I have a friend who is looking at purchasing a 1983 BMW RT100. It has all the bells and whistles. The persons selling the bike was asking $3500. Bike has 35-40000 miles. Is this a good deal. Is this a good starter bike for someone just wanting to make short weekend trips. Any suggestions thanks.
If the bike is in good running condition, and the fairing/tank are all in good condition, (paint, dent-free etc.) it is certainly worth $3500 with that few miles on. Only thing,,,, is the 35-40,000 the real mileage,,, or has the odometer already turned 100K,,, or even 200K?!?!?! VERY possible with a 29 year old BMW!
K100RT bikes didn't come along till '84.
Maybe not the ideal starter bike, but light weight and low center of gravity help out. Also,,, if your buddy finds he doesn't care for it, he can sell it for what he paid. Can't do that with a new bike. Find a good dealer,,, which might be hard to do in Idaho,,, and he'll have a LOT more parts in stock than a Honda dealer does for a nearly 30 year old bike!
Follow the links others have mentioned to do servicing and maintenance.