New rider

[John R]

Hello,
I'm new to the list and really new to BMW's. I am heading for a trip to N.Z. and am renting an R1150R. I haven't ridden a BMW or many modern bike. I own a Norton Commando now. I just wanted to know if there were any tricks for starting "hot or cold" that I should know. I looked at some other posts and noticed that I have to be careful with the braking. If anyone has any helpful hints that will get my riding up to speed on the newer bikes I'd welcome them.

thanks
John

[dsimon9]

Hello,
I'm new to the list and really new to BMW's. I am heading for a trip to N.Z. and am renting an R1150R. I haven't ridden a BMW or many modern bike. I own a Norton Commando now. I just wanted to know if there were any tricks for starting "hot or cold" that I should know. I looked at some other posts and noticed that I have to be careful with the braking. If anyone has any helpful hints that will get my riding up to speed on the newer bikes I'd welcome them.

thanks
John

Your concerns about the brakes only applies if the bike has ABS. Nonetheless, there will be a noticeable change on how well the brakes work.

Starting the bike is pretty straight forward. The bike does not have a choke per se. I believe it is called a fast idle. The function is basically the same. Turn the fast idle to the full open position. Start the bike, then move the fast idle to the middle position. Drive off, and after a few blocks (depending on air temperature) turn the fast idle off. Voila, enjoy the ride. Oh yeah, don't forget the pull the stand up prior to putting the bike in gear or the bike will shut off.

If you are riding a bike with ABS, the ABS light will blink until you ride off. All the rookies will at first think there is something wrong with the ABS system. I know I did.

Enjoy your trip, I envy you.

Dex

[OneShot]

If you are stopped in neutral and the bike won't go into first gear:
1. Pull the clutch in,
2. Push down on the shifter,
3. Ease the clutch out while still pushing the shift lever down

You will hear the clunk as it goes into gear. Have a safe trip.

Cheers!

[KHaynes]

John,
If the bike has ABS, do not apply the brakes for 2 seconds after the ignition has been turned on. The computer needs to run through a "status check" to ensure that the system is functioning properly.
The dealer who rents the bike to you should describe this.

[boxermania]

John

Another thing that you will inmediately notice and will feel strange at best.....no fron't end dive upon your braking....and the frnt brakes non-ABS are very good and strong braking force.

Other than that if you have suficient time on he saddle you will find that the R1150R is one of the best "all around" bikes being made.

Good luck and let us know about your experience.

[rph802]

When starting in neutral, sometimes the bike doesnt want to clunk down into 1st. Roll a few steps front or back and she'll drop right in.

The only problem you might run into is NOT wanting to return it!!!!!

Craig

[DJ Downunder]

Don't bother looking for a fuel tap..there isn't one...and no reserve..just a yellow warning light that tells you that you have about a 1/4 of a tank left.

DJ

[Osiris]

I personally recommend getting your shifting rpms familiarized. Especially the downshifts! I found that the shaft drive leaves absolutely no room for drive play as with a chain. You'll chirp the back tire a few times...I know I did!

Take care.

[dragonmojo]

I personally recommend getting your shifting rpms familiarized. Especially the downshifts! I found that the shaft drive leaves absolutely no room for drive play as with a chain. You'll chirp the back tire a few times...I know I did!

Take care.

Throttle blips during d/shifting helps a lot.

[Lion_Lady]

You'll notice a short 'shimmy' from the bike as you twist the throttle... thats the opposed cylinders doing their thing.

It is a bit disconcerting the first few times.

P

[duke]

The *thing* is HEAVY at standstill! Even if you are big and strong.

Once it starts moving - it is very fluid and easy to flick.

Also - there is bugger-all steering lock! I was quite good with U turns ... until I got a Rockster ... now they are three-point turns ... of course it allso boils down to state of mind ... an mine is fixed on falling ...