Is the R1150RT a good(cheap) alternative to the R1200RT?

[Humbucker]

I was wondering how much more bike you get by getting an R1200RT over say an older R11150RT. Today at a big motorcycle superstore, I saw a 2001 R1150RT with appx. 150,000 klms for $9,000.00 and a 2002 with appx. 40,000 klms for $12,000.00 (Canadian dollars BTW).

The 2010 R1200RT has an MSRP of appx. $21,000 CDN BTW.

I don't think that these prices for used BMWs are great bargains but then again, I'm not an expert. But for comparison, there's a next to brand-new 2008 Kawasaki Concours14 with low mileage and extra goodies on it here on Kijiji and he wants $12,500.00 CDN.

I've never had the chance to test-ride an R1150RT for myself but I did get a chance to take out a 2010 C14 and was thoroughly impressed. It's maybe more "sport" then I need but I'm sure that it would do the touring part very well too.

If a guy was lucky enough to find a well maintained, low mileage, R1150RT at a decent price, is it something that you'd recommend? I don't need a fire-breather but it is nice to have a decent amount of power when you really need it. Even more important then raw power for me is a solid, reliable bike that's well suited for touring.

Do you get a significantly better bike in the R1200RT? Are there certain years of the R1200RT that a person should avoid?

Is the R1150RT noticeably lower on the performance scale next to the R1200RT?

[snowymountainsmick]

If you could rake up the $3000 extra it might be worth it to get the low mileage example. Having said that the BMWs seem to be durable. My R1150GS has done 144,000ks and is in fine fettle. There are several in the club with much more on the clock. We have an R110GS that was a hire bike and the owner picked it up with 270,000kms on the clock. It is his only transport and he rides it everywhere.

[yarongev]

My 2001 R1150RT has 110K on it.
It is well maintained and looks great.
In my opinion every bike must be checked properly before owning.
For my best experience the impotent owner is the last one.
Beemers are known for their reliability.they can be yours for a life time.
The bike for you is the one you fell in love with in the showroom.
Yaron