2001 R1150 RT

[boxertwinjeff]

Don't know much about these relatively later models, and I'm considering buying one.
The bike in question is in very tidy cond. and has done just over 100,000kms. What sort of reputation
do they have? & are there any inherent issues with this model?.. Wondering if a K1200RS of the same era might
be a safer bet, is the sellers asking price of around $ 6,000 a good price? any help would be appreciated. Jeff.

[dwerbil]

I've been toying a bit too Jeff, about a oilhead RT myself. Heard to pass on the anything before the late '90s due to transmission issues (Super Dave). Around here in the U.S., a early 2000 oilhead RT would go for around 5k dollars. A K bike, water cooled, brings with it more stuff to break down in my book. I've got much more to learn about these oilheads.

[Norm T R100T R1150RT]

Howdy - I've an '02 - 73,000 plus miles - 40,000 I put on her - great machine. From what I've read on various forums the main issue is with a trans/engine alignment causing spline wear. I'd imagine an RT with 100,000 would already have had problems if there was the alignment problem. Didn't like the linked brakes (integrated) on mine, so I isolated the rear brake system along with a few other modifications. Paid $6,000 for mine at 32,000 miles.

[Major Softie]

They are very different bikes. The RT is a nice touring bike that's lighter and more fun to ride than any other bike that provides as much comfort. The K-RS is a freaking missile, with a sportier riding position than my R1100RS. If you sit on both, you'll see it's very hard to compare them: apples to oranges.

Oh, and both are good for a billion miles. The water-cooling gives the K the edge in head and cylinder wear, but even the R is usually good for more than twice as long as an airhead before you're thinking about valves and rings. As far as the tranny in the RT, I'd only really worry about avoiding 95 and earlier (they did a big fix sometime during the '95 model year). After that, they aren't as nice as the 6 speed, but they're still WAY nicer than an airhead tranny.

I don't like the linked brakes on the later ones either, but then, neither did BMW (or BMW buyers), as they didn't keep them for long.

[boxertwinjeff]

" Freaking Missile" ha ha, I like that!, thankyou for an informative, interesting reply Major,
seems like they get the thumbs up, so I'll put my offer to the owner,... also spotted an '03 R1150RT in
beautiful condition, with a fully documented service histor,y but with 165,000kms, owner is sitting firm on $6,000.

[Major Softie]

Yeah, we don't know jack about Aussie prices, but airheads certainly seem to be significantly more expensive there, so I would think oilheads would be more as well.

[radarcarve]

I bought an '04 1150 RT, which was the last of them, before the 1200's. Sold it after a few years but recently bought another '04 so I could have it again. Best long distance bike around, in my opinion (including other BMWs). The '04 was the last and best refinement, for it has dual spark plugs. I would not hesitate to buy any 1150 RT if the price was right.

[jimmyg]

same sentiments on the '04 RT. Bought mine new. Has 56k now and without a doubt, the most fun, comfortable, reliable bike I've ever owned. Track Days, inclement weather, draft horse duty, the '04 is the best of the 1150's IMHO. I would buy another one tomorrow if needed.