How Many First Run R11S Units Still Running Around?

[Dr. Curve]

I have been looking to buy a R11S unit lately and in doing so have come to several conclusions. One is that the market for sellers is depressed and it is hard to sell your bike for the price it is actually worth.........and two.........the early run R11S units are the hardest to find in perfect condition and the most expensive. I would like to get a one or two owner R11S and have looked at a range of them priced from 4700 to 8400..........but all of the 99 were priced high and there were only two that I could find for sale. Is there a chance that the first production run R11S units, made between july and dec of 1998, become a Classic like the 67 R69S, 94 R90S, or 77 R100RS / S that came before it.

My 99 continues to run flawless. I have replaced, tires, pads, steering dampers, rear end to swing arm bearings, oil, oil filters, batteries, and air-filters, .............but thats about all. One of the most solid BMWs I have ever owned. Made in July of 98. Thoughts of the possibility of these early 99 units becoming a classic and increasing in value as compared to their younger brothers through 95?

[throttlemeister]

Why? There are not real significant changes between them. And the changes that are there don't make it a better bike than later series. If anything, one could argue the later bikes are the better ones.

[Guest24]

I'd be more inclined to buy the twin spark bike Jim. My 04 with Ohlins and so cf was a great all around bike. With ABS and a Throttlemeister and a sport windscreen. It was a fun bike.

[DavidSoine]

78,000 miles on my 10/98 unit. Also no major problems on mine...still a great ride.

best,

Dave
99 R11S

[Dr. Curve]

Thanks Dave. Good to have a die hard 99 lover aboard. I have had flat out run offs with multiple other R11S units..........and still.......my old 99 klunker seems to always top out at a little higher speed. Curious........the 99 units are what people ask the most for if they are one owner.

[throttlemeister]

Just because someone asks a certain price does not mean it is worth that price. Maybe those that have used and enjoyed the bike for 10 years like it so much they overprice the bike so it won't sell that easy and they have an excuse to ride it some more.

Then again, finding 2 for sale hardly makes for a representative sample on pricing, now does it?

[Dr. Curve]

T-Meister, how much are they over there. I am just curious as to why people want more for them. Granted they are great bikes, still, is there a chance they will become classic "first year" units that become sought after just because they were first? Thoughts?

[Peter Parts]

Mine is 98 build date, black, and wonnerfull too.

Hey Dr. C, had a look at your alternator belt?

[jduke]

I have a 2001 with 96,000 miles. All that's been done was Anton rebuilt the final drive before it went out. I personally think it's been the best BMW I've ever owned and the prettiest. I might get another BMW, but I think I'll keep this one too.
The S1000RR is calling me. I might need to avoid a test ride because that might put me over the edge.....

Mine is a 98 build, black and fantastic too.
155 k kms no issues, replaced alternator belt but it looked fine.
I know that it is a classic.

Cheers,

Frank

[hawkeyejohn14]

Too funny....

[throttlemeister]

Originally Posted by Dr. Curve

T-Meister, how much are they over there. I am just curious as to why people want more for them. Granted they are great bikes, still, is there a chance they will become classic "first year" units that become sought after just because they were first? Thoughts?

Bikes are stupid expensive over here. Prices start at 5500 euro for a 99 with 42k miles, to about 8500 euro for a 2004 (current offerings). For the red/white/blue BCR you generally need to bring over 10,000 euro....

In general, they are getting more expensive with each year they are younger, although high or low mileage, special features and so on cab bump or lower the price of a particular bike.

It is a lot of hassle, but it could be buy one in the US, ship it over here, pay the taxes and import duties and still end up thousands cheaper than buying one here.

But a lot of times, private sellers are completely out of touch with reality when it comes to prices. Sure, the bike is probably special to the owner, but if you are more expensive than dealer prices for a similar bike, you need to do a reality check. On the other hand, it sometimes allows one to get a GREAT deal.

[chewie]

For sale is one thing and what it sells for is another.

Things are only ever worth what someone is willing to pay.

Same over here TM - cheaper in the US (esp 6 months ago) and get it over, but alot of red tape and headaches!

[adrianw]

Hi,

I still have my Black 1999 (non-abs, sport suspension, 5.5 inch rear rim, pannier rails)

Fitted Staintune at about 18,000 miles is I remember correctly.

Swapped sports suspension for same size Maxton suspension at about 45,000 miles (I think)

I got it new in May of 1999, so one owner, but no idea of the production date.

138,500 miles now, still goes great, the local workshop owner is in awe of it.

Dues it's 23rd service now.

It's had faults (posts passim)

Still use it every week.

Her-in-doors loves it.

Adrian

[Moybin]

mine is 9/98 build date. 87K miles. Running as good as every.

[JonyRR]

build date 11/98
non-abs
40K miles. WHEN I leave it alone long enough to ride it, no worries mate. so far.
I'll pr'olly ride it another 10 years or until Niburu gets here, whichever comes first

[Dr. Curve]

The original 99 units with the very first chip they used will all run above 140 and some, totally stock, push on up to 146. Dead level road. Some of the later model R11S units want to stop pulling more in the 135 to 138 area. Curious mind wonder why, especially if you own one of these early 8-11/98 unit. Have you other brothers found your 99 strong up top when there was a safe place to test it? Most will indicate 145 if you hold it to task for a moment or two. At least that has always been my experience with this 10 year old bike.

[Kieran R1100S]

Dr Curve, looks like you have a soft spot for the 99 first build and no amount of information will make you want another year, but there is no difference between them until twin spark 2004 model, and that only came in for emission control. Even if the 99 build can do 10 more MPH it would take 2 or 3 km more to get it there. Over here in OZ I have not seen any everdence that a 99 build holds out for more money or fetches it. It usually comes down to whats on the clock that determents the price. The other thing I would like to say is that we are paying not much more for motor bikes new now if you convert our dollar to USD. At 64c AUD there's not much in it.

[Dr. Curve]

Thanks Kieran, perhaps its just a American thing. I know the newer bikes are very fine.......perhaps I have a case of nostalgiaitis. How do the older 99s run down under.....are they still holding up after 10 full years dodging kangaroos?

[bill pierce]

By far my favorite color scheme was the early S



My single spark (build date 2000) wimps out at about 135. I have had no issues with surging since the first valve adjust throttle sync. I did the second day of ownership.

Like girls, I pretty much like em all, just some better than others....