Getting the Feeling I bought an Antique

[Boxwrench]

As I scan the aftermarket sites for stuff or parts to tweak the bike for me I been finding the pickings kinda lean.
I find lotsa neat stuff but no listing for an 1100rt for it.
What I do find is 1/4 as much.
I have had to learned to look to see what fits an 1150 to see if it might fit..
email paint companies to see if they can get a paint chip kit for my color ( no longer supported) cause it is not listed.

I saw a cargo rest I liked only to find out they don't make adapter for mine any more.
Since my side boxes are out of fashion stuff for them is dissapearing.
like the Kulge hinge kit.

I have a "tupperware" bike and wonder how long the plastic will be avaialble will be before my bike turns into a cannabil to keep it one piece if it isn't there yet.

I like the bike but still wonder when DIY and scrounging is added to my mechanic skills on this, my 1st complicated (compared to my zuki) bike.

[knary]

BMW has a well deserved reputation for providing parts for their bikes long after the bike has left production. You shouldn't have any issues finding replacement parts and maintenance items for far longer than you'll probably own the bike.

As to aftermarket stuff, it largely depends on market demand. What kind of stuff are you looking for?

[Boxwrench]

The hinge kit. 2x
cargorest adapter kit.
to start.

seen neat stuff for 1200rt but not mine.
Found the paint chip kit. didn't get it yet

go to know that some parts from BMW will still be available.

[GSfornow]

Same deal with my '99 GS. There is a pretty good aftermarket compared to most other brands and models but just a fraction of what is available for HD. I do note that in the fours years I have owned my bike less and less aftermarket is available for it. As to factory parts currently BMW is pretty good with spares but I have a friend with three airheads and he is always trying to find some thing that is not available. The internet has helped finding goodies much easier. I do wonder about the future availability of electronic parts in particular for these bikes. Will they be available and at what price. At one point I was looking for the funny little skid plate bolts (with the rubber in the middle of two threaded sections) and the part places I called said they were no longer available, not out of stock NLA - then six months later they were back in stock. I found some from another source but thought it odd, anyway they are available now so thats the bottom line.

I guess if we were really concerned we would buy newer.

[Boxwrench]

Was the only BMW I could afford at this time.
Straight swap for an '07 bergman 400cc and $500 cash.

Things like the electronics has me concerned.
Beginning to wonder if I should become a parts hamster. :scratch

[alien_hitchhiker]

Beginning to wonder if I should become a parts hamster. :scratch

I wouldn't bother.

I've never had trouble obtaining parts for either of the BMWs I've owned. In addition to the excellent corporate support there are at least two BMW boneyards in the US.

With GSfornow's friend's airhead - remember that many of those airheads truly are antiques. When is the last time you tried to buy a part from the dealer for a 20 year old Suzuki?

As far as farkles for the bike, BMW is a small segment of the bike market in this country (what is it, 2%?). Sometimes you just have to get creative and modify, adapt or fabricate your own stuff (or pay someone to do it for you).

If being able to buy doo-dads off the shelf is important to you, then you may own the wrong bike. I don't mean to be smart-ass about it, that's just the way it is.

[Boxwrench]

they are not. I intend to keep it mostly stock. Just some things to make make it more usable to me.
like I have done already:
shift and brake extension, bar back,and sometime soon a RTP side stand I bought used.
planning:
spare larger box halfs (reason for the hinge kit)
DIY larger stand foot. and seat jacks. non skid seat w/ better padding.
cargorest ( now looks as DIY as they stopped making the adapter kit.)
Better shield.

I leave the pretty "do dads" to my Zuki.

[rfisher]

FWIW, I have found that aftermarket suppliers do not display the "older" stuff on their websites, but if you call them directly and speak to them, they may have it in stock and be happy to sell it to you.

Roy F

[TheRoss]

What is it you want for the bike? I ask because I have logged over 100k miles on my Opal Blue R1100RT and do not feel at all at a disadvantage riding with guys on newer K bikes and FJRs. I also ask because like someone said, BMW riders are not the target market for a lot (most) bike distributors. But having farkled my bike out some I'd be happy to tell you what I have added, where I got it and how much it cost, and what I think about it. Also... if you are a do it yourself kind of guy, keep the 1100. Add a fuse, no problem. Bleed the brakes, no problem. Replace the final drive oil, no problem. Fuel filter and pump, no problem. I could go on but you get the point. :drink

[lazywizard02]

start here - http://www.ascycles.com/

[alien_hitchhiker]

they are not. I intend to keep it mostly stock. Just some things to make make it more usable to me. ...
I leave the pretty "do dads" to my Zuki.

Boxwrench, I'm starting to figure out that you are a hardcore BMW rider at heart. When you make changes to your scoot it's all about functionality - to H' with the cosmetic stuff!

[Beemer01]

I have an 85 and zero difficulty buying parts.

[58058D]

I now have a 2000 K12RS, probably 90% of the parts would bolt directly to my old '85RS, or to Beemer01's for that matter. I have no problem getting parts. My wife had an 1100R, easy as anything to work on, most important parts directly swapable with your RT other than the plastic added to yours, ditto for her R1200C.
Relax and go for a good long ride, with no worries.