How many miles can a used BMW take?

[ArthurKnowles]

I'm going to be buying a new LT in the next month or so for touring because my wife just loves the LT's comfort zone. As a compromise (I was thinking more of a RT) she was willing to let me get another bike. I thought a used RT, RS, K bike, or other model would be a good choice. Something a bit more sporty than the LT for in-city traffic.

I've been looking on eBay and other sites for used models. SOme have high milage 80~90K miles. Some are more reasonable 30~40K. So the question is, just how reliable is a used BMW if it has been well maintained? Just how many miles can a K bike go? Or a boxer motor (like the RT/RS series)?

Any help figuring this out would be greatly appreciated.

[DavidTaylor]

I know a few people who have gotten well over 150K miles out of an LT, with 180+ in a few cases and they're still going. One gentleman put 117+K on in just 1 year! So a well maintained LT can go quite a long way. The R motors have a long history of long mileage, but I think they take a little more care due to be airr cooled. Again, lots of 100+K miles R bikes in the world. Check the BMWMOA mileage awards and see how many miles folks are putting on their bikes.

I happen to know of a nice 05 example with about 32K miles on it that may come on the market very soon. Rigged for the road with all kinds of accessories and ready to go. :D It's even in California!

[ArthurKnowles]

David,

While I haven't ruled out a used LT, I have been thinking of a new LT and a used RT/GT/RS or somehting similar. Out of curiousity, how much were you looking for your LT?

[brianbeemer]

The thing that brought me to BMW in the first place was a guy parked outside the showroom with a used R80. I struck up a conversation and it turned out the bike had just been in for its 280,000 mile service. During that time he'd had one engine rebuild. Did it for me...

[motorman587]

If you are planning to make the SO happy I would take the LT. You would be suprised on the "sport" the LT has. Do not let the size fool ya.

[gglove]

Arthur
As with any well maintained machine they last a good long time. Like the others who have responded the BMW's are long lasting and for the most part veery reliable.
Good luck!

[Stoker100]

The BMW shop will be happy to arrange. Take each one for a 1/2 day or so. Start with the LT

[ibbones]

Clicky clicky (http://www.lonestarcycle.com/hank3.htm) for just one story on high miles.

[petepeterson]

Get the new LT for you and the bride,,,,

Then for your solo around town playing get a year old Busa,, Real fun :rotf:

[dshealey]

Don Arthur had over 300,000 on his LT when it was totaled. He had replaced the transmission and a final drive, but the engine had never had other than routine maintenence on it. When he had the accident that totaled it, he was on the way to the start of the Iron Butt Rally, so he had absolutely no qualms about the bikes mileage.

[DavidTaylor]

David,

While I haven't ruled out a used LT, I have been thinking of a new LT and a used RT/GT/RS or somehting similar. Out of curiousity, how much were you looking for your LT?

I'll send you a PM with some information.

[Lumpy]

I have always found my LT to have near sport bike like handling. My buddy has a '04 RT and he has told me the LT handles better than his RT, except for low speed handling. As for Longevity, my '99 LT is up to 72k with nothing more than routine maintenance and a final drive replaced at 42k.

[ArthurKnowles]

Wow, this is really some good news about longevity. Much more miles than I had expected. I do plan to test ride a RT/GT/LT, but my SO has already decided that I will buy an LT for our trips, but as a compromise I can then buy another bike for my own personal use. I was thinking of an RT as I need a relaxed riding position (bad knees and back), but hadn't ruled ou the portier BMW models.

I had decided I wanted anohter BMW, but wouldn't rule out a Buell, Ducati, etc. A lot would depend on the ergonomics. I liked the Buell because the ones I was looking at had a belt drive. I prefer shaft drive, but a belt drive is a good second choice. I'm not too fond of chains, but might be able to live with one if the ergonomics worked out.

As for a test ride, can you really get a loaner for 1/2 day? I'd love to be able to ride for just an hour or two per bike, but wasn't sure how long I could borrow one. My local Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha/Suzuki/Trimum shops down't provide test rides at all.

[DavidTaylor]

Wow, this is really some good news about longevity. Much more miles than I had expected. I do plan to test ride a RT/GT/LT, but my SO has already decided that I will buy an LT for our trips, but as a compromise I can then buy another bike for my own personal use. I was thinking of an RT as I need a relaxed riding position (bad knees and back), but hadn't ruled ou the portier BMW models.

I had decided I wanted anohter BMW, but wouldn't rule out a Buell, Ducati, etc. A lot would depend on the ergonomics. I liked the Buell because the ones I was looking at had a belt drive. I prefer shaft drive, but a belt drive is a good second choice. I'm not too fond of chains, but might be able to live with one if the ergonomics worked out.

As for a test ride, can you really get a loaner for 1/2 day? I'd love to be able to ride for just an hour or two per bike, but wasn't sure how long I could borrow one. My local Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha/Suzuki/Trimum shops down't provide test rides at all.

Most BMW dealers have units for test drives available, and if it's not a busy day they'll let you stay out a little longer to get a better feel for the bike. Call the dealer(s) near you and see what they have available as most don't keep a full model line of loaners on hand.

[ArthurKnowles]

I have a line on a well maintained 98 1100RT with 90K miles for $4K. I'm checking with the wife to make sure our short term finances are OK (want to make sure I haven't missed something) so I can buy it before I sell my current ride (02 Concours). I have a buyer for my current ride, but he needs a couple of weeks to arrange his finances for optimum purchasing power (read I have a lot of spares & accessories he is interested in purchasing).

So, if things go well I will be buying it shortly and flying up this weekend to ride it home. Then I will just need to find space in the garage to park it.