In the market for a used RT - need advice

dvandkq said:

That's a gorgeous bike. Time to go visit my bank and inquire about a loan.

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Do a little wheeling and dealing, and you could have that bike home after a cross country trip for around $10k. Not bad.

I retired my R850R last year for an 2002 R 1150 RT. Got a good price on it. Had about 40,000 miles and a good service record. Seller was afraid of it because it was out of warrantee. He bought a new GT. The price was right (less than $8,000). I changed the fluids and drove it 10,000 miles last summer. Over the winter, with money I had saved buying a bike with a few more miles, I added a techlusion unit ($200) which absolutely eliminated surging, put Wilburs shocks ($1400)on it, good lighting ($300), and an Aeroflow shield. Now, for under $10,000 I have a bike I love, is personalized, and will run the wheels off of almost anything else on the road. I'm planning a 20,000 mile summer starting in two weeks.

Go with a good used bike if you like the RTs. Make it yours. More than possible for under $10,000--but plan to put some of the money you save into some upgrades. I wouldn't trade this bike for a 1200 RT if I did have the money.

I'd look for a '98 -'00 R1100RT. By that time they had solved all of the early problems and not introduced the new problems (servo ABS and clutch input splines) yet.

Rollifahrer said:

Although the 1100RT's lack some of the "improvements" mentioned, they have plenty of power for long distance touring, ABS, and really great lines. 7 - 8K should get you a specimen with low miles and lots of extras; some out there for under 6K. Mine is a 98, bought from a dealer 2 seasons ago with 68K miles, it just turned 100K and runs great. I think the 1100's are a great value, and if I wear this one out, I will most likely get another. Why? The sexy organic lines and the price.

Happy hunting,

Rick

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+1 on all those reasons. My 2001 is a great bike. I take at least one 3000 to 4000 mile trip each year on it and also commute on it daily (except for this week with temps over 100). Has nearly 80,000 miles and is going strong. I figure to have it for many years yet.

I'm going to try and see this bike...

My "dream bike" has always been a low-mileage RT-P. Today, this appears on Seattle's Craigslist:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/352183164.html

Might have to see if I can swing this. It's amazing what you can pull off on Father's Day weekend!

Here is a good fit for your budget and to get a quality bike that will provide great enjoyment

BMW Motorcycles:

FS 2002 R1150RT
Year: 2002
Make: BMW
Model: R 1200 GS
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Price: $8750

Miles: 25000
Color: Red
Engine Size(cc): 1150
Warranty: none


Description: 2002 BMW Red R1150RT, 25,000 miles, Top case & side bags. Tank bag. Rick Mayer Seat. Bar Backs. Cylinder Guards. LT (extended) Front Fender. RS (oval) Mirrors. Cee Bailey Clear Headlight/Foglight Guard. CeeBailey Windshield-Light Gray Tint/Oversize. Priority Plus Stop Light w/Extra LED stop light. New Michelin tires (front & rear), Handlebar Cruise Control. ABS Brakes. Good Condition, No Problems, Needs Nothing. Clear Title, 2nd Owner. $8750.00



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Okay - just listed my current bike for sale here and on the local Craigslist page. Let's see if I can find a good home for my K-bike as I attempt to transition to R-bike world!

MOA ad: http://www.bmwmoa.org/flea/detail.php?siteid=4629&catid=1

Craigslist ad: http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/352855590.html

If you know someone looking for a reliable K-bike with lots of life left in her, look no farther than here!

Closed the deal

I now own a 2002 R1150RT-P. Funds will clear and title exchanged next Wednesday.

So long "K", hello "R".

dvandkq said:

I now own a 2002 R1150RT-P. Funds will clear and title exchanged next Wednesday.

So long "K", hello "R".

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Congratulations.

With that extra power lane splitting will be that much more tempting.

knary said:

Congratulations.

With that extra power lane splitting will be that much more tempting.

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Scott,

The first word that popped into my head upon reading your post was "incorrigible"

I'm thinking a RT-P will be self-splitting. Activate the headlight flasher and the sea of cages will part before me!

I'm having a hard time enduring what is the worst possible period of motorcycle ownership - the gap between when the bike has been selected, a deposit has been made, and a deal has been struck, but due to a need to shuffle paperwork and money around, there is no new bike in the garage. Hopefully I should have the new addition by the end of next week - I can't wait!

Try an RT-P

dvandkq said:

What should I be looking for?

Any years and/or options I should avoid?

Since these bikes last forever, I think I'm willing to accept some miles and some years in exchange for a lower price - but how old should I go before I run into the risk of having to spend a lot of money renewing parts as they wear out instead of simply enjoying a reliable bike?

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As far as low price, you can't beat an RT-P. You can pick up an 02 for around 7k and an 01 or older for around 5k. I've got a 2000 model, and an 02. I've been very happy with both of them. One nice thing is people don't seem to pull out in front of you as much.
Here's a link for a Rear Seat conversion if you get one.

Good luck !

There were no used RTs anywhere in KC in May.

Ended up paying way more for a leftover 2006 - but these are great bikes !