Looking at a 2002 R1150RT to buy.

[richs]

Hi, I am new here. I have just sold my HD Roadking and have zero'd in on the R1150RT as my intro to the BMW motorcycle world. I have owned BMW autos for years. I have been lurking on this forum for quite some time and have read a lot of good info about BMW bikes.

 

So, I looked at a 2002 R1150RT this weekend but there is one thing that really bothers me about it. Being new, my terminology may be wrong and I am sure that will correct itself with time. When looking at the bike from the left side at the rear swingarm that contains the driveshaft, I noticed there are 2 sections with a rubber/plastic boot separating them. The odd thing I noticed, the back half with the rear wheel attached was not parallel with the front half. It had a significant down angle to it.

 

My question is if this is anything to be concerned about. It seems to me, the 2 halves ought to fit flush with each other and the 2 halves should be parallel with each other.

 

The bike has 35k miles on it and was seen by Lone Star BMW in December and has not been ridden much since then.

 

Thanks for any help.

[philbytx]

Rich,

 

This is perfectly normal...there is a driveshaft with U-Joints inside that casing :thumbsup. BTW - When you test ride it, make sure the rear suspension is set for a solo rider. I am 205 and have it set around the middle. And be prepared for some awesome power-assisted braking... especially after your RK !!

 

Oh! Nice choice in bikes mate...I also have a 2002 !

 

 

 

 

[richs]

Ok, thanks.

[outpost22]

Not to spoil a party, but 2002 is the year that seems to be the most controversial here. Whizzy brakes, and spline issues seem to crop up more on this year than other years mentioned on this board. You may wish to just check around and do some searches here. Then again, you do only hear about problems instead of success' on the internet forums.

 

I would rather have a late 90's or early 2000 R1100 RT with a 5 speed, independent front and rear brakes and no hydraulic clutch (assuming that they were still cable actuated), but that's just me. YMMV

 

Is there a service history on the bike? Has it had any spline issues?

[richs]

The history is somewhat unknown and this is the 3rd owner.

 

There is another local 2002 with only 25k miles but I have not been able to talk to that owner yet.

 

Both of these are asking $6500 which I think is high.

 

There is also a 1997 1100rt but it has 85k miles which I thought was a little more mileage than I wanted. However, this bike is ridden every day which is not a bad thing. He is asking $5000.

 

I guess I should have a look at the 1997.

[Morrie]

Richs,

 

The first 800 or so 1150RTs had a servo that was stronger than later models and made for what many considered hair-trigger braking. BMW made a mid-year model change, but refused to retrofit the earlier bikes unless the owner could document a system failure. I believe there is a tech bulletin about that. It is possible to find 2002s with either the earlier or later brake system. You can find the VIN number of the model change in a web search. I had one of these bikes and got rid of it in part because of the brakes. However some people rode them and didn't think they were any worse than the later versions.

[Bologna]

2002 Titan Silver RT with 46,000 miles and have had some minor problems pop up but nothing major.

[philbytx]

HERE is a linky to an earlier iABS thread. I love my "whizzy brakes" and have no complaints in over 7 years with them. IIRC, the iABS software changeover came in May or June of 2002. Someone with more gray matter available may remember the exact date (Twisty?? ).

Also, you can ask LoneStar what the build date is on the bike, as this will help .

 

Honest, we are here to help (and not necessarily to frighten the c%$# out of you )

[Ken H.]

We had an early 2002 RT and I got use to the high assist brakes, but later after we switched to the GS I’d have to say I certainly didn’t miss them. To say the least.

 

The ’02 does indeed seem to be more represented with spline issues than other years. And short of a tear down there’s no real way to know the condition of them.

 

For some reason the ‘02s seem to have more of a propensity to eat alternator belts than the later years.

 

I guess if I was shopping for an R1150RT I’d focus in on the ‘04’s (or the exceedingly rare ’05 R1150RT). They had the updated dual-plug ignition system, somewhat less fussy brakes, and a few other minor tweaks that add up in my mind to the best of the 1150 years.

 

That being said, I’m sure there are many an ’02 RT with many carefree miles/km left in them.

 

[Bruce H]

I had a 99 1100rt and 03 1150rt at the same time. I really liked the five speed transmission on the 1100 but loved the brakes on the 1150. The lighting was better on the 1150 as well. Other than that they were very much the same. I now have a 1200gsa and think the 1100/1150 motor was a stronger power plant with less problems than I have had with the 1200.

 

I'd pick one with the least miles for the money. Learn to do the work yourself and ride it!

[richs]

Thanks for all of the responses. I just found out I can look at the other 2002 tomorrow.

[pjw73nh]

Richs,

 

Preface: This is the only BMW I've owned, these are my opinions. I own a 2002 (see sig.)

 

I too am an HD (01 road king) convert. I had finally come to the conclusion that I wanted to spend more time RIDING my bike rather than MAINTAINING it. I have the "whizzy" power/ ABS/ linked brakes. The noise doesn’t bother me at all. I didn't like them at first. I eventually got used to them. I am still not thrilled with them. I have never had to rely on the ABS (yet), and I do not like the fact that the brakes are linked. I would much rather have them separate. Also, being servo controlled, they require more maintenance than regular brakes (fluid changes) which, while they can be done by a person of reasonable mechanical skills, still require fair amount of time, a few special/fabricated tools, and removal of the fuel tank as well as the expected removal of the plastic.

 

There is an annoying thing that happens when you are braking over a bump. I can't explain it very well, but there is a post here somewhere that does. There is a lurching sensation for a split second like your brakes have failed. The first time it happens, if you're not expecting it, it causes a momentary panic.

 

Many of the earlier (single spark) 1150s had surging issues. If you haven't ridden one yet, it usually happens in the mid 3000 rpm range. I would describe it as feeling like you are riding in and out of the "wake" of a truck in front of you. You can tune some of it out with a good throttle body sync, and good plugs, or an added aftermarket fuel injection controller. I don't worry about it. I've gotten used to it. It doesn't really bother me.

 

Mine was afflicted with the dreaded spline shaft/clutch failure. Which in many case happens without ANY warning. One minute your being propelled, then next minute the engine is whining and you're going slower and slower. I am not sure if there is a more time consuming repair that could be done on one these bikes. I wavered about doing it myself vs paying to have it done.

 

After a lot of research and a GREAT amount of advice from this forum (which if you buy a BMW, will be your best friend) I opted to have the dealer repair it. $2200. I just got it back last Saturday. I was fortunate in that I was able to see it in several stages of disassembly/re-assembly, and feel confident I could do the job myself if I have to do it again.

 

Without getting into a pissing contest over it, IMO BMW knows this is a chronic issue due to defects in materials or workmanship, and chooses not to admit it for obvious reasons. It is very typical of their attitude. If you have one of these afflicted bikes, it is almost certain, that you will have the failure again within about the same mileage as the first one lasted. It would be VERY helpful to know if the bike you're considering purchasing has had this "procedure", so you would have a gauge of when you can expect the next $pline failure.

 

I've not had the alternator belt go yet as others have so I can't comment on that.

 

What a bout the good stuff? The bike is a very comfortable bike. It handles very well and is a very safe bike. Certainly compared to the RK. I live in the northeast and a usually ride from March to December as long as there is no snow of ice on the roads. The fairing protection combined with a pair of heated gloves, grips and a heated jacket make for a very comfortable 3 and a half season bike. The bike handles beautifully and is fast enough for most peoples purposes. It is just as comfortable riding one or two up, with or without luggage.

 

BMW offered two seats that fit this bike. The "comfort" seat and the low seat. Many find the low seat uncomfortable. I use it because I have a 30" inseam, and I can barely flat foot the bike. I feel that these bikes are best suited for folks with a "longer" inseam unless you can find a custom seat or lower the bike.

 

For the most part they are easy to maintain, and most everything that is considered a maintenance item is reasonably accessible from the outside without too much tear down. Between this and the other forums on the internet, there is tons and tons of information. Pretty much if you have a problem, someone else here has had it before you and there may even be a few different options in fixing it. The folks here are VERY resourceful when it comes to repairs and solutions. This is one of the main reasons I bought a BMW.

 

Best of luck in your search. Welcome to the forum.

[Beagles]

I have a 2002 1150RT. I've got 55K on it and have had no mechanical problems. The 2002-2004 RTs look a lot better than the new ones, that's for sure! The bike will roast you in the summer because its got such good wind protection (I'm in Florida) but you'll probably sweat on any full-faired bike in the summer if you wear protective gear, even mesh.

[richs]

I talked to LoneStar about the bike today and got the vin and build date. The build date is 2001/04 which surprised me. I did not expect a 2002 model to be built so early in 2001. So, I guess the forum wisdom might be to pass on this and keep looking.

 

LoneStar had not looked at the bike yet. They will call me later to let me know what they find if anything when they go over it.

[SteveHebert]

Hey Rich and welcome to the board. I will add my 2 cents in here as well. I owned a 96 R1100RT and rode it for 2 1/2 years and 48K+ trouble/care free miles. I opted for the "upgrade" and bought an 02 1150RT. I had one of the severely infected input shaft spline bikes. After 35K miles I inspected the splines with help from Chris K here on the board. I had to have them replaced. This was done at a BMW shop and I piad for 50% of the work, a fair deal since the bike was out of warranty. 5K miles and 4 months later, I lost all poer at 55mph and coasted to a stop. The input splines stripped the clutch splines. This time BMW gave me a new transmission and the works. $3500 in total. I opted to sell the bike to a member onthe board and he has had it for 30K+ trouble free miles since then.

 

Was this a coincidence in the 02 year RT? Maybe, maybe not, but as Ken H said earlier, there are many 02 RTs with over 100K miles on them with no troubles. If I were to buy another RT, it would be either a very late model 1100RT (think 2001 here) with low mileage, or as Ken stated, an 04 1150RT with the dual spark.

 

Now that is all I am going to say abot that!

[bud66]

Richs, I have a 2002 RT loaded with options I bought for my wife and I to ride but I have only got her to ride once! so its for sale. 50000 miles,48000 service done, and I can beat the prices you have found so far. If intrested I can send you pictures, you wont be disappointed.

[richs]

email me at lrstott at swbell dot net with info including where you are located.

[rad]

Here is a quick link to an 04 dual spark with a clutch spine failure......It ain't just 02's

04' RT spline failure

 

 

I know the drill well, I had a 99 oil head that spun two shafts for me and one for the next owner. Important point, I did not sell my bike to him. I traded mine to the same dealer who fixed mine both times, they sold it to him.

[Ken H.]

It ain't just 02's

I wasn’t suggesting that it was. Just that the issue seems to be more prevalent in the ‘02s. But certainly any 1100, 1150 (and at least one 1200 we’ve heard of) can be effected.

[richs]

I have found a 2001 with 25k miles on ebay and I think I am going to go for it. It is out of my state but I had my nephew (who rides) go and check it out. He thought the bike was in great shape. I am going to think about it until tomorrow and then most likely go for it. Thanks for all help.

[richs]

Woo hoo! I bought the bike off ebay. Now to go get it and drive it back home (about 800 miles).

[bud66]

Good luck Richs

[rad]

Woo hoo! I bought the bike off ebay. Now to go get it and drive it back home (about 800 miles).

 

Sorry, pics of all new bikes are required

 

 

 

Nut'n much more fun than riding a new bike home; even better when it is a long ride....Ride safe and enjoy.