Laurent47 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 This weekend I will be going to look at a 2004 R1150RT w/ 13K on the clock for $7500. Obviously I would like to know if this sounds like a good buy. I am driving 2 hrs away to check it out. There is an '02 R1150RT for $6500 on the way with same mileage that I was going to stop and check out. I have read about brakes/ drive train trouble. Honestly is this something to be worried about? Both bikes look in great shape from all the pics I have gotten. Thanks for the input, Laurent. Link to comment
Richard_D Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 The 04 is your best bet. I owned both. The bugs were worked out on the 04 including 2 spark plugs per cylinder which eliminated surging . The brakes were better also. Even though you can get used to the 02's, mine was in the dealer for brake problems . No comparison on smoothness of the engine in my opinion. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Yup, I'd go for the 04 myself, it's a pretty solid bike. Shooting from the hip, I'd feel better being a little closer to the $6500 for the 04. Welcome! Pat Link to comment
jbr7t Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I've had 3 2004 boxers. My first was an RT, then the R now the GS. I really enjoyed my 04 RT. I think from a style standpoint it is still my favorite RT. It was a comfortable and good handling bike. I would gladly buy another one. As with anything involving a motor and moving parts there can be issues. With regular maintenance I've had good luck putting miles on my BMW's. 13k is low for an almost 10 year old bike. 1 thing I'd check over the rubber and hoses to make sure you don't have dry rot issues I also would probably try to work on that price a bit. Like Pat says, the $6500 mark would be a bit more comfortable. But of course farkles, condition etc play a big part. I would def take the 04 over the 02. Hope it works out and welcome to the board! Link to comment
Oldironken Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 It's good to have options. Ask for service records or for the dealers name who did the work. There may be service that is due on them that will come out of your pocket after the purchase so keep that in mind and plan for it. The low miles are great but things like refreshing the fuel lines in the tank or a brake flush, or tires may be due. I bought mine with no records and was able to call around and assemble a bit of history by using the VIN It seems that the common opinion on this forum is the 2004 has more bugs worked out than the earlier years, good thing because that's what I bought. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 While doing a little research on my aim, I found this. I'm sure it's a bogus ad but found it interesting. http://motorcycles.yakaz.com/2004-bmw-r1150rt-for-sale#lo=4&docid=000849d68v4fhd9i Pat Link to comment
UberXY Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I had an 05, which was just a leftover 04 with an 05 VIN. It was a trouble free, comfortable, excellent ride. And I liked the styling more than the subsequent RTs, though they too are excellent bikes. I bought my RT specifically to do a four corners ride. I put a Rhinewest chip and Remus on it, plus a bunch of auxiliary electrical mods. Also bar backs and a Sargent seat. I eventually traded it and now ride a K12S, which competently exceeds my current needs. Go for it. $7500 seems a tad high but not unreasonable for a good clean 04 RT. You will get used to the feel of the linked brakes in about five minutes, and if you ride with a helmet you most likely will not notice the servo noise. Link to comment
Bud Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 In that price range you can also find R 1200 RTs. The 04 is the best of the pre 1200's. Good luck and post a pic of what you end up buying. Link to comment
Caddis Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I would definitely recommend the '04 model year. If it has all of the system cases (including the top box), has been maintained well, and is in really good or excellent condition, I think $7500 is at least in the ball park. It depends on what they go for on your area. We picked up Eileen's 04 two years ago, with 9K miles on it, for a bit more than that because finding good ones with mileage that low is getting a lot harder these days, especially near us. We haven't had to do anything to Eileen's bike, and it has been a great purchase. Mine has about 66K on it, and has been mostly trouble free. However, I did have a couple of final drive bearings replaced because they were starting to disintegrate. But that shouldn't be an issue for quite a while on a bike with only 13K on it. Link to comment
BFish Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 have one since 2004. super low miles. i'm sure you can get the price down some, but i don't think it's that far off, especially if farkled a bit. Link to comment
BoisePilot Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Did the Rhinewest chip make much of a difference? If so how? This is the first I have heard of a chip for the R1150rt. Link to comment
UberXY Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 No, I don't think the chip made much difference, to be honest. Maybe a little more low rpm grunt, maybe. Liked the Remus, though; loud enough for me to hear, but not loud enough to attract attention. Link to comment
Laurent47 Posted January 2, 2014 Author Share Posted January 2, 2014 It is hard to find an RT from '02 to '04 for less than 7K around Florida. I will see by tomorrow what my drive is going to be ( how many stops). Hopefully I can get a friend to come with me considering I will be carrying a lot of cash and someone to BS with for the day. I did find a R1150RT '05 w/ 69000 for $5K (i would talk him down) due to it needing the ABS system redone. If I was to, I would offer $4K. I know it is around $2K to fix. 69K on the clock isn't bad just would rather get something with lower miles. Link to comment
Richard_D Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 40,000 miles is where the final drive problems started to occur. Where in Fl. are you ? Link to comment
Bud Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 It is hard to find an RT from '02 to '04 for less than 7K around Florida. I will see by tomorrow what my drive is going to be ( how many stops). Hopefully I can get a friend to come with me considering I will be carrying a lot of cash and someone to BS with for the day. I did find a R1150RT '05 w/ 69000 for $5K (i would talk him down) due to it needing the ABS system redone. If I was to, I would offer $4K. I know it is around $2K to fix. 69K on the clock isn't bad just would rather get something with lower miles. 2K sounds like a lot. Do you even know what is wrong? If you can turn a wrench, you could save a whole lot of money. Link to comment
biometrics Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 ABS can be repaired for a whole lot less than $2k, but you don't have to let the seller know that. Check the ADVrider.com forums and search for modulemasters... Personally, I think the asking price is about $1000 too high even if the ABS was working... Keep looking if the price doesn't budge, and consider some R1100RT's as well. They can be had for very reasonable money. Link to comment
Laurent47 Posted January 2, 2014 Author Share Posted January 2, 2014 I am in New port Richey (NW Tampa), I hear of this drive train failure but is it a few that let their frustrations get out of hand? If it is such a problem why BMW wouldn't recall it? thank you all for your input. I'll look at R1100RTs this afternoon. Here is a few I am thinking about. http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2000-BMW-R-1100-RT---ABS-111508114 http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2003-BMW-R-1150-RT-%28ABS%29-111292894 http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/mcy/4262457062.html One with problem http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/4256630706.html top of my money http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/4264319113.html Link to comment
UberXY Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Really like that black one in Jupiter with 13k. Might be worth a budget stretch. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Yup, more than I'd want to pay but then again, time travel is expensive! Beautiful! Pat Link to comment
Laurent47 Posted January 2, 2014 Author Share Posted January 2, 2014 You guys don't make it easy! Of course the black one looks great. Like he says in the ad "black is the fastest" . LOL I say for a RT! They all have low miles which is good. Kind of surprising in Florida where you can ride all year. I usually put almost 10K a year on my sport bikes. Link to comment
Skywagon Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 I like the black R1150RT with 13K as well. I own a 2005 R1150RT that I have owned since new. It now has 36k on it. I have had two problems, both fuel related. One I can blame on the bike, one I can't. Blame it on the bike...the plastic fuel disconnects started leaking - cheap fix from boneyard. The other issue was bad gas. Other than that the bike has been trouble free. I am not sure what they are worth these days...I will find out shortly as plan to order a 2014 soon. Like anything if it is pristine as per the ad, it will cost a bit more than the average bike. I suspect an offer between 6500-7000 would buy the bike. In my opinion...for what's it worth...you would have a nice bike at retail price. Link to comment
Bud Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 I am in New port Richey (NW Tampa), I hear of this drive train failure but is it a few that let their frustrations get out of hand? If it is such a problem why BMW wouldn't recall it? thank you all for your input. I'll look at R1100RTs this afternoon. Here is a few I am thinking about. http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2000-BMW-R-1100-RT---ABS-111508114 http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2003-BMW-R-1150-RT-%28ABS%29-111292894 http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/mcy/4262457062.html One with problem http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/4256630706.html top of my money http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/4264319113.html Surprised that no one, so far, has pointed out the $2,000 Unigo trailer INCLUDED in the Space Coast one. That's a real deal IMO. Link to comment
Bud Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 I am in New port Richey (NW Tampa), I hear of this drive train failure but is it a few that let their frustrations get out of hand? If it is such a problem why BMW wouldn't recall it? thank you all for your input. I'll look at R1100RTs this afternoon. Here is a few I am thinking about. http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2000-BMW-R-1100-RT---ABS-111508114 http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2003-BMW-R-1150-RT-%28ABS%29-111292894 http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/mcy/4262457062.html One with problem http://orlando.craigslist.org/mcy/4256630706.html top of my money http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/4264319113.html Surprised that no one, so far, has pointed out the $2,000 Unigo trailer INCLUDED in the Space Coast one. That's a real deal IMO. Link to comment
Skywagon Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 didn't see side bags on the space bike....maybe included but didn't say. Link to comment
Bud Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 didn't see side bags on the space bike....maybe included but didn't say. I think you are right about the lack of side cases. Guess that is why you need the Unigo. Link to comment
Bud Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 Contacted the seller, no side cases. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 What, they fall off? Fast color and all. Not sure what the story is behind this one but it's in the $6500 ballpark. http://westernmass.craigslist.org/mcd/4249361925.html Too far away I realize, conversation is all. Pat Link to comment
Laurent47 Posted January 3, 2014 Author Share Posted January 3, 2014 ^^^ I thought the '05 had. He new body style? I would say that is an '04. I could fly the and ride back......................in the spring. My truck has to go in the shop (vacuum leak) this weekend until fixed so it is going to be next weekend at least before I get to pick one up. I guess my ZX6R will be ridden this weekend. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 My understanding was that BMW had a bunch of stock so they tagged some 1150's as 2005 models. The other theory was they were a bit nervous about the 12's styling being accepted. Pat Link to comment
Twinsig Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 You could do some trading w/the unigo, or sell, buy side cases, maybe custom seat, windscreen,ect... As for the fear factor? My PO had FD reworked (prof) at 130k. He replaced the orig trans at 80K and gave it to me (sticking in second/now in DIY repair mission),when i bought the 02 model it at 166k, now has 194, therefore the "replacement" trans now has AT LEAST 114k IF he bought it brand new, which i doubt. Eng uses 1 qt oil in 6k mile change-cycle. Happy hunting Link to comment
Laurent47 Posted January 4, 2014 Author Share Posted January 4, 2014 Of course the Black one is gone, still looking around. Going to go see the one with a trailer, the owner is a 72 YO that just went down to Keywest on it. I would guess that the trailer was so he wouldn't have the weight on the bike. And the 3rd down the list in Ft Lauderdale, the '03 w/19K for 6.5K. I can't believe how expensive the Uni go trailer is new, $2200 +$350 for hitch and whatever extras were installed in it!!!! Wow Link to comment
Laurent47 Posted January 4, 2014 Author Share Posted January 4, 2014 I know this the opposed twin section but what about this: http://sarasota.craigslist.org/mcy/4266139141.html Sounds like a decent bike, i like the opposed twin sound but at the end of the day I want something good. Ty Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Tim to the white courtesy phone please. Pat Link to comment
tallman Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Well, few flaws, smooth ride, what's not to like. My bike has 2 1/2 times that mileage on it and I'd ride it anywhere... There are boxer vs brick threads if u search. Plenty of dif compared to boxer. IN '05 after 35 years of boxers I went to the dark side and haven't regretted it. Will answer specific questions. Link to comment
Skywagon Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 says it had 24k maintenance, but with 35k on the clock is it due for 36K maintenance? If so Tim or others could weigh in. I don't know if the bricks have same maintenance schedule as boxer so need to defer questions to someone who will know. If it is due for maintenance, that will be a few hundred dollars and I would want to negotiate at least part of that in the deal and any repairs that might be necessary during the office visit... I like the bike. Link to comment
tallman Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Same time or mileage schedule used for years (like boxer) with particular attention, IMO, to brake flushes because of ABS associated costs to repair. To OP, bike is heavier that a boxer, gets lower mpg so range is less, is faster, smoother, has great brakes, carries one or 2 w/ease. We added larger touring lids to increase saddlebag capacity and a GIVI similar to ad. Ergos a bit more forward but I prefer that. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 Sounds like a decent bike, i like the opposed twin sound but at the end of the day I want something good. Ty In house and not so far away! http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=867791#Post867791 Another one. http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=867766&gonew=1#UNREAD Pat Link to comment
the41tao Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 I'm in Florida with a 2004 Black RT , that I've had since new. I've also have a fully farkled 2012 R1200GSA. I still enjoy the looks and the "retro" feeling I get from riding the older bike. One thing I can tell you is that a set of Wilber's, set up correctly for you, and some Pirelli GT tires will absolutely change the bike into one sweet dance partner. It transitions from side to side like a dream and the GSA just doesn't have that same "sweet spot", IMHO. YMMV Link to comment
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