1999 R1100RT your thoughts

[DKR]

Okay, I may have found a bike. Its a 1999 R1100 RT with only 12k miles and three owners. 600 mile break-in service done as well as the 6K by the dealer. 12K is due but not done. So my question to the folks out there who have more BMW experience is this a good year bike to own? (I had been looking for a 2004) Any tranny issues or other bugaboos that I need to consider?

Thanks

Damon

[Tony_K]

3 owners and 12k miles!!!! That's just down right creepy and sad.

 

The bike hasn't even had a chance to prove itself with these owners let alone get broken in. So you will be basically be getting a bike that has sat mostly. If the price is right it can be a great ride... if it is what you want. As to issues, who knows. Certainly none of the previous owners would know.

[cali_beemer]

Be carefull. I am a firm believer that BMW's are better off being ridden than sat. As for the 1100RT that has the better tranny in it over the earlier 1100's. You didnt post a price to detrmin eif its a good deal or any extras like top case, etc...

[Paul Mihalka]

Well, I had a '99 R1100RT from new and sold it in 2005 with 170K miles. It is still running with it's current owner. Basically a extremely solid bike.

Issues: The Hall sensor (electronic timing device) that sits under the front cover of the engine fails because of lousy wiring quality. The most common is around 50 to 80K miles, usually in heavy rain shorting because of water. Gear box/clutch splines wear out if not occasionally serviced, let's say around 40K miles. The bike's rear drive failed at 150K miles. That's about it.

[lvnvbiker]

If the price is right buy it, you may have to deal with some minor "pissed of beemer" issues but it should go for a long time after you sort these out and show it your love by putting on the miles. BMW motorcycles more than most other marques seem to need to be riden more often than not, and if not ridden they develope anything from annoying little leaks, to seal failures. The airheads seem to suffer this worse than the oil or hex models but they all act out in some way but once you sort out the problems from sitting, if you stay up on maintenance and ride the BMW's go forever and garner a brand loyaly that is realy second to none. Have fun with your new to you beemer..

[rob1100r]

Jump on that ride! 1100's are great, even better after the '97...Hall sensor down the road, just be ready with a new one perhaps, and there is somebody on this sight that has 'modified' ones available (somebody chime in!)...As for sitting around without being ridden, take the chance unless it was sitting outdoors all its life (and even then...) My 2000 R1100R had 1800 miles when I got it in 2006, obviously was a garage queen, no probs yet from sitting (knock on wood etc.)

[chrisolson]

If the new GT hadn't come out I'd still own my '99 RT ... it was that good ...

 

[catneck]

I love ride mine. My first BMW. I love the non linked ABS, and comfort. IMHO, There has not been a prettier bike built since. And now it will have a mate-another 1100-but a GS. These are often surprisingly easy diy bikes, other times well, you can find help here.

And they run forever. Jump on it-and then rack up miles.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

'99 RT here, 130K miles. Trashed final drive at 85K, replaced gearbox input shaft a couple of months ago. HES died shortly after 100K miles.

 

Otherwise it's been a great bike. If you buy this, I'd recommend carrying a spare HES and the tools to swap it roadside, or else rebuilding (in the off-season) the one that's in there. Otherwise, ride the bejeezus out of it.

[OoPEZoO]

If you don't mind me asking.......whats the price?

 

It should be a great bike. If the price is reasonable, I would jump on it. Then bring it on over and we'll run through that pesky 12k mile service. Call a dealer and ask what they charge for a 12k miles service.......its ridiculous and outrageous, but that info might be able to save you a hundred bucks off the price if you can negotiate it

 

Also, take a good look at the tires and ask how long they have been on the bike. There is a chance they might still be original, or at least been on there a long time.........another bargaining chip

 

PS......if it needs tires, we can do that here at my place also

[tallman]

Way to go Keith.

Depending on price and what has been stated, I'd consider a rewire on the HES, 12k service, new rubber, brake flush, and then you are starting from a known baseline for future years of enjoyment.

[JerryMather]

Like everyone else has said already, buy it if the price is a good one.

I rode mine up to 94,000 miles before a deer strike took it out and I didn't have any major problems with it. The clutch was gone at 50,000 and I did have to replace a belt but that's it. It was a strong bike.

Good luck with it.

[boatzo]

Damon,

 

As others have said, if the price is right go for it. I love mine and about to click over 100k. I have thought several times about trading up to a 1200rt but when I consider the cost (number one), the reliability of my 99 rt, and the ease of maintenance, I always pull back and say that I will ride it till the wheels fall off.

 

Everything the other folks have noted is valid. My final drive went at around 60k. This has happened on a lot of bikes, not just the 99. I think regular servicing, fluid changes, watching for leaks, and being proactive on maintenance will give you a great ride for a long time.

 

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[upflying]

Mine was originally stomped on by ticket hungry CHP officers. Still a reliable daily driver with 66,000 miles. Only trouble was an HES that left me dead in San Francisco.

Here is a pichure of my bike.

[Boone60]

Kieth,

You're cool.

[dsquare]

Purchased my 2001 1100RT three years ago with 9000 miles. Today it has 44,000 miles. Just normal maintenance and it runs like a clock. Rear end needed service at 32K miles - bummer - but that's it! Spent $9K for it back in 2006.

[lvnvbiker]

So how much is the seller asking? C'mon inquiring minds need to know...

[DKR]

To all that have asked the bike is $ 6300 bottom line price and will need at least a front tire right away (the rear went on about 2,000 miles ago). The bike comes with AM/FM cassette BMW radio installed and has the rear tour pack too. Corbin seat but other than that it's a stock bike.

[marcoitaly]

I've a 99 1100RT, with 118.000 Km. (I don't know how many miles) and believe me is a great bike. No clutch changed, no disk brake changed.

If total miles than you said are real, they're so fews for this kind of bike. it's a very strong cow.

[keithb]

NADA average retail on this bike w/bags and stereo is $5500 right now. According to MCN and NADA (winter 2007) the value on this bike was $6800. So $6300 does not seem like a bad price. However, $6000 sounds better since you will need to spend about $150 for a front tire. Good luck with your decision.

[lvnvbiker]

I'd offer the guy 5900, telling him that it is gonna need tires and service while holding the cash in my hand. The power of the dollar seen is mighty most times and if thats to low he'll counter around 6k and your in a win win deal at that point.

 

[tallman]

Don't forget to check out Hermy's.

They have 3 R bikes on the Inet right now, newer, more farkles, more mileage, similar pricing.