What would you give?

[yrfuneralmytrial]

Theoretical question here so feel free to wax away... I've found a '79 R100RT that a guy has "converted" to an S. Essentially, he's replaced a damaged RT fairing with an S fairing. He's done new paint, mufflers, seat, brakes and gone through it thoroughly mechanically replacing needed stuff with BMW replacements. 26k actual miles. He's left on the RT handle bars. From what I can tell, it's very nice both mechanically and cosmetically. Just changed around a bit and therefore...non-original. It's appealing to me because it looks to be clean, well looked after. Fwiw, he said the original owner dropped it in the garage and damaged the RT fairing but nothing else. He likes it but has clearly moved on and is ready to get rid of it. It's cold and times are tough. If interested, what would you offer?

[tuber1]

how long has it been sitting, does it run???? yeh no more than 2800

[AnnapolisAirhead]

I am biked out but...I wouldn't mind the fairing. Does he have that still? If so, PM me please.

[lkchris]

The "new paint" part is what usually tanks the resale value.

Unless of course it's BMW paint, pinstripes and all.

Not just white or black, that is.

Of course it is feasible that anything's better than that brown.

[sumran]

I suspect the RT bars and the S fairing will not survive as a happy couple. That fairing will dump the air and turbulence at your chin if you sit in an RT position.

If you want an S, changing the bars is easy and cheap. If you want a more upright ride and a fairing, you will spend a little more time and money. RT fairings are usually available or there are several good aftermarket options. I would factor that into your formula.

Either way, if the bike is sound, anything below 3,000 would be a good value in my opinion. I like the '79 model year.

[lbrackr756]

I paid 3 grand for an '80 R100RT with less than 21k on the clock. Honestly, I don't know why these things go for so little. After all, they were the most expensive motorcycle available at that time and incorporated most of the best technology that airhead owners continue to enjoy to this day. My ride is rock solid, dependable, smooth and able to easily travel long distances at 75mph while burning only a gallon every 45 miles or so. Additionally, almost all maintenance and repairs can be carried out without the need for a $65 per hour BMW mechanic. Who could want more than that?

Little Egypt Airheads
'66 R50/2
'76 R75/6
'80 R100RT

[jforgo]

"$65 per hour BMW mechanic"?
Around here they are $125/hr!

[sumran]

I paid 3 grand for an '80 R100RT with less than 21k on the clock. Honestly, I don't know why these things go for so little. After all, they were the most expensive motorcycle available at that time and incorporated most of the best technology that airhead owners continue to enjoy to this day. My ride is rock solid, dependable, smooth and able to easily travel long distances at 75mph while burning only a gallon every 45 miles or so. Additionally, almost all maintenance and repairs can be carried out without the need for a $65 per hour BMW mechanic. Who could want more than that?

Little Egypt Airheads
'66 R50/2
'76 R75/6
'80 R100RT

I think your logic is flawless. Your a lucky man to have such a fine machine. Not that I'm biased or anything.:p

[yrfuneralmytrial]

Sorry guys, I missed all your kind replies. There was only one reply for a while and I figured the thread died. Anyway, the seller went from hot to trot to voidville. I was waiting on better pics, detailed description etc... and nothing ever came. I let it go. Good reference though.

[zoridog]

"$65 per hour BMW mechanic"?
Around here they are $125/hr!

In New Jersey the dealer shop rate is $90 - $95/hr.

[orbitangel]

Honestly, I don't know why these things go for so little. After all, they were the most expensive motorcycle available at that time and incorporated most of the best technology that airhead owners continue to enjoy to this day. My ride is rock solid, dependable, smooth and able to easily travel long distances at 75mph while burning only a gallon every 45 miles or so. Additionally, almost all maintenance and repairs can be carried out without the need for a $65 per hour BMW mechanic. Who could want more than that?

Little Egypt Airheads
'66 R50/2
'76 R75/6
'80 R100RT

Apart from the overly optimistic labor rate (mentioned by others already) what you said above is right on the mark. When I see some of the crappy (new) motorcycles for sale these days at exhorbitant prices, I can't believe what a bargain a slash five, slash six, or slash seven machine can be. Folks who don't know any better will pay double and triple the price for some POS bike that isn't worth owning, mainly because the BMW looks different from some generic, pre-conceived notion of what they think a motorcycle is supposed to look like. I've seen this happen again and again. I feel sorry for a lot of these folks who are riding ill-handling, uncomfortable, complex (don't try it at home) to maintain, worthless junk.

You speak the truth!