Considering purchasing a 2001 R 1100RT- Opinions / Comments appreciated

[Detroitsown]

New to the BMW forums and am requesting any information I can muster regarding the purchase of a 2001 R 1100RT. I've been a rider for over 30 years, owned a 850 Norton Commando for over 20 years (took several long cross country trips, albeit when I was in my younger years), currently own a Harley 2002 Sportster (yeah, I know...but they hold they value so well), and recently bought a 1999 Triumph 900cc Legend Triple which I made over and thoroughly enjoyed. But I've never owned a BMW (or driven many bikes with shaft drive).

I test drove a Moto Guzzi 1100 Brevia a few weeks ago, and when walking through the BMW section of the dealer, the K 1200LT and K 1200RT called to me. After much researching, looking, and some test driving, I plan to sell the Harley and buy a BMW in order to start taking longer trips a bit more comfortably.

Locally, I've found a used 01 R 1100RT with 32,000 miles. I've read some of the articles about the clutch, drive train, and transmission problems that can occur with these models. Conversely, I've read reviews that state many of this model bikes have over 100K without any problems. Any recommendations guys on the reliability of this model, known issues, or other quirky characteristics one should know about before a purchase? Is this a good year to buy or are there documented failures of this model?

Two days ago I almost bought an 03 1200 CLC, but was unable to close the deal...perhaps for the better as this 1100RT seems to have much more oomph with 90HP as compared to the 61 listed for the CLC. And, it's lighter to boot. But I keep reading about this dry clutch and potential for transmission issues...are these really known problems and should I be looking for certain signs regarding premature failure?

Any and all opinions are welcome, I appreciate the knowledge these forums contain and the willingness of fellow riders to share their vast wealth of information with us newbies.

Thanks,
JD

[JPSpen]

Being an owner of both a CLC and an 01 RT I can tell you they're two completely different bikes...


The RT is just fun.... that's all there is to it...

THe CLC is a cruiser.. You'll fit right in with your harley buddies...

30K or so is not very high mileage so if it's in good shape I'd go for it..

The RT is everything the LT is but smaller and lighter and extremely easy to handle.
I was always having to be "on point" to avoid dropping the LT.
Don't even have to think about the RT or the CLC for that matter.

Plenty of power, a little buzzy above 70 mph.. But not bad..Not anything like a Harley...
ON an 01 you don't have to worry about slave cylinder failure..

I'm lovin' mine..I do miss the cruise on the 01 but i'm learning to live without it.

The CLC has cruise.

John


John

[hopz]

welcome on board JD...

There is much to say but I will try to keep it short.

The RT is an R1200RT... K bikes are 4 cylinder in line engines. R bikes are twin cylinder opposed. All RT bikes are twin opposed. There is no touring equivalent of the RT available in the K motor except the GT which is fairly sporty in configuration.

the R1100RT bikes are great, but they are, at this writing, two generations behind the current R1200RT. The 36k miles on your potential bike is not an issue- if it has had the required maintenance it is just getting broken in.

There are some issues with the 1100, but nothing to really concern yourself with. If you want an older bike, I would look for at least an 1150RT with Cruise Control-especially if you are going to tour.

My first choice would be a 1200RT for several reasons. Lighter weight, counter balanced engine and more power- plus it has current styling. All this is important should you decide to sell in the future. The older models tend to appeal to either new entrants to BMW or to collectors, thus limiting your resale market.

If you tend to keep bikes longer, I suggest going with the newest bike model you can find.

Feel free to PM me or post again for follow up questions. I owned both an R1100 and a K1200.

[Bob1200rtc1]

I had a 2000 RT. If I never got my 2007 RT I would be saying how great the 1100 is. However after having my 1200 for a little over a year there is no way I would go back to a 1000 or 1150. Not even in the same ballpark in my opinion.

[Toms1100RT]

Hey JD...

I'm from the V-twin cruiser world myself. Earlier this summer in search of a new bike, I test drove a 2000 1100RT on a whim and glad I did. Haven't looked back (just in my mirrors). She's in my garage and I'm really liking this bike. Take one for a spin, you'll see what I mean. Great for longer trips (which is why I sold my prior and bought this bike). The trans is kinda clunky when shifting, but that's Getrag. Put a bit of torque on 'er before shifting and you'll be fine.

You have to ride the bike!

Good luck...