POSSIBLE new owner of a 2002 K1200 LT

1629 Views 21 Replies 13 Participants Last post by boxerhead, 2 mo ago

prayingd

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

Greetings. This would be my first BMW after owning 47 Japanese bikes in my 51 years of riding. (Last 3 bikes were Honda GL 1500s & a GL 1800.) I almost purchased an 1150 RT last year but passed. I'm now interested in purchasing a 2002 K 1200 Lt. Although I am aware that it's a top-heavy bike, not to mention HEAVY, I have been informed that it is an extremely comfortable and reliable touring bike (as long as some of the mechanical or other issues have been addressed). I would appreciate some input on a bike advertised for sale not far from me. (Just over 100,000 miles.) As seen in the description, some beneficial work has gone into this bike. Although the listed price is $3500, I think some negotiation might be in order. Again, I'm seeking helpful input from all of you seasoned BMW owners. Thank you.

2002 BMW k1200lt
New clutch.
New rear main seal.
New updated throttle cables to prevent binding throttle.
Replaced ABS unit. (The ABS unit is a used unit off another k1200Lt my father had at one point and only has roughly 20K miles on it.)
New metal fuel quick disconnects.
V stream windshield.
Optional trailer hitch.
Everything on the bike works*, operates and drives good.
*The only thing that is questionable is the stereo. The sound quality will fade off after riding for a bit out of the speakers.
The rubber brake lines were changed a while ago but it does not have braided ones.
V stream windshield.
Optional trailer hitch.

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kbob12

· #2 · 3 mo ago

Hi prayingd - I guess the bike is properly broken in and parts are replaced... though the statement, "The rubber brake lines were changed a while ago but it does not have braided ones" is questionable to me.
"Replaced ABS unit. (The ABS unit is a used unit off another k1200Lt my father had at one point and only has roughly 20K miles on it.)" is a plus, though again... why rubber brake lines?
I would hope all the rubber fuel lines, radiator hoses, etc., have been replaced on a 21 year old bike.
I wonder if they have all the maintenance records in order for the life of the bike?
That could sell me on it, and also negotiate a better deal considering the mileage.
Can you see any oil on top of the engine (looking between the front radiators?)
"Optional trailer hitch" isn't a plus for me personally considering it may be the reason for the clutch replacement.
Is there damage to the rear trunk latch?
Great bike. Great looking bike. Great riding bike. Lots of miles for $3,500. ...which is my 2¢.

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prayingd

Discussion Starter · #3 · 3 mo ago

Thanks Bob. I will go early next week to inspect it.

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Uneasy_Ryder

· #4 · 3 mo ago

I paid $3400 for my 2002 Lt about 2 1/2 years ago. My mileage was only about 34k though so you definitely have a head start on the mileage front. The bike looks pretty good and if nothing is wrong with it, then $3500 isn't a bad price.

What part of the world are you from?

Welcome to the forum !

Reactions: 4

PastorSteve

· #5 · 3 mo ago

I noticed a few other 'upgrades' from the pictures ...

Lighted Muth mirrors (turn arrows)
J-pegs
Ram mount on clutch reservoir cover

I agree that it sounds like a lot of maintenance has been done; but rubber lines are always a concern. I would personally expect to negotiate that price down (maybe quite a bit) with that mileage. Best of luck with it, they are great bikes

Reactions: 4

Praying Preacher

· #6 · 3 mo ago

[QUOTE="Uneasy_Ryder, post: 1997745, Thanks for the welcome. I'm from Milan Michigan, just south of Ann Arbor.

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Munmi

· #7 · 3 mo ago

One thing to investigate when checking it out, how is the final drive? Is there any record of rebuild or replacement? Do a physical exam of the FD by placing bike on center stand, then by grasping the wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and try to identify any loose play in the FD. Also, do the same test with noon and 6. Any play is NOT good and a chunk of change, 4-500$ to get rebuilt.
As for the radio, that is usually one of the first things to fail on these bikes. It is usually a failure of the amps in the radio.
Then how are the tires?

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djmellor

· #8 · 3 mo ago

Sounds like it's worth looking at. Rubber (OEM) brake lines fail--in my experience twice, each at about 60k miles--maybe ten years or so. I think it was about $600 to replace w/ SS lines (including labor). Radio amp repair was about $200--I removed and re-installed the unit. Check the trunk latch--the upper corners are stress points and crack if the latch is closed w/ something obstructing the lid. Also check the center stand at the welds. If he's used the stand regularly (as I did) there is an enormous amount of stress on it levering the beast up onto the stand. I had the stand welded and reinforced a couple of times. A twenty year old bike (even BMW) w/ 100k miles will certainly need some love over time. Consider if you're able to do some work yourself and how much of an inconvenience would it be if the bike was out of commission for repair, should something go amiss. If you're good with that, try to get a better price and enjoy!

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pkpr1998

· #9 · 3 mo ago

I would avoid a bike that is over 20 years old unless you are into antiques and have an open checkbook! The LT bikes have had their issues (rear main seal is a common issue and very expensive to replace if taken to a dealer) and with 100K on the clock I would avoid it; it's your money but I wouldn't want to purchase someone else's problem......................the bike although is comfortable to ride and has plenty of protection for an extremely heavy bike. Good luck with your decision.

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Praying Preacher

· #10 · 3 mo ago

I will definitely check these things out when I go early next week. I appreciate the input. (Things I would not have thought about checking otherwise.)

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davebullock

· #11 · 3 mo ago

Lots of work has been done, although no mention of FD. That could be important. I do think the price is high for that many miles. I sold my 2000 for much less, but lots more miles. It does look clean, and it still remains as good a touring bike as you can find. Keep us posted on what you do.

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Praying Preacher

· #12 · 3 mo ago

Will do. And thanks for your comments.

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txvoyager

· #13 · 3 mo ago

The age really is not a worry, unless you don't do your own maintenance. But if that's the case, this really is not the right bike for you. Clutch and ABS replaced are the only two big items to worry about and they've been addressed. You'll never use the radio (if you have helmet speakers) so no big deal.

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prayingd

Discussion Starter · #14 · 3 mo ago

Thanks. All this input is appreciated. I will be going on Monday afternoon to check it out, and will report back.
PS I do "routine" maintenance myself - oil, filters, fluids, wheel removal, but not much beyond that...

kbob12

· #15 · 3 mo ago

Well... the " ...not much beyond that" should allude to deep pockets.

Good luck on Monday! ...those rubber brake lines...

Reactions: 5

Praying Preacher

· #16 · 2 mo ago

It turns out that my original query was academic. As I was leaving to check out the bike Monday afternoon, the owner contacted me and indicated that it sold 2 hours earlier.

What it is is what it is. But thank you for your input. I pray that all of you have a safe and enjoyable riding season.

Reactions: 2

newguy

· #17 · 2 mo ago

prayingd said:
Greetings. This would be my first BMW after owning 47 Japanese bikes in my 51 years of riding. (Last 3 bikes were Honda GL 1500s & a GL 1800.) I almost purchased an 1150 RT last year but passed. I'm now interested in purchasing a 2002 K 1200 Lt. Although I am aware that it's a top-heavy bike, not to mention HEAVY, I have been informed that it is an extremely comfortable and reliable touring bike (as long as some of the mechanical or other issues have been addressed). I would appreciate some input on a bike advertised for sale not far from me. (Just over 100,000 miles.) As seen in the description, some beneficial work has gone into this bike. Although the listed price is $3500, I think some negotiation might be in order. Again, I'm seeking helpful input from all of you seasoned BMW owners. Thank you.

2002 BMW k1200lt
New clutch.
New rear main seal.
New updated throttle cables to prevent binding throttle.
Replaced ABS unit. (The ABS unit is a used unit off another k1200Lt my father had at one point and only has roughly 20K miles on it.)
New metal fuel quick disconnects.
V stream windshield.
Optional trailer hitch.
Everything on the bike works*, operates and drives good.
*The only thing that is questionable is the stereo. The sound quality will fade off after riding for a bit out of the speakers.
The rubber brake lines were changed a while ago but it does not have braided ones.
V stream windshield.
Optional trailer hitch.

I'm selling my 2009 with 90k miles for $5500. Very nice bike, near new rubber, metal fuel quick connect, stainless brake lines, soft touch seat, 2 sets of driving lights. Instrument tray, BMW cup holder. Recent clutch and ABS unit.

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mant6

· #18 · 2 mo ago

prayingd said:
Greetings. This would be my first BMW after owning 47 Japanese bikes in my 51 years of riding. (Last 3 bikes were Honda GL 1500s & a GL 1800.) I almost purchased an 1150 RT last year but passed. I'm now interested in purchasing a 2002 K 1200 Lt. Although I am aware that it's a top-heavy bike, not to mention HEAVY, I have been informed that it is an extremely comfortable and reliable touring bike (as long as some of the mechanical or other issues have been addressed). I would appreciate some input on a bike advertised for sale not far from me. (Just over 100,000 miles.) As seen in the description, some beneficial work has gone into this bike. Although the listed price is $3500, I think some negotiation might be in order. Again, I'm seeking helpful input from all of you seasoned BMW owners. Thank you.

2002 BMW k1200lt
New clutch.
New rear main seal.
New updated throttle cables to prevent binding throttle.
Replaced ABS unit. (The ABS unit is a used unit off another k1200Lt my father had at one point and only has roughly 20K miles on it.)
New metal fuel quick disconnects.
V stream windshield.
Optional trailer hitch.
Everything on the bike works*, operates and drives good.
*The only thing that is questionable is the stereo. The sound quality will fade off after riding for a bit out of the speakers.
The rubber brake lines were changed a while ago but it does not have braided ones.
V stream windshield.
Optional trailer hitch.

Who did the clutch and rear seal replacement? I'm in Alabama. Thanks

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pkpr1998

· #19 · 2 mo ago

mant6 said:
Who did the clutch and rear seal replacement? I'm in Alabama. Thanks

Probably way north of $ 2000.00. Someone much better qualified than I can give you a better idea of the cost (parts and labor).

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boxerhead

· #20 · 2 mo ago

I am selling my 2000 K1200LTC that is a garage queen, 9,517 miles. That is NOT a typo. Virtually an as-new bike that has always been covered and in garage. If someone knows what these bikes are and wants the lowest mileage, un-molested one for sale this will be it.

Speedometer Vehicle Odometer Trip computer Tachometer

Tire Wheel Fuel tank Vehicle Automotive fuel system

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