Newbie checking out '04 1150RT

[jimbob_NC]

New member here. I've wanted an RT ever since I spent a few hours in the saddle a few years back and having just sold a couple bikes decided that now is the time. I have no BMW experience and could use some advise/thoughts on a particular bike that I’m interested in.

 

A friend steered me to a nice 2 owner ’04 1150RT w/14K miles. The bike is flawless cosmetically and I really liked everything about the quick 20 minute test ride. Couple things kept me from pulling the trigger:

 

The owner said it had both the 6K and 12K service done but when I got there he could not produce any receipts. He offered the name of the dealer who did the 12K and indicated I could probably track down the records from them. He also had no idea if the brake or final drive fluids had ever been changed. Big turn off after being told the bike was "fully serviced".

 

Another friend said he read somewhere to check for final drive play at the rear wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock position and also at 3 and 9 o'clock position. I did, in fact, feel a tiny bit of play at 3/9 but it was barely detectible. I have no idea if this is in fact the proper way to check out the final drive condition and what amount of play (if any) is acceptable or if I should even worry about it.

 

The bike is otherwise so nice that it might be worth the effort to try to track down the service records but my gut feeling is to pass and keep looking.

 

Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated. I'm looking in the 2001-2004 range and any advise on what to look for on these bikes is appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

[Chuck U Farley]

What's the asking price?

[Huzband]

Track down the dealer & see if they have records. If not, I'd pass. Otherwise, the 3-9 & 6-12 check on the FD is a good indicator of bearing condition. 3-9 is not as important as 6-12. If there is noticeable play 6-12, say more than 1-2 mm, I'd be suspect. Ideally it should not move at all.

 

For 1150's, '04 is the year to have. You can't beat the twin spark, & they're great bikes. Good luck.

[Lockguy]

I have an 04 with 55,000 on it and they are great bikes. The only thing that would bother me very much as to maintenance is the flushing of the two brake circuits. All other lubricants could be original and not be that bad with that few miles. Not good but not that bad. It all depends on the price. The final drive issue is a much over discussed issue.

[cpayne]

I bought an 04 RT-P 39K at auction two weeks ago and within hours of posting I had more great advise and maintenance info than imaginable.

Needs some work. Didn't check the play yet, but if I do have to replace the bearing, I'm I can do it myself.

 

Good Luck

[Alfred02]

If you want to get a 1150RT then this is the one to get.

I assume you like wrenching as you are here to find out info.

 

My suggestion:

1) Go to a BMW dealer and get them to flush the braking system "thoroughly)..no short cuts.

This will give you peace of mind and gives you a good 12 months to get familiar with the bike.

 

2) Final drive...do it yourself.

There is enough info here and if you have a torque wrench then you are able to do it yourself..if you like wrenching.

 

Then you KNOW that the bike is good for a while, giving you more and more time to get to know it better.

 

Great bike and loved mine. Just changed it as my dealer offered me a deal too good to let slip.

[jimbob_NC]

Thanks for the help! I'm going to see what else I can find out from the servicing dealer. Also, I just found another '04 with similar mileage I can check out this weekend. Both bikes are listed in the $7.5-$8K price range. Spent a few hours researching here and found tons of good info. Thanks again.

[Bill Lumberg]

Mine came out of Florida. I haven't had it a year yet, but it's been great so far.

[TonyT1200]

I got a 2003 1150RT last year. Paid $7.5k but this thing was mint. All records from BMW dealership, all 3 bags, BMW trickle charger, larger kickstand footprint, LED brake light addition, Sargeant Seat, cylinder head protectors, BMW radio, and only 9k miles on it. I love the thing, and have already bought a CeeBailey's windshield, headlight protector, and throttlemeister for it. I came from a ZRX. Two different bikes that each have their place. This is the right ride for me right now. Good luck.

[DFWBo]

Ditto on the brake fluid flush. I bought an 04 in Sep '10 with 48k on the clock. Owner stated he did brake fluid circuits and servo with help of some friends a year prior. I learned the hard way in Nov 10 that the job was not properly done or was done much earlier than stated.

[ElevenFifty]

Buy it. I now have 123K miles on my 04 and will do a 7K mile tour of the pacific coast in June. Maintenance is easy. The ride is great. I think it is the prettiest bike BMW has built. You will likely never sell it.

 

Issues with final drives seem to be well known ... the engineering is okay it is the assembly quality control that fails. Properly assembled units may be bullet proof.

 

ABS pump failure can be remedied by just removing the pump and re-plumbing the brakes ... those who have done that procedure report that the reworked brakes are just fine.

 

D ;~)