I put 250 miles on it over the weekend. I'm a pretty new rider... bought a Virago 750 off a buddy last year for $750... Still trying to get the title for it... He lost his copy so I got a notarized lost title certificate and mailed it to Wa. state Dep of Licensing. I've been riding that 1-2 weekends/month since March of last year... Also took the beginner Motorcycle Safety Course paid for by the military.
I was pretty nervous on the BMW starting off... Its a very different sit than my Virago. After a couple hundred miles on it though, I'm feeling much much better!
disco_jon - That is a fine looking bike and a good deal to boot! Looks like you got some of the most wanted 'farkles' with the deal too! (bags and Sargent's seat)
Take is easy for a while but you will love that bike when you get the feel of it. Great all around machine.
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
What a great deal for $6k.
My previous bike to the R was an '82 Virago; there is a huge difference in handling.
The Virago always seemed to want to stay upright as long as the engine was running; the R is a lot more willing to go into a corner.
It took a couple of days to get used to it; the first day I was so concerned I stopped to make sure both wheels were tight.
I talked to the head mechanic at the local dealer and asked about the difference being due to the orientation of rotating mass, i.e. Virago is in-line causing a bicycle wheel effect while the boxer is just the opposite. He smiled a little, said he couldn't comment much on the physics of it, just that most Boxer enthusiasts refer to it as 'responsive' handling.
You are sure to like it more each time you ride it.
What state are you in? Must be pretty far south, as none of the trees around here have any leaves yet.
Remove the windshield, remove the backrest, leave the side cases in the garage and ride it like you stole it.
Oh yes, unless you have a bull neck, ditch the Schuberth and grab an Arai (RX-7) a lot lighter, a lot cooler and you can remove everything for cleaning.
Enjoy
Rod
2001 R1150R Black of course (sold)
2009 F800GS Black & yellow of course
Apple Macintosh
Remove the windshield, remove the backrest, leave the side cases in the garage and ride it like you stole it.
Oh yes, unless you have a bull neck, ditch the Schuberth and grab an Arai (RX-7) a lot lighter, a lot cooler and you can remove everything for cleaning.
Hehe I'm actually pretty happy with the way it is right now. I sorta prefer a touring bike to the "sport" or "sportster" look. Unless I go to Myrtle Beach for a weekend, I'll be doing 110 mile drives twice a weekend.
I prefer the naked bike look and removed my fly screen, however as a 5 foot almost nothing, I dont suffer from the blast in the chest problem as some do. You look a bit tall and will probably benefit from the windscreen. I like the Sergeant seats, I bet they are comfortable on a long run. I use a stock seat and end up uncomfortable on a longish ride. What ever you choose you will like that bike I am sure.
Have fun in that Great country. Ride safe.
Rod
2001 R1150R Black of course (sold)
2009 F800GS Black & yellow of course
Apple Macintosh
Well done. I too just bought my first R1150R (3rd BMW), around the same price, a few extra farkles, but about 30k more miles! Good thing it's a BMW, I know it will last.
Where in SC, I'm in Charleston.
J
Nice bike: it's a shame the ugly backrest spoils the lines of such a beautiful motorcycle. I'll buy the ugly backrest for $175 just to keep you from suffering the slings and arrows of outraged Roadster owners. And because my heart is pure....