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

Hi all,
I am new to this forum. I have for the last 3 years ridden a F650GS but am now considering changing over to a R1150R. I have one particular bike in mind, a 2005 non ABS -which I am not sure if is a good thing or bad - my 650 did not have ABS, its got 10K on the clock and seems in a very good shape. What surprised my during a short test ride is the cramped sitting position. I am just under 180cm, 6´O, and can´t but wonder if there is lowering kit for the footpegs. Anyway, I know you are all dedicated fans of the 1150 but do you reccommend it. And has anyone any experience in taking the bike off pavement; not that I see myself using the bike as a GS but, where I live there are patches of gravel inbetween the pavement here and there.
Thank you,
Scandic

Scandic wrote:Hi all,
I am new to this forum. I have for the last 3 years ridden a F650GS but am now considering changing over to a R1150R. I have one particular bike in mind, a 2005 non ABS -which I am not sure if is a good thing or bad - my 650 did not have ABS, its got 10K on the clock and seems in a very good shape. What surprised my during a short test ride is the cramped sitting position. I am just under 180cm, 6´O, and can´t but wonder if there is lowering kit for the footpegs. Anyway, I know you are all dedicated fans of the 1150 but do you reccommend it. And has anyone any experience in taking the bike off pavement; not that I see myself using the bike as a GS but, where I live there are patches of gravel inbetween the pavement here and there.
Thank you,
Scandic

On "dry" off-road the bike is more than capable.
They're manageable on the damp stuff too - but I'd avoid proper mud.


The limiting factors will be tyres and your riding skill.

Welcome!

Great bike you are looking into. Do not worry about not having ABS. If the bike has it - good. If not - just as well. Just keep in mind that a bike without should be priced lower than the same model year and mileage bike with abs.

1) I would ask the seller (if they know) if the bike you test-rode has the standard seat. They also come in a low seat (for shorter folks) and tall seat obviously for taller people. I am 6'1" 34" in-seam and the standard stock seat was causing my legs to feel cramped. A tall seat improved that problem considerably but alas I moved to an aftermarket (Sargent) seat which was taller and much more comfortable - definitely something to look into.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/bmwwsrr.htm

2) There are lowering kits for foot pegs. I did not try them as the seat change resolved my issues but many have lowered the pegs to their delight. Lowering can make the twisties a little more unsettling when your boot/shoe drags so keep that in mind as well.

Hope this helps.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Chris

Thanks very much for informative replies. I am seriously considering buying the bike. Partly because I think it looks great and partly because I really liked riding it; I think it must have the lowered seat but I will find out for sure. Anyway, that will have to change before any serious touring is considered. Will keep you posted.

Scandic wrote:it looks great

and

Scandic wrote:I really liked riding it

Can't argue with either of these.