Rookie...Calling on Current and Former 2000 LT Owners...

[darkey]

I'm a new member and this is my first posting...I'm not much of a reader but I have been chugging down the information on this forum the past couple of days and have appreciated the dialogue on a wide range of topics very much. The candor and the humor is refreshing.

I have recently agreed to purchase a 2000 LT from a business associate who I trust and have come to know as a meticulous individual. His bike is a beauty...in mint condidtion with only 5,080 miles. We agreed to a price of $9,500 but I haven't cut the check yet. Good deal?

Also, I have been wrestling with whether I should consider a newer model. Am I missing much by starting with a Y2K? I have sensed from riders of older models (2000-01) who have posted on the forum that they still feel their ride is the best thing on wheels. I could use some quick input and advice from the 2000 owners among you and those who may have upgraded from 2000 to a newer model. Many thx.

[messenger13]

I'm not a 2000 owner, so I know NOTHING...but what's new? :D If I knew "something", I'd be out curing cancer. Instead, I'm trying to roll down the road whilst balancing on just TWO WHEELS. How stupid is that?! :D

A 2000 LT for $9500 is NOT a "good deal". But a 2000 with only 5K on the clock, IS a good deal, IMHO. You just have to worry about the usual stuff when a vehicle sits without getting used often enough. Oil leaks, stiff cables, cracked seals and o-rings. But if your friend is truly meticulous...this stuff shouldn't be an issue. I bought a Honda 10 years ago that was 13 years old at the time. It only had 2000 miles on it, and was FLAWLESS! Inside and out.

You're not missing out on too too much by buying a 2000 model though. The integral brakes might be the biggest item. I love them on my 2002 model, but I don't think it's a deal-maker or deal-breaker. The '05s got quite the list of "upgrades". But even that list wasn't enough for me to trade in my '02.

FWIW . . . $8995 is a really nice number! Doncha think?! ;)

[johnw]

Been riding my 2K since it was new. Only has 46K on it, my laziness plus 2 or 3 other bikes to ride.

Only problem so far was the drive shaft. The shock absorber in it went and it felt like a burned out clutch. The dealer put a new clutch in at his expense and when that didn't fix it they had to replace the drive shaft.

I do worry a bit about the rear end bearing sometimes, but I'm gonna have a new one put in at the 48K check this summer and that should ease my worries.

I had two wings, a 12 and a 15, before this. No comparison. This bike has personality and class. The wings were boring. So were most of the people I knew who rode them. If for no other reason than being part of a really great group of people, buy the Light Truck.

BTW, what color is it? If it's not Canyon Red you might as well get an RT.

What part of the world do you live in?

Let us know how it all comes out.

[zippy_gg]

I have recently agreed to purchase a 2000 LT from a business associate who I trust and have come to know as a meticulous individual. His bike is a beauty...in mint condidtion with only 5,080 miles. We agreed to a price of $9,500 but I haven't cut the check yet. Good deal?

$9,500 for a 2000 LT is not a good deal. You should be able to negotiate down to $8,500 as a more reasonable price. Only 5,000 miles is a good thing... but mileage is nothing on these bikes.
Maybe you can have your business associate include an extended warranty for that price; that would balance out (kinda).
Also you did not specify if the bike has any after market accessories (AKA farkles), or factory installed com system, etc...
But back to $9,500... Nope!:eek: You can probably get an '02 for $10K.

[REO]

I have a 2001 LTC and I just love my bike. To be honest with you, if you think that you are getting a good deal and feel comfortable with that price, then by all means buy that bike. You can always find a lower price but it isn't necessarily a better deal. Ride the bike and listen to what it tells you. You are the only one that has to live with your decision. Good luck-Rich.

[MACSCASTLE]

You didn't specify the complete model of LT we're talking about but according to MCN (Motorcycle Consumer News), last November average retail was as follows:
2000LTS: $8165
2000LTI: $8850
2000LTC: $9320
Sooooo...using data that's six months out of date, it sounds as if you've some discussion room. Imho $8500 would be a better deal non-retail. Good Luck
Mac

[steveboutilier]

I just picked up my 2000 LTS for $7800. I immediately put on rear brake pads, which I'm now going to switch to the ceramic ones to get rid of the squeal... I'm going to have to replace the grips before winter, and of course I need to change all of the fluids.... It all adds up pretty quickly, but I'm still very pleased with her!

[lenny]

have you checked the bikes for sale here ?

[tarheel_rider]

As always, check out NADA and KBB as well to give your business associate hard facts. For people with low mileage bikes, they would like to imagine it gets them a premium and it may get them closer to dealer price rather than private resale price, but that's about it. I'd rather buy a bike that has reasonable miles on it than one that has sat and dry rotted. If you have a BMW dealer close to you, have it inspected and take that cost plus whatever it takes to get it fixed off the $9.5K and you'll have a good deal. It'll need all new fluids due to time, not miles. If nothing, then $9.5K is a reasonable price. Good luck, you'll enjoy the LT.

[mneblett]

Also, I have been wrestling with whether I should consider a newer model. Am I missing much by starting with a Y2K? I have sensed from riders of older models (2000-01) who have posted on the forum that they still feel their ride is the best thing on wheels. I could use some quick input and advice from the 2000 owners among you and those who may have upgraded from 2000 to a newer model. Many thx.Since I didn't see a response to this part, I'll take a shot. I've had an '00, '02 and '05. I'd advise an '03:

-price not too far from your target,
-the newer Integral/EVO brakes (some hate them for being too touchy, but they provide *amazing* stopping power and a few electronic tricks to shorten stopping distance),
-has the new Motronic computer programming which permits selection of a fuel injection/timing map which eliminates a low speed "hesitation", and
-probably has the new 17-ball final drive crown bearing (no question the 2000 has the older, prone to failure 19-ball bearing, unless the prior owner has had it replaced).

My '00 was a great bike, but the '02 was all that and more. IMO, just the new brakes are worth going newer -- they set a new standard in heavy tourer braking.

[vtwinwilly]

Darkey,

Without seeing the bike it's going to be hard to coach you on a fair price. In 2000 the LT came in 3 levels of trim (Standard, Icon, and Custom). As others have indicated, it would be helpful to know which one it is. It would also be helpful to know what accessories have been added. A very clean Custom, with all the accessories may indeed be worth $9500.

Without any more info than what we have, I'd say $8500 to $9000 is a good ball park number.

As far a reliability goes, I bought my 2000 model in June of 03 with just over 5k on the clock. It just rolled over 54k yesterday and has perform flawlessly for me. The bike originally had the old, unreliable BC-1 CommSystem that never work on this bike from the day I bought it (this was known at the point of sale). I replaced it with a BC-3 and went on down the road.

Of all the vehicles I have purchased in my life, this one hands down has given me the highest level of satisfaction.

I think everything else has already been covered. Let us know what you decide.

Bill B.

[darkey]

I wasn't aware of the trim options in 2000. I asked the owner. He said it was the C trim. The bike is the red model for that year with heated seats & grips and 6 CD changer. Not much in the way of farkles (good, I can dress it out to my liking) - only a shorter/sportier windshield, which I intend to change back to the taller shield to give my wife a little better wind protection.

Interestingly, the owner's father bought the same bike in champagne the same year. Both father and son decided two months ago to sell their LT's in favor of their HD E-Glides. They agreed that their LT's handled better and were more comfortable. They didn't like the fact that they were too quiet - "not enough f-ing noise" they said. Hmmm. I guess we have other priorities. Anyway the old man's had only 2500 miles on it and he sold it this past weekend for $12K. I am based near Pittsburgh. Maybe we're just not smart buyers over here... My guy listed his bike for $11 and we agreed on $9,500. I plan to take it to my local B'mer dealer and have them give it a once over. Following the rider from Cary, NC's advice, I asked the owner and he agreed to cover anything above and beyond a fluid change.

I'm gonna move ahead with this thing and I feel pretty good about what I'm getting. You guys are all terrific for taking an interest in me and taking time to throw your input and experience my way. Many thanks.

Maybe I'll see some of you toolin' across the USA some day. I'll be the guy with his wife perched on the seat behind him, her face lit up with a smile from ear to ear, fulfilling a dream that she and I agreed to when we enganged to be married 23 years ago.

Safe riding, y'all.

BobbyD from Harmony

[SanMan]

I ride a 2000 but the year really does not matter. An LT is a fantastic bike you will be very happy with. That is a fact. Enjoy!

Scott

[hschisler]

I wasn't aware of the trim options in 2000. I asked the owner. He said it was the C trim. The bike is the red model for that year with heated seats & grips and 6 CD changer. Not much in the way of farkles (good, I can dress it out to my liking) - only a shorter/sportier windshield, which I intend to change back to the taller shield to give my wife a little better wind protection.

Interestingly, the owner's father bought the same bike in champagne the same year. Both father and son decided two months ago to sell their LT's in favor of their HD E-Glides. They agreed that their LT's handled better and were more comfortable. They didn't like the fact that they were too quiet - "not enough f-ing noise" they said. Hmmm. I guess we have other priorities. Anyway the old man's had only 2500 miles on it and he sold it this past weekend for $12K. I am based near Pittsburgh. Maybe we're just not smart buyers over here... My guy listed his bike for $11 and we agreed on $9,500. I plan to take it to my local B'mer dealer and have them give it a once over. Following the rider from Cary, NC's advice, I asked the owner and he agreed to cover anything above and beyond a fluid change.

I'm gonna move ahead with this thing and I feel pretty good about what I'm getting. You guys are all terrific for taking an interest in me and taking time to throw your input and experience my way. Many thanks.

Maybe I'll see some of you toolin' across the USA some day. I'll be the guy with his wife perched on the seat behind him, her face lit up with a smile from ear to ear, fulfilling a dream that she and I agreed to when we enganged to be married 23 years ago.

Safe riding, y'all.

BobbyD from HarmonyWelcome!

Why don't you bring that nice LT over to the Ohio Tech Session on June 17 and meet some other owners? If interested, see the thread in the Midwest forum. At least 1 other person (UncleRock) is coming from PA.

[wilbar00c]

Hi Bobby. You will not be sorry. In Nov 99, I bought my 2000LTC, which now has 43k, and I think it still is new. 5000 miles is nothing, we've seen 230,000 miles by at least one member of this site. Your new bike has not "rotted" in 6 years form lack of use. My oldest German toy is 46 years old, with some original seals in the engine (59 Porsche). Your have saved 10K that you can spend on some updates that this site will help you complete. Remember to take a ERC with your new "magic carpet", and have a great summer riding with the wife.