First R1150R

[mrsteve]

I think it will be the first of many. I've just taken delivery. Correction, I've just collected my '03 R1150R from England, Wednesday pm and arrived back here in Central France this afternoon, Friday, via the Tunnel last night. I'd never ridden one before and didn't like it for the first 3 miles. Then it just got better and better. I set off on Thursday afternoon and by the time I got to Folkestone, that's where the tunnel starts for our friends in the USA, I was in love. I think it has something to do with the fact that I'd just done 189 miles on 14.7 litres. Today, through France at motorway speeds I managed 197 miles on 13.9 litres.
I've been a member here since 2009 but only now have I plucked up the courage and the readies to buy a beemer. I should have done it years ago. OK the bike isn't perfect, It's heavy, it vibrates, and the gearbox is a bit clunky. But it handles well, it's got character, it's engineered in Germany, and it pulls like a tractor. That's my sort of bike. Even the missus likes it, so I'm sorted.
It had 24k miles on the clock and has never been used in the wet. It's immaculate and has two touring panniers so I'm pleased. I'll be making regular contact with the forum and hope that I can contribute something. You guys on the Forum have already been instrumental in getting me into this mess, sorry, the R1150R club. So thanks.
Keep up the good work.
Steve

[dechaoz05]

welcome to the club

my 02 r1150r is also my first beemer. i've only had japanese before.

right now i got the rr and another 6th gen honda vfr

like u i didn't like the rr at first. but after 1 year and returning the rr to its stock setup, i've fallen in love too. definitely a great bike.

ride safe!
dean

[Xdot]

Steve,

It is an addictive bike. Had my first ride in the rain today. I loved it. It was accidental and I wasn't dressed for it, but loved it just the same. I'd like to do more riding in the rain but, like you, think it might affect longevity. And I want this cream puff to last a long time. Welcome to the club!

John
North Alabama, USA.

P.S. Can't think of anything I'd like more than touring areas of France on my R1150R. And you get to do it every day!

[n.i.paul]

Hi Steve, congratulations on getting your first BMW. I too have the 03 r1150r. Bought it new, then sold it a year later and had the chance last year to buy it back! Only 9000mls on mine and have the touring panniers too. Fitted a topbox recently also, so ready for that tour to France someday!! Enjoy the bike and safe riding.

Paul.
N.Ireland.

[garr2]

OK the bike isn't perfect, It's heavy, it vibrates, and the gearbox is a bit clunky.

Vibration could mean it's in need of a service - in particular a TB synch and tappet adjustment. DIY from instructions available on this and other forums. PM me and I'll send you the links.
The gear change starts out agricultural but improves significantly (or at least appears to) over time as -
1) you develop a smoother gear changing technique often referred to as pre-loading
2) you forget how silky smooth your previous bike's gear changes were.

Like you I was initially put off by the gear change but have actually come to like it - maybe because there's an art to it.

[towerworker]

Steve welcome to the board! I hope myself and the others here will be a constant source of info and help to you. You have made an excellent choice in the bike and an even better choice in the online guys to associate yourself with!

Wayne

[kantuckid]

BMW's are a bit clunky on gears(IMO the 6 speed is an improvement over the 5 speed R bikes) but you can investigate using some Moly in your tranny-some use the Honda product & there are others,the BMWMOA web forum will provide threads on this, not sure about here. As to the vibration thing-not a prob;em on my 03 1150R. As said, look at throttle balance, then tires as 2 things to definitely to get right. I'm a bead fan and am currently running the Shinko tires & they are as good for me as any Metzler I've run previous.