Which R to buy??

[Ancon]

Trying to get back into the "Rclub". What is the collective advice?? Should I buy the 2002 with 15k miles? Or the 2004 with 44k? Both say they've had 'regular maintenance'--not sure about valve adjustments, fuel disconnects though. Anything else? Thanks for your input--maybe this time next week I'll have an R bike back in my garage.

[R100CS]

twin spark ?
Twin spark should make the engine run better, smoother.

[gregor]

I've a 2002 single spark at ~22000 miles. Runs fine and no surging. Depends on price and condition really.

[Buckster]

Twin spark has a known issue with the stick coils failing. I wouldn't base my decision on that alone. My single spark runs like a top! I would get the one that is the best deal for you!

[towerworker]

I think I'd have to side with Buckster. I've owned both, I had minor surging with my '03 (single spark) and cured it by going to autolite plugs. My '04 has dual spark and I early on had to replace both stick coils. I paid about $230 for both, have no idea what they are now. I didn't see any difference in running or performance between the two.

Mileage isn't a factor, 15K is not broken in yet, 44K just barely. Don't discount the '04, just keep in mind that if the coils have not been replaced since new then it's a matter of time. Supposedly there was an internal design change within the stick coil that made it more robust and durable. Engine heat was killing the originals.

[driverbrook]

Hi, in my opinion it all hinges on the service history, rather buy a higher mileage bike with a comprehensive history than a lower mileage bike with none, i stupidly went for the latter and landed myself with a few big bills in a short space of time, best of luck, the R1200R is a superb bike though.

[Ancon]

Ok this just in....04 red (color I really wanted), 52k, non-ABS, impeccably clean (ridden by a little old lady only to go to church--you know the story ) , just spotted not too far from me. $4500, no cases though . Whaddya all think of that deal? Guy said new tires, valve adjust last month. It does have a gray spark plug cover (other is black)on one of the jugs--what's up with that? Thanks again.

[sweatmark]

I would buy the '02 with lower miles if the price is right.

Twin-spark does nothing for the R1150 except meet Euro emissions for that era, and create opportunity for problems with the aforementioned stick coils.

The minor differences found between the early and later bikes can be addressed via minor modifications; example: headlight circuit fuse, brake lines.

But if your heart is set on a specific color...

[Ancon]

Good info, thanks. Yeah I'm leaning toward the 02 with low mileage. And that all makes good sense about the coil, twin spark etc.--I llearned a few things. thanks again to all for the info.

[Ancon]

I would buy the '02 with lower miles if the price is right.

Twin-spark does nothing for the R1150 except meet Euro emissions for that era, and create opportunity for problems with the aforementioned stick coils.

The minor differences found between the early and later bikes can be addressed via minor modifications; example: headlight circuit fuse, brake lines.

But if your heart is set on a specific color...

Gentleman wants $5K for the 02 ABS, 17k, cases, couple windscreens, piaa lights.

[ron prior]

Any one...as long as it is Blue...Ferro Blue to be exact...you know the best ones, fastest ones....

[gregor]

And the black ones are easily ignored. Mine keeps hitting the rev limiter in fourth -it's so smooth. Must be something wrong

[f4tweet]

02 with the much lower miles.

[Ancon]

Yeah those black ones are so slimming. I'll look 20 lbs. lighter on it.

Now that's funny right there.

[Bruce H]

I don't know where you live so... About a month ago I paid the asking price (Craigs List) for a 2004 R1150R with bags, 23K miles, 1 owner and clean. $4450.00. Yesteday on Craigs List in Turlock, CA is a 2004, 26K miles, bags, crash pars, Piaa lights, hand guards, dont't remember what else, asking $4975.00. Bike appears to be very clean, older owner. I'd buy that one and go and get it.

[Ancon]

I'm in Indiana. Found the one you're talking about. Seems they're pricier out this way--odd . The 02 I found looks about as clean, I was able to talk the guy "down" to $5k. Maybe I'll let him stew for awhile--he's 4+ hours away, and I won't be able to get out there for a good 3 weeks anyway--hopefully it'll still be around . Doesn't matter much anyway, weather's been S***ty out here anyway. Thanks again for the info and advice.

[Bruce H]

I'd call the guy in California and offer 4500.00, send him the money and fly out and pick it up. Tell hime where you are coming from and he just migh take it because he knows you have expenses to get there. If you are worried about buying over the phone find someone on this board close and have them go and look at the bike. I have bought many bikes over the phone (including the R a month ago) I wouldn't be worried about it. You might need to change the tires to get home. There are plenty of riders with garages that would let you do that. I have put about 400 on the bike I bought but will do ALL the service before going on a distance ride. The bike in California has too many extras for the asking price so won't last. Mine was stock so I purchased, windshield, handguards, crash guards, rear rack, and so on. That bike comes with that stuff.

[Montycs]

I had the same dilemma. I went with the '02 with lower miles and that let's me build my own " history" with the bike. I probably paid a bit more from the dealer, but I am real happy with my Beemer. No surge through the gears and over 40mpg around town. Oh and it is black. It makes you look skinny and it goes 20 mph just sitting there.

[Ancon]

yeah, I had an 03 for a couple years. Looking back, it's the bike I put the most miles on.

Why did I ever sell the daggone thing??


--excuse me for a second....

"why yes honey, I can help you bring in the groceries."

--oh yeah, there it is