First BMW Bike

[Bluehenrider]

I am the very proud owner of my first BMW motorcycle and the exact model I have been wanting for the past 10 years: the R1150R. I bought a 2002 R1150R on Ebay that came to me in Delaware from Cody Wyoming. This was my first bike purchase on Ebay and the first time I arranged for a bike to be shipped across the country. Both of these things were learning experiences, but now I have the bike after about 10 weeks.

I spent 10 years riding a Suzuki DR650 so this bike is a major improvement for me and a much different bike for me. I test rode a R1150R back in 2001 or 2002 and I fell in love with it on the test ride, but I could never bring myself to spend the $10 or $11K.

The bike has 34,000 miles and I think it will need a bit of work to bring it back to where it needs to be. It started up immediately right off the trailer delivering it and I was able to drive it in to my garage. I have driven it around town and took it to the DMV and it passed inspection and I have it registered. It seems like it rides fine, but the rear tire looks like it is on its last leg and needs to be replaced. The exhaust also smells a bit smoky to me, but that may just be me. No smoke, just a slight burning smell. The steering at low speed feels like it pulls a little right or left, but that may also be me not used to this type of bike. My DR650 was much lighter and rode like a dirt bike and turned on a dime at low speed.

The bike came with a trailer set up and crash bars. I think I may keep the crash bars, but I am planning on having the trailer set up removed. I will post some pictures. I plan on taking the bike to Devon PA or Cherry Hill NJ BMW dealer to have new tires put on it and have it inspected.

I have a few questions.

1. Does the trailer rig have any value? Has anyone ever set up a R1150R to pull a trailer?
2. What should I be on the look out for during the trip to the BMW dealer?
3. The bike has been put on its side at one point because the right crash bar has some scrapes on it. Should I be concerned with this? (The rest of the bike looks fine on this side)
4. The bike came with hard side bags. One has a cracked piece where it would attach to the bike. Are side bags fixable? Are they worth fixing?

[Nebraskabeemer]

Hi,

First of all, I think if you put new tires on it, you then can better judge the low speed handling. It's a major departure from your DR, and will feel quite a bit different. I wouldn't worry about smelling like it's burning, oil, but you should change it if it needs it, and keep an eye on the oil level for the first couple tanks of gas. Just to know what amount of oil it may or may not consume. I think the bags might be repairable, or available in parts. Check eBay for those. I would just visit with your BMW dealer and see what they recommend at that mileage. Maybe check prices at both? I can't help you on the trailer information, but you might sell it on eBay without too much trouble. Enjoy the bike.

[Bluehenrider]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will check the oil level and replace the tires and then recheck the low speed handling.

[sjbmw]

If your side case is cracked in one of the 2 top hooks that fit into the side rail, it's toast.
That crack is going to grow until the thing snaps and the bag pulls loose.

Weight and bumps, it's a matter of time.

also, try 4 oz of SeaFoam in the tank at your next fill up.
It's magic for "sitting engines".

[Bluehenrider]

Update on my bike. I took it the closest Honda/Suzuki/Yamaha dealer which was only 12 miles away and had them put on some new tires. Wow what a major difference. The service manager said my rear tire was toast and the front was worn out and cupped. With the new tires it rides a lot better and the slow speed steering is great.

Now that I feel safe riding it I need to decide which BMW dealer to take it to to have a full inspection.

I am located in Wilmington Delaware and the closest BMW dealer seems to be Montgomeryville PA. 40 miles North of me. The reviews online don't look too good so I am open to driving farther for a better service center.

Any suggestions on where to take my bike?

[sjbmw]

When our Mt Laurel BMW NJ dealer closed 2 years ago, the mechanics and parts staff were able to get the tools, computers, parts fiches, and customer records to a build a independent shop in the 3 back bays of what was once a Cherry Hill NJ Buick dealership that the GM bailout forced out of business.

The place now has bike services in the back garage, and mechanical/truck fleet services, and classic auto/motorcyle restoration in the front, and consignment sales. (They just became a electric bike and Hyosung dealers)

They have been annual servicing my 2004 for 2 years now without a problem. (Just installed my new shocks.)
Since they are not a "official" BMW dealer, they can't do warranty work on new bikes.

RK has been doing BMW mechanic work for 35 years now, and can do what you need.

http://www.eckenhoff.com/cycleservices.html
http://www.eckenhoff.com/cycleservices/bmwcenter.html

Call Al and discuss what you need, tell em Herb sent ya.

ECKENHOFF MOTORCYCLES OF CHERRY HILL
919 CHURCH ROAD.
CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002

MOTORCYCLES 856-482-5300

[Bluehenrider]

Thanks. Looks like a good option. I will try and take it there for some servicing and an inspection.

[hawkdad]

Good Luck with your R.. I do truly enjoy riding mine. I've rented RT's.. but I love the more forward and quicker riding R.

After you've had the shop review the bike, you may wish to consider doing the service work yourself. If you're tooled up, getting a Clymer manual for the bike makes doing the work with confidence. After 4 years of riding my '03, I've gone from .. nervous about adjusting the valves, to confident in greasing my clutch splines.
Most of all that comes from this forum and the great people you'll find here to help. Do yourself a favor and make yourself a lifetime member.. worth EVERY penny and keeps the guilt factor at bay!

As far as your cases go.. if/when you get them fixed, parts replaced, etc. Consider doing the alteration that Towerworker? or CycleRob? (sorry, can't remember which) posted about putting a hardware safety pin in the foot at the lower section of the side case. This will absolutely prevent them from EVER coming off on the road.

Good Luck, Enjoy the bike, hopefully we'll see you on a ride/rally someday!