured that with 37,000 miles on mine, I've got a lot of great riding ahead of me.
I have done the 36,000 mile service myself, removed both rims/tires and had new tires installed (3 weeks ago), replaced the rear brake pads and flushed the brake fluid completely.

Don't shy away from an "older" bike if you can get the service records. I didn't have the service records available from the 2nd owner but wrote to the two dealerships that had provided service (in the Service Manual with the bike) and they sent me copies of the repair orders for the work that had been done at their respective dealerships.

Unless you can afford an R1200RT (I understand these are VERY different) I wouldn't make much distinction between the 1100 and 1150 versions of the RT.

I found one for a buddy on mine (also on Craigslist) that's a 2001, had 9900 miles on it, sweet ride for $8200. Don't rush.

[aerialfilm1]

I bought my 02 rt at the end of 2005. Paid 9k, with 18k on the clock. With factory radio, piaa lights, rcu shelf, throttlemeister, autocomm, new tires yada yada yada.. Seller tried to ask NADA money and didn't get any bites. Lowered his expectations and found me. :laugh

I snapped this bike up because it was equipped the way I imagined my bike would be. Plus he was a seasoned BMW owner and had all services up to date, and done on schedule by local dealer. A friend of mine gave me a copy of the CycleTrader just as I was convinced i would never find my perfect bike. Saw the ad, drove to Tampa bought the bike. No regrets. 20k miles later, still no regrets.

I kissed a lot of frogs over the year I searched. On this deal the stars lined up. My advice is to also look at the owner, not just the bike. I assume 100% depreciation on stuff like this. Bikes aren't good financial investments, in spite of what HD dealers say, but damn good investments for you mental health.

Even if you pay a bit too much, you won't notice it after the first 5 miles. You'll have grin so big it'll hurt.:D

[osbornk]

I assume 100% depreciation on stuff like this. Bikes aren't good financial investments, in spite of what HD dealers say, but damn good investments for you mental health.

Even if you pay a bit too much, you won't notice it after the first 5 miles. You'll have grin so big it'll hurt.:D

I agree. Cheaper than golf, less stressful than a shrink and more fun than either.

[Nodakgus]

It is hard to put a price tag on enjoyment and satisfaction. Sure, there are less expensive brands to consider. But, over the long haul, ask the question of "Where will the most smiles and grins come from?" I also amen the comment about looking at the seller's character. I would rather purchase a well-cared for 40,000 mile bike than a 20,000 mile bike with a dubious past.

[ltownsend]

I bought my '02 RT last June when my beloved 850R needed a part I couldn't get in less than a month and I needed to leave the next day. Just happened upon it and snapped it up for under $8,000 with 35,000 miles on it. Owners concern--He didn't want a bike out of warranty. I spent the $250 on a techlusion unit and put 12,000 miles on it in two months. Over the winter upgraded to Wilburs shocks, Wundrlich bars, lights, etc. Still under $10,000 and have all the upgrades I want and a bike that will probably run 200,000 plus miles. Don't regret it at all. It's a wonderful machine and I'm planning a 12,000 mile ride to Alaska and the Grand Canyon this summer. Service records were good--though since I do most of my own work, I won't have dealer records to show if I decide to sell it later.

Loren

[OfficerImpersonator]

Have you considered buying a bike out of state?

For example, Seattle's Craigslist page has had these two bikes listed in the last two days:

1998 R1000RT - $6800 (http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/306530407.html)

R1100RT 1997 - $6000 (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/305748909.html)

Seattle is just one of the hundred cities you could check looking for the right bike at the right price on Craigslist. Add in all the various regional "cycle trader" type magazines and there is a virtually limitless supply of bikes to peruse.

When I was in the market for my bike, I considered traveling to Portland, the Bay Area or Southern California for the perfect bike.

Turns out the guy in the office right next to mine had my "perfect bike" gathering dust in his driveway - all I had to do was mention I wanted a used K75 and all he had to say was "hey - I have one I've only ridden 200 miles in the past two years - you wanna make me an offer?" and I got my bike.

My point is that the perfect bike could be 1000 miles away (could you imagine a better way to get acquainted with a new-to-you bike than riding it back home across country?) or it could be under a tarp in your next door neighbor's garage.

Good luck and happy hunting!

[jbgheat]

Once again, I appreciate the input. I've always found it interesting to hear how folks settled on a used bike. It's also interesting to find that 99 out of 100 have had good experiences with their bikes. Speaks to the quality of the bikes.

I'm going to keep shopping for a couple more days and if I can't find a 1150 at a decent price I'll make an offer on the 1100. Something about that Glacier Green color that keeps drawing me back! 97 w/29,000 miles, new rear tire, 3 cases, Aeroflow, and several other lesser priced accessories, and most important up to date service with all records-$6500 obo.

Thanks again for the info.

[cardno7]

Purchased 2002; 1150 RT three years ago for $11,000 (tank bag and battery tender inc.). It had aound 5000 miles on it and was in near perfect condition. The only problem has been keeping good tread on it from riding as often as possible.

During this three year period that 1150 RT has taken me around Ky (home state), Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Tenn. N Carolina, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa,
S Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah without a glitch.

Only change other than add on accessories was to change the seat. Stock for me was uncorfortable.

Serging was minor and has faded with time. Not noticable anymore. This bike seemed to break in at around 20,000 miles. It feels better now than when purchsed.

Did not like the brake system much either at first, but with time do not notice anything other than it will stop more quickly than any other bike I have riden; took short time to get used to linked and power assisted brakes.

Great bike; if I paid $11,000 three years ago you shoild be able to find a 2002 or 2003 in your price range; just some thoughts.

[sgtboring]

I purchased a year ago. I love it a little more each mile. Fast, smooth, easy to handle (I soemtimes think the bike is driving its self!)


:thumb