Used RT's What to look for?

[D74R90S]

I'm starting to think real seriously about purchasing a used RT. My initial thought is somewhere between the 1997 and 2000 model while trying to limit the miles to somewhere less than 50,000. Any help on what a fair value might be for this year range and any possible specific gotcha's to look out for.

I don't have any certain bike in mind right now, just looking for the generals. I'm not afraid about the miles as my 90S has 150K on it right now and I haven't had a bit of problems with it.

Again, all help is welcome.
Thanks,
Dave

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Depending on your budget you may want to look at an 04 as the prices are falling through the basement. BMW is making 5 payments and low interest and the new bikes are going for as low as 13500 NEW .With winter approaching and the new RT comming out pretty soon, BMW hopes to offload the"old" RT's.
Depending on where you live it may make sense.
Good hunting!!

[gec343]

The prices of the 04 RT's are coming down, to say the least. I saw a new 04 RT go for $12,995 on Ebay. I believe the prices will fall further this Winter when the new 1200RT's come out. I plan on buying a new 04 around December, and hopefully, pay about 12,000.

[StevieWonder]

I just bought a brand spanking new '04 RT for $13000. That's giving up the BMW financing deal for a lower price. I chased used ones on eBay for a couple of months, but '02 models with 1000ish miles were going for $12K with little or nothing in the way of aftermarket goodies/add-ons. Getting a full 3 yr warranty and keeping the local dealer involved plus a 2 yr newer bike seemed like good tradeoffs to me for $1K.

I don't see them going much lower simply because there aren't that many left. I had to search about 8 states to find a new one in the "right" color and found only 2, one of which just happened to be local.

[oldcarkook]

Dave: I got my '96RT used in '01. It does not have the interlocked braking, but does have front ABS. Depending upon your riding style, you may prefer to look for non-linked brakes and I think that cut-off is '98, but I may be mistaken. Someone more knowledgeable on this will chime in I hope.

Low mile bikes from "wannabe" enthusiasts are all over the place and I am amazed at how many surface all the time. While miles may not matter to you, maintenance history should matter a great deal. Mine came with 100% of the maintenance records right down to the tire changes. That for me was key in addition to the overall pristine condition of the bike (when I bought it!).

My 2 cents

[Win3855]

I bought a 97 RT two years ago. The biggest problem I had was the hing area of the luggage. All three pieces had cracks and gobbed up repairs. Have ended up with two new covers for side bags.

[lorazepam]

I saw a new RT that was priced LOWER than a new RS! This was in a dealer in Cleveland, and I was amazed he was selling the RT so cheap. I guess word about a new RT based on the R1200 has the dealers clearing out their stock.

[dlearl476]

Originally posted by D74R90S
I'm not afraid about the miles as my 90S has 150K on it right now and I haven't had a bit of problems with it.

Again, all help is welcome.
Thanks,
Dave

Keep in mind you have a "Legendary Motorcycle of Germany". Unfortunately, BMW no longer makes those, they just use the slogan for marketing purposes.
With that in mind, I think a good, complete service record in invaluable in assessing a future purpose. As is a pre-buy inspection.
I think the point made by others re: the great financing available now is a real strong point for buying new.

[hwunger]

This will sound like sacrilige on this list, but while looking at used RT's, why not look at used ST11's also ? .... I became disillusioned after riding a couple of used RT11's ... either too many miles, look and felt too worn out, or just longing for an '04 that I could not afford. After test riding a 2002 ST11 I made a deal - and have been very happy with it.

No doubt some nice examples are out there, but older RT11's are showing their age, especially after lusting for the more modern R1150RT's. ... good luck whatever you do.

[Mudbug]

I'm surprised to learn that 04 RT's are selling for approx $13,000. The local dealer has a few 04's on the showroom floor between mid 16,000 and mid 18,000. Of course they have added accessories like over priced radios. It reminds me of the practices of the local Harley dealers, adding extras in order to inflate the price and increase profits.

It tuned me off to the point that I've been researching and looking at Honda ST1300 which are easily had for under $13,000.

[StevieWonder]

I drove the Honda ....

NO contest ... not even close ... and the money was right at the same level as the the R1150RT.

[RTdavey]

Buy the "04 RT. it is the best BMW has to offer, and now is the best price you are gonna see!

[StevieWonder]

BTW ... Daytona BMW has two '04 1150RT's on eBay at $13K. Add in $500 for shipping to anyplace in the US and you're at or below Honda prices ... or, even better, just ride it home for the break-in !!!

[alien_hitchhiker]

Dave, I replaced my '85 K100RT one year ago with a low mileage 2000 R1100RT and have since added 15,000 miles to the clock. Before settling on the '00 I test rode a used 2002 1150RT and a new 2004 dual plug RT. What I like about the older '00 is no linked brakes (I can trail brake in corners) & no servo assist (less complexity and less long term maintenance cost). I also think the slightly smaller displacement engine runs a tad smoother. Both the '02 and my bike surged, the dual plug did not. So I added a Techlushion and am currently running Denso IK22 plugs and it's nearly as sweet & smooth as the old K100. To my mind the only real advantage of the two newer bikes was sexier styling. But hey, that smaller front fender just kicks up more grime. Check out the www.ibmwr.org marketplace and the BMWON classifieds & you'll get a good idea of what;s being asked for the used ones. Some of them are nicely accessorized and with suprisingly low miles for thousands less than a new one, even with the discounts.
So there you have it, yet another opinion!
Steve

[hwunger]

"Re: I drove the Honda ....

NO contest ... not even close ... and the money was right at the same level as the the R1150RT."


To each his own ... I was most impressed with the ST1300, so much that it immediately made my short list. On the test ride I followed a VFR and kept up with him at all times. The 1150RT has only one clear advantage (weight) and I agree with many listers who say that 'the legendary motorcycles of germany' are now just that - a legend from the past. BMW's are great bikes - so are Hondas.

I settled on a 2002 ST11 for cost reasons.

[alien_hitchhiker]

One more advantage for the oilhead RT: if you're an amateur DIY shadetree wannabe poser wrench, you can still perform most maintenance chores on the oilhead bikes. It's a bit tougher with the ST and FJR with their bucket-over-shims valve trains and Japanese engineering. Granted, BMW is evolving further and further from this attribute, but it's still there for the R series (especially the 1100's). Needless to say Harley's, Guzzis, and airheads rule the DIY roost.
Steve
"If riding your bike is making love to it, then wrenching is cuddling"
Aah, that's so sweet!

[StevieWonder]

Well, it made my short list too which is exactly why I test drove it.

I found the BMW to be:

1. Smoother across the power band
2. Better handling (more predictable and more responsive)
3. Better quality ride
4. At least as good build quality
5. Almost exactly the same price

But that's just my opinion ... I could be wrong (with apologies to Dennis Miller)

[hwunger]

1. Smoother across the power band
not for me ... I guess I'm just not a 'boxer' kinda guy.
2. Better handling (more predictable and more responsive)
the telelever is an amazing piece of engineering, yes
3. Better quality ride
again, in front, yes, all bow to the mighty telelever
4. At least as good build quality
yes, equally good
5. Almost exactly the same price
yup ... pretty close

[SheRidesABeemer]

Dave, I replaced my '85 K100RT one year ago with a low mileage 2000 R1100RT and have since added 15,000 miles to the clock. Before settling on the '00 I test rode a used 2002 1150RT and a new 2004 dual plug RT. What I like about the older '00 is no linked brakes (I can trail brake in corners) & no servo assist (less complexity and less long term maintenance cost). I also think the slightly smaller displacement engine runs a tad smoother. Both the '02 and my bike surged, the dual plug did not. So I added a Techlushion and am currently running Denso IK22 plugs and it's nearly as sweet & smooth as the old K100. To my mind the only real advantage of the two newer bikes was sexier styling. But hey, that smaller front fender just kicks up more grime. Check out the www.ibmwr.org marketplace and the BMWON classifieds & you'll get a good idea of what;s being asked for the used ones. Some of them are nicely accessorized and with suprisingly low miles for thousands less than a new one, even with the discounts.
So there you have it, yet another opinion!
Steve

I too am looking more carefully at the RT, it seems like the closest replacement bike for my '94 K11LT. The '00 R11 seems very attractive at the 6k level. I have taken out the 04 but did not like the brakes one bit, and I think I'd rather not pour the money out for a new bike.

I'd like to hear from others who have moved from a K to an R. I rode a couple R's when I did Eidelweis last February, I couldn't get used to the noise and the vibration made my feet fall asleep. I also seem to recall it was a bit of a dog off the line as compared to the K. What are the pro's for this K fan to consider?

I wish Santa has just left me a set of keys...

Gail

[BMWRich58]

I'd like to hear from others who have moved from a K to an R.

Started out with "Rice Burners" but wanted something different and handled good. Of course wanted German but at the time couldn't afford it so went with the Italians, a Guzzi! Nice but "cheaply made" I feel. Eventually got my Beemer an airhead RT. Loved it!! Of course my buddy offered me his K bike for a few miles and I said what the hay. Needlesss to say I was on a mission to find and have one. Loved the K,but put up with the heat in the summer months. Something was missing tho, but couldn't find out what.... Out comes the new "Oilhead" RT in Glacier Green. Instant "love Affair". Get outta my way!!!!! Test rode one and rode my cousins bike,lusted month after month for one. Realized, I found what I was missing. The "characteristic shake",torque pull to one side ,that notchy shifting,those big jugs just-a-hanging out...I found what I was looking for.
Now by that time,the rumors of a newer styled "ABS linked" RT was on it's way,sporting an additional gear,6 mind you,6!!! Well, we just had to wait.
Months of being bikeless went by, all kinds of offers from friends and relatives
were offered. I even thought I'd made a mistake by parting with the "K",it's Radio,CB,hand pin stripped paint and custom velor seating....
But finally the '02 Silver RT came in and I was again in love!!! The odd sound of the engine during idle and the funny shake it makes. The still somewhat notchy shifting characteristic of boxer transmissions,and again the twisting the bike makes during throttle blips. Yea, I missed all that when riding a K,and I know I gave up the performance and smoothness,and lack of constant attention the motor (valves) needs.
But there is something about a "Boxer" that speaks to me like the sweet sounds of a violin!
And again, instead of moving forward,I fell back. To another Boxer,a GS. One that is older,simpler,notchier,and half the power. And by most standards, considered ugly,but still different and rare.
Yea,I like my 'boxers",and I think I'll stay with 'em for quite some time. :wave

[bikerfish1100]

Gail- I came off a '93K11RS, via a '96 Ducati 900SS, on to my current '01R1100S.
i loved the smooth turbine like power of the K. i loved it's "put the key in & go" nature. Loved the reliability (55K, no repairs other than a thermostat sensor and a set of fork seals) & predicatbility (always ran the same, never changed, temps & altitude be damned). Hated it's heat in summer, it's weight in the tight twisties, it's numbing my foot or pinky from the high frequency buzzing at speed.
I ride my girlfriends' R1100S for a few hours. Nice torque, great front end, but i like my K better.
Fast forward a few years. The Duc arrives. ohmygawd is this thing light!! and it sticks to the road like it was on flypaper! now i remember what i loved so much about my very first Triumph (1965 Tiger 650), and my earliest /6 & /7 beemers- light, personable bikes with character & soul. sound, vibration, pulses, rawness.
Fast forward again. Ride that '99 S for a coupla days this time. dang. light. not quite Ducati light (wet, that bike is 425!), but still 100#s under the K. and that motor. now, with 24K on it instead of 12K it has smoothed out immeasurably. this thing is FUN!
my K was a fabulous "tool", an excellent "piece of machinery". but this R is a bike that puts that old s-eating grin upon my face in a way that the K wouldn't quite do anymore. like a civilized version of the Duc. one that will eagerly go x-c for me (without having to do it in 1.5 hr segments, as the Duc would demand of my knees).
now, 2 years later, i still get that s-eating grin everytime i straddle my R11S. touring? yup. commuting? yup. twisties? hell yup.
Yes, the K is a better 2-up touring mount than my S is, and was mildly better on the interstate slab. but i mostly tour 1-up now- my son is 17, and ready for his own bike. he hates "riding beatch". and the S's advantages in the twisties are so much more than the K's advantages on the slab.
YMMV.

Oh, and Rich. Regarding the still somewhat notchy shifting characteristic of boxer transmissions
Not. The 6 speed in the boxer is the 6 speed from the K. the different characteristics in shifting is due to R vs K engine characteristics, and the way you are riding your RT, not the trans. Rev the boxer motor to over 5K for upshifts. Always. You'll love the difference.