Thinking about a 1998 r1100rt

[carlito007]

Hello everyone!

I currently ride a small 250 Korean cruiser in the heart of Dallas. I came across an ad for a 1998 r1100rt with 43k miles on it. Selling for 4k. Would you recommend this bike? Most importantly, can you help me figure out if the bike will be too big for me to handle maybe? I'm 5'7" 160lbs...will that beemer be too heavy for me? Any words of wisdom on either the size of the bike or the bike itself would be greatly appreciated!

thanks!

[gggval]

bmw's are really nice, but for the age of that bike its going to need a lot of tlc.
I have worked on one before, so I know.
your looking at
splines lubed, clutch plates replaced, fork seals replaced, front and back brakes cleaned and put back in working condition, maybe tires if they are worn or over 4 years old.
all that work is going to run you another $1000 by me, a dealer would charge $2500.
but if you want a smooth ride and something comfortable, bmw is the way to go!!!
very reliable, great bike overall.

[carlito007]

Thank you Chris! I wish I was closer to you, I'd buy the bike and take it to you! Reviews are good on that motorcycle so I guess we will see. There are so many options out there but this BMW has got me very curious.

Thanks again!

[gggval]

if you get the bike, get the work done! its a great bike and a tuneup on the splines and stuff is really going to make a difference.
I think you would be ok for another 8000 miles, 15000 if the owner took good care of her before you are going to need the maintenence done.
but seriously, bmw's don't sound like bikes, they purrrr like a kitty, are very smooth and very solid bikes. even their older bikes are way ahead of their time! :-)

[mundo]

I've got 150,000 on my 1996 ... nuf said !

[ipekur]

I own 1998 R1100R with already 72000.
40K for them are really just breaking in.
These are the best bikes around, being horizontal twin - with low center of gravity very stable. Also these bikes have a feature no other bike has - front suspension directly connected to the engine through ball joint. This is the best feature because it doesn't allow front fork to bend in the turn.

I am saying all of this because I personally believe that there is no better bike to start riding. This is my first bike (I am also 160 and 5.7'). I tried a lot of bikes and never felt as secure as on R1100R. It also has enough power to accelerate when you need it.

Keep in mind that transmissions on BMWs are very quirky. Being dry clutch, they do not shift like normal transmissions. You have to pre-load second and be very decisive with your shifts.

Any more questions?

[carlito007]

Great news, thanks ipekur,

I'm just concerned that the maintenance of the bike will break my pocket! I've heard beemer bikes are really the best but also very expensive to upkeep. You guys are veterans and I appreciate very much all the feedback. In your experience, what shall I keep an eye on as far as maintenance? Is it really expensive to run the R1100RT? Like I said, I've heard from people that they are expensive to keep but I want to ask you since you are true owners (and of course the ones telling me about the bikes being expensive to keep own other brands!)

Thanks!

[ipekur]

Well...
Maintenance is not that much more.
Oil (synthetic) could be expensive - buy 15w-50 at walmart - the cheapest.
Filters are decent price online.
Brakes (I replaced both) are average.
BMWs (oilheads) do not have chains and it doesn't require much to replace transmission and rear oils.
Battery is more expensive, and go fast on BMWs since it takes much more power to low turn the engine, so my advice (please take it as such), instead of replacing OEM ar Yamsa battery every 2 years buy an Odyssey and it will be heavenly (learn from my mistake)

So these are very reliable bikes with average price of maintenance, provided you do it yourself.

When it become much more expensive if you need to by OEM parts from the dealership.

Dealership moto is: what does BMW stand for? Bring Money With....

But overall these bikes will not need much more to run then others, but the difference is worth it!
So before you buy check the bike over thoroughly (shocks, ball joints, throttle body (cracks), leaking oil..)

I would not think that running RT would be more expensive then R, the main difference is fairing. And of course more parts to break :-)

I am partial to naked bike, simple and everything is accessible (except battery of course :-)

If you are looking on newer bikes and can afford them..., R1200r is incredible too. I would not go for R1150.

[carlito007]

Awesome, thanks! This is the one I'm looking to buy:
dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/3014625575.html
any thoughts?

[ipekur]

Lucky you!
I wish we had these prices here in Minnesota. Bike like that would probably sell for around $6500.
Great tires, and very good seat!

Good luck.

[IwantK1600GTL]

I first started riding a 450. Rode it for about a year and jumped up to a 1000 I am about your size just a little taller and it did not make that much difference. The only real difference I saw was power obviously but if you respect the bike it will be just fine for you.

[biometrics]

Make sure you take a good test ride... I am 5' 8.5" and my inseam is only 29"... Even with the seat in the lowest position, I can't flatfoot the bike at stops... I have to use the balls of my feet.

I have learned to live with it because it is such a great bike, but if you don't have legs of the minimum length, and the ankle muscles to support the weight, you may end up dropping this really nice ride. ... Just sayin.

[licorice]

A Honda dealer on Oxford street in London, Ontario Canada has a R1150 RT 2003, I think, they have had a lonnnng time, you could likely get a very good deal on it. My first BMW was a 2001 1150RT, was very happy with it, now ride a 2008 1200RT