'03 R1150R General Info

[Ron John]

I'm considering a 2003 R1150R with approx. 4,000 miles. It looks good cosmetically, but I was wondering what I should look at specifically. I currently ride a cruiser, (VTX 1800R), but would like something sportier. I take an annual ride from Ohio to the Blue Ridge Parkway and ride for a week with my brother. The VTX is fine on the highway on the way down, but tends to scrape the floorboards in the twisties. I've heard the boxers are very reliable, but don't know much about them. Any help would be appreciated. Love the forum.

[towerworker]

I just totaled an 03 with 42,000 troublefree miles. My mistake (intense moment of stupidity) I loved the bike (have since replaced with an 04)

If it's a good deal -- Buy it! Marvelous handling bike especially in the twisties. I live in Va and have run the parkway many, many times. I have taken it on trips for a week at a time and had a ball. Easy to work on and you can do all the maintenance yourself with some basic tools. There is much help available here on this site and a great bunch of guys (and gals)

They look good, run good, get good milage (50+) and are simply a ball to own! You'll love the heated grips and the admiring looks you will get.

Wayne

[ruddy]

+1

[DJ Downunder]

RJ you can't go wrong with the R1150R...It's a classic..and a great allrounder...Jeez..only 4,000 miles..It's not even run in..Really.

If you have a BMW dealer nearby it might be worth having the check it over to make sure all's ok.

DJ

[Buckster]

How much are they asking and what accessories does it have on it? Doesn't seem that they rode it much.
I had a cruiser before I got my R and I can tell you that I absolutely love the difference.
Way better performance and more fun to ride IMHO.

[acejones]

I just came back from a little morning ride; turned over 22000 miles. The bike is great. Last year I rode it down through Central Mexico and will be going to Veracruz in April. These are great trouble free bikes.

[ErikU]

I cant think of anything to be concerned about on that bike with low miles. It's a great bike and you should be very happy.

You might want to change he fluids and check the tires, but that's about it!

[Biff's R]

Ron John,
The R will make a lot more roads south of you extreely fun. Try SR 800, and everything around Woodsfield. There is also a good BMW dealer in New Philly.

[maduko]

Things I know about from personal experience, etc....

Wiring- check the wiring harness up around the steering head. There was a problem with too many zip ties lashing down the wiring. It's a simple fix but can stress wiring up to the combi switches- especially on the right side.

Fuel Lines- there was a recall for the fuel line quick-disconnects. If there is any sign of fuel leakage on the RH side of the bike this is most likely the trouble. If not, the recall has probably already been performed.

ABS- you didn't mention if the bike has ABS. If it does I'd be prepared to bypass it or find another example. The system used on the R1150R is a servo-assisted rig that has a weird feel. Most people don't like.

Rattles- BMWs make funny noises compared to "normal" motorcycles. You can find tons of newbie FAQs that explain why and when these "special" noises will be heard. There are two sources of annoying noises that can easily be fixed: the clock and the LH tensioner. Both are harmless.

Hope that helps.

[Biff's R]

ABS- you didn't mention if the bike has ABS. If it does I'd be prepared to bypass it or find another example. The system used on the R1150R is a servo-assisted rig that has a weird feel. Most people don't like.

Hope that helps.

I would not worry much about this. If the deal is right I would take an R with either. The ABS has a different feel, but it does have a feel to it. I have had both ABS and non-ABS, and each have their own benefits.

The big turn off for most people concerning the ABS when the R was new was the $2300 price difference.

[Ron John]

Thanks everyone for the help. It is a non-ABS, and no decision made yet, but I think I'll try very hard to get it. Again, I really appreciate the input from "experts". Thanks.

[Beemer1150]

Have to say that the main lack of feel with ABS so far has been the lack of feel of backside on tarmac when a bus did the most stupid thing imaginable...