BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Hello All,

I am transitioning from my HD Super Glide to a BMW Boxer, and am about to make a purchase of my first BMW. While I have my eye on a clean '04 R1150R, I have seen a few RT's out there. I have been digging up all the specs I can lately, and have seen a variety of figures for the different models in the 1150 family.

Are the motors basically the same for the 1150's? I see the higher output numbers for the S models, but am confused by different ones for the RT, R and RS models.

Are there fundamental differences in the motors, such as heads, porting, intake systems, etc., that are on the different models? Or, is it a matter of set-up, seating, and rider positions desired for the sporting or touring models.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

The engines are tuned slightly different between a few models. Here are the models that share the same (approximate) tune:
R1150R (including the Rockster), and the R1150GS - a little lower max power output, but the powerband is lower in the RPM for more useable torque.

R1150RT, R1150RS - Higher overall power output, but at a higher RPM range.

R1100S - I'm not exactly sure, but probably more tuned for topend.

Out of the R1150 series, you have the R, GS, RS, and RT. Short description of each:
R - naked, upright riding position; standard options: side cases (no OEM topcase available, but some have managed to get them on there; the left case is smaller due to muffler), windscreens, OEM hi/low seats available.

RT - full fairing, touring bike. Adjustable windscreen, more bike info (fuel gauge/shift indicator/oil temp), comes with sidecases (full sized left case) and optional topcase, optional radio, and adjustable seat height.

GS - Well, think of it as the Hummer of motorcycles. most aren't used for their intended purpose; large dual sport bike/capable street bike. Go just about anywhere (except motocross tracks, but I've seen them there too). Same motor as the R1150R, but slightly different gearing. The bike sits higher than the R1150R, so take this into consideration if you're vertically challenged. Luggage: side cases (There is an OEM topcase available, the left case is smaller due to muffler). Very versatile bike; hold their value well.

The new R1200 line changes a lot of things, including the price. The R1200 makes more power, are lighter, and smoother than the R1150 motors. For all of that they (BMW) jacked the prices up. Nice bikes though.

If you like a naked bike, then the R1150R is a great deal for a BMW. If money (and looks) doesn't matter too much, then look at a GS (R1150 or R1200). The best thing is to find a dealer that has some of the various models in stock and take them for a test ride.

The R and the GS are tuned to 85hp (crank) and 71ftlbs torque (@5250rpm). The gearing is fairly high in 1st and uniform to 6th which comes in two flavors (high and higher). The GS has an available lower 1st gear and slightly different ratios throughout. They both have more open and upright seating, better ground clearance, and a higher net payload. The R is 525lbs wet, unladen. The GS 548lbs wet, unladen.

The RS and the RT obviously feature more fairing and windscreen protection and more weight as a result (RS-540lbs RT 614lbs -- wet, unladen). But they are tuned to 95hp (crank) and 73ftlbs torque (@5500rpm). Nearly the same gearing but a different 1st gear and no higher 6th as the R offers. Bigger gas tanks by a gallon (US).

All have EVO brakes (dual 320mm front; 260mm rear) in either servo-assisted linked ABS or not. The RT linkage is full front to rear and vice versa; the RS, GS, and R are partial front to rear only. Owners are about evenly split between ABS servo or not. Everybody HATES the fully linked brakes on the RT. Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension (good features) with BMW shocks (mediocre) give acceptable performance. All have the same 992lb gross vehicle weight, which is why the R has a higher payload. Wheels and tires for R, RS, RT (originally) 120/70ZR17 Front and 170/60ZR17 Rear BUT some models (Rockster) use a wider 180/55ZR17 tire on a 5.5" wheel.

Also, each bike has a slightly different air intake snorkle but I have no idea how that relates to total airflow in.

The tuning differences are accomplished on the same sized engine, cylinders, intake and exhaust ports, and such. Compression is slightly different between R/GS and RS/RT.

Thank you both for the very informative summary. That does give me a good picture of all the models, and it will help me when searching for a BMW.

Steve

It is more of a matter of whether you want a full fairing or not. The RT has a lot of fairing hich is great on the highway, but it is not as nimble as the R in the twisties.

MikeCam wrote:The R and the GS are tuned to 85hp (crank) and 71ftlbs torque (@5250rpm). The gearing is fairly high in 1st and uniform to 6th which comes in two flavors (high and higher). The GS has an available lower 1st gear and slightly different ratios throughout. They both have more open and upright seating, better ground clearance, and a higher net payload. The R is 525lbs wet, unladen. The GS 548lbs wet, unladen.

The RS and the RT obviously feature more fairing and windscreen protection and more weight as a result (RS-540lbs RT 614lbs -- wet, unladen). But they are tuned to 95hp (crank) and 73ftlbs torque (@5500rpm). Nearly the same gearing but a different 1st gear and no higher 6th as the R offers. Bigger gas tanks by a gallon (US).

All have EVO brakes (dual 320mm front; 260mm rear) in either servo-assisted linked ABS or not. The RT linkage is full front to rear and vice versa; the RS, GS, and R are partial front to rear only. Owners are about evenly split between ABS servo or not. Everybody HATES the fully linked brakes on the RT. Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension (good features) with BMW shocks (mediocre) give acceptable performance. All have the same 992lb gross vehicle weight, which is why the R has a higher payload. Wheels and tires for R, RS, RT (originally) 120/70ZR17 Front and 170/60ZR17 Rear BUT some models (Rockster) use a wider 180/55ZR17 tire on a 5.5" wheel.

Also, each bike has a slightly different air intake snorkle but I have no idea how that relates to total airflow in.

The tuning differences are accomplished on the same sized engine, cylinders, intake and exhaust ports, and such. Compression is slightly different between R/GS and RS/RT.

The RT's do have a higher 6th gear. It is a complaint of many R1150RT owners, as they feel it is TOO high.

Hey - are you guys not forgetting something???

Although you mention the word Rockster twice ...
you are forgetting the bastard child of the BMW stable ...
the wonderful creation of stoned Bavarian engineer ...
The Rockster - the distinctively different take on the flat twin theme ...

Apart from the mentioned (and omitted differences):
you get the in-your-face styling,
the colour schemes,
the lower bars pulling you closer to the headstock ...

It is not all about RPM/BHP/NM ... it is about the grin factor.

"Are there fundamental differences in the motors, such as heads, porting, intake systems, etc., that are on the different models? Or, is it a matter of set-up, seating, and rider positions desired for the sporting or touring models. "

I believe the "fundamental" differences in the motor are matters of different cams, timing (ignition / fueling), compression ratios, etc. As stated by others the various models are "tuned" to best supply the "right kind" of power based on the bikes intended use.

Short form answer, fundamental differences are minor. Maybe more critical for you to consider where/how you intend to ride. Lots of highway miles, long distances, two up, you and your spouse might appreciate the better wind protection and comfort of the RT. Shorter trips, riding single, perhaps more emphasis on "sport" riding, the R is probably better. May also depend a bit on how proficient a rider you happen to be. Have a brother in law (ex moto cop) who can outride a lot of sportbike riders in the corners with his Honda Valkyrie!

I picked the R more for it's adaptability. With the suspension tightened up, bags left in the garage, flyscreen mounted, I do reasonably well keeping up with my buddies from the local Ducati club. Put my Cee Bailey's tall screen on, soften the suspension a couple of notches, put the hard bags and tank bag onboard, and put the sheepskin on the Sargent seat, I'm good for 8-900 mile days. That's what I LOVE about it. And yes, after riding Duc's for 10 years, my spouse is happy to be riding with me again...on my 2004 R.

Good luck, and welcome to the website!

BJ

PS. The (Quick)Silver models are the fastest, no matter what anyone else tells ya!

Just for grins, and a little more info, you might want to check out this article by John Burns on the 2002 R1150R.

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ ... 14949.html

As Roy would've said..."Happy Trails"

BJ

The Rockster also shares the "shorter" top gear of the GS-Adventure*, this allows it a slightly better top speed than the -GS and -R because it allows the motor to rev out a little higher in top.


The RT also has larger diameter inlet manifolds (the tube from the airbox to the injector body) which allows more air in (and thus more fuel & more power) - I understand it's a cheap mod for more power to the -R or Rockster. (The Motronic system, which all the bikes share, will adjust the fuel being put into the engine because it measures the output in the exhausts).





*GS-Adventure is a "special edition" of the GS with (IIRC) the shorter top gear, much larger tank, slightly taller suspension, fuel quality sensors (so it'll run on 3rd world muck (Ohio? )), different pannier rails and slightly more robust bodywork (this is the 1150 - the 1200 has a few more bells and whistles but is fundamentally the same deal).