GoodKnight Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 I'm thinking about purchasing a 2002, R1150RT-P. The most appealing aspects of the cycle is the 840W power system,touring comfort and ease of maintenance. I currently own a 2005 Tiger, 2001 Trophy and a 1975, CB550F. I have also owned a 1986 Concours, 1970 Tiger and miscellaneous on and off-road bikes since a boy. I've read Jeff Dean's website and links as well as Robert Genat's book "Modern Police Motorcycles In Action"; which discusses the R1100RT-P, the Kawasaki and HD police bikes. Would be nice to hear some personal experiences, regrets, satisfactions - from RT-P and those Boxer owner's, as well, wanting to offer info. Finally, at 47, I'm going to try a Beemer. Link to comment
Woodie Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Search...many threads asking about RT-P models. See my sig-link as well. Happy owner. Link to comment
SWB Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Would be nice to hear some personal experiences, regrets, satisfactions - from RT-P and those Boxer owner's, as well, wanting to offer info. Bought mine at age 49. Some observations: Risk/Rewards/Misperceptions regarding riding something that "looks like a cop bike" Anecdotal, in case you ride in California and have to take their @!*$&%! rider's test. Rear seat conversion - parts list (there's a $600 kit available, too) Other information (plus a bit of mis-information) regarding owning an RT-P with perhaps 60K miles on it. As was said, there's lots of information on RT-P's from owners already posted (we ain't bashful). I've seen very few owners who seem disappointed. If you don't like the RT-P, you'll hate a civiliian RT too. So, at the very least, you can find out how much you want "in" to the Beemer a whole lot cheaper than buying a late model civilian model bike (i.e. BMW RT, Honda FJR, Honda ST, whatever, etc.), by starting with the RT-P. If you just HATE the black and white colors, you'll hate the bike. I'm at the point where I'd just rather have a civilian model equiped for touring, rather than a B&W RT-P. (I may pick up a 2004 RT-P and convert it, because there are a few farkles that come standard (i.e. final drive gearing, oil cooler, beefier electrical system, etc.), which are "nice to have". I am certain I'm safer riding a B&W "Authority" bike, simply because these bikes tend to "pop-out" to more motorists - visability is the key to survival against the cagers. This may not be true in states where their highway patrol or state police vehicles have traditionally been something other than B&W. But the bottom line is cost. If you can pick up a nice deal on an RT-P in the 5K to 8K range (depending on mileage and year of the bike), you've done well. You'll have to put up to a couple of thousand dollars into it one way or another to make it really "right" (i.e. new shocks, spline lube, maybe a clutch, other maintenance), but you should do this with a civilian bike with 50-60K miles anyway. Link to comment
Nevets Posted June 7, 2006 Share Posted June 7, 2006 Sent you a PM in response to yours. I'll call later today... Link to comment
GoodKnight Posted June 19, 2006 Author Share Posted June 19, 2006 Well, still debating. 2002 1150RT-P. 53K, $8K. Read all the comments, I could find, here and on the web. BMW's electrical power provided on these bikes is the driving force behind my desire to own one. However, where would I find the schematics and technical publicatons to work on a 1150RT-P? Link to comment
GoodKnight Posted June 19, 2006 Author Share Posted June 19, 2006 That seems high to me.... Rock's - What would you consider to be a fair price? Do you own a RT-P? Walt Link to comment
kckid Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 I just picked up a 11RT-P 2003 25K miles for $7500. Seemed like an OK price to me. It is in excellent shape visually. Link to comment
Woodie Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Last July, I paid $7,000 for a 2001 R1100RTP w/ 60K (miles) Link to comment
Jimmy2Time Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 I picked up a 99 R1100RTP for about $6500 about 6 weeks ago with 60K miles. It came with new transmission, brakes and rotors but some wear and tear scratches in the paint and luggage. Love the bike; fun and comfortable to ride. I’m getting tired of people slowing down in front of me when they see me in their rear view mirror. It's also funny to see the half hearted/cautious wave from other motorcyclists as we pass each other on the road. I don't think they realize that I'm not a cop until they pass me. Link to comment
flyingreg Posted June 20, 2006 Share Posted June 20, 2006 What would you consider to be a fair price? Do you own a RT-P?Walt, I have seen them for as low as $6000. But you have to be there to get this price. $7K would still be in range. BTW, fill out your bio so we can get to know you. It only takes a moment. And, welcome to the board! Link to comment
GoodKnight Posted June 20, 2006 Author Share Posted June 20, 2006 What would you consider to be a fair price? Do you own a RT-P?Walt, I have seen them for as low as $6000. But you have to be there to get this price. $7K would still be in range. BTW, fill out your bio so we can get to know you. It only takes a moment. And, welcome to the board! Seem's like I'm paying a grand more than I should, according to yours and other's qoute's. BTW - I left a bit about myself in my "Bio" Link to comment
ratfink Posted June 23, 2006 Share Posted June 23, 2006 Almost wo years ago I bought a 99 R1100RT-P from an RV dealer in Seattle area. It was November and the bike had been sitting outside onthe lot for several weeks. The dealer knew little about bikes I knew little about BMW's. The bike belched blue smoke when I started it. The abs lights flashed. It made funny sounds, clunky. I couldn't shift 2-3 without grinding gears. The bike had 42k miles, a recent clutch and brakes and everything looked good except the front tire. I offered 4.000.00 for it, they wanted 6,000.oo. I started walking away, they grabbed me and reluctantly did a deal saying they go for 7K on Ebay. Best bike I ever had smoke was an anomaly I guess from long time on sidestand. ABS lights due to weak battery. Clunk sound normal. After a year of riding figured out how to shift without grinding. I have a 4,000.00 bike that gets more attention than a 30,000.00 chopper. (not always positive attention though). If you want some thing different get rhe RT-P. I put Hella micro FF and fog lights on mine and occaissionaly change back and forth from radio box to pillion. regards, Larry Link to comment
Gordon R Posted June 24, 2006 Share Posted June 24, 2006 Ask to take the bike out for a long test ride. These bikes have been ridden pretty hard but if the transmission,clutch and brakes feel sound they probably are. I bought my 01'RTP a couple of years ago and ride it to work daily and have taken it on a couple of long trips with no problems. The radio box gives you a nice place to store stuff, side blinkers are cool. Getting used to the black and white color took some getting used to. People will see you from the front, side and back but don't let that go to your head. Other cops and the CHP wave at me, normal riders rarely do. After two years I still give this bike a thumbs up. A good price: $6500 to $8K. Go for the 1150RTP version only because it is the later version of the RTP with more power. Link to comment
Tschamp Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 I just purchased my second 98' RTP. This one had 34K miles. Just starting recieving some of the conversion parts. Anyone have a subframe lying around? I have enjoyed these bikes. Link to comment
csapp05 Posted June 29, 2006 Share Posted June 29, 2006 Just got an 02, just got it in for a service check in the local dealer, they checked all fluids, bearings, brakes, belt, tires, etc, and road tested the bike. The only thing wrong was the oil filler cap is leaking (already posted about) and all items above were in a well maintained shape. I figured for the lack of a radio, cruise control (electronic) and back seat, I saved over 3k on a comparable RT. It is a great bike, seems to be real visible on the road, and has all the safety features I desired. Just make sure it has not been wrecked or rebuilt from scrap. Good Luck! Link to comment
GordonB Posted June 29, 2006 Share Posted June 29, 2006 Why all the concern for the RTP's power generating capabilities as your primary reason? Arent the std RT's enough? Link to comment
ratfink Posted June 29, 2006 Share Posted June 29, 2006 I was curious about that too. I think my 99 RT-P has a 750 watt. Even with fog lights, driving lights, heated grips and a higher wattage headlight I think I only use about half that capacity. Given the Enron crisis however, I was afraid to ask. RT Fink Link to comment
ratfink Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 BTW if you want to see what was in the radio box check out this picture http://LNett.photosite.com/ Link to comment
Doppelganger Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Bought my 99 1100 RTP last November, two weeks after my MSF Course. It had 38K on it and I paid $6800. Yes, people do see you. I call it 'reverse-camoflage'. A lady started to pull to the side for me last Monday. Guilty conscience I guess. Link to comment
SWB Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 Yes, people do see you. I call it reverse-camoflage'. A lady started to pull to the side for me last Monday. Guilty conscience I guess. I've gotten to the point where I don't think about the fact that the bike may make me look like a LEO. It is what it is; I just try to keep as safe as I can, and folks have been genetically programmed since before they learned how to drive to look for my bike. That's a good thing, but I still take nothing for granted. Today I road up between two cars (lane splitting) just as a light turned red. After I came to a stop, I heard a voice behind and to the right of me say "Duuuude. <long pause> Duude, you scared the sh*t out of me! I thought you were a cop!!" I looked back, and a decent looking young man (probably one of our local Marines) in the car on my right was holding a mostly empty bottle of soda, the contents of which he wore. I apologized and told him something like ".. there are lots and lots of differences..". Link to comment
Turbodog Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 I picked up a 98 R1100RT-P w/59k for 4500.00 awhile back and love the bike. I specifically wanted an "authority" model. Love the black and white paint job. We don't have many police using the RT-P down here, only one department and they only have one or two, so police model BMW's are rare birds here. I prefer to have a machine that doesn't look like everybody elses. I do get confused with LEO's, though I haven't figured out why since they all (mostly) ride Harley's here. It's a great bike and pretty easy to work on and does have those little extra perks that civilian models don't have. Take the plunge and get it. Link to comment
Hedge36 Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 The only downside I've experienced in owning an RT-P: some cagers take it upon themselves to "retaliate" for some perceived deception on the freeway. Twice yesterday I had to brake check morons who were pissed off because my black-n-white caused them to drive like real humans, and they thought it would be fun to chase after me the rest of the way home. Not good. Link to comment
SWB Posted June 30, 2006 Share Posted June 30, 2006 The only downside I've experienced in owning an RT-P: some cagers take it upon themselves to "retaliate" for some perceived deception on the freeway. Twice yesterday I had to brake check morons who were pissed off because my black-n-white caused them to drive like real humans, and they thought it would be fun to chase after me the rest of the way home. Not good. Yep. Link to comment
Hornhonker Posted October 25, 2006 Share Posted October 25, 2006 I picked up a new 2002 R1150RT-P last month for $11k CDN. The BMW Canada people found several in the back of their warehouse and decided to flog them to the public as the new R1200 ver had made them obsolete. Link to comment
bakerzdosen Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 I picked up a new 2002 R1150RT-P last month for $11k CDN. The BMW Canada people found several in the back of their warehouse and decided to flog them to the public as the new R1200 ver had made them obsolete. Wow. NICE. Link to comment
motor275 Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Any more like that around ??? Link to comment
MattP Posted April 2, 2007 Share Posted April 2, 2007 Well, I'm sure I will get decimated for this one, but here goes... I have ridden an RT-P for work, a civilian 11RT outfitted with LEDs/siren for funeral escort work, and an 1150RT for strictly personal use. My thoughts (and I am an LEO, so take this with a grain of salt)... I can't understand for one second why anyone would want to ride a black and white for personal use. Yes, I get the whole conspicuity thing, but do you really want the unnecessary attention? Maybe that's just me. On buying a used RT-P: If you are getting it for work/off-duty jobs as an LEO where you can write off maintenance, no big thing. If you are getting one to convert, I would really weigh the additional farkles vs. the fact that these things get FLOGGED, buddy! New tranny, new whatever, a 'retired' RT-P with 24k miles is NOT (in my book) at ALL comparable to a civi RT with the same miles. There's just no way. Read this forum and you'll figure out real quick how anal (in a good way) most civilian RT owners are with riding habits, maintenance, etc. You have a hard time convincing me that the best-kept fleet RT-P anywhere gets that kind of attention. I guess if it's between an RT-P and no bike at all (b/c of price), then that's a no brainer- get a bike. But I would sure save my pennies and find a regular RT. Ok, sorry (!) for raining on everyone's parade. There are exceptions to every rule, and maybe an RT-P (converted or not) fits your riding needs, just some food for thought. Link to comment
SWB Posted April 2, 2007 Share Posted April 2, 2007 Well, I'm sure I will get decimated for this one, but here goes... I have ridden an RT-P for work, a civilian 11RT outfitted with LEDs/siren for funeral escort work, and an 1150RT for strictly personal use. My thoughts (and I am an LEO, so take this with a grain of salt)... I can't understand for one second why anyone would want to ride a black and white for personal use. Yes, I get the whole conspicuity thing, but do you really want the unnecessary attention? Maybe that's just me. On buying a used RT-P: If you are getting it for work/off-duty jobs as an LEO where you can write off maintenance, no big thing. If you are getting one to convert, I would really weigh the additional farkles vs. the fact that these things get FLOGGED, buddy! New tranny, new whatever, a 'retired' RT-P with 24k miles is NOT (in my book) at ALL comparable to a civi RT with the same miles. There's just no way. Read this forum and you'll figure out real quick how anal (in a good way) most civilian RT owners are with riding habits, maintenance, etc. You have a hard time convincing me that the best-kept fleet RT-P anywhere gets that kind of attention. I guess if it's between an RT-P and no bike at all (b/c of price), then that's a no brainer- get a bike. But I would sure save my pennies and find a regular RT. Ok, sorry (!) for raining on everyone's parade. There are exceptions to every rule, and maybe an RT-P (converted or not) fits your riding needs, just some food for thought. My personal, and minority opinion is (a) the B&W visibility in CA traffic is worth the semi-embarrassing "hey there goes Walter Mitty" looks - it's a life-saving issue, and (b) oh..yeah, I think most RT-P's are basket cases. I think they get the minimum amount of maintenance possible under BMW contract (i.e. after all, BMW wants to get 36 months or 60K trouble free miles out of these; not one month or mile more, so why spend an extra 15 minutes to actually change the fuel filter or transmission oil..). I know we have proud Beemer dealers and techs on this forum who will beg to differ, but after owning my RT-P, and wading into the bike to see "the skeleton's" due to service that likely was not done by an Orange County, CA dealer, I think the most that was ever done to my bike was change the oil, and maybe even that was skipped. I can't prove this, but there are some things (such as original factory seals on the fuel filter suggesting it was never changed, or the transmission problems I'm now having) that look suspicious to me. If I were making a buying decision today (a) it wouldn't be a used RT-P, not even for $3,000, and (b) I'd look at good, less expensive sport-touring bikes before I dropped cash on another Beemer. The only way a Beemer makes sense is if you're a total wrench-head - nothing wrong with that, or have a lot of disposable income lying around. Guys who can afford a $20-25K motorcycle really don't care about the cost of maintenance. Guys who love wrenching don't really care about the cost of service. A BMW is going to cost you a ton in parts and service, and a used RT-P will cost even more. Link to comment
ratfink Posted April 2, 2007 Share Posted April 2, 2007 Dang! Walter Mitty. The people with Califonia plates, They've been giving me strange looks, but I never put it together with Walter Mitty. I've heard that name before but I'm going to have to google it. Man oh man I thought they were giving me that "there goes Ponch look". I sure would like to buy one of those Canadian bikes. Link to comment
tallman Posted April 3, 2007 Share Posted April 3, 2007 Scott, As with anything, YMMV. I can assure you there is a least one dealership that does more than "just change the oil" on RT-P's. And, 650 GS's. We have 5 authority agencies we work with. Recently got a 10 year contract with one because service costs were lower, and dealer service was superior to previous "other" brand motorbikes. Again, YMMV, but it is certainly in the dealership's best interest to properly maintain their authority bikes. Any incident related to lack of service would be actionable by the agency. Certainly we would not want a LEO to be injured as a result of failure to perform needed work. RT-P's are usually ridden hard. However, some dealerships replace many parts before selling them to John Q. When buying a product "as is", there are stories of bikes lasting "forever" w/no problems and one that didn't make it around the block. Last batch of R 1100 RT-P's we sold, 6 have been running great the past three years. One had a problem. One customer passed on these, bought a CHP bike (yes a long way from here) because he wanted the color scheme. That bike had numerous problems related to use in an urban environment. All were fixable for a reasonable investment. Perception of value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Best wishes. Link to comment
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