Should I buy a 100k RT-P?

[billy bee]

The CHP is now running their RT-Ps to 100k miles while they figure out which bikes they'll be buying going forward. Therefore, there are used RT-Ps available pretty inexpensively. Currently, I can buy an '02 for $3400 or an '04 for $3800...each with exactly 100k miles. I am considering buying one as a commuter. I know they have been maintained properly, but I am seeking your opinions--dangerous, I know, but here it goes anyway:

 

Do the CHP bikes get run so hard that the wear-and-tear is considerably greater than a civilian bike? Or are BMW tough enough to handle the abuse?

 

Is the '04 twin spark enough of an advancement to justify an extra $400? Honestly, the '02 is in better condition.

 

Using your crystal balls (insert joke here), how low could the value of one of these bikes go? For example, if I ride this thing for 5 years and put another 50k on it, I think it will still be worth $2500, making the cost of depreciation particularly low. Thoughts?

 

TIA,

bb

 

[upflying]

For that money, you can't go wrong. You could even drop another $2,000 into it for something major and still be money ahead. Those bikes had the best service money can buy. They are also ridden by professional riders who stomp on them frequently while chasing violators and responding to incidents. I'd get the '04, the best of the 1150 series.

[ninermatt]

I am in total agreement with upflying. At that price what do you have to lose?

[Jerry in Monument]

Where are you located that you're getting such low $$$ on R1150? That's what I'm looking for but seem to only find R1150's for $5k or more.

[upflying]

Where are you located that you're getting such low $$$ on R1150? That's what I'm looking for but seem to only find R1150's for $5k or more.

I'm not sure he wants to answer that because the rest of us wants in on the deal.

[billy bee]

I'll tell you after I get the bike; there will be more. You see these very bikes advertised on eBay regularly for $5500 by dealers who can make some money on them.

 

I was leaning toward the '02 but, based on your advice, will probably get the '04.

 

BTW, you don't get to ride these bikes before buying them. You can start and run them...they both run quite smoothly.

 

Thanks for the info. Still open to other thoughts...

 

bb

[azpilot06]

I'd echo the sentiment on the 1150 - worth the extra dough. If nothing else, the headlamp is so much prettier than the 1100, it's worth the coin

 

Almost bought a train-wreck police 1150 last weekend (had a hot whopping 13000 miles on the odo), but got out-bid at the local auction. If I'd been willing to part with more cash, it could've made a good rebuild and ride project, or failing that, it was easily worth $6k as a part-out bike. Unfortunately, I had to let it go for just over $1100.

 

Of all the RT-P fleets out there, CHP is probably the best, or close to the top. Bikes are maintained at BMW dealers, and the agency has a big, big investment in this fleet. They get the maintenance by the book, and when they're broke, they get fixed properly.

 

The agency from which I bought mine did some dealer maintenance, but also had some independent guy who was maintaining for them. I've encountered some wierd stuff on the bike as a result.

 

Good luck, and we want pictures!

[Jerry in Monument]

There are five (5) RT-P bikes on Ebay in Anchorage, AK; two (2) 2001 R1100RT-P and three (3) 2002 R1150RT-P. The mileage are to die for; 9,654 - 12,783.

 

Starting bids are $6,200 which sounds good, but then you have to get it out of Alaska!

[billy bee]

You are doing some homework, eh, Jerry? There is one bike left. The '02 sold today. I hope to snag the '04 tomorrow. If not, another one will pop up soon enough. There is also a '00 available for $3k...just not interested in an 1100. I think the 6-speed alone is worth the extra $800, but I have never ridden a twin-spark bike. Can't wait...

 

bb

[Jim Moore]

I'd grab the '00 for $3K. The 98-00 RTs are the best! Seriously.

[Jerry in Monument]

You are doing some homework, eh, Jerry? There is one bike left. The '02 sold today. I hope to snag the '04 tomorrow. If not, another one will pop up soon enough. There is also a '00 available for $3k...just not interested in an 1100. I think the 6-speed alone is worth the extra $800, but I have never ridden a twin-spark bike. Can't wait...

 

bb

 

Yep, homework daily. Itching to get back on a bike and wanting a RT, preferably an 1150. Working the second job, picking pennies up off the street.

 

Looking for a deal that can get me riding again ASAP without breaking the bank.

 

Took the ABATE Experienced Rider course a couple of weekends ago. Great to have two wheel beneath me again! But it also made the itch almost unbearable.

 

Unfortunately, with the cost of 1150's, it may roll into next year before I have enough $$. Possibility of ending up wearing a jacket with extra-long sleeves.

[billy bee]

I'd grab the '00 for $3K. The 98-00 RTs are the best! Seriously.

 

Please elaborate. I have owned GSs for years and I like the pre-servo oilheads with the 6-speed...that gives me a MY range of '00 to '02.

 

What makes the 98 - 00 MY bikes your favorite?

 

bb

[billy bee]

 

Looking for a deal that can get me riding again ASAP without breaking the bank.

 

These police bikes may just fit the bill. They are not on the internet anywhere. I'll point you in the right direction once I see how my bikes works out...

 

bb

[Jerry in Monument]

 

These police bikes may just fit the bill. They are not on the internet anywhere. I'll point you in the right direction once I see how my bikes works out...

 

bb

 

Sounds good and thanks. Now another reason not to sleep.

[Haynes]

At that price, you're paying for a great project bike. Like othere, I'd go for the 2004 model.