Looking at a 2004 R1150R and 1997 R850R

[Buckster]

I think the price is fair too.

[RobMason]

I owned a R1100R (same body as R 850), and now a R1150R. I like the R1150 much more.

[Mr. C]

My situation was similar, in June 2007 I just got my license through the MSF course and was looking for my first bike. For comparison I was 45, 210#, 6'0" tall, 31" inseam.

With 3 motorcycle shops within 2 miles of my house I was able to check out harleys, suzukis, kawasakis, hondas, yamahas and of course BMWs. There were a few other bikes that I was considering. I had my eye on the Suzuki M50, it seemed like the big brother to the GZ250 used in the MSF course. After a lot of consideration and an all important test ride, I took home a used 2002 R1150RA (yellow jacket) for about the same price you are looking at. As I am sure you realize, there are several bikes that you could buy NEW for less $$. That said I think you are looking at a fair price.

The R is my first bike. It is set up like the one you are looking at. I find it to be a good fit, light enough to handle comfortably, heavy enough to provide a sense of stability in heavy cross winds. This is nearly an unshakable machine and it is very forgiving for the noob rider. I have ridden it from 35 to 112 degrees and hundreds of miles at a clip. I have put almost 10K miles on it in that time and I am very very glad I did not settle for a "beginner bike". I am confortable enough to take my wife with me and do some touring.

Just this past weekend, I was riding with a friend, leaving Americade and heading up through Vermont for a ride. We took the ferry across Lake Champlain with a bunch of other bikes. Next to me was a guy on the M50. He got his license in 2007 and bought the bike new. His comments about his bike and his wistful looks at the beemers convinced me that I made the right choice.... something I already knew. I think you will be happy with the R

-mc

[CRazyCam]

Hi samaaron.

Well, you have to understand that if you get the R850R, your dingle will shrivel up and drop off. :-)

Riding a motorcycle with the small engine option is a no no, and brings you sexuality into question.

Having said that, and as an owner of an R850R, I suggest you get the R850R.

Basically, BMWs are an acquired taste. It certainly won't feel like the Kawasaki your mate has lent you.

If you get the cheaper one, you may, like me, fall in love with it.

OTOH, if you don't like the BMW experience, you have dropped less money to find that out.

regards,CrazyCam

[samaaron]

Do you ever have problems getting parts for your R850R?

[CRazyCam]

Do you ever have problems getting parts for your R850R?

Well, I have only had it for a bit over a year, and I haven't needed any parts.

Most of the parts are common with the R1100R, and they are common down in Oz.

regards,CrazyCam

[jacksgp]

Another vote for the r850r. I bought mine 5 years ago as a "starter bike" after a 20 year layoff. The idea was to buy a smaller bike and re-learn what was once natural (riding) and also to see if I was really "into" bikes again. Fast Forward....I now have 85,000 miles with ZERO problems. Only maint items.... Tires...brake pads...oil...filters...battery... I need shocks and hope to find them on a used BMW site as the new ones are very expensive. I have read many times on this very site about a multitude of problems with the 1150 and although I'm sure some will argue the point I will stay away from them. My next bike when the day finally comes will be a r1200r. Good Luck!

FYI Bought my r850r on ebay for $4000.00 in 2003 42,000 miles on the clock!

[samaaron]

thanks what year was your R850R?

[jacksgp]

1996....forest green. I had intended to "move up" to a bigger bike but am more than happy with the r850r. I'm told they are very desirable over in Europe. Good Luck!

[samaaron]

I appreciate everyone's help and feedback. The seller sold the R1150R for 7K even though he promised it to me but the buyer waved green in front of him. Now I am can get a 2000 R1100R with 6K miles, non ABS, and no extras for 4500. What do guys think??

[combustor777]

I appreciate everyone's help and feedback. The seller sold the R1150R for 7K even though he promised it to me but the buyer waved green in front of him. Now I am can get a 2000 R1100R with 6K miles, non ABS, and no extras for 4500. What do guys think??

I know I will probably get flamed for this but to me the R1100R is ugly. The way the oil coolers stick out like somebody buiIt a bike out of spare parts collected from a junkyard does it. If you are willing to be patient you'll be able to get an 1150 for an extra few hundred. Whoever spent 7k for the 1150 I think got taken as I paid 1k less than that for a newer bike (at the time) with half the miles. Where are you located?

[samaaron]

I am located in the Atlanta GA.

[samaaron]

There is another R1150S 2004 with 14k for 6700 at a BMW dealer. Is the S a mistake for a guy that sometimes has lower back problems.

[combustor777]

There is another R1150S 2004 with 14k for 6700 at a BMW dealer. Is the S a mistake for a guy that sometimes has lower back problems. I am located in the Atlanta GA

As far as I know the R1150S doesn't exist. R1100S maybe? Go sit on it or go ride it. If anything sitting straight up will hurt your back more than a bit of lean I would think. The S is more aggressive, but not like a race replica. A lot of people put barbacks/risers on them.

There are a bunch of us around ATL it seems.

[samaaron]

I look forward to meeting up when I get a bike