Would you purchase...

[Scotty723]

I recently ran across a 2007 R1200R for sale from a company that rents BMW motorcycles. The bike has 42,000 miles and had been a rental since 7,000 miles. They are asking $6800, which seems a bit high for that many mile in my opinion. They have the service records since they purchased it from the original owner (7,000 miles). I have not seen the bike in person, just pictures. I have never owned a BMW motorcycle so I wouldn't know what a bad motor sounds or feels like during a test ride. I guess I'm wondering if 42,000 miles is considered low for a BMW and if I should even consider looking at this before I waste the gas driving the hour to the location. Thanks in advance.

[deilenberger]

At 42,000 miles the bike is just past broken in. $6800 is a steal. The usual selling price for that year/mileage is closer to $8500-9000. If it comes with bags - add $500 on for a set of used bags. If it doesn't have ABS - subtract the $500. Take your checkbook when you go for the test ride, and perhaps you can find someone to drive you there so you won't have to take a 2nd trip to pick it up.

[Scotty723]

Thanks for the quick reply Deilenberger. Should I be concerned with the fact that it was a rental? I know that rental cars are trashed pretty hard, but I would think that anyone smart enough to rent a BMW motorcycle would be a true enthusiast and treat it decently? Any thoughts?

[omg1010]

That would be kind of crystal ball reading. The hexheads tend to be rigid bikes but you need to verify if it has a complete service history and that all the updates recommended by BMW have been done. Check that there is no rear wheel play as a repair of the final drive can be expensive. If the bike has ABS the price seems fine. If it doesn't I wouldn't buy it.

Brgds
Oliver

[hjsbmw]

Should I be concerned with the fact that it was a rental?

The price and all seem right. My first thought also was about the fact of it being a rental. Take a good look for signs of visual abuse, look for oil leaks around the engine including the underside. The only repeatedly reported failures one reads about are with the ABS, final drive, oil leaks, and fuel strip. Read around here what to look for and what the indications of these failures are. In the end you'll have to go with your intuition. If you have any BMW buddies, take one along for moral and technical support. In the sense of Don's advice, they could also drive the car while you are riding the bike. Opinions on having ABS diverge with a tendency towards it being a good option.

[Scotty723]

Thanks for all the great information guys!

[MTBeemer]

I did a national search of Craigs List for 2007 R1200Rs. First thing I noticed is that most of the listings were "deleted by author" when I clicked on the link. I think this is an indication that the bike tends to sell well as a used vehicle. I went back a month and found two active listings: 15,300 miles, hard cases, aftermarket seat and a few other extras = $9,500; 11,000 miles, hard cases and Givi topcase, $6,500. (I may buy the second one)

[rokinrider]

I'm looking at RT's due to knee probs. My beloved 09 will be on the market soon with only 14k on the clock. Base model with a few farkles.... $8,000.00

[abronzetiger]

Should I be concerned with the fact that it was a rental? I know that rental cars are trashed pretty hard, but I would think that anyone smart enough to rent a BMW motorcycle would be a true enthusiast and treat it decently? Any thoughts?

Rental or not, any used bike has the potential to be an abuse case or a golden opportunity. It is used, after all.

As the buyer, you can make a check-up by a certified BMW dealership or mechanic a requirement of the purchase if it sets your mind at ease. Most places will be willing to do so to make a sale.

[Bamblys]

Should I be concerned with the fact that it was a rental?

I was at my dealers a few moths ago he was telling me a story where some russian tourists came from New York on some rented bikes. They exchanged those to BMW at my dealers and took a drive all the way to the west coast (one way) "dropped" those bikes over at the dealer in CA. That CA dealer called over here and was wondering if my dealer ever explained these customers about using a sidestand. Bikes were brand new in Chicago and only a few thousand miles later they were all banged up. Of course insurance covered all the repairs but the bill apparently was enormous.

[SF_Hooligan]

Are you talking about the bike for sale at Dubbelju in San Francsico? They have a stellar reputation - although I can't vouch for the folks who rent their bikes of course.

I'd be happy to swing by and take a peek, if you like - I work a few blocks from there. Also, they're almost right across the street from SF BMW - I'm sure they'd be happy to do an inspection for you.

[Woland]

I figure a rental bike would see two types of riders, those who thrash it and those who baby it cuz they're unfamiliar with it, which should make for a good break in procedure

If its properly maintained and serviced I wouldn't hesitate if the price is right.

[BoxerSteve]

Personally I would be a little bit leery of a rental bike, though the price seems right. People do thrash rental vehicles.

I did a national search of Craigs List for 2007 R1200Rs.

How did you do a national search? I used to use Craigslook but I think Craigslist sued them and they stopped offering it.

I went back a month and found two active listings: 15,300 miles, hard cases, aftermarket seat and a few other extras = $9,500; 11,000 miles, hard cases and Givi topcase, $6,500. (I may buy the second one)

Is that $6500.00 one in Boulder, CO, by any chance? If so, it's sold. How do I know? A guy was going to buy my '08 I have for sale but bought the one in Boulder instead, what a steal.

[MTBeemer]

Personally I would be a little bit leery of a rental bike, though the price seems right. People do thrash rental vehicles.

Nothing out performs a rental.........

I did a national search of Craigs List for 2007 R1200Rs.

How did you do a national search? I used to use Craigslook but I think Craigslist sued them and they stopped offering it.

Search Tempest - http://www.searchtempest.com/

I went back a month and found two active listings: 15,300 miles, hard cases, aftermarket seat and a few other extras = $9,500; 11,000 miles, hard cases and Givi topcase, $6,500. (I may buy the second one)

Is that $6500.00 one in Boulder, CO, by any chance? If so, it's sold. How do I know? A guy was going to buy my '08 I have for sale but bought the one in Boulder instead, what a steal.

Yes....