Need Purchase Advice

[otisdog]

First post - never have owned a street bike.
Just found a 2002 R 1100 S for sale with 2,500 miles on it for $6k. and I am tempted. My brother had a '76 (?) R100S that I used to zip around on, which I enjoyed very much.
What are this machines weak points? Does it really only get 130 miles per tank. Can anyone recommend a good shop for a PPI in Los Angeles?
Thanks.

[roger albert]

they were well sorted by 02. No particular weak points. Age good (for an 11S) and miles obviously low. 6k being a good value relative to the rest of the market is maybe questionable, but for a low mileage S, it's certainly reasonable, even if not a steal. For someone who really wants an S, and perfers low-miles, and isn't quibbling over every dollar, it might well be a good choice. You'll have to make your own evaluation as to service history, but if it starts and runs well, and doesn't smoke, then there aren't many latent defects likely to manifest. I'd get it, change fluids, check valves, maybe throw a fresh alternator belt at it, and be happy.
Good luck.

[Meeni]

Weak points are paralever bushing dying prematurely and front brake rotors warping. On the before 2003 models, some user report unsteady rpm when not moving the throttle (also called surging), a non critical but annoying behavior, that is very difficult to eliminate. A test ride will tell you about warped rotors and surging pretty quickly. For paralever bushings about to die, only a lifted rear wheel inspection can tell, and it is subtle to detect if you are not used to the normal amount of play, however, with so few miles it is almost impossible for this condition to have started already, just keep in mind that you have to check for rear wheel free play at every oil change if you buy it, the earlier you detect and fix the condition, the better.

For a bike that has been left without running for so long, I foresee a failing battery, brake flush and filter/oil trans-oil change in a very near future.

Typical fuel usage is 38 to 50 mpg, depending on aggressive riding, time since last valve adjustment, temperature and pressure, phases of the moon and so on... with an average of 44.

It is a significantly different bike than the airhead. It is a lot more powerful, reliability is not as good (but still decent, and the basic of the engine can last forever). The duo ride is not the best (and I am being polite here). Overall it is very enjoyable and practical for solo ride, you can leave with it on a daily basis but still have some serious fun in the canyons.

Desirable aftermarket parts makes the bike much better and are worth paying extra: sargeant/corbin/rick mayer saddle, travel cases, ohlins/wilber shocks are the most interesting.

Fancy exhaust and chips are deemed of value too, but might get you in trouble in states where you have annual inspection.

[ckcarr]

$6,000 stretched to $8,500 will put you into an r1200s. A lot of money, true, but I'm just pointing out the gap starting to close...

[PFFOG]

130miles per tank is low, even if riding the crap out of it. mid 40's to 50 MPG is the norm for one ridden in a sporting fashion.

[Guest24]

It's a comfortable touring/sport if it comes with system cases at that price. If not look elsewhere. There a lots of parts available except for the headlight assembly. The engine is almost bulletproof with the exception of clutch spline failures due to poor alignment. That can be checked by removing the starter and taking a peek. Price varies on these bikes so shop around and you'll see all kinds of deals. I get a little concerned about very low mileage older bikes. Rear seal leak on the main shaft can lead to a time consuming clutch/seal replacement. If you're not handy with a wrench buy something newer.

[otisdog]

Originally Posted by Meeni

The duo ride is not the best (and I am being polite here).

Okay, I'm a complete novice. Does duo ride mean with two persons aboard?

Whatever it means, what can be done to correct it?

Much Thanks...

[flynford]

If your hooked on a R1100S, see if you can get a 2004 model; for which, a lot of the improvements are that model year and then it will really come down to minor improvements to suite your comfort/tastes. Things like windshield height, seating, forward lean (e.g. Rapid Dogs barbacks, Wunderlich SportEgo bar kit, LSL bar kit), and in the power department there are a few things you can do to improve things in small bits (e.g. PowerFRK, SJBMW K&N PowerFilter, Lennie's InDuct, Staintune/Laser) without making it a full Moto-GP sounding bike. :-)

[jaytee]

As for shops to get an inspection done, I would recommend either Irv Seaver in ORange County or Riverside BMW in Riverside. Irv Seaver has been there a long time and has both a solid customer service reputation and a reliable garage. Riverside is new but their mechanics are transplants from San Jose BMW's race teams so they know their stuff.

As to a cheaper independant shop, you can try Valdi's BMW Motozone in Torrance. They can take a bit to get parts but have a lot of experience with both airheads and oil heads, esp the 1100-1150.

Riverside BMW had a beautiful red R1100S for sale also with low mileage (7k, IIRC) but they were asking a bit more for it. It was in showroom condition from what I could see. If you like red it might be worth it to see if they still have it and how low they would be willing to go.

As to the R1200S option, it's a LOT more bike objectively - more power, less weight, better suspension (with the sport package), but subjectively feels a little cheaper IMHO. I'm sure there is weight savings in that.

Hope that helps!

JT

PS: I'm guesing that duo meant riding with your pillion 2-up. The R1100S is not as comfy as most BMWs in that regard but not nearly as bad as the R1200S, IMHO. The best thing to be done about it, IMHO, is to acquire a stock Corbin seat and take a visit to Hollister on a fantastic 2 day ride. Stay the night, then do a ride in fitting in the morning. They will custom shape your foam and custom make another cover in your choice and patern of leathers for a fraction of the cost of a new custom seat. That will make the most difference for your pillion.

[Nitro]

It's a fair price if the bike checks.

They run very lean stock too lean for nothing. The exhaust system is a joke on its own with cans weighting one million pounds up and far from the CoG and a cat converter good for caterpillar engine. Get rid of all that plumbing and plug a power commander set @ 13.1. With a little work you can modify the air-box cover to accommodate for a large oval K&N filter for less than 40 bucks. Then you'll be able to hear and fell a vibration-free boxer.

You'll need a GS-length paralever, no doubt.

HID are cheap nowadays, no reason not to see well at night.

In time you can upgrade the suspensions, Wilbers, Ohlins, and even custom Penske.

My fuel light comes on @ 130 miles, the tank is good for 150 miles, nothing wrong with stretching your legs every 130 miles if you asked me.

Not the fastest by any means, but most definitely the most beautiful bimmer ever built.

[pvr]

If you're in the LA area and looking for some comparisons I'm getting ready to put mine on the market. It's a 2002 w/ abs, ohlins, new battery, system cases, vanderlinde exhaust/chip, rear hugger, lowered pegs etc. You can email me "petevanrossum@yahoo.com"

[Rapid Dog]

Originally Posted by pvr

If you're in the LA area ...

...and it's a sweetie too...

The only thing PVR's bike you might want is a different saddle and that's strictly personal. I do believe he has the BMW 'comfort' seat that's a snippet taller.

Forget about a dufferent paralever, that's just a handling mod.
If your new to these bikes, start from the beginning.
PVR's bike has all the correct upgrades.

So PeeVee, how you gettin' to MotoGP if you sell your bike?

[Rapid Dog]

[pvr]

there it is in all its glory...sniff, sniff.

oh, and about the moto gp thing, i forgot to tell you. i'm gonna ride "orangeboom", and you're gonna give the rs a shakedown run

[Rapid Dog]

....rental fees entail...and you ain't touchin' my RS sonny-boy.

[nathanmargolis]

I have an '04 R1100S and an '02 BMW R1150RT. Bikes are used for two different purposes. Not sure one can ride two up on the S bike for touring because of comfort factor, but one could do solo fine once riding position gets comfortable for one. Some people have issues with S sitting position, especially if you have some age on your body.

Gas mileage? 40-55 MPG depending how hard you are riding. I do have a rule no matter which bike I am on- 100-115 miles I am stopping for gas just to get off the bike, chat with other riders, get a drink, do a pitstop.... I am not in a hurry to get anywhere when I am doing a bike trip for enjoyment. So it doesn't matter how big the tank is unless in a desolete area with no fuel stops (and there are really few places like that in the US).

[jduke]

If you want to tour two up (forget the R12S, the passenger will hate you), you'll want luggage so you're looking to spend an additional $600 to $1200 (rails, bottom hooks, and bags).
In my opinion, ABS would be a determining factor.
It looks like PVR's bike has ASB, you want all the safety you can get.

[Guest24]

On my '04 the reserve light came on at 143 miles almost every time but the neck was drilled allowing you to pack it with fuel. About 170 miles till tank dry. Really can't tell much difference between the twin spark and the single spark if you keep it tuned.

Don't know your location but there's a beautiful Pazifik Blue one on ebay with low miles for 6k.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

$6,000 stretched to $8,500 will put you into an r1200s. A lot of money, true, but i'm just pointing out the gap starting to close...

+1

[Meeni]

I checked quickly and all ebay auctions and announces are over 11k. Please point if you find a 12s at less than 8k, I'm considering the upgrade.