Looking at a '04 R1150RT

[dwerbil]

Here's the ad...(deleted now)
http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/5642660930.html

Going Saturday 6/25 to check it out; it's just a few miles from here. "No known issues". From what I've read the '04 are a really good one to have.
Thoughts?

[SteveD]

Twin plugged? Not sure about that year.
It hasn't done many miles...
Ensure the abs has been regularly bled. Should be annual...might get away with every second year.
Check if the quick disconnect fuel lines have been replaced.
Check if the cam chain tensioner has been upgraded.
Check for surging at slower commute speeds...no test rides though!

[dwerbil]

Well, it's mine now. $4,900. Seems to be a solid low mileage bike. Took it out for a few miles on the road on a test ride...did well. We'll see. There may be two little scratches on the thing.
Going to sell the K bike and '84 RS soon to make room.
Changes.

[CVA-42]

Looks like a good bike at a good price. Handsome color. Fantastic all-weather bike, IMO. Always thought the 1150RT was a better looking bike than the 1200RT. I had an '03 for a few years. Rode it from Portland to San Francisco to Denver to Atlanta in '07. Stopped by Galt to see Duane after I left San Francisco. He may not remember.

[The Veg]

WOW, looks new!

The K I can understand but the RS???

[dwerbil]

WOW, looks new!

The K I can understand but the RS???

I'm not quite liking the lean-forward as I used to. Hate to see it go, but of the old flock, I'm going to keep the /7. Probably put the Hein Gericke tank back on it.

[bbelk]

Wow - that is a pretty bike. We definitely need to see if it can keep up with the R90.

[dwerbil]

Couple thousand miles now, 500 on a weekend ride...kind of amazing BMW's clunky transmissions. When did they finally smooth them out? Later, of course, than this '04 model. My '93 KRS shifts smoother. Wonder what's up with that? It's really cool though, that 6th gear...when riding in 5th doing 60, the rpm is 4k. When shifted into 6th, it drops a k to 3. Has plenty of passing power when up to 70-80 in 6th.

I have no problem with the linked brakes. Since I ride mostly like a granddad, they work well for me. It's actually quite a comforting feeling to know the bike has quite amazing stopping power when needed.

Engine power is great; although the KRS feels like a rocket when one sort of hits the throttle.

The suspension is now much better since I adjusted the rear for a stiffer ride. Fairing is great and I really like the adjustable windshield. The adjustable height seat is a nice touch too.

Many, many more miles to go.

[The Veg]

My '07 and '12 R1200GSes both impressed me with fairly smooth shifting, although they still clunk going into first. Not that I've ever had a BMW that didn't shift nicely, what with The Brick and then The BatBike.

[SteveD]

My 11/2005 K12r has a clunky gear box.
The K13r has a quick shift setup which is reportedly as smooth as butter.