Which one of this LT's has most potensial value?

[Jan E-28]

Hello everyone.[/size]I’m new to the beemer game. But deep in to the 80s 5-series bimmers.Wanted a K100 project and picked up a really cheap LT (for Norwegian standard that is). I somehow liked it so much I decided to get another K100 banger for the project. But the intended banger ended up being a really good bike also. Even better than the first one…And now to the dilemma:Any difference in base value on these models? I would like to keep the one that maybe has the potential to keep its value highest in the future original – if any difference. The other will see some changes.Bikes:1985 43.517 km (probably changed odo, but don’t think over 150k total)Extra high and low beam.Electric wind visorHeated handlesPeltor intercomMap light and cockpit lightEngine guardrail1987 115.000km Clean with no extras.I don’t know if the extra high/low beam, map light, or Peltor was something that you could order original fitted or is it all after marked fitted?Any VIN decoder out there that can list what the bike was delivered with originally?Would it do anything to the value to pick the best parts and put on to one bike? I would really like the clean engine/fairings on the -87, but put over all the extras from the -85. In addition, maybe reupholster the saddle in black.[/color]

[Jan E-28]

Outch, copy past did not go right. Must be better preview things - sorry.

Hello everyone.
I’m new to the beemer game. But deep in to the 80s 5-series bimmers.
Wanted a K100 project and picked up a really cheap LT (for Norwegian standard that is). I somehow liked it so much I decided to get another K100 banger for the project. But the intended banger ended up being a really good bike also. Even better than the first one… :dunno


And now to the dilemma:
Any difference in base value on these models? I would like to keep the one that maybe has the potential to keep its value highest in the future original – if any difference. The other will see some changes.


Bikes:
1985 43.517 km (probably changed odo, but don’t think over 150k total)
  Extra high and low beam.
  Electric wind visor
  Heated handles
  Peltor intercom
  Map light and cockpit light
  Engine guardrail


1987 115.000km
  Clean with no extras.


I don’t know if the extra high/low beam, map light, or Peltor was something that you could order original fitted or is it all after marked fitted?Any VIN decoder out there that can list what the bike was delivered with originally?


Would it do anything to the value to pick the best parts and put on to one bike? I would really like the clean engine/fairings on the -87, but put over all the extras from the -85. In addition, maybe reupholster the saddle in black.

[Martin]

If you like the 87 and the extras from the 85, swap the bits you want. As far as value a lot depends on condition, which will determine the price differences between the two. Extras might slightly influence the buyer but will really only come into play if the potential buyer is looking for those extras.
Regards Martin.

[johnny]

greetings...

the iconic tragkorb holds 22 liters of aquavit... thats enough for a motobrick around norway...

j o

[Laitch]

I would really like the clean engine/fairings on the -87, but put over all the extras from the -85.

:2thumbup: except the large topcase. Sell that and its rack.

[Jan E-28]

In the classic BMW cars its easier to get a better price for cars that has all equipment original from factory. And prices are soaring.
Guess that trend has not arrived on bikes yet? And since prices are reasonable it would only account for peanuts in any case I guess?

Not a chance K's would hit 7-10+k marks again? Not even with all those disappearing into custom builds?

I would like to see that Givi go. But only to replace it by a gen.3 helmet friendly case. From what I understand that long bracket on the blue already fits gen.3 top cases?

[johnny]

greetings...

how much aquavit does that hideous givi tragkorb hold...

j o

[Jan E-28]

Think it was 52l. Holds a Shoei GTair, big Forcefield backprotector, lock, and if I pack good the leather jacket.
I like it in rainy Norway. But it looks like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

[Tuco]

I would keep the 87, the 85 I believe has a fuel tank and driveshaft/rear drive specific to that year. Not that they are rare yet but could be later.

[johnny]

greetings...

id queer out the 85... snatch up some viking hoes...

make the 87 into a gentlemans conveyance... snatch up some scandiwhackian debutantes...

ride dangerously...

j o

[K1300S]

neither will have any appreciating value.   unlike cars...most bikes are treated as disposable. 

i would keep the tan 87, put all the good stuff on it, and dump the 85.

BTW - the 87 DOES have extras...the body colored side cases, looks like a corbin aftermarket seat, aftermarket remote reservoir rear shock, ......

[Jan E-28]

Whoops. Strange that no one noticed. But I see that I committed a crime against the rules... I assumed that the sales ad was correct, but from what I can see there was no LT in -85?
The blue one turns out to be an RT.

I guess there may be some increase in value. But not much. Therefore, I move over stuff from the blue one and shine up the -87. And the blue ending up as the project. I like the tank with no badge also.

The rear shock is an öhlins -and the main reason I busted the initial budget to get bike nr2 that supposed to be a banger. The shock goes on to the project.

[rbm]

Along with what others have recommended here about swapping the good stuff, I'd swap the windscreens between the bikes.  You'll really come to enjoy the movable windscreen.

[Laitch]

You'll really come to enjoy the movable windscreen.

It's a chick magnet, no doubt.  :yes

[Jan E-28]

I love the electric screen. In rain the only thing that get wet are the top of my helmet. Almost nothing on the wisor. And that is with the small screen (don't know how many sizes the come in) I got a bigger screen lose with the bike also, but don't see why they even prodused that.

Picked up the 97 LT today driving home in rain. And what a total utterly piece of crap that screen was for me that is 1.92m (6'4). All the helmet got wet, and water start dripping in to the neck.  Gloves and most of the arms was exposed to rain. And water from top edge was dripping down on my thigh. And it felt like a guillotine ready for action sitting in a striking distance to my neck.


Strange that the gloves see more rain on the LT since it sits lover than the screens on both. Maybe it has something to do with more wind flow to the sides or the extra lights that does it on the electric screen bike.

And as mentioned. The electric is sexier also  :yes

[kris]

Jan,
You're not going to get rich with K's....at least not until your 150 years old! Ride and love these beasts because you appreciate what they represent in terms of motorcycle history (and for BMW, inparticular), for their innovation and for the quality BMW used to pride itself in. These bikes were very well made and with great hardware! The newer ones....they don't appeal to me. Except I did chat with a guy who bought a 2017 800 GS...they did a nice job on that bike, in terms of esthetics!
Enjoy your bikes and take good care of them in order that you can pass on great machines to the next group of enthusiasts....those are my thoughts.


Good luck.

[Christopherguzzi]

Good choice going with the champagne colored bike and for having a spare bike for parts.