What to buy?

ge_trojan · Post by **ge_trojan** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 2:15 pm

I'm torn.

I'm in Virginia and want a R1150R. A dealer in Lynchburg will sell me a new 2005 model with heated grips,bag mounts and black engine and drive train, for 10,000.

I found a nice looking 2002 R1100s in Raleigh at a dealer for7,000, with 8800 miles. I just don't think will fit my body. I'm 6' 4" and not all that pliable, even with bar risers and lowered pegs.

On the IBMWR page, there is a 2000 R1100R with bags and a windshield and 9900 miles, needs a front tire, has a new rear. He wants 5900 and surely he would come down some. This bike of course is in upstate New York.

I want a bike for commuting and weekend rides. I live 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. I would like bags and a windshield and would likely ride evry day it wasn't snowing.

New or used?

I've been looking on the Internet for a while and I'm getting impatient. I've been to the two dealers nearest me, Lynchburg and Fredericksburg.

What to do?

George

Post by **gelbe Kulter** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 2:34 pm

George, I like the price of barely-ridden used bikes. The usual caveats apply, of course. I would think the R is better suited to commuting than an S. The R's motor has more low-mid range power and is a better all-round ride, IMHO.

My rule for new bikes is: If you just have to have one and won't be happy otherwise, then get it. Otherwise wait for a nice, less expensive used bike. The waiting is the hard part.

Do what makes you happy, then don't look back!

You can always sell and try again.

beemerphile · Post by **beemerphile** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 2:45 pm

gelbe Kulter wrote:George, I like the price of barely-ridden used bikes.

+1 what Doug said, but I would personally try for a 2004 or later to get the twin spark engine. Lightly used bikes are a great value. One big difference, at least it's true in the state of Georgia, is that there is no sales tax on a used bike transferred by a non-dealer. That makes the $10,000 new bike $10,700 and the $8,000 used bike is still $8,000. The extra $2,700 helps with equipping it or you, or is a reserve against an unanticipated problem with the used bike. Warranties transfer. - Lee

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 2:48 pm

Hi George...I'm also 6'4"..I'd recommend the R1150R and put the tall seat on it...just keep looking...
can your BMW dealer help or maybe contact other nearby dealers for a good second hand one.

If you can afford it...go for the new one...what you loose in money you will make up for in happiness..

DJ

Post by **Biff's R** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 5:50 pm

If you have to finance the new bike, then you may want to look at new since BMW has run deals like 0.9% and 3(or 5) payments. Quicken has some handy loan calculators.

When I bought my 1150Rs I was able to get this deal, and it usually comes within $1000-$1500 for a bike with a newer model year.

Boxer, I wish the great state of ohio did the same thing with sales tax, but I guess that license plates for less than $30/year will have to do.

Post by **socalrob** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 6:39 pm

I'd hunt for a used twin spark model RR, which were first sold in 2003 but called 2004's. There should be some used 2004's around with about 10,000 miles. I'd look for one that has had at least the first 2 services (600 miles & 6,000 miles).

ABS or no ABS? ABS cost an extra $2,000 on the 2004 models. Thats personal, but it also explains big price differences in costs. I'm betting the new RR your talking about at the dealer is non ABS. Look for the little ABS sensor ring on the wheels (kind of slotted thing like a cheese grater).

The RR is a great bike. I'd buy used right no though as hopefully a R1200R based on the new hex head engine (like the R1200ST & R1200RT at your dealer) should be out in about a year or 18 months. If you buy used now making a switch then wouldn't be too painful.

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 8:24 pm

+1 on a gently used 1150R. Probably a twin spark, although my '02 runs great as is. And while BMW's financing on the new ones is attractive, when I bought my bike as a certified used bike, I actually got a better warranty than a new one. Well, not the unlimited part (useless for anyone with a job

) but for a longer period of time.

Post by **baltm604** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:00 pm

I would kinda be interested in the r1100r. what drove me to an r1150r was puting 900mi on an r1100r in two days in arizona.

In hindsight, I remeber the r1100r has having a little more leg room, it was definitely easier on my knees.

If you haven't, try to get a ride on both, figure out the economics, and go from there.

Bill

Post by **king biscuit** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:14 pm

Hi George,

I have a 2002 R1150R with a Corbin saddle, Rodagear tankbag and a parabellem supertour windshield. I might be convinced to sell the bike because next summer the wife and I are selling out and taking off on our sailboat for an extended cruising lifestyle. The bike has under 8K miles, has been well maintained. It's in Ohio is you wanted to make the drive up to get it. Contact me off board at [email protected] if you're interested. I love the bike but it will be sitting a whole bunch once I move on the boat.

Dan

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:24 pm

baltm604 wrote:In hindsight, I remeber the r1100r has having a little more leg room, it was definitely easier on my knees. Bill

I am working for an extreme fix for this. GS paralever arm and +20mm Wilbers rear shock requires a GS centerstand. GS centerstand requires GS footrest brackets. GS footrest brackets reposition the footpegs lower and forward where they should have been in the first place. Extra suspension height keeps them from dragging. Kind of makes a GS super-motard out of the back end of it. Hannigan fairing up front keeps the breezes down to a respectable level. If all this works, I'll have some Suburban Machinery footpeg relocaters for sale. If it doesn't, I'll need a good psychiatrist. - Lee

beemerphile · Post by **beemerphile** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 9:40 pm

Anonymous wrote:I am working for an extreme fix...

Sorry for the guest post. I can't get used to the fact that you can post here without being a member. Most boards don't allow it so my tiny brain thinks I must be logged in since I am able to post. One day I'll get it. - Lee

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:37 am

I bought a used '03 R1150R a year ago and absolutely love it ! I suggest you shop around for a used bike. They are out there.

greer · Post by **greer** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 12:10 pm

Hello George,

If you decide on an R1150R and things don't work out with king biscuit, I wish you'd go to the Buy/Sell/Trade forum and take a look at my 2002. Good luck.

Sarah

Post by **wncbmw** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 7:29 pm

hey king bisquit - mount that bike on deck so you have a ride in ports!

Post by **king biscuit** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:35 pm

Man, do I wish I could. I bought the bike in the summer of 2004. I had not ridden in about 20 years. What a bike to start on! LOVE IT. But this cruising plan has been in place for a lot of years. I knew I would probably have to sell the bike but held some hope that I might find a way to keep it. If I don't sell it, I'll find a way to store it....(I'm not trying real hard to sell it as you can see).

Too many toys, too little time!

Dan

Post by **MidlifeMark** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:53 pm

I love my '99 R1100RA. Can't think of a good enough reason to "upgrade". Besides, I like the styling better.

Post by **scottybooj** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 10:49 am

i'm with everyone on you getting a used R. Don't buy new unless you need their financing or there isn't anything decent around you to buy used.

I am quite sure you can find a used a R that is under two years old and save some ca$h.

good luck

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