2008 RT-P Purchase? Would You Buy One?

[John, Northeast Florida]

The RT-P in white with black trim, and the appropriate 'hardware', at least to ME, has always been an enticing bike. I likely would not buy one that was "retired" from duty, but one is available with about 3,000 demo miles. My biggest concern is future resale. Let's face it, the RT-P is no bargain when compared to an RT (cruise, etc.) and the marketplace very limited. So, assuming there's not true/reliable resale statistics, what would you pay for a 2008 RT-P, with 3,000 [loving?] miles on it?

[johnlt]

I like the RTP a lot and if it wasn't for the "no cruise", I'd put it ahead of the regular RT. I never ride two up and like the idea of a fan for keeping it cool in hot weather. With 3K miles, I'd think a $15K price would be a deal.

[boatzo]

John,

 

I can't answer your question on resale of an RTP, but I would think that it should not be a problem if you keep the bike in good condition. All the extra equipment on the RTP makes it a very nice ride IMHO, especially if you never carry a passenger. I would like cruise control, but never had it so it is not a big issue. I have a throttle lock that works just fine. If you can get the RTP for a good price @ 3000 miles, go for it.

[John, Northeast Florida]

I'm not without means but I'm not stupid either. I've traded lots of BMW's and don't really worry about the losses as I chalk them up to 'good times'. But, I keep bikes I really like for quite a while and I'm a fanatic (it's a curse) in keeping bikes in like-new shape. Ok, maybe a bit crazy, but I actually find some enjoyment in detailing a bike considering that running and owning a business doesn't always yield the kind of results a good detailing yields.

 

Back OT, this bike's been in the dealer for a very long time (5 months) and it was originally intended for police duty, so it has all of the bells and whistles. To convert the red/blue LED's to yellow/amber or white to make them legal is another 1000 bucks plus. So, crazy purchase at the 'right price' OR, pass on it?

[Marty Hill]

John, if you decide not to get it let me know where it is. PM me with your phone so I can get details.

 

Thanks,

 

Marty

[SWB]

If it was in my budget, I'd buy it. I think the RT-P is a safer, i.e. more visable bike for commuting. Also, since I lane-split all the time, the RT-P only city cases are a huge plus. (I'd also buy a higher mileage, post-service RT-P if the price were right, and it didn't look beat to death.)

 

As for resale, if you get a decent discount at purchase, the "hit" has already been taken. It may be worth less than a civilian model at all stages of its lifecycle, but if you didn't pay a premium up front, you're really losing no more than you do buying a used civilian R1200RT.

 

And, of course, Marty WOULD buy it - it'd be his SECOND RT-P.

 

Good luck with the purchase.

[Boone60]

Pass.

 

It wouldn't be very cool to be gassing up at the local stop and rob, and get shot at by some robbers because they mistake you for the police.

 

Plus on the road, people drive annoyingly around what they think are police vehicles. People are timid about passing, so they drive along just behind in the blindspot. Not much fun.

[Mister Tee]

Plus on the road, people drive annoyingly around what they think are police vehicles. People are timid about passing, so they drive along just behind in the blindspot. Not much fun.

 

I have this problem with a standard RT, and people have told me it's next to impossible to tell the difference from the rear.

 

I thought about getting one myself, but I need the option to be able to occasionally carry a passenger.

 

 

[upflying]

You could always do what many RT-P owners do, start or join an escort business and write the bike off on your taxes and get paid to ride it.

[upflying]

Owning a RT-P has additional consequences...

1. You need to obey traffic laws and set a good driving example. Even though you are not a LEO, average people think you are and expect you to ride accordingly.

2. Other LEO's think you might be a LEO impersonator and may question your motives and/or sanity. Additional roadside service contacts could be more frequent.

3. Folks will stop and ask for directions, advice on traffic laws and report crimes to you.

4. Some states may have laws on painting vehicles black and white. Calif does although it does not apply to motorcycles.

5. Some state laws affect the color and style or illuminated warning devices, whether on or off.

6.You will hold traffic up behind you.

7. Some folks don't like cops and may make your day unpleasant if you look like one.

 

 

BTW, my RT-P is now gray to avoid some of the above.

[swilson]

Personally I wouldn't. The radio box is a PITA to swing your leg over. Lack of cruise control gets old quick... though you can add a throttle lock. It weighs about 100 pounds more. Gearing is great in the city, but sucks for cruising at freeway speeds (or greater). IMO, the front shock is way too soft with the added weight of the bike and is non-adjustable.

 

 

[Dundee387]

Nope. I'd go with a regular RT.

[johnlt]

Personally I wouldn't. The radio box is a PITA to swing your leg over. Lack of cruise control gets old quick... though you can add a throttle lock. It weighs about 100 pounds more. Gearing is great in the city, but sucks for cruising at freeway speeds (or greater). IMO, the front shock is way too soft with the added weight of the bike and is non-adjustable.

 

 

 

Looks like Scott is one of the few with significant experience on both the RTP and the regular RT. You should listen closely to his advice.

[John, Northeast Florida]

Some great advice. Many arguments I never thought of. Police bike aside I like the looks of the bike, but then again, I'm always a sucker for white bikes. It's truly a pig in the poke from a resale point, and who the heck would think I'd be getting 'shot' at

 

Appreciate all of the comments. I may have to get another RT. I sold my '08 after my 7000 miles on it and said that IMO it's BMW's easiest, most forgiving, and best-handling/for what it does. Thanks All!

[KDeline]

Pass.

 

It wouldn't be very cool to be gassing up at the local stop and rob, and get shot at by some robbers because they mistake you for the police.

 

Plus on the road, people drive annoyingly around what they think are police vehicles. People are timid about passing, so they drive along just behind in the blindspot. Not much fun.

 

 

+1, IMHO that is a more dangerous bike to ride. I like it when they hesitate at a light when they don't quite know what you are, then when they figure out you are not a cop they pull out right in front of you. You have to really watch out when riding that bike. With that said I still own one and not in the market to sale anytime soon.

[wbrissette]

Lack of cruise control gets old quick... though you can add a throttle lock.

 

I don't want to turn this into a cruise control issue, but I put 30K miles on my '04 RT without cruise control and didn't feel I needed it. My Buell doesn't have cruise and I put 10K on it last year. I just got back from a 4K mile trip with my '09 RT that does have cruise and yes, I did use it, but not a lot because a lot of the roads I was on, I couldn't (too many speed changes).

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is if cruise control is how you judge a bike, that leaves a lot of bikes out of the mix.

 

Wayne

[motorman587]

Hopefully in March of 10, we will be getting rid of our 07s. They are great bikes and ave now with high mileage 12K to low of 6k. And if you know me, I can tell detail of all the service of each bike. Save your pennys.........

[upflying]

Hopefully in March of 10, we will be getting rid of our 07s. They are great bikes and ave now with high mileage 12K to low of 6k. And if you know me, I can tell detail of all the service of each bike. Save your pennys.........

Why are you (Tallahassee PD) selling the bikes with such low mileage?

CHP is just turning in their '04 1150's with over 100,000 mi.

 

[BailyD]

My goodness, you're selling them already? I got to hold on as tight as possible (NO MONEY for new equipment!)

 

I think we have well over a year left on the warranty!

 

Is there any kind of "lateral" transfer plan we can make up to get us your "old" bikes?

 

[BailyD]

BTW,,,,,what was the final outcome of the CHP Harley vs. BMW thing?

 

Please don't shoot me for bringing this up, just curious?

[upflying]

BTW,,,,,what was the final outcome of the CHP Harley vs. BMW thing?

 

Please don't shoot me for bringing this up, just curious?

CHP is just starting to see a new fleet of 1200 RT-P's filtering out to the field offices.

There was a long thread about this, my understanding the Harley had high speed handling trouble. HD also needed to use a non-stock 103 cubic inch engine to be competitive for the bid.

Ironically, HD fixed the handling problem with the new '09 FLH frame. No doubt the loss of the CHP contract had something to do with the frame improvement.

[David13]

I would defintely buy that bike if it did come with the siren. Otherwise I would go with the non p model.

In terms of the escort work, funerals would probably get boring quick, and the fun stuff, like ATOC you can get in line behind several hundred experienced escorts to get the job.

But I probably could have fun with the siren.

dc

[philbytx]

And, whatever you do, don't throw your leg over a K1300GT when you go to the showroom

Since I did last weekend, the dark side now looms LARGE in my house

[Marty Hill]

I had a complete RT-P for awhile and enjoyed the hell out of it. Sorry, no details are forthcoming.

[John, Northeast Florida]

A couple of my childhood dreams (and adulthood) included the ability to mete out justice to motorists with four (4) flat tires, with of course no corresponding injuries. But, another one includes the ability to flash some light (red/blue) and crank up a siren to some idiot cager. I once considered the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Police Auxiliary, but demands of business precluded it, and truth be told, perhaps what appears as fun gets old quickly (LEO's can likely attest to that)and also verified by a motorman friend of mine.

 

My real interest in the RT-P tho' was not the police paraphernalia but the design of the bike, including all of the guards, seating, etc. But then again, 100 lbs more, no cruise, and some [way] diminished market value over time, well, we'll see.

[TheRoss]

Lack of cruise control gets old quick... though you can add a throttle lock.

 

I don't want to turn this into a cruise control issue, but I put 30K miles on my '04 RT without cruise control and didn't feel I needed it. My Buell doesn't have cruise and I put 10K on it last year. I just got back from a 4K mile trip with my '09 RT that does have cruise and yes, I did use it, but not a lot because a lot of the roads I was on, I couldn't (too many speed changes).

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is if cruise control is how you judge a bike, that leaves a lot of bikes out of the mix.

 

Wayne

 

I have over 150,000 miles on Beemers without cruise control. I wouldn't base a purchase on it, but it sure is something I would like to have one day!

[motorman587]

Hopefully in March of 10, we will be getting rid of our 07s. They are great bikes and ave now with high mileage 12K to low of 6k. And if you know me, I can tell detail of all the service of each bike. Save your pennys.........

Why are you (Tallahassee PD) selling the bikes with such low mileage?

CHP is just turning in their '04 1150's with over 100,000 mi.

 

Selling them with 6 months warranty on them. We have a 10 year contract with BMW which includes to replace once the warranty is up. In the 16 years I have been in the motor unit any motorcycle cost money after the warranty is up.