Can I 're-invent' my R1150R?

cruiser · Post by **cruiser** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:20 am

Please don't be too hard on me for this post, you R1150R purists out there

In recent years, before I bought my black R1150R, I had owned several large cruiser motorcycles - A Kawasaki 1500 Nomad, and two Honda Valkyries (an Interstate and a Tourer), as well as a Goldwing. I bought my R after selling my last Valkyrie and moving to Germany to live. I quickly realised that it was not yet time to hang up my riding boots and I convinced myself, somehow, that this motorcycle would be ideal for me, having a distinctive visual appeal as well as being significantly lighter than its forerunners. This last point was particularly important in my decision to buy the BMW; I'm not getting any younger (57 now) and the weight of the cruisers was beginning to tell.

My problem is, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool cruiser rider at heart and I really miss the look, the image, the 'lazy' riding style and just about everything else that goes along with being part of the 'cruiser club' - I've never owned a Harley btw.

OK, I know many here will read this and roll their eyes, but I'm equally sure there are some out there who will understand me and may even feel the same way. Motorcycles, in their individuality, affect us all deeply and in many different ways. To some, they're simply a means of fast, practical transport. To others they're a life-statement, an extension of themselves. I guess everyone else falls somewhere between these two extremes.

To get to my main point in posting - I really don't want to part with my R but rather, I'd like to 'do something' to it in order to re-gain something of that elusive cruiser individuality and 'feel' which I miss. I guess I'm mainly thinking about visual enhancements, without - importantly! - turning it into an object of ridicule... tool roll on the forks for example!

Does anyone have any - constructive - advice for me, other than to sell the R and buy a smaller cruiser?

Post by **JCsman** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:48 am

No rip from me. It is your bike after all. I'll save my "purity" for more important things....I guess I just can't figure out what those would be.

There is certainly less "eye candy" bling out there for the R1150R than for main line cruisers. So if it's shiny, chrome bits you are looking for, you may be disappointed, when comparing with (say) a H-D....partially because the number of R1150R's is tiny when compared to the Harley model runs.

But there are some parts like that. IIRC there's a chrome engine/alternator cover (from the R1200CL?), I believe I've seen chrome valve covers and there are certainly better looking mirrors.

There are even a variety of "highway pegs" available for that cruiser stretch. Here's one example.
http://www.ascycles.com/images/products/M/Mvc-541s.JPG
Me, I rest my boots on the engine jugs for a minute or two.

I've also seen brushed aluminum parts to replace various plastic bits. Also stainless steel for (e.g.) your gas cap cover.

I have a Pirate's Lair backrest on mine for two up riding, not exactly a sissy-bar! But it does change the bikes lines a bit.

In fact, thinking about the CL line, the BMW attempt at a cruiser, may provide you with several options. Levers, brake fluid reservoir, etc were chromed. Just make sure they interchange. The engine (external) bits should. You could do a pretty tasteful Roadster with a certain amount of chrome, on your black bike it could standout. A R1200CL below:

http://www.ascycles.com/images/products ... endent.jpg

There are also crash bars, lights to add, a variety of screens, lights etc.

You can certainly make it your own. Tastes, of course, vary. I'd lean towards CF before chrome if I had the cash I wanted to lay on this kind of bike. Not that my bike (or the rider) is a ricky-racer special, but I'd think CF would look better on her. But that's just me.

The seat is, or course, not like that of a cruiser. There are several aftermarket seats available that you may find more comfortable, some even change the look of the bike in small ways.

There's a bunch of suppliers, if you have a more specific idea what you want, I'm sure we could help direct you.

Whatever you do, post pics when you are done. I'd be curious. Good luck.

cruiser · Post by **cruiser** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:36 am

Thanks very much for your comprehensive reply JCsman!

I realise that there's only so much I can do to turn the R into the bike I really want and your suggestions are very helpful. Auxiliary lights can make a big difference I think and this is where I'll probably start.

I have to admit that I love chrome and, without going overboard, I think that chrome cylinder head covers and engine guards would look good too, especially as my bike is black.

I've already fitted chrome mirrors to the bike (they're oval with black inlays) as fitted to one of the BMW cruisers and are a huge improvement - visually and functionally - over the original round mirrors imo.

One of the main appeals of a cruiser for me is the lower riding position. As this is mainly dependant on the frame design, I guess my options are limited in this regard with the R, apart from a lower seat perhaps.

Arbee · Post by **Arbee** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 6:18 am

hehehehe
Have you seen the new 2008 Kawasaki Lime Green VN900

cruiser · Post by **cruiser** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 6:30 am

Arbee, I worded my original post carefully in order to, hopefully, avoid unhelpful replies like yours... guess it was asking too much

Arbee · Post by **Arbee** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:04 am

cruiser wrote:Arbee, I worded my original post carefully in order to, hopefully, avoid unhelpful replies like yours... guess it was asking too much

There is a phrase for your syndrome, i will think of it later... no i wont.

ROBOX · Post by **ROBOX** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:41 am

Hi Mike,

Out of interest which cruiser did you get your mirrors from. Could you send a link to the store if possible.

Enjoy your R you will love it. Get some hard BMW cases and explore europe as your in Germany. May see you on the road in June, as heading to Europe myself !

Rich

cruiser · Post by **cruiser** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:56 am

Rich, I bought the mirrors from my local BMW dealer in Hamburg. They are R1200C mirrors and only required an extra bush to fit my R1150R. I'll post a photo soon...

1150929 · Post by **1150929** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:26 am

Arbee wasn't too far off the mark. You said...

I really miss the look, the image, the 'lazy' riding style and just about everything else that goes along with being part of the 'cruiser club'

How can you duplicate that with a R? Arbee's suggestion (the VN900...just get another color and get the full fender'd version) is actually is a far lighter, more manageable bike than your previous rides. Good bike too for what it is, and it's way cheap!

I also like cruisers, just ordered a Road King Classic, but I'm still keeping my R as my all-rounder and I've also kept my sportbike. There simply isn't one bike that satisfies on all levels, though the R comes close.

cruiser · Post by **cruiser** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:35 am

Arbee wrote:
cruiser wrote:Arbee, I worded my original post carefully in order to, hopefully, avoid unhelpful replies like yours... guess it was asking too much

There is a phrase for your syndrome, i will think of it later... no i wont.

sorry Arbee, I guess you were trying to be helpful after all

Post by **mcollect** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:10 am

you can lower the bike with aftermarket shocks. Wilbers makes a great set, pricey but very high quality. Barbacks will also make it a more relaxed ride.
If it still has a stock then you could get a usable one, stock seats are Bmw's Achilles heel.

Post by **Boxer** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:40 am

If you have the money, you can get just about any parts chromed, if they aren't already available somewhere.
Someone correct me if I err, but can't you chrome the alum-alloy wheels on this bike? That would be a good start IMO.
I personally like the brushed aluminum look over chrome, but to each his own.

cruiser · Post by **cruiser** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:02 pm

Thanks for the replies guys!

I'd like to get the valve covers chrome plated as I guess this would be cheaper than buying new ready-plated covers.

Then I'd like to fit these engine bars, which I think were an option for the R1200C:

They look much better than anything else I've seen so far. Trouble is, I don't know if they'd fit the R1150R... anyone know?

ALFREDO · Post by **ALFREDO** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:03 pm

Hello cruiser,

These are the Hepco-Becker, right? The 1200C ones won't fit on the R1150R, but they make ones for your model. Check this old post for info and pictures (http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.p ... 42fc125422)

In my opinion, the highway pegs or the engine crashbars alone will not give you the "cruiserlike" feeling you are looking for. I'd strongly recomed to also change the handlebar. The R1150R's stock tubular handlebar do not help much nor does the aftermarket riser. The old R1100R had a higher handlebar (fixed not tubular) which gave a more upright n comfortable position when riding. Not sure if can be adapted to the R1150R.

Rafagas,

Post by **JCsman** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:13 pm

Boxer wrote:If you have the money, you can get just about any parts chromed, if they aren't already available somewhere.
Someone correct me if I err, but can't you chrome the alum-alloy wheels on this bike? That would be a good start IMO.
I personally like the brushed aluminum look over chrome, but to each his own.

Good chrome requires a pant-load of polishing effort to look right. I suppose if you had the time, equipment and talent you could do the wheels yourself, but it would be a chore. Paying for polishing would likely drive the price up a bunch. And not every plating shop is likely to be skilled at polishing a tricky shape like the Roadster wheels or cylinder heads.

I suspect the ready-made stuff, if available, would be a better call, all things considered.

Wait! I forgot about BMW parts prices!!!!! Never mind.

geothepencil · Post by **geothepencil** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:52 pm

Get a Wunderlich catalog and see what they have for the R1150R. I recall they have a section just for the R1150R. And I would not put anything on the cyl cover bolts like footpegs or rests. Impacts from various sources on those covers are bad enough without loading the bolts with other stresses from accessories.

Beauty is in the.............. I've had several cruiser dudes tell me that my black 02R was the most beautiful bike they have ever seen and its pure stock.

geo

cruiser · Post by **cruiser** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:02 pm

ALFREDO wrote:Hello cruiser,

These are the Hepco-Becker, right? The 1200C ones won't fit on the R1150R, but they make ones for your model. Check this old post for info and pictures (http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.p ... 42fc125422)
Rafagas,

Hi Alfredo.
No, the engine bars in my photo are NOT Hepco and Becker - they're a BMW accessory for their cruiser models - not sure which one. I thought there might be a good chance they'd fit my R1150R ...don't think they will though

I do not like the H&B chrome bars at all.

Post by **ruddy** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:22 pm

Hepco and Becker did make chrome crash bars for the R. I've got a set on mine, and they look sharp. I don't think they're currently listed on their Web site, but it's worth a look. I got mine brand new at a bargain price on eBay, so look there for custom goodies. I'm always seeing chrome valve covers and other parts listed.

cone · Post by **cone** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:13 am

I must say that green Kawa looks good. Maybe it's because I like green bikes. My riding buddies all ride Harley's and they won't even give this bike a second glance. For the price it seems like a good buy if you like cruisers but unfortunately it has no street cred.

mnnden · Post by **mnnden** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:08 am

Heere ya go Mike, A nice layed back "R", but I think the guy just sold it, so you will have to build your own. (just kidding, but it is a beautiful bike!!)
Den.