Need Purchase Advice Please

[All4Blakey]

Hello all,

I am new to the board and might soon be the owner of a 2004 R1150R (non ABS). I'm in Southern California and I've found one that I'm interested in about 45 minutes away from where I live.

I test rode a 2004 at a dealership and really liked it. Now I'm trying to figure out how to make the move from my current bike (2007 Yamaha V-Star Classic) to the R.

I'm trying to determine an appropriate price. I've checked out KBB and Nada and have a figure in my mind, but I would like some advice from the experts here please.

Here's some info about the bike.

What the bike has:

Heated Grips
Side Cases (City Bag Covers)
New Tires
Center stand

And what the bike doesn't have:

ABS
Computer

He's the 2nd owner (and has owned it since about 4K miles). He has all maintanance records. The bike is all stock, no mods. All fluids have been changed at 12,000 and 24,000 mile services (24K mile service just completed). There are some scratches on the heads that he says are cosmetic only. It currently has about 25K miles on it.

He's asking $6400 (here in Southern California). Based on KBB, he's just a little lower than retail price. I looked at the trade-in value and the retail price. If I split the difference, I should be able to get it for $5700.

Does that sound reasonable?

[jas]

I would think that $5k to $5300 would be a better price point. Maybe folks this a bit more knowledge will chime in.

I have been watching bikes on Ebay and Craigslist with ABS and less miles go for about 1K less than he is asking, but I have not seen the bike and do not know what the market is like in your area. If I could get $5800 for my 2004 Rockster, with ABS and additonal items along with 30,000 miles, I would probably sell right away. I just do not think it is realistic.

[All4Blakey]

Thanks for the response. Here are a few pics so that you all can see it.

http://picasaweb.google.com/meboxer/R1150R#

[chibbert]

I think he's asking a bit much considering the miles. I am not saying the bike has too many miles on it - not by any means at all. What I am saying though is that each mile equals a reduction in value. I think an offer of $5200 firm is acceptable. Good luck to you on your possible purchase. I too jumped from a V-star to a R1150R and although I loved my v-star - I never looked back.

[R1150Rclean]

I got a 2003 of the same model/color with all the accessories on that bike plus (except has touring cases): a gel battery, electric outlet, BMW battery charger that plugs into the outlet, rear rack, extra flashing led brake lights, a BMW smoke colored sport fairing installed (I took it off), Throttle Meister bar ends/cruise control, plenty of tread on the tires but the front tire was cupped (replaced for $180), no scratches on the heads/tank/body panels, with 5,800 miles for $5000.

The bike your looking at is worth more like 4K with the miles it has. KBB is high, check NADA it is low, that is what the bank will use if your getting a loan. For the bike I got, KBB gave $6,800 without many of the extras and did not take into account the low miles.

My advice is to get one with low miles, less chance for the owner(s) to have messed it up. I think 12k service intervals is way too long, especially for the engine, final drive, and clutch oils.

[All4Blakey]

I will verify with him about the service. I assumed he meant that at those intervals ALL of the fluids were changed. But, at lesser intervals (3K miles) he did the standard oil change. At least I hope that's what he meant.

The general concensus seems to be that even $5700 is too much. I'll take another look at the Nada Guide and rethink things.

I'm always open to hearing more from others, but thanks to those who have already responded. You've all been very helpful and I hope to join you regularly on the board

R1150Rclean- How much was the guy initially asking for your bike? I'm wondering how much he came down.

Thanks!

[mcdader]

If it's any help I just purchased a 2004 rockster 7k miles. $6,000 ABS, factory hard bags, and brand new tires.

Take a look at the Phoenix, AZ Craigslist there were a couple of 04 Rocksters there around $5-6k

[All4Blakey]

Thanks for the post mcdader.

It seems that all of the R1150Rs around here are listed at $6K or more.

[snelson200]

tt

[R1150Rclean]

I will verify with him about the service. I assumed he meant that at those intervals ALL of the fluids were changed. But, at lesser intervals (3K miles) he did the standard oil change. At least I hope that's what he meant.

The general concensus seems to be that even $5700 is too much. I'll take another look at the Nada Guide and rethink things.

I'm always open to hearing more from others, but thanks to those who have already responded. You've all been very helpful and I hope to join you regularly on the board

R1150Rclean- How much was the guy initially asking for your bike? I'm wondering how much he came down.

Thanks!

From what I remember, he was asking $5,800 on craigs list and dropped on his own to $5,000 after I talked with him (it was close to the 6k service and he used that as an excuse to drop the price-he had not had the service done yet), but I think he had a higher price in a previous ad.

[All4Blakey]

R1150Rclean-Thanks for the info.

I emailed the guy again today. He's firm on $6400. So, game over. I'll have to keep my eyes open and see what else pops up.

At least I know what a fair price is.

Thanks to all for your help!

[mcdader]

Looks like there still 3 available in phoenix, would make a nice ride home. I bought mine 300 miles away, It was a nice ride (averaged 38mpg). I was a little worried after reading here in the forums. The bike is not that top heavy, I didn't feel like I was going to drop it at all. I can not place my feet completely flat on the ground either ( heels are up slightly). The engine does brake a lot, but not too bad. I am still getting use the ABS braking whine. This a much better fit for me than my previous KLR650. I hope you find what you are looking for.

Ralph

[All4Blakey]

snelson200--Thanks for the link. It's great.

Wow, the pickins are slim out there for R1150Rs right now. I've even l widened my search area and there isn't much that's really less in price. The thought of driving 300 miles only to find that the bike I was interested in is not in as good of shape as I thought really bothers me.

I was hoping that more would pop up within a 250 miles radius. This one is a bit beyond my radius.

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/1650902128.html

And I can't tell if it's in great shape from the pics. I see some scratches (I think).

All4

[jas]

I think the bike in the CL listing you posted belongs to vegas_rider, you may be able to contact him through this site, or check out his posts to get a little more information on the bike.

[snelson200]

tt

[All4Blakey]

I actually contacted the guy in Henderson and he said that the bike sold.

Steve-PM me with your info and we'll talk more.

[Mongo Dude]

Last October, I bought a 2004 R1150R with 3,900 miles. It has a lot of options, inlcluding ABS, side luggage, grips, barbacks, lowered pegs, touring screen. It has the Ferro paint scheme. Not a scratch. I paid $5,600 in Tacoma, Washington, at a South Sound BMW's semi-annual bike swap (consignment sale). I got a deal, but don't pay too much. BMW's are a niche market and there are not that many buyers.

[R1150Rclean]

R1150Rclean-Thanks for the info.

I emailed the guy again today. He's firm on $6400. So, game over. I'll have to keep my eyes open and see what else pops up.

At least I know what a fair price is.

Thanks to all for your help!

All4Blakey,
The game is not over until he sells the bike If no one else goes for it, he may drop his price in time. That is what the guy did that I bought mine from. There was another R1150R I was looking at, the guy gets back to me that someone gave him a deposit and just had to get a loan from the bank. Guess what, never happened (bike was over priced) and the guy reposted the bike. Tell your guy what the NADA price is, and that is what the "bank" is going to use for your "loan" and see what he says. But all the same, I would go for a lower mileage bike.

[All4Blakey]

Mongo Dude--I don't intend to overpay. I REALLY want to make the change, but if I have to, I'll wait until winter to get a decent deal.

R1150Rclean--I actually did tell him that the bank goes by the NADA guide, but he said that he thinks it's priced correctly and that he can't sell it for less.

Hey, if not, then I'll keep looking and find one that's priced correctly.

I'm interested to see if Steve decides to sell. If so, especially given the info in this thread, I'm sure he'll price his bike appropriately. If not, I don't HAVE to get a different bike. I can wait it out until the right one comes along.

[R1150Rclean]

I can wait it out until the right one comes along.

That is the attitude!, good luck.