Just put down a deposit on an 04 R1150RA!

[JML]

It seems like a long time since I first posted about getting an R1150R. My attention has been diverted by Honda VFRs and a Triumph Sprint ST, but it looks like I'm going to end up with the BWM.

I hope it is the right decision. Actually, I don't see how it can be the wrong decision, it's a 2004 R1150R, ABS, with less than 2700 miles on it, and I'm looking at $5800 OTD, no trade-in. Even if I decide that I hate it, I think I can get that back out of it in a year.


More pictures

Their holding it over the weekend for me, so I can make sure that the back seat is acceptable to my girlfriend. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it needs to be better for her than my current Vulcan 750.

I've got a few questions, though, and I'll put each in a separate post, for easy replying.

[JML]

My first question, there is a stain on the right side. The service guy says it was caused by the plastic fuel line connector leaking, and the connector has been replaced. The stain is on the head and on the drive shaft. I've heard of that happening on these bikes.

What can I do to prevent it from happening again?

What can I do to cleanup the discoloration?

[JML]

My second set of questions is about the seat:

What seat is on this bike? I'm thinking it might be the passenger and driver comfort seats. Of course I've never actually seen those, so I'm really just making it up. This seat is pretty good for me, but if it is not the low seat, and I could get the low seat and drop another 20mm, that would probably increase my comfort level, as I'm only 5'3" (1600mm).

Talking about the seat, what options are there for backrests?

[JML]

My third set of questions is about accessories:

I'm going to want a windshield and hard bags. My experience with my Kawasaki is that genuine Kawasaki accessories fit and look better than aftermarket stuff. Is it the same with BMW?

Any recommendations on windshields? I'm ATGATT, so I just want something that will cut the wind a bit before it hits me, not something to protect me from all manner of road debris. I want something that looks like it was made for the bike, not just tacked on later.

I've seen the small and large BMW removable hard bags, and I like those. Is it possible to get them keyed for the bikes current lock? Any other bags I should look into?

Does this group have a favorite online accessory store?

[JML]

Finally, my last question:

Why shouldn't I get this bike? Is there anything I should look out for that will should make me run away from this bike? X-ray vision on the splines would be great, but any telltale scuffing of the tires, or clatter of the engine that could signify a serious problem?

The brake and fuel lights comes on when first started, until the bike is moving. The ABS servo whines and chatters when the brakes are applied. There is a bit of a whistling at high speed, which might just be wind. I'm told this is all normal, and I'm inclined to believe it.

[Biff's R]

My first question, there is a stain on the right side. The service guy says it was caused by the plastic fuel line connector leaking, and the connector has been replaced. The stain is on the head and on the drive shaft. I've heard of that happening on these bikes.

What can I do to prevent it from happening again?

What can I do to cleanup the discoloration?

There was a recall concerning the fuel quick disconnects. There are two thoughts on eliminating the problem. One, the dealer fixed it, leave it alone. Two, replace them with metal ones(there are several threads on the site about that. I don't think there is much you can do about the discoloration.

[Biff's R]

My second set of questions is about the seat:

What seat is on this bike? I'm thinking it might be the passenger and driver comfort seats. Of course I've never actually seen those, so I'm really just making it up. This seat is pretty good for me, but if it is not the low seat, and I could get the low seat and drop another 20mm, that would probably increase my comfort level, as I'm only 5'3" (1600mm).

Talking about the seat, what options are there for backrests?

It looks like the standard seat. Neither high nor low. Pirates lair used to make a passenger backrest that mounted onto the rear luggage rack. A driver backrest, would probably be a waste since there is a slight forward lean.

[Biff's R]

My third set of questions is about accessories:

I'm going to want a windshield and hard bags. My experience with my Kawasaki is that genuine Kawasaki accessories fit and look better than aftermarket stuff. Is it the same with BMW?

Any recommendations on windshields? I'm ATGATT, so I just want something that will cut the wind a bit before it hits me, not something to protect me from all manner of road debris. I want something that looks like it was made for the bike, not just tacked on later.

I've seen the small and large BMW removable hard bags, and I like those. Is it possible to get them keyed for the bikes current lock? Any other bags I should look into?

Does this group have a favorite online accessory store?

The two best windshields for me are the sport shield, and the flyscreen. Bigger windshields are not the way to go IMHO.

The BMW system cases for the 1150 R, and GS are the same bags. You can usually find them for around $400, and they can be rekeyed to match the ignition.

[Biff's R]

Finally, my last question:

Why shouldn't I get this bike? Is there anything I should look out for that will should make me run away from this bike? X-ray vision on the splines would be great, but any telltale scuffing of the tires, or clatter of the engine that could signify a serious problem?

The brake and fuel lights comes on when first started, until the bike is moving. The ABS servo whines and chatters when the brakes are applied. There is a bit of a whistling at high speed, which might just be wind. I'm told this is all normal, and I'm inclined to believe it.

I don't see any problems. However, I would change out the fluids since it probably hasn't happened since the 600 mile service.

[mcollect]

I have the Parabellum scout fairing. I love the ease that you can change the windshield height, I have a 10" for summer, a 14" for most days and a 21" cut down to 19 for the really cold days. I think this unit looks correct for our bikes, sort of like a R90S. Also the BMW bags are great you can rekey them yourself with information on this site. BTW there is currently a set for $350 including shipping on IBMWR in oilhead accessories. You will also need the mounting rails, your bike doesn't have them. I use Bob's BMW for my mail order, more than Chicago, but just about everything is in stock, and the most knowledgable parts people around. My $.02 worth.

[HikerGlenn]

Jml, that is a LOW seat (780mm) on that bike. I have one on mine (that's way to low for me), and I ordered the intermediate standard height one (800mm). If it's still to tall for you, I believe you might be able to remove the factory spacer block from beneath the front mounts, or maybe install a thinner spacer. On mine it looks as though the seat could drop another 10mm or so in the front by doing this. This is already a nut buster angle to begin with, so you might just want to live with it.-Glenn.