Reasons NOT to consider a used BMW R1150RT-P

[k4azy]

So my first bike is a '98 Honda PC800 which I bought about a year ago. I specifically looked for this bike because it was easy to sell my wife on it and because of that awesome trunk. I could ride it for another 100K miles and it would do just fine but now I want something with a little more... Oomph. Frankly, I'm also tired of people asking me if it's a scooter. Just yesterday I was at a light when a hippy in a green volvo leaned out his window and asked me if it had a clutch. Damn hippies...

As for my needs, by night I'm a support engineer in Silicon Valley and by day I'm a mild-mannered student at Cal Berkeley and a full-time daddy of 3 young children. I spend a lot of time on the road between destinations. Essentially, I'm looking for a comfortable, low-maintenance ride with lots of storage for year-round riding. My PC800 fits that description but, like any nice but lonely girl can tell you, personality ain't everything. I want something a little sexier.

The BMW R1150RT has all of the above plus ABS, heated grips an adjustable windshield AND it's a very attractive bike. I've searched many forums and have found only praise for the RT but I just wouldn't feel like I'd fully researched it until I hear some criticism. Specifically, I'm looking at used CHP bikes (the RT-P). Can someone tell me why I really DO NOT want one of these? Any bad experiences with BMW, the RT in general or with used RT-P's? Is the radio box on the RT-P very functional? Would I be better off with a civilian model? Any advice would be appreciated but I think I've heard all the pros. Now I want to hear the cons.

k4azy

[Orson]

I rented an 1150RT for 3 weeks.

besides sounding like a sewing machine...I'm sorry...I couldn't find anything wrong with it  

good bike...good luggage...good handling.

the bike did have a mild case of surging, but it was so minor as to be insignificant to anyone but the most anal personality.

[Thor]

No passenger seat.

[photomd]

I like these bikes, but remember they are police bikes: they've been run within an inch of their lives. I have a friend who teaches driving for SC to all the police. He describes his job as "breaking vehicles". They should have all their records, but unless you wanna "fiddle" with it, I'd suggest finding a low mileage civilian model. Also all the ones I've seen seem to be at the high end of the price range.

[Baron Samedi]

They lack soul. Buy a KTM.

And they're ugly.

[Tritium]

They lack soul. Buy a KTM.

And they're ugly.

Did you fail to read the part where he's moving from a PC800? Compared to that, the RT is a combination of Natasha Henstridge and Miles Davis.  

I don't know what your budget for repairs is but all oilheads of that era have a couple weak points that are quite expensive to fix: the final drive and the clutch output/tranny input splines. If either of these goes it's at least a $1k repair, but aside from that maintenance is stone dead simple and doesn't take much effort. Find out when the last clutch replacement on the police bike was - from what I've heard (I don't know firsthand) officers are trained to drag the clutch constantly during slow speed maneuvers and it can't be good for a dry clutched bike.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I rode one for a friend from LA to Seattle. It was a good ride (albeit a little cramped for my legs). There was a small wiring problem but it turned out to be a simple fix (once I found someone who knew what to look for, no offense whatsoever to BMW-K - he was a godsend!)

Here's the trip, not that it will help much: http://www.dantesdame.com/06irvine.htm

[Baron Samedi]

Did you fail to read the part where he's moving from a PC800? Compared to that, the RT is a combination of Natasha Henstridge and Miles Davis.  

I don't know what your budget for repairs is but all oilheads of that era have a couple weak points that are quite expensive to fix: the final drive and the clutch output/tranny input splines. If either of these goes it's at least a $1k repair, but aside from that maintenance is stone dead simple and doesn't take much effort. Find out when the last clutch replacement on the police bike was - from what I've heard (I don't know firsthand) officers are trained to drag the clutch constantly during slow speed maneuvers and it can't be good for a dry clutched bike.

You are quite right. I am illiterate and always will be.

They're still fecking ugly, mind.

[Putt]

How about a used  FJR, ST1300, or a Connie?? all three are pretty much bulletproof, and reliable...

Putt...

[JrGman]

I would put used police bike in the same category as buying an auto from a rental agency, pretty high risk. Had a friend buy a car from Budget (maybe Avis, been a couple of years ago) and was suprised to have ongoing mechanical troubles...
Never owned one but the old Concours has to be a good choice given the fanatical owners you run into all over the place. Good luck!

[k4azy]

Thanks to all for the suggestions and advice. To recap:

- 1150RT-P is risky because they're working bikes and ridden hard. Conversely, I've heard that police bikes are meticulously maintained and each CHP bike is assigned to only a single officer so they're essentially single-owner bikes.

- 1150RT is ugly and lacks soul. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I really like the look of the RT. Also, as Tritium pointed out, we're comparing this to my PC800 so the RT beats that hands-down.

- 1150RT sounds like a sewing machine. Considering that the PC800 sounds like the Jetson's hover car, I think a sewing machine would be an improvement.

- BMW maintenance costs can be very high. This is a concern. The first time I need to spend a lot to fix my (relatively) expensive used bike, I'll never hear the end of it from my better half.

- Putt suggested I look at an FJR, ST1300, or a Connie. The first two aren't that appealing to me. The ST1300 looks a lot like the PC800 IMO. I was actually considering a Connie long before I thought of the RT and I'm still considering it. I think that it offers a lot of bang for the buck and it's a good-looking bike. I'm still on the fence about that.

DantesDame, I read about your trip a couple weeks ago and really enjoyed it. It sounded a bit harrowing at times! Thanks for sharing that.

k4azy

[Tar Snake]

No one's mentioned the most important reason to buy or not buy the P model:

It scares the hell out other riders when they pick you up in their mirrors.

[aaanorton]

Hi!

Just curious if you ever got your RT-P. If so, how did it work out?
I'm considering one of these as well.

Thanks!
Cliff

[gmcjetpilot]

First on topic, PASS on the R1150RT-P unless you are into and really DIG ex-Police gear.

As some one said they ask WAY TOO MUCH FOR THEM. I think there is a market for them, for people who like police stuff and also ride in parades, (seriously). The RT-P has an extra large cooler and a fan I recall for slow riding. Because you can get a civilian RT (1100, 1150) way cheaper with less mileage WHY WOULD YOU BUY THE P? Also the R1200RT is a better bike, been out for a few years, so there on the used market. The dealers are making deals as well. If you like the P model, paint your RT black & white, take the back seat off and put some lights and siren on it.   You can pretend you are Erik "Poncherello" Estrada on the 1970's TV show CHiP's.  Estrada

Now to BMW boxer bashing. First your jealous because you can't afford one.   Second, I love the way the Boxer sounds, it DOES have soul. That is the point. It is all the water cooled rice burners that sound like sewing machines or a Prius, aka boring, a weird electric motor or quasi silent weird whine..... ha ha, KIDDING, it is all good.  

Yes the BMW cost more, but you see them all the time with 70K, 80K, 90K or more. How many nice BMW's from the 50's, 60's and 70's do you see for sale? Many. That tells me two things:

They are fun to ride and people who have them actually ride them, not just between bars and places to pose next to their bike. Second they don't break. Granted Japanese engines are pretty reliable, understatement. However they are more high strung and higher revving. The cruise RPM on the BMW I guess is about 2000 less?

The other good thing about the BMW is it weighs less, as much as 100lbs less than some monster Japanese sport-tour bikes. Different strokes. On cruise at high way speeds the RPM is significantly less on the Boxer? Most of the top of the line Japanese sport-tour bikes today have pretty much licked the buzz at normal cruise speed. Still I like the boxer. For value and more of a sport angle the newly redesigned Kawasaki Concours 14 is hard to beat. If you want a BMW deal stick with Civilian bikes unless you like to play Cop.

[Castertroy]

After searching VERY hard for the perfect bike for the right price...I set my sights on a R1150RT


I HATE the look of the R1200RT....whew...thats just aweful (to me) but the 1150 is very very nice.

I initially had my heart set on an RTP because of the PRICE and the Farkles!!! The BMW dealer her is a buddy of mine and his dad owns another dealership at the state capitol, so he gets used '04 RTP trooper versions (which are better than the city versions, as they have hiway miles and not the trashed POLICE versions that need a clutch at 40K)

They're NICE!!

Example:


And with most of them UNDER 30k miles for $7500 they're a HELLOVA DEAL

The biggest perk was he was leaving all the lights and switches....and leaving them active (turning head) And after test riding one...I discovered you didn't NEED the lights wired...I mean...you just RIDE one of these (with trooper sticker and badge removed) and everyone gets out of your way  

The PROBLEM was.......storage and back seat. OK so my wife doesn't ride that much, but if I HAD a back seat, she WOULD ride....and the conversion is OVER $1000 I don't care HOW you do it

Storage was the other gripe. I mean, the city bags are NICE, but can't hold SQUAT....and that BACK box holds a pair of sandles MAX!!

With for the neat stuff it DOES have (guards, lights, MUCH bigger electrical capacity, bigger cooler, taller 6th gear, dead nuts accurate speedo, intimidation factor)  it has AS many cons.


So I bought a civilian version for just a little more

[aaanorton]

The PROBLEM was.......storage and back seat. OK so my wife doesn't ride that much, but if I HAD a back seat, she WOULD ride....and the conversion is OVER $1000 I don't care HOW you do it

@ Castertroy:
could you please elaborate on the seat issue? Why can't you just pull off the solo/box and replace it with a 2 up?

Thanks for your input! Those black trooper motors look awesome. The CHPs here in CA are all white and black.

[Castertroy]

Here is a step by step
Conversion


And here's the parts list you'll need



Add those up and you'll be right at $1000

It ain't easy  

[aaanorton]

Is that the best help you can provide? I mean, just a full parts list and photographed step-by-step?!
Seriously though, what a great reply! Thanks for your effort and thoroughness!

One more question: I see the rear seat listed as cross referenced to this catalog, but I don't see the front seat. Do you reuse the original solo seat? I wonder how much of this stuff could be had from parts bikes or yards... There's got to be a parts market for these bikes, no?

Here is a step by step
Conversion

Best,
Cliff

[Castertroy]

I THINK you reuse the front seat....can't be sure though

THE best source for anything BMW related (RTP included) is BMWsporttouring.com

Beware of grumpy old men with absolutely no tolerance for personality or any word worse than DARN....that will gladly point you to the search engine....but if you USE the search only...whatta freakin goldmine!


But I'll puke my RTP favorites list for you below  



http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/MainDiagrams.asp?mospid=47981

http://jeffdean2.home.att.net/rtp5.htm

http://www.bmwmc.net/uploads/tm7/04RTP.pdf

http://www.brownmotorworks.net/brochure/R1150RTP_Brochure.pdf

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5863

http://www.rtp.autobahnpolizei.de/index.php?lang=eng

[motoguy128]

Too bad you don't like the look of the 1200's new ones.  The 40 or so fewer lbs and the 20 or so extra HP is VERY noticeable.  I went from a R1150R to a R1200RT and that extra HP is very noticeable... expecially with a passenger.  The 1150 felt a little wheezy at times by comparison.... like it was out of breath over 5000RPM.  The 1200 just keeps pulling even stronger at higher RPM's.