R12R: Thinking of Selling

[mcavotta]

Hi guys. I'm posting this here in the hopes of getting some input on the best way to do an unpleasant thing—that is, selling my R12R.

There's nothing wrong with the bike and I have no complaints, I just thought returning to motorcycling after a number of years off, the 5,000 miles I put on my R12R would have moved me more than it did.

I've come to the conclusion that motorcycling, for me, is a cherished part of my past, but just doesn't hold the magic for me it once did.

SOOoooo, my brothers, can you offer any insight on how to make the best of a bad situation, if selling is a foregone conclusion?

FYI: It's Winter here in Cleveland and I don't expect much local interest in a bike this time of year. Making payments until Spring is no big deal, and it has a nice warm spot in my garage.

Thanks in advance for your support...

[ErikM]

Wait untill spring. Selling now will cost you. And who knows you may find that once the weather is warm again, that you want to keep it.

[mcavotta]

Perhaps, but my faith was shaken even before the snow started to fly here. I found myself looking back at a string of beautiful Fall days and saying, "WTF? Why didn't I even think of riding?"

There comes a time when a cowboy has to face facts and be willing to hang up his spurs. Waiting til Spring is the prudent thing to do.

Thanks,

[lombo]

In contrast to you I own a R1150R, I live in California and would love to own a R1200R. Like you I'm in no rush, just looking for a deal. If you wish to talk I would welcome the opportunity to discuss all options.
My email address is [email protected]

Thanks,
Dave

[celticus]

I hate to see you go after the cool job you did on your tail light placement. Good luck in your next obsession. At 54 if I got to feeling like you do I'd take it as lying down and waiting for death. But that's just me. I am a faster rider than I was at 50.
Good Luck.
Mark

[NCGS]

SOOoooo, my brothers, can you offer any insight on how to make the best of a bad situation, if selling is a foregone conclusion?

Hey, just like skydiving, this m/c stuff isn't for everybody.. You gave it a shot, that's more than a lotta guys would do.

I just picked up a 3-month old RR last month from a lovely lady who had to sell it (quickly) in order to move from NC to Louisiana. I wasn't going to buy until Spring (and I really didn't want a black bike), but her selling price was simply too good to pass up.

I found her bike thru Craiglist. It's a great place to post your ad (it's free), and you can post it in all the major metropolitan areas around Cleveland.

Of course there's always ebay - and frankly a good, low-mile RR should sell. I keep "R1200R" as one of my search options, and I can't remember of a used RR being for sale in a long time (ever?).

Then there's MotorcycleTrader.com - lots of guys will buy there before they'll buy from ebay.

Clean it up, take some good quality, high-resolution photos to post with your ad, list anything/everything you've done to it, emphasise that it's still under the factory warranty - and lastly - don't expect to get what you paid for it. If you price it to sell, knowing that you're probaby going to take a pretty hard it to the wallet, it will sell.

Good luck,

[Echo]

I sold my GS this summer with the thought of leaving motorcycling. I went on a number of rides feeling like it was a chore. After several months of being bikeless, I got the R12R and it took only one blast through the mountains to get that magic back.

With a family and demanding job, I set my sights lower with the R12R. No overnights, multiday trips, or big adventures as was the plan with the GS for past several years (which never materialized). Now a quick jaunt for a few hours and I'm satisfied.

[deilenberger]

I've seen a number for sale.. including one with 600 miles on it for $12k.. that seems to be the going price, with ABS/centerstand/heated grips/sport shield.. and most without bags.

There have been a few on Ebay - but they're rare. What does show up there is dealers trying to move out the '07's and a few demos. Some of these looked like great deals ($14k range) until I spotted they didn't have ABS, and for many people - that's a non-negotiable requirement.

If it was me - I'd put it away until spring and then decide what I want to do - the payments come back to you somewhat in owing less on it and the price will be much better in the spring than at the start of winter. Chances are good you'll take it for a ride in April and decide you really don't want to sell it.

[ka5ysy]

Go get yourself a nice bottle of Jack Daniels black label and rethink the whole plan. Think of spring.

Sure cure for this funk: ROADTRIP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Boxer]

mcavotta- Have you considered that maybe a smaller bike might be more fun for local short rides...Maybe a dual sport for riding on those back roads on the weekend. Smaller expense, easier to handle, takes less fuel, and you can throw it in the back of a truck for a trip.

Just a suggestion.

Whatever you do, have fun. Life's too short not to enjoy it.

[Thinman]

I was just at the dealer Saturday - for kicks I asked what I would get for mine on trade for one of the 07 GS or RT's they're giving some great deals on. $11.5K trade-in (ABS, centerstand, chrome exhaust, OBC, bag mounts, sport screen, and 9K miles). If I were to think of selling it outright I'd probably ask $12.5K.

I sometimes get bored with riding, especially here where it's completely flat, but after awhile the zest comes back. Having the right bike that puts the smile on your face everytime you get on it helps. Having more than one is a bonus.

[dragonmojo]

SOOoooo, my brothers, can you offer any insight on how to make the best of a bad situation, if selling is a foregone conclusion?

Take a visit out West... we have the Rockies, Sierras and Cascades. This time spent in the saddle beats a psychiatrist's couch any day.

[AllanCook]

There are times, I confess, when I don't much feel like riding. There are times when other interests take over. I may spend a lot of time on chess, for example, or guitar, or photography or with my daughters. During those times I don't ride so much. Maybe I won't ride for a week or two or even a month. But it's OK. The value of owning a motorcycle for me is that it is there, ready for me when I need it. I may not need it every day. But when I need it, nothing, nothing else will do.

[Phillo]

Im with Allan Cook on this one, I ride practically every day of my life still but as I get older it will probably taper off a bit. The bike will always be there even if I only get to use it once a week or once a month " heaven forbid " it ever gets to that. I also sold my R65LS a few years back with the intention of giving up riding but within a month os so I was regretting it and went out and bought another bike after losing money on the previous one - it cost me bucks so I really cannot imagine being without a bike - give it a bit more thought Mac

[Dauntless]

A lot of the fun in riding is meeting friends that also ride. Do you have a local BMW riders internet forum? I have met some really nice people due to my riding, many of whom have also become my customers. I sold my bike but still have the friends. I just go to their hangouts in my Jeep.

[famousperson]

Mcavotta, thanks for posting. I, too, have considered giving up riding but never dared admit it, least of all to myself. My R1200R is by far the best, most fun motorcycle I have ever owned, but I put only 3000 miles on it in the first season. It sometimes seems like a chore to get it out of the garage.

For one thing, although motorcycles have a lot less vibration than they did in my youth, and a lot more power, their seats are a lot harder. And in Pittsburgh, it takes at least 1/2 to 1 hour of slab and/or urban traffic light riding to get to interesting roads, so there's really no just "going for a spin." Someone above suggested getting a smaller bike for zipping around town, but I don't know...

It'll be keeping it until Spring, though, and before I decide I am going to take a one to two week motorcycle camping trip. If that doesn't do it to get that Zen feeling, well, maybe it's just time to hang it up.

[jbim]

Hi

There are times when I wonder whether i am just burning fuel and polluting the environment. These are just momentary lapses of sanity. All other times, I feel good being on the bike and just ride.

There are no obligations to ride. This is supposed to be fun. Maybe the best thing you could do is sell it and see whether you miss it. OTOH, it's a good idea to take a 3-5 days trip to see for yourself what it is. If you then sell the bike, you may have good memories of what it was.

If you are not sure of your desire to ride, make sure you still keep your focus on the road and be alert. IT would be sad if something happened because you were not paying attention. Good luck with your decision.

[Karamazov]

Let's see, you have a bike you paid a lot of money for, but have no interest in riding. For this type of use, a Harley is probably a better fit. Maybe you're a chrome guy and didn't know it.

[Echo]

I missed a number of good riding days and felt bad that I didn't feel like riding. However, the days I did go riding were fantastic. Now that winter is here, I barely remember the missed riding opportunities but the great rides are vividly clear. Ride on the days you feel like it and don't worry about missing other days.

Keep the bike!

[Dauntless]

Let's see, you have a bike you paid a lot of money for, but have no interest in riding. For this type of use, a Harley is probably a better fit. Maybe you're a chrome guy and didn't know it.

Is this supposed to be a joke or an insult?