It's been more than a year of research about the current and recent crop of BMW motorcycles as I sought to find the right first bike for me, and with the R1150R I have finally found it. I'm 6'5", and I was amazed at just how few bikes I had any chance of fitting on, even with lowered pegs, raised seats, etc. I kept trying to convince myself of the F650GS (twin) but not only was it also slightly small, but just didn't see that same beautiful styling I associate with my favorite BMWs. Besides, I'm not a GS guy (and not an RT guy either) -- I want a standard all-around bike for getting around town, some day trips, and the occasional long journey, but I wanted it to have style.
The current R1200R is very nice, but a bit expensive for me and I have some reservations about having a brand new bike as my first (which I will surely drop). In researching it, I found this site, and that led me to the 1150. Once I saw that design, that was it. Then I read John Burns great 2002 Ride Report. The "nanovirus" I've seen referenced here can apparently be transmitted over the internet.
A huge thank you to everyone here at this incredible resource. I'll become a member just as soon as I'm an actual R owner. I've just located a 2003 R1150R at the local BMW dealer. It's a very fast red and it's here:
BMW 2003 R 1150 R
I'm planning to go see it in person and throw a leg over it today. Any advice about this bike would be very greatly appreciated (I'm amazed at what you all can see in photos of a bike, and there are several of this one). I'm especially curious to hear if you all think it's a fair price given the age, mileage, and extras.
Thanks again!
Thomas
