BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Like a bad penny I’m back – hat in hand and lookin’ for more help.
Before I buy a BMW, I gotta know a lot more than I do today. I don’t have deep pockets so a used machine is the only way to go. Is there a good (neophyte) guide available on the various R11**R models?
Three more questions:
1. ABS is a big deal and big part of the BMW appeal however trying to come up to speed on that subject in a short time hasn’t been all that simple. I understand there is a difference in the 1100R and 1150R ABS systems. (Comments?)
2. I read something about the early power assist ABS on the 02 RT models that implied an engineering defect and that those bikes are still out there (unmodified). That source didn’t say anything about the 02 R ABS --- (comments?)
3. I came across a “04” ABS, black, well kept, touring windshield, & luggage with 15 k miles and 9 months warranty (from a reputable dealer) price $8500 (Comments?)
oldgeorge

OMT1936 wrote:.
3. I came across a “04” ABS, black, well kept, touring windshield, & luggage with 15 k miles and 9 months warranty (from a reputable dealer) price $8500 (Comments?)
oldgeorge

I'd say that's a good deal. I got my '04 ABS with a year warranty and 2300 miles, speedscreen (not touring style) but no luggage, for $8k. The luggage will set you back $600 new, the touring screen another $200. You could always try to knock his price down a bit, but I'd say that's a fair price.

dm

My 04 doesnt have ABS but got it for $6800 with 5K and the sport shield on it. Got the bags for $500 on E-Bay(new) Yeah, I think I stole it too! I picked it up from a Harley dealer that wanted it off his floor. I'd look around a little more but I'm cheap! Did you check CycleTrader or E-Bay?

I would say that is a good deal too. You like the bike, feel good about the dealer, and the price is well within range of ones selling on ebay, craigslist and cycletrader. I would say go for it.

Quotes: "Is there a good (neophyte) guide available on the various R11**R models? "

Yes, but I cannot remember the exact link. If you haven't found it already, then check http://www.ibmwr.org. Especially the various linked pages and archived stuff.

Generally, the Oilhead series made several significant improvements over the Airhead series. The R1100GS, RT, RS, R represented the 90's version (roughly 1994-2001). The R1150GS, RT, RS, R represented the 21st century version (beginning 1997 through 2004). Now there are Hexheads.

GS = dual purpose; RT = touring setup; RS = sporty touring; R = naked roadsters.



Three more questions:
1. ABS is a big deal and big part of the BMW appeal however trying to come up to speed on that subject in a short time hasn’t been all that simple. I understand there is a difference in the 1100R and 1150R ABS systems. (Comments?)

1994-1997 1st generation ABS. Nothing to be proud about.
1997-2001 2nd generation ABS. Okay but still primitive system. The field comments are about 75% okay and 25% negative. I am unaware of any particular complaints w/ ABS II.
2001-2005 3rd Generation EVO ABS. a) bigger and more effective rotors (the EVO); b) newer and more complicated ABS fluid valving (the ABS and servo); and c) fully linked brakes (F-R and R-F) on RT; partially linked brakes (F-R but not R-F) on RS, GS, R.

Complaints: Fully linked brakes stink. Cannot use rear independently for low speed maneuver. Servo stinks. Cannot use progressive 'feel' as on other bikes. ABS stinks. Comes on when not needed. Comes on in a non-linear way. Probably a 50%-50% ratio of complaining.

And you can't bleed your own brakes anymore (easily).


2. I read something about the early power assist ABS on the 02 RT models that implied an engineering defect and that those bikes are still out there (unmodified). That source didn’t say anything about the 02 R ABS --- (comments?)

That's the servo assist and fully linked brakes on the RT. Bad valving ratios and a particularly long learning curve to adapt for experienced riders. Not a defect but perhaps a bad engineering implementation. Fully linked brakes (any lever applies all brakes progressively) just overcome experienced riders and their preferred braking techniques.

Partially linked brakes as on the Roadster/Rockster are more friendly to experienced riders and draw fewer complaints. Still many prefer non-servo assist and non-linked brakes.

3. I came across a “04” ABS, black, well kept, touring windshield, & luggage with 15 k miles and 9 months warranty (from a reputable dealer) price $8500 (Comments?)


"04" ABS what? RT, RS, GS, R? It is a good price for any of those.


HTH and others have additional or contradictory knowledge to share. But I think that's the basics.