Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

lumberjack_jeff

(33,224 posts)
Wed Apr 24, 2013, 11:30 PM Apr 2013

I want a BMW.

... but not new. I'm looking for an R1100RT/R1150RT. Most of the ones I find used have 50k+ miles. What kind of lifespan can be expected from a modern boxer motor?



I really like this one... 1997 model year, 56k miles, $3700.

7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I want a BMW. (Original Post) lumberjack_jeff Apr 2013 OP
I'm with you. Glassunion Apr 2013 #1
I test rode it last night. lumberjack_jeff Apr 2013 #2
A good touring bike does have more controls than an F-15. Glassunion Apr 2013 #3
This message was self-deleted by its author Owl Feb 2016 #4
Why not PavelKO Oct 2016 #5
I had an R1100R in the late '90s. Straw Man Sep 2017 #6
cool bike natheo Nov 2017 #7

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
1. I'm with you.
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 12:32 PM
Apr 2013

I've recently started searching and was rather excited and impressed by the ride of the new 800GT. But all the bells and whistles on the 1200RT are just too friggen awesome. So, like you I have changed direction and am looking at a used 1200 instead of a new bike.

From my research, the final drive on the late 90's bikes has had some issues (oil leaking) with some (not most) riders. That may have more to do with the storeage and maintenance of the bike. So a good garage kept, bike should not see these issues. A repair of the final drive should be in the neighborhood of about $600 - $700 by a BMW certified shop for the gasgets, boots, etc... That's not too bad. But the engine, clutch and tranny are very solid. But those all depend on the other owners and how they rode.

Also make sure if any recalls were out and that they have been taken care of.

 

lumberjack_jeff

(33,224 posts)
2. I test rode it last night.
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 01:08 PM
Apr 2013

I must be getting old and set in my ways. Although it's a gorgeous bike, everything about the test ride was intimidating bordering on nerve-wracking.

I've been riding my old GS750 for 20 years, and have owned a variety of japanese standards before that, so I am very used to that paradigm.

By contrast, everything about this bike seemed alien (why are there three buttons to control the turn signals?) - including riding in an unfamiliar urban/suburban setting.

I really can't tell you why I didn't buy it, logically I should have.

Glassunion

(10,201 posts)
3. A good touring bike does have more controls than an F-15.
Fri Apr 26, 2013, 01:29 PM
Apr 2013

You get used to it.

You'll find one that fits you, I'm sure.

Response to lumberjack_jeff (Original post)

 

PavelKO

(22 posts)
5. Why not
Sun Oct 30, 2016, 09:59 PM
Oct 2016

Such a bike is a good thing, but too strong for me. I would go with a "smaller caliber" like e.g. 125 ccm.

Straw Man

(6,763 posts)
6. I had an R1100R in the late '90s.
Sun Sep 10, 2017, 02:02 AM
Sep 2017

Last edited Sun Sep 10, 2017, 03:13 PM - Edit history (1)

No fairing, but I added a windshield. Nice bike. My only issue with boxers is that the torque makes you tip to the side when you rev it at a stoplight, due to the shaft drive. I'm used to the torque edging me ahead on chain-drive bikes.

I sold it because I never did get around to touring -- it was a bit too beefy for the backroads.

EDIT TO ADD: Didn't realize this was a zombie thread. Given how high it was on the post list, I guess there isn't much activity in this group. Anybody out there?

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Motorcycle & Scooter»I want a BMW.