Best used BMW motorcycles under $25,000

So, you’ve always hankered after a BMW motorcycle and now you've squirreled away the bucks to bring your dream to life.

What are the best used BMW bikes that you can throw a leg over for $25,000 or under? There are plenty, as it turns out – and here are some of the best to whet your appetite…

BMW S 1000 RR

The S 1000 RR was BMW's first superbike, taking on the established likes of the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, Yamaha YZF-R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000, and Kawasaki ZX-10R, both on and off the track.

Initially built for the 2009 WorldSBK Championship and ridden by Australian Troy Corser, just 1000 were made that year to meet racing homologation regulations, rendering these early examples dead-set collectables and almost invariably future classics.

Powering the blistering Beemer is a 999cc inline four-cylinder engine with a 14,200rpm redline and a what was class-leading (for the day) 140kW at the rear wheel. A quick-shifter was, unusually for the time, a standard feature, while quality Brembo hardware slowed the show, with twin 320mm discs and four-pot calipers up front and a 220mm rear disc with a single-pot caliper down the back.

Considered one of most refined and best-equipped bikes in the segment, it came with four riding modes – Rain, Sport, Race and Slick – along with anti-lock brakes and dynamic traction control (the latter a first for a street sportsbike).

Related reading: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR Launch Report
To view current bikesales ad listings for the BMW S 1000 RR click here.

BMW S 1000 RR HP4

Think of the BMW S 1000 RR HP4 (denoting High Performance 4-cylinder) as the base model on steroids and you get the picture.

Debuting in 2012, the exclusive model belts out an impressive 142kW and at the time was the lightest four-cylinder sportsbike in its class; it was an impressive 9kg lighter than the standard bike on which it was based.

Produced as a homologation model for BMW’s WorldSBK race bikes, as ridden by Marco Melandri and Chaz Davies in the 2013 season, the HP4 amps up the agility, power delivery, and handling, as well as the exclusivity, with each bike bearing its own HP4 serial number engraved on the top triple clamp.

Setting the HP4 apart from its donor bike are the standard titanium exhaust, a longer two-piece engine fairing, a tinted windshield, and pillion seat cowl, with rear footpegs only available as a factory option.

And while the HP4 came track ready from the showroom, it was just as enjoyable on the road thanks to its standard ABS brakes and dynamic damping control, the latter electronically adapting the suspension to best suit the prevailing road surface.

There are also four ride modes – Rain, Sport, Race and Slick – plus dynamic traction control, launch control, and a quickshifter, along with a top-self Brembo braking package.

Not many HP4s were produced and you’ll likely use every cent of your 25k budget if you manage to find one. But who cares? You’ll have an HP4, and it will be worth every cent!

Related reading: 2013 BMW S 1000 RR HP4

BMW K 1600 GT

If you want a big comfy mile-muncher, check out the K 1600 GT, BMWs first six-cylinder sportstourer and a rival to the Honda Goldwing.

Launched in 2010, the K 1600 GT features a ride-by-wire throttle for the inline 1549cc six-cylinder engine that puts out 118kW and a stonking 175Nm of torque.

It has a six-speed gearbox, is shaft driven and tips the scales at a hefty 319kg, despite having an alloy frame and alloy magnesium front subframe, and second-hand examples of the model are currently commanding around $15,000 to $20,000.

New tech that sprouted with the K Series included world-first adaptive headlights, to help you see ‘around’ corners. The angle of the xenon headlight’s beam adjusts as the bike leans through the bends.

The K 1600 GT is happiest on long-distance runs, where its comfort, its turbine-smooth six, it’s relaxed chassis geometry and adjustable-on-the-fly suspension add up to effortless cruising, while ABS and optional traction control enhance its safety credentials.

An innovative ‘multi controller’, essentially a collar on the left-hand handlebar, is the interface between the rider and the comprehensive trip computer and multimedia display – a first and a feature that is still found on BMW models to this day. And the executive comfort is further enhanced by heated grips and seats, an electronically adjustable screen, and electronic cruise control.

Need some more luggage space and a few more fancy features? Then check out the sibling model, the topbox-equipped K 1600 GTL, instead.

Related reading: BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL
To view current bikesales ad listings for the BMW K 1600 GT click here.

BMW R 1150 GS Adventure/R 1200 GS Adventure

If you want to ride off into the wild blue yonder, a trusty BMW adventure bike is a great choice.

The whole adventure riding malarkey started with BMW in 1981 and gained pace in a big way from the early 2000s, these Boxer flat-twin-engined models attracting hordes of buyers who loved their roomy ride position, long-haul comfort, and genuine dual-sport ability.

The ‘GS’ suffix denotes Gelände/Straße, literally ‘terrain/street’ or off-road/on-road, and the popularity of the models skyrocketed after actors and bike enthusiasts Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode around the world on a pair of R 1150 GS Beemers in 2004, filming their capers to produce the hit TV series, Long Way Round.

Before you start searching though, a word of caution. Although massively capable, both these models are massive in size and weight and are not an option for a novice. So go and practice riding off-road on something smaller and lighter, like a BMW F 800 GS, before stepping up.

The R 1150 GS was in production from 1999 to 2006 and was followed by the lighter and more powerful R 1200 GS, which was produced until 2019 when the BMW R 1250 GS took over. The ‘Adventure’ variants typically feature a stronger off-road edge, with more aggressive dual-purpose tyres and larger-capacity fuel tank.

Both models feature horizontally opposed flat-twin engines, six-speed gearboxes and a low-maintenance shaft final drive (instead of chain). The R 1150 GS has an 1130cc Boxer engine while the R 1200 GS has a 1170cc Boxer engine, with both adopting a four-valves-per-cylinder format.

Both models have a twin-disc front brake with four-piston calipers, plus a twin-piston caliper at the rear.

A 2002 update included the upgrading of the optional ABS brakes to an electrically servo-assisted and combined system and the engines were given twin spark plugs to improve emissions and smooth delivery.

Entry to BMW adventure biking on an R 1150 GS Adventure and can be had for as little as $6000 for an early model, up to $10,000 for a low-mileage example. And we also spotted a couple of 2017 R 1200 GS examples with low kays that squeezed into our $25,000 budget.

Related reading: BMW R 1150 GS Adventure
To view current bikesales ad listings for the BMW R 1150 GS Adventure click here. and for the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure click here.

BMW R NineT

The retro R NineT roadster began as a styling exercise in response to other brands’ café racers.

Prior to the arrival of this Beemer in 2014, going for old-school styling often meant putting up with old-school levels of performance and handling, or lack thereof.

However, the R NineT was a game changer, shoehorning modern-day ride quality, handling, comfort, safety, and tech – plus a decent whack of performance – into a sweetly styled retro package.

Under the tank is the tried-and-trusted 1170cc Boxer flat-twin pumping out 81kW and plenty of low-to-midrange torque. Power delivery to the rear wheel is turbine smooth through all six gears courtesy of the shaft final drive.

Its cornering ability and straight-line stability may surprise you, until you learn the forks are from the S 1000 RR superbike and the chassis, ABS brakes and suspension, have been set up to instill rider confidence when pressing on.

Completing the look are an alloy fuel tank, superbly finished paintwork and twin exhausts.

With a semi-upright riding position, it’s equally as comfortable on a long day ride as it is a quick fang to the local café. The original R nineT later spawned Scrambler and, a bit later, Racer and Pure variants, with each bringing their own styling twist to the equation.

Prices typically start from around $13,000 and head past the mid-twenties for later-model, low-kay examples.

Related reading: 2014 BMW R nineT Launch Review
To view current bikesales ad listings for the BMW R nineT click here.

BMW S 1000 XR

A four-time winner of the bikesales Bike of the Year awards in the Adventure Sport category, the BMW S 1000 XR is a superb all-rounder with a roomy and upright ride position that blends excellent comfort and blistering performance in equal measure. And, with its longer-travel suspension and commanding ergonomics, it’s just as handy on bumpy backroads – even better-quality dirt roads – as it is on the smooth stuff.

Since 2015 the BMW S 1000 XR has captivated riders with its cocktail of sportsbike thrills, leading-edge tech, refinement and adventure-bike comfort.

The S 1000 XR has minimal bodywork and a small but effective screen, while it hurtles along to the familiar soundtrack of BMW’s 999cc inline four, which here produces a substantial 121kW.

The S 1000 XR engine is based on that found within the S 1000 RR superbike and it delivers its best and most rewarding performance when pushing into the upper limits of its rev range. It’s said to be good for a top speed circa 275km/h…

For a large and relatively heavy (226kg) bike, the S 1000 XR is pleasingly agile. Thanks to its superbike persona and well-sorted suspension, it flows through corners impeccably, clipping apexes with pinpoint accuracy and poise.

It’s equally adept at maneuvering through traffic while its upright riding position, high-speed stability and unbelievably comfy seat makes multi-day touring a breeze. Fit some hard luggage and you’re all set for that big lap of Oz.

If you can find one with the optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) fitted, go for it. The system allows you to change preload and damping settings at the push of a button.

And if you’re into tech, it has a TFT info to display all the pertinent info, along with ABS brakes with dynamic brake control, traction control and hill-hold controls, plus an adjustable windscreen all standard. In early 2020 an update gave it even greater refinement.

The BMW S 1000 XR is user-friendly, competent and invigorating. It’s an all-rounder in the truest sense of the word, with prices for second-hand examples typically starting from around $12,000.

Related reading: 2015 BMW S 1000 XR Launch Review
To view current bikesales ad listings for the BMW S 1000 XR click here.

This article was originally published on April 6, 2022.