Buying a used R1200RT...Questions

[blackcat54]

I'm looking at an 05 R1200RT with 27,000 miles on it.

Is this a lot of miles for a BMW? Or just a drop in the bucket?

The bike has ESA....How long do shocks last before replacement is needed?

I know a lot depends on the type of miles but there must be a general sense regarding wear & tear for these bikes.

I know shocks can be expensive to replace.

Thanks

[hopz]

The Boxer engine is highly regarded for its long life.

At that mileage, many would consider it just being broken in.
I bought a R1100R and took it to my main man mechanic and he checked it over--- the first thing he said was don't let the mileage concern you, it is not an issue. It had 45,000 miles.

If it looks good and checks out good- go for it. ( I would have some reliable mechanic do the check though.)

[blackcat54]

What's a fair price for a check over by a mechanic?

[DaveDragon]

Hi Dennis, drop in the bucket miles for a BMW and shocks generally last to somewhere between 25,000 and 40,000 miles.

Call your local dealer and ask if they will do a checkout of the bike for you.
They also should have access to the maintenance history if it has been serviced at dealerships.

You could ask the seller where it has been serviced.

I have a 2002 K1200LT with 110,000 miles on the clock and my 2006 R1200GS Adventure has 30,000 plus on the clock.

The R-Bikes are great riding machines!

Hope this helps!

[Gizmo1137]

Why not try the bmwsporttouring.com, there are a lot of RT folks on that site.

[motoguy128]

I'd first check if he has records of the dealer performing any recent service. If not, just have a dealer perform the equivalent of the 600 mile service plus brake service and tranny service to be safe. I paid $270 for my 600 mile service. If you also had the brakes and tranny fluid changed, you're probably looking at about $550 - $600, more if it needs new brake pads. But it's well worth it in my opinion for the piece of mind. Your good for 6000 miles after that, longer for the brakes, FD and tranny.

Also, if there aren't dealer service records, I'd consider negotiating the price down, maybe get him to cover 1/2 or $300 of the cost to have it professionally serviced.

[hopz]

A check over at a good independent shop costs in the neighborhood of Zero- (at my shop). A dealer may want at least an hour labor charge.

If the indy shop charges it is likely to be less than $50. I would be ready with a little cash no matter what. A nice tip goes a long way- or at least the offer of it.