Hello everyone,
I am currently riding a Ducati Monster and am looking for something sporty but with a little less extreme riding position. The Ducati just feels made for the twisties but not really made for a big guy like me. Just getting to the fun roads is killing me.
The R1150R looks like an amazing bike but I have reservations before jumping on it. I have never owned nor known anyone who owned a BMW motorcycle. How well do the cylanders hold up in a crash? If you low side the bike is it pretty much done? How is the lean when riding. I'm looking for something a bit more upright than what I'm used to. I understand the GS would be perfect but I just can't get past the dirt bike look.
I know I need to go out and just test ride one but the dealer is over an hour away and I'm trying to work that into my busy schedule. When I test road the Ducati, it felt great but after a while the position started to take it's toll. Any advice given will be appriciated.
Thinking about getting a R1150R...
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dwayne
- Lifer
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- Location: Bradford, Ontario Canada
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Re: Thinking about getting a R1150R...
Nothing against the Beemer, but I would look at the Yamaha FJR. I think that bike is a little better fit for what you posted. There are some issues with the Beemer that you need to understand: Just because it has BMW on it doesn't mean its better built then say, a Yamaha, or Honda but certainly better built then a Suzuki. Then again, the Edsol was a better built machine then anything by Suzuki..But thats me rantingNarflar wrote:Hello everyone,
I am currently riding a Ducati Monster and am looking for something sporty but with a little less extreme riding position. The Ducati just feels made for the twisties but not really made for a big guy like me. Just getting to the fun roads is killing me.
The R1150R looks like an amazing bike but I have reservations before jumping on it. I have never owned nor known anyone who owned a BMW motorcycle. How well do the cylanders hold up in a crash? If you low side the bike is it pretty much done? How is the lean when riding. I'm looking for something a bit more upright than what I'm used to. I understand the GS would be perfect but I just can't get past the dirt bike look.
I know I need to go out and just test ride one but the dealer is over an hour away and I'm trying to work that into my busy schedule. When I test road the Ducati, it felt great but after a while the position started to take it's toll. Any advice given will be appriciated.
The R is a good bike, but it does burn oil, it does make more noise then you maybe use to, it doesn't have a lot of power compared to other machines in the Naked class. It can be an uncomfy bike for those over 5'10". Service can be, and is expensive compared to the Japenese bikes. The build quality, IMHO is better then most other mainstream bikes out there, but I've never been on a Duc so I can offer no comparison. Checking oil on the R is a pain, but then so are most other bikes. It's also about 100# heaver then it ought to be, but that's MHO. The R, from what I've read will last almost as long as you will, the motor is so detuned that it really can't hurt itself..those are not my words, that was from a columnist...can't remember the magazine at the moment. The bike also vibrates more then most other bikes I have ridden, but the heated grips...I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT HEATED GRIPS!!!!
If you have to own a Beemer, get the K1200R. But, do not be lulled into the belief that because its a Beemer that it is better then all, cause really that's just hype.
I'm not trahsing the Beemer, but its not often you will find people that will tell it like it is, especialy in a forum that is brand specific. Just do a search on the forum and you'll see the issues that come up.
Of course all of that is IMHO
'05 R 1150 R Dark Ferro, with blacked out motor Member # 507
What Dwane said.... The 1150R is a BIG bike any way you cut it. Comparing its weight with other naked bikes in this year's "Cycle World" and "Motorcyclist" annuals puts our bikes at the upper edge of weight in class.
That said, it is a "detuned" bike. Think Porsche 356 Normal vs Super 90. The R1150R is no hot rod on purpose. That means it gets good gas mileage (I get up to 54 mpg as a norm on trips), is capable but not "blinding fast" and will probably last a lot longer than just about any other bike you may be in the market for.
On the other hand, the R1150R has a greater payload than a Goldwing. You can do almost all maintenance in your garage on a Saturday morning and this is even if you're a Klutz.
I really enjoy my 1150R. I bought it to "reenter" biking after a 20 year layoff. It was really too big a bike to reenter on but we have bonded, my bike and I. If I want to putz around, it's happy to lug in 5th gear way down low. If I want to get away from a jerk, it will come alive and accelerate and corner MUCH above where I want to go.
Throttle body synch is easy. Final drive problems are rare (it says here) and it is actually a viable alternative to a small car. Go for it if it floats yer boat.
That said, it is a "detuned" bike. Think Porsche 356 Normal vs Super 90. The R1150R is no hot rod on purpose. That means it gets good gas mileage (I get up to 54 mpg as a norm on trips), is capable but not "blinding fast" and will probably last a lot longer than just about any other bike you may be in the market for.
On the other hand, the R1150R has a greater payload than a Goldwing. You can do almost all maintenance in your garage on a Saturday morning and this is even if you're a Klutz.
I really enjoy my 1150R. I bought it to "reenter" biking after a 20 year layoff. It was really too big a bike to reenter on but we have bonded, my bike and I. If I want to putz around, it's happy to lug in 5th gear way down low. If I want to get away from a jerk, it will come alive and accelerate and corner MUCH above where I want to go.
Throttle body synch is easy. Final drive problems are rare (it says here) and it is actually a viable alternative to a small car. Go for it if it floats yer boat.
Last edited by Samiam on Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:49 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Make an appointment and go ride one. It's not a cheap bike, and it's best to get first hand feedback before a decision is made.
The bike is all about torque, suspension, and brakes. If horsepower and top speed is your lot, try the K1200R. That bike will flatten your eyeballs.
My R will haul 500lbs across the country without a hiccup, and stripped down, will give plenty of fun in the twisties. But it is NOT a race bike. it's a road bike, a FUN bike.
Most, if not all owners are religious about proper maintenance, so a used one is a good buy. If you buy a used one, it's your duty to take good care of it
I could not part with mine, it just does all the little things so well.
I owned 3 Asian bikes before the R, and 500 mile days were unheard of on my previous bikes. I have done 500 miles, showered, and went out with friends, all in one day.
The bike is all about torque, suspension, and brakes. If horsepower and top speed is your lot, try the K1200R. That bike will flatten your eyeballs.
My R will haul 500lbs across the country without a hiccup, and stripped down, will give plenty of fun in the twisties. But it is NOT a race bike. it's a road bike, a FUN bike.
Most, if not all owners are religious about proper maintenance, so a used one is a good buy. If you buy a used one, it's your duty to take good care of it
I could not part with mine, it just does all the little things so well.
I owned 3 Asian bikes before the R, and 500 mile days were unheard of on my previous bikes. I have done 500 miles, showered, and went out with friends, all in one day.
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
I used to ride a Moto Guzzi Breva 750. Wanted to see what the whole Italian thing was about and that was one of the cheapest ways to go. It was a great bike but too small for me. I Found my R1150R in the back of a Harley showroom. Someone traded it in on a V-Rod. Test ride complete, I wrote a check! Got a great deal on it too! Thought I would ride the BMW until the new local Guzzi dealer got up and running, then get the Breva 1100. After riding the BMW for almost 2000 miles, I went to test ride the Breva. Great bike but I wouldnt trade the Beemer in on it. Something about the bike is just "right". Go to your dealer and test ride one. Thats the only way to kow if it might be for you. Then look for a used one. There are 23 on CycleTrader now, not to mention E-Bay.
As Dwayne said, it's not a perfect bike but it is a great bike. It has its problems and faults but more than any other bike I've owned, there's something about it that more than makes up for them and it looks so good as well!
Trying to be objective is hard, as they say, love is blind BUT my main gripes are:
Seat: which I can only stand for about 150 miles without a stop.
Weight: but you get used to it and the pay off is incredible stability.
Power: could be better but I don't have trouble staying with or passing my friends on sports bikes in normal riding situations and as far as leaning the thing over if you want to rest your knee on the road, no problem, when my pegs touch down, that's the tyre edge.
Oil: is a PITA at first but if you follow a routine it becomes simple and the burning will stop at 10k miles when it's run in and isn't excessive anyway.
BMW dealer service: is pricey but the basics you can deal with yourself unless you're completely cack-handed.
All this aside I love this bike and I've yet to meet another on the road.
My local dealer insisted on me taking one for 2 days to get a proper feel for it but as I bought privately it never happened. I bought mine without having ridden one, without having even seen it and with no knowledge of what to expect and I haven't regretted it. I get up early with a smile on my face because the first thing I do every day is ride to work...the long way round.
Trying to be objective is hard, as they say, love is blind BUT my main gripes are:
Seat: which I can only stand for about 150 miles without a stop.
Weight: but you get used to it and the pay off is incredible stability.
Power: could be better but I don't have trouble staying with or passing my friends on sports bikes in normal riding situations and as far as leaning the thing over if you want to rest your knee on the road, no problem, when my pegs touch down, that's the tyre edge.
Oil: is a PITA at first but if you follow a routine it becomes simple and the burning will stop at 10k miles when it's run in and isn't excessive anyway.
BMW dealer service: is pricey but the basics you can deal with yourself unless you're completely cack-handed.
All this aside I love this bike and I've yet to meet another on the road.
My local dealer insisted on me taking one for 2 days to get a proper feel for it but as I bought privately it never happened. I bought mine without having ridden one, without having even seen it and with no knowledge of what to expect and I haven't regretted it. I get up early with a smile on my face because the first thing I do every day is ride to work...the long way round.
Last edited by chris on Tue Jul 18, 2006 4:07 pm, edited 2 times in total.
My R1150R is my 4th oil head beamer, and by far the best.
I had a R1100RS, R1150GS, and R1150RT before getting my R, and only the GS comes close to the R.
Weight seems to be carried lower compaired to the GS, as it should be.
I am 5ft11", and it fits me perfect.
Will be far cheaper to service than a Ducati- as stated, you can do most of it yourself. Do yourself a favour and ride one, they are addictive.
I had a R1100RS, R1150GS, and R1150RT before getting my R, and only the GS comes close to the R.
Weight seems to be carried lower compaired to the GS, as it should be.
I am 5ft11", and it fits me perfect.
Will be far cheaper to service than a Ducati- as stated, you can do most of it yourself. Do yourself a favour and ride one, they are addictive.
I recently bought a RR over the Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Triumphs because it did everything as well as the others. I have ridden Moto guzzis and Ducatis for thirty years and wanted another Italian lady in my garage. After many long rides on them, a ride on a used RR the R was purchased in a heartbeat. The seat is a POS, bought a sargent. Lowered the footpegs and now it is near perfect. I still will ride the MG LM1 but not for long 300+ mile days, that is the RRs forte.
In a low side only the valve covers get trashed from the few I've seen.
In a low side only the valve covers get trashed from the few I've seen.
Michael
MG 78 LeMans
2002 R1150R
78 R100S
MG 78 LeMans
2002 R1150R
78 R100S
Honestly, I am more concerned about me than the bike, if I crash. I cannot foresee a situation in which I would intentionally low side the bike, but if that should happen, I am comforted to know that the cylinder heads will protect my legs.Narflar wrote:Thanks for the honest replies. Does anyone know how the cylanders fair in a crash?
I have just heard or seen reports (no first hand experience) but it seems like only the valve covers get scratched. They are not that expensive (in relative BMW terms) to replace, but most people get plastic protectors for them.
The Roadster is a great all-around bike. It can tour; it can keep up in the twisties; it is great for commuting; it is just plain fun! If you want a bike for a specific purpose, there will be better bikes than this for that purpose. It is hard to imagine a better bike for doing all those things, though.
Bob
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
Had my 03 R1150r for a year now....only ride for pleasure and not work! It is a good all round bike, solidly made with a high quality finish. I have clocked 6k miles this year and the bike has behaved really well. I purposely went for the naked BMW as a "speed reducing" machine as the wind limits your top end nicely...I will still cruise at 80-90 comfortably. The bike also handles very well on British A and B roads, easily performing as well as a Moto Guzzi Breva and Bandits.....in fact I quite often slow down for the others on a ride so that they can keep up!
The only angle I do not like bike from is straight on, rest-assured it quite often gets a lot of interest. The great thing is it is different from the run of the mill 4 cylinder Jap bikes.......
Paul in Oxford England
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yjleesvrr
- Member
- Posts: 1803
- Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:23 pm
- Location: Blacksburg and Haymarket, VA/Basking Ridge, NJ
The R1150R is a great bike, but they're going to be scarce in coming months. The R1200R is on its way.
The latter is reported to be lighter and more powerful. BMW seems to be marketing its ability to be a tourer as well. My R1150R has been a good tourer. My only complaint is the lack of a suitable windshield for outright comfort. I have nonetheless logged over 700 miles in a single day once, and over 600 miles on many days in the 4 years I've owned it. 500 mile trips are no problem, and I would almost go as far as to say that I've arrived after a 500 mile stint feeling hardly any worse for wear - as if I hadn't ridden that day. But that all depends on how hot it is.
For blitzing backroads and mountains, the R1150R is very good. It's not quite as much fun as my SV650, but the SV weighs about 140 lbs. lighter. The R1150R however doesn't feel 140 lbs. heavier, and with its longitudinal crank has a feeling of stability that is simply awesome at high speeds.
BMW makes great bikes, and they have not become the yuppy status symbol their cars have become. They're still built robust and durable in the old German tradition.
The latter is reported to be lighter and more powerful. BMW seems to be marketing its ability to be a tourer as well. My R1150R has been a good tourer. My only complaint is the lack of a suitable windshield for outright comfort. I have nonetheless logged over 700 miles in a single day once, and over 600 miles on many days in the 4 years I've owned it. 500 mile trips are no problem, and I would almost go as far as to say that I've arrived after a 500 mile stint feeling hardly any worse for wear - as if I hadn't ridden that day. But that all depends on how hot it is.
For blitzing backroads and mountains, the R1150R is very good. It's not quite as much fun as my SV650, but the SV weighs about 140 lbs. lighter. The R1150R however doesn't feel 140 lbs. heavier, and with its longitudinal crank has a feeling of stability that is simply awesome at high speeds.
BMW makes great bikes, and they have not become the yuppy status symbol their cars have become. They're still built robust and durable in the old German tradition.
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
Buying an R1150R
You are asking about what dumping an opposed twin is like. I dumped my R75/5 crossing wet streetcar tracks in Toronto years ago. Passenger and I ended up sliding along a soaking wet College Street at about 45 MPH.
The Krauser crash guard got ground up a bit and scuffed up the bag and fairing. Leather jacket and boots got some damage but we got up and rode away.
I could have bought any bike that I wanted when I bought my R1150R. A big reason that I bought another opposed twin was that my leg didn't get trapped under that bike when it went down then, and a couple of other times when it was dropped. Another big reason was the fact that my R75 still runs well 33 years after it was made. I've ridden it for 30 of those years.
Something to ponder when you hear of people getting their leg caught under a bike as it is sliding along the pavement. Or they tell you that their bike is worn out after 5 years.
There are a lot of great bikes out there. Check them out. Ask around.
Then ride a decent BMW boxer. Not to the store or around the block. Take a blast through some mountains or hill country with a luggage bag and some gear. Stuff it through some tight uphill bends in the powerband. These machines corner tight enough to ride off the tires and recover from a two wheel drift. Pull up to a half decent restaurant or inn. Check out the reactions.
Good luck on your search!
The Krauser crash guard got ground up a bit and scuffed up the bag and fairing. Leather jacket and boots got some damage but we got up and rode away.
I could have bought any bike that I wanted when I bought my R1150R. A big reason that I bought another opposed twin was that my leg didn't get trapped under that bike when it went down then, and a couple of other times when it was dropped. Another big reason was the fact that my R75 still runs well 33 years after it was made. I've ridden it for 30 of those years.
Something to ponder when you hear of people getting their leg caught under a bike as it is sliding along the pavement. Or they tell you that their bike is worn out after 5 years.
There are a lot of great bikes out there. Check them out. Ask around.
Then ride a decent BMW boxer. Not to the store or around the block. Take a blast through some mountains or hill country with a luggage bag and some gear. Stuff it through some tight uphill bends in the powerband. These machines corner tight enough to ride off the tires and recover from a two wheel drift. Pull up to a half decent restaurant or inn. Check out the reactions.
Good luck on your search!
Totally agree. Very smooth shifting, acceleration, and overall fit and finish.yjleesvrr wrote:BMW makes great bikes, and they have not become the yuppy status symbol their cars have become.
Totally agree on the status thing too. When I wanted to by a BMW 3-series cage, my wife said "Ick, I would't be caught dead with one of those in the driveway [status symbol]". When I asked her about the BMW motorcycle tho (she owns a F650CS) she said, "well, the motorcycles are COOL!". So, bottom line, I do have 4 wheels worth of BMW in the garage so it all worked out
Erik (a.k.a. Norseman9)
Lexington, MA
2002 R1150R (black, the only color)
Yankee Beemers
Lexington, MA
2002 R1150R (black, the only color)
Yankee Beemers