r1150r..is it the right bike for me?

[munta]

hi all
i am from the UK..and need some advice
now that the daughter has grown up (18) lol.. and after riding gsxr's for over 20years (i am now 43),for the last 18 months i just cant be bothered riding fast and being crunched up on a sports bike (just done 1500 mile round trip to the le mans 24hr bike race in april..jeez my arms). Me and the wife are now looking to tour the uk/europe..and my local dealer has a 2002 r1150r with 14,000 miles on the clock..
basically what i want to know is..how are these bikes for reliabilty? (i am prepared to repair them,but not too often, lol) and my most important question, how comfortable are they for pillions? (wife a rider too..so we will be taking turns)
we are able now to put alot of miles on a bike,so your input would be appreciated
thanks for any replies/advice

[chibbert]

These are great bikes and easy to maintain. Are there issues? Yes but they are rare in the big scheme of things.

1. Leaky Fuel Quick Disconnects - Easy to replace
2. Intermittent wiring issues due to an overabundance of zip ties under and around the handlebar area
3. Clutch spline failures - you can read much about them but I still think they are very few and far between.
4. Final Drive Bearing failures - kinda the same as above (somewhat rare)

As for the pillion? Nope - not comfortable but aftermarket seats are.

[riceburner]

These are great bikes and easy to maintain. Are there issues? Yes but they are rare in the big scheme of things.

1. Leaky Fuel Quick Disconnects - Easy to replace
2. Intermittent wiring issues due to an overabundance of zip ties under and around the handlebar area
3. Clutch spline failures - you can read much about them but I still think they are very few and far between.
4. Final Drive Bearing failures - kinda the same as above (somewhat rare)

As for the pillion? Nope - not comfortable but aftermarket seats are.

What he said - the failures are VERY well reported - but in actuality are fairly rare. (BMW owners are more likely to shout loud about problems maybe? )
When they do happen they're big ones though (eg spline failure will make the bike unrideable) - BUT - as said - they're rare.

All bikes have such issues (Reg/Rec being the most common for most jap bikes I believe), so it's not a deal breaker - imo.


I'd get test rides - as much as you can, to see about pillion comfort.

[Ol' Jeffers]

Hi Munta! I'm also in the UK.....I have an R1150R & a private BMW engineer with 30 years experience who states categorically that
if the bike is maintained 'by the book' then aside from the usual wear and tear items major failures are few and far between.
He questioned my wisdom in getting insurance cover against these failures (Warranty Direct, but for 60pence a day I have peace of mind.)
I think the bike is an order of magnitude more comfortable than most out there ( with the exception of HDs and Wings with K&Q seats).
The only way to find out though is for you and the Missus to take it out for a couple of hours. Everyone is different and has
different expectations and requirements for what a bike should be like. I have changed the QD disconnects on mine as they were nine years
old and the originals are all plastic bodied and have been updated by BMW so that half is now metal. I have also removed the two nylon ties
that restrict free movement of the wiring harness beneath and either side of the instrument pod .

My bike is here....Feel free! http://www.flickr.com/photos/19900087@N04/page1/

[munta]

thanks alot guys
took it out for a test ride and for the first time in ages..i really enjoyed myself..didnt want to take it back
i bought it and am picking it up in the morning
cheers

[n.i.paul]

Happy days, you wont regret it. I just purchased my 03 r1150r back again after having sold it in 2004. I'm 44 and not into sports bikes at all. I like my comfort too much. I've got the low seat on mine and find it comfortable. Enjoy!

Paul

[hank]

I am sure you wont be disappointed, these bikes are fantastic all rounders. As said above, look after the bike and it well reward you with years of service. These bikes are really easy to work on as most service items are accessible. If you do run into problems with your bike there will be others here on the forum who will have had the same trouble and will be able to tell you how to fix it.

I am prepping mine just now for a trip to Spain, France, Andorra and back via Belgium.

Here is a video of our last trip to the Pyrenees. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6F7pxndWAE

Have fun with your new toy.

Hank.

[BMWEW1]

Congrats. I think if you add a BMW or Givi topcase wit the backrest pad the pillion ride will be much more comfy, and most likely you'll be getting an after market seat too or a sheepskin butt pad.

[munta]

just posting to say..you guys were right (that i wouldnt regret it)..since buying the r1150r i have never missed my gixers once!!
i have now found my motorcycle soul mate..the wife finds it uncomfortable as pillion,but i will sort that out asap..maybe with an airhawk seat etc..but alot better (as stated) with givi top box fitted
went for a run with my mates on their sportsbikes and found myself being held up on our local mountain roads..the paralever suspension just soaks up the bumps/uneven rural roads with ease..
i have owned 42 japanese bikes in the last 20 years,but now i actually dont want anything but the bmw..it is so nice to ride a bike that feels alive under you ..some of the guys have ridden it and cant believe how good they are.. lol
thanks again..

[Xdot]

Munta,

How right you are. I just picked up an 02 R1150R. It is my first street machine after owning dirt bikes for years. The only question I have now is, "What took me so long?!?"

The BMW is the best running, smoothest vehicle I've ever ridden, driven, or ridden in. I really started out at the top. I especially love it after pulling off the short sport shield that was buffetting my head like Muhammad Ali. Now nothing but smooth wind - don't mind that at all. Naked bikes rule. Glad you're enjoying yours too.

john in USA

P.S. Our group in the world cup is turning out to be a bit... odd, huh?

[Ol' Jeffers]

@ munta: Give Tony Archer a ring. He's in Huddersfield and a real bike seat expert. His work is second to none
and he can insert a gel pad, replace the foam with better stuff if necessary. His basic charge is around £60+P&P

http://www.tonyarcher.co.uk/

[macx]

I'm "a bit" older than you, with correspondingly stiffer back, knees, etc etc.

I bought an 04 in 08 and have found the seat to be the biggest thing on my list for
comfort for virtually any distance over 1/2 hr's ride.

I also installed bar backs and for me (6') that helped noticeably with my back, allowing
a "less crunched up" position - well described BTW!

Not having any money trees in my back yard, I tend to look carefully at any major expense
to find the best bang for the buck.

On seats, there are a number of wonderfully comfortable seats available, but here's one
I've keyed in on for a good benefit-per-dollar -

http://www.rickmayercycle.com/

It's similar to the well regarded Russell "day long" seats but the last time I checked was
significantly less costly - and you of course don't have to go to his shop.
He does ask for good pictures of the rider(s) and how they sit on the bike, and works
off your seat pan, probly part of the reduced cost.

Here's those day long seats - just for comparison - some folks think they're too wide looking,
but nobody sees my seat when I'm riding the bike!

http://www.day-long.com/newbike_pages/bmw_R1150R.html

I also found a means of repositioning my footpegs down and forward about 2" each direction,
not using the expensive aftermarket kits that don't really move them all that much, but you
may not be interested in that. Post if you would like to see the write-up.

Enjoy!

[craigleo]

Hi Munta,
Perhaps you need to get Mrs. Munta a matching motorcycle of her own. Not a motorcycle that matches yours, one that matches her. Tons of great used bikes in motorcycle land.