Input needed on the good and the not so good of a R1150R

[maxredline]

Hello everyone, I am new to the site and am currently considering acquiring a R1150R. The GS interests me but I think the R would do the job for less money.
First a quick history. I have been riding for 30 odd years, mostly Japanese sport bikes. The most recent
is a Honda liter bike. I believe I have got the "sport bike" style of riding out of my system (the last two speeding
tickets helped that along).
I have the feeling that the R1150R will suit all of my needs while still having fun on the bike, comfort, torque and decent handling. What I am looking for is a comfortable bike that can do most things well. The only issue I could see that I may have a problem with finding the right screen for trips. I am 5'6 so I am not sure if it will be a problem. I would consider a RT but I would like to keep the weight down and do not really like its looks.
Any how any info you have on the R1150R good or bad will be appreciated. Please include any known issues as well as recalls. Thank you Dave.

[towerworker]

Dave--

Thanks for checking out this site and asking the questions. Of course most if not all of the folks here are a little biased but I think you will find some pretty honest opinions and answers here.

The good---- this list could be pretty long
Pretty good reliability (there are a few issues which I will address shortly)
Easy to work on---if you have just a little mechanical ability you can perform nearly all maintenance and service yourself and have fun doing so.
There is a wealth of help and knowledge on this board
Overall good quality
Awesome brakes!
Great handling
Quiet (a plus if you like quiet machines)
Really sharp looking-----I never fail to get positive comments when stopped at public places--they are pretty distinctive in appearance------not a cookie cutter bike.
With a few accessories (bags and shield) you can ride all day and do some pretty serious touring (in comfort) on shields..........many opinions here--I have the BMW touring shield and I am 5'9" and it fits me very well--good protection.
Good fuel economy---I can consistently get 50mpg---a tad more if easy on throttle---a tad less if I am agressive.
The heated grips are worth their weight in gold! (if you ride in the winter)

Bad stuff----
Relatively small dealer network----for example their are only 3 dealers in Va. Good thing my bike has been very reliable-----
There is a certain amount of concern over two substantial issues---one is a failure of the clutch splines----you can find other threads on this board that go into more detail. Unclear as to just which bikes are affected---some 02's,03's and a few 04's. Have not heard of later models involved and the few earlier ones affected it's difficult to be real conclusive.
The other issue you will hear about is final drive failure (final drive bearings) Again not widespread but it's out there. The thing about the internet is that one failure reported gets talked about for a long time so often times it may get a tad magnified over reality. Not minimizing the issue but you need to consider everything.
Another very minor issue but problematic (and easily rectified) is the cheap a__! fuel line quick disconnects. Just a minor pain in the butt but an hour on a weekend will fix it.

That about it from me----these are the things that stand out in my mind. I put 42K on a 03 and have 28K on an 04 right now and I really wouldn't want another bike. They're keepers!

Wayne

[bikermeow]

Hiya,

Welcome.

Agree on the above.

One of the aspects about the R is the servo brakes if the one you are eyeing has them. It is pretty much a love/hate thing, and replacement cost if they ever break down is high, although failure rate seems low. Some owners remove the system and revert to traditional brakes, beefed up with steel lines.

After sports bikes, the standing weight of the R might take some getting used to.

Cheers

Cat

[Buckster]

I also agree with tower. I would go ride one if you find one at a dealer. I haven't rode one but the R1200R is slightly more sport oriented and quicker. You may want to try that one first.

[boxermania]

If you like the R1150R, look for an 05 or later model. If you can reach deeper go for the R1200R, to me it doesn't have the appeal of the earlier model but the engine design and management have been improved and they are 60 lbs lighter.

Best of luck..........

[Sparky]

The way I like to describe my R1150R is as a jack of all trades but master of none: it does lots of things very well but is excellent at no one particular thing.

If you want to tour, slap some BMW saddlebags and a windscreen of your choice and take it cross country. Strip it all off and fly naked to strafe some twisty mountain roads. Put a top box on it and commute to work comfortably. It can do it all.

That said, there are better long-distance haulers, there are better sport-bikes, and there are better commuters. But few will be capable of doing them all well.

Coming off a Honda literbike, you'll immediately notice two things: the R1150R is a heavy bike (compared to what you're used to) and it's way down on power (again, comparatively speaking). That said, I personally believe that literbikes aren't really made for the real world. They are so powerful that one can't even begin to use their capabilities on the street -- and their limits are so high, it's hard to even explore their limits on the track. Furthermore, they are mighty uncomfy since their ergos are designed for the track and not for the street. It's in the real world that the R1150R shines. While it doesn't have much top-end power, it has plenty of torque available from idle and in the real world that's what you need. It also has surprisingly good handling. Get into the twisties, and you'll be able to keep up with most bikes through the corners and powering out using the engine's torque. Get onto a straightaway and you'll wave bye-bye to sportbike taillights, but it sounds like you're trying to avoid that kind of speed (since the engine is tuned for torque and not horsepower, it tends to make more sound than thrust as the revs rise).

I just took my bike to the track last week and running in the intermediate group I was able to keep up with lots of bikes on the corners (and passed a few) but was passed like I was riding a moped on the long straightaways).

If I were you, I would test-ride one if I could, so as to be sure about the differences between your current bike and the R1150R.

As others have said, the newer R1200R has 20 more horsepower, revs better, and is 60 pounds lighter. But while you can get an R1150R all day long for about $6,000, you'd be hard-pressed to find an R1200R for under $12,000.

[maxredline]

Thank you all for the great input! Without slighting anyone I would like to thank Tower Worker for his honest remarks The R is on the top of my heap of my heap of bikes to buy and frankly I don't think I need a test ride (maturing @ 48)
Cheers Dave

[towerworker]

Dave you're welcome----hope this all helps. I thought of one thing I consider a major benefit especially if you want to ride thru cold weather ( and I do and love it).............the R has a massive alternator compared to most bikes. Basically an automotive style 700 watt system. It has plenty of capacity to run full heated clothing plus everything on the bike. I use a heated jacket liner and GS handguards in conjunction with the heated grips and I stay very comfortable.

It bears repeating again----the level of help and expertise available on this board is second to none! The folks here have made my R ownership a pleasure.

Good luck in your decision!

Wayne

[Hottech]

One other thing not mentioned is your height. I am also 5'6 and had abit of getting use to the bikes height. I have a stock low seat and try not to stop too often. I try to judge the lights and the bike will stay on track at less than a crawl. I love the R and use it daily in traffic. Just got back from riding the blue ridge parkaway with a group pf big harleys and a I rolled thru the curves as they were all braking. You get use to the bikes height and make it work for you.

[NAIAD]

Dave,

Not to rain on the parade, as I think all of the above input is RIGHT on the mark. I owned a 50R for 3 years and it was a really excellent machine. Hated to part with it, but I can't afford more than one bike at a time...darn it!

I've ridden bikes for 40+ years, started on dirt bikes, then to standard sort of street bikes, mostly big-bore Suzooks. Eventually moved to sport bikes after owning a race-prepped GS1000S Wes Cooley Rep, on to Katana's after that for a few years. Then rode Ducati's for about 10 years before buying a 2004 1150R. Like others said, you will notice the lower power and higher weight, but like me I suspect you will quickly learn to love the all-round performance of the R.

Now, that being said...after awhile I began to miss somewhat the sportier rides I'd owned before. One major reason in my purchase of an R was a wish (hope?) to get my wife riding with me again. For some reason she lost her interest when I bought my first Duc! At any rate, once it was determined that she had no interest riding, even on a comfy bike like an R, I decided to look for something with a bit more performance focus...and decided to try an R1100S. A test ride convinced me it was a better fit, with a somewhat stronger motor, a bit more "feel" in the handling, and a seemingly lower center of gravity.

Long story short, I sold the R and bought an S from a fella in St. Louis last April. The 3800 mile ride home demonstrated to me that this was a better bike for me, quite comfy and the wind protection seems better too. Tried 3 different windshields (I'm 6-2) and was never really satisfied.

So, a little piece of advice....do you see this coming....look at an S bike. You may like what you see. And if you don't, ya really can't go wrong with an R! Plus, if you get the R, you'll be able to hang around with this excellent bunch of folks on this site. Of course I still hang around anyway!

Cheers! Bill J

[BMWEW1]

Ditto on all the comments here, I love my 1150R, but like Lifer I've been eyeing an 1100S. As for the chance of reducing speeding tickets, well an R1150R will get you in trouble just as easy (maybe not as fast) as any sport bike, believe me I know!

Good luck!

[webmost]

As short as you are, have you considered an R1200C? Fabulous looks, cruiser ergos, and a LOW seat. People who haven't tried one parrot that they are underpowered; but don't be fooled -- max torque is at a mere 3,000 RPM and max horse at a mere 5,000; so though the HP stats aren't going to knock your socks off, both torque and HP are right in your ordinary operating range where you can grab them, not in some astronomical never reached dreamland. For example: I recently sold a Honda TransAlp with a 600cc engine which claimed 55HP at 9,750RPM; but redlined at 9. What good does that empty number do you if you never get to it? And as far as beauty --- this is the bike they put in the art museum.

But the low seat is the deal: You'll find that a lot of R1200C owners are similarly inseam challenged.

[macx]

To go off on a slightly different tangent, I'm a "new" BMW r1150r owner - bought it on the spur of the moment
strictly on the BMW reputation. BTW, I'm 61 and LONG past my motorcycle hot rod days! BUT I still like good
torque response and mid range throttle, good handling, and enuf "beans" to put a smile on my face up to a tad
over 100. I won't win any drag races with a crotch rocket, but I'm not into that any more. It's plenty for my
age and what I feel comfortable with and still can give me a rush when I crack the throttle.

I agree with some folks who have said the BMW flat twins are really different than the i.e. 4 cyl Suzook I used
to ride, and for that matter the Norton, the Harley and on and on.

And I also agree that it's a master of none but does all things very well indeed. I love the handling. I love the
mid range torque. It's a "real world" bike for folks that aren't into crotch rockets, or ear splitting 800 lb Harleys,
many of which (there are always exceptions) that can't get out of their own way or go around a self respecting
corner. And I'm not into leather and tattoos. (Just pokin good natured fun, no offense intended!! - I'd actually
love to own a Victory, too!)

Now, a few things. I wish it had a lower first gear - easier to modulate the throttle on take-off, esp on uphill takeoffs and with a passenger. I'm in the process of getting a low-first-gear RTP/Adv trans for that very reason. But they're around $1k and not easy to find lo miles good used. You can also switch final drives, but there isn't much in the way of a lower gear ratio in complete used units - stock is 2.82, available is 3.0, which is not as much of a reduction as the TRP/Adv trans in low gear. But that's all cuz I don't do freeways hardly ever. You wouldn't want to do that if you live on the freeways. So not worried about long 80 mph blasts. I'm mostly 2 lane roads at moderate speeds, pokin around kind of thing, and with my stock trans and 2.82 gears, I'm always shifting between 5th & 6th, and 5th at near 60 puts it up over 3600 a tad and buzzes the handlebars, and 6th at 60 lugs it, so the Adv trans giving me about 400 rpm more in 6th will fit the bill perfectly there too. I'd also much rather have a belt drive - just as clean, a WHOLE bunch easier and cheaper to fix and to change ratios. But nothing's perfect.

After my 750 Zuki, it is a tad top heavy and cumbersome to wheel around, you gotta stay alert and keep your feet spread wide!

And I'm surely not a big fan of the stock seat - I'm 61 & 250 lbs, and it's like straddling a log for me. Fine for an hour, misery after that. Gonna go to a Russel Day-Long seat even though I seldom ride for more than a few hours when the wife & I go on a back-country 2 lane tour. We both just need a little "wider foundation" under us! ; -)

It IS easy to work on - altho I'm an old hot rodder (hemi's & big block Rat Camaro's, all hopped a bunch, and did all my own
building and tuning), I set the rocker end play and ran the valves in about 3 hours the first time - not near as big a deal as
some of the (excellent for first timers) write-ups sound. Also, do by all means get a Twin-Max and a Techlusion! Best things you can do for the bike.

Oh, and some foam handgrips - mine likes to buzz the grips in the 3500 to ~4000 range.

I wouldn't maybe have chosen that particular bike had I gone shopping, (bought it on the spur of the moment when I saw a great deal) but I sure have grown to love it. I got some first-level (not the fancy pin striped expensive ones) Nelson Riggs throw-over saddle bags (super bags!) and a mag tank bag (also super) so I can carry stuff when I need. Now I hardly ever
drive my car or SUV any more!

Not to say I maybe wouldn't love a 1200 a little more, but for an extra $6,000? I doubt it! And I can't rightfully claim to be able to use all this bike's capabilities, so what would I do with more?

Not the perfect bike for any one specific preference, like liter-bike power and top end, but enuf power, super handling, enough uniqueness to make it interesting, nice real world mid range torque and throttle response, did I say great handling? and it grows on you.

Mine happened to have the ABS, the roadster version, that I didn't even know came on bikes! And I've never had a panic stop on this one, knock on wood etc, but if I find myself needing to stop quicker than I expected, MAN do they haul you down quick!! And with just the hand brake which, bTW, is also power assisted, even!! You can still slide the rear out if you want/need with the foot brake.

Besides, how many folks can say they drive a BMW?!! Have fun!!

[Samiam]

Maxc has a good head on his young shoulders! I agree with just about all he said, especially about the "too tall first gear" with a pillion on board and the stock seat. And, as much as I love the tall sixth gear, I too, find myself going back and forth between 5th and 6th on back roads, which constitutes 80% of my riding.

I too, am an old "hot rodder" (actually, amateur sports car racer) and the Roadster is ridiculosly east to maintain. This was one of the reasons for my selection of the bike. The Roadster is, indeed, a blend of all the best "all purpose" motorcycles with emphasis on "roadability."

As a 64 year old rider, Maxc gives me hope that the younger generation really "gets it" with regard to motorcycles.

[harveyrawn]

"Also, do by all means get a Twin-Max and a Techlusion! Best things you can do for the bike."

What are those?

[Dr. Strangelove]

My 2 cents
Having had my 04 R since December 05, and having put 33k miles on her... I love this bike. I put almost 7000 miles on her since Sept 20 through Colorado and NC. I was on Deal's Gap Monday. I flogged her, she loved it and it was an obscene ride, back and forth. I was running her mostly between 5500 and 6500 rpms on those twisties and it was great.

I rode her back home--over 600 miles, yesterday.

I am almost 5'8" and the 380 "tall" BMW screen is fine for me and I think it would be even better for you at 5'6"

She is fitted with a sirius radio, a Garmin Zumo, motolights, throttlemeister, BRAKE! taillight modulator and that makes her perfectly farkled for me. I commute, tour, joyride, and I have never been disappointed in her. City, country, interstate, two lanes, always fun to rise.

The seat height is 32" with the standard seat, I think. My inseam is 31" so I am sometimes on my tip toes at a stop.

The battery and the air filter is a real hassle to get to, though. You have to remove the tank. Not fun though some will say no big deal.

Let us know what you decide and if you find one it is perfectly acceptable to tell the forum about it, the price etc and you will be told whether it's a good deal or to steer clear.

John

[priapismic]

I can't belive this hasn't been mentioned, so I'll say it: coming off a liter-sized sportbike, you're going to find the Telelever front end "vague" and "lacking feedback", if you believe the magazine writers. And there's a little bit if truth to that, too. It will seem a tad heavy, at first. But after five and a half years with my R, I've adapted to it pretty well, and I find I can hustle it 'round a twisty road with aplomb.

[spoon]

I also have a Sportster (I know HD) if you want to talk heavy go there.

[shake1150]

like most posters have said... its a great all-around bike... my 2cents:

good stuff:

1. torquey boxer-twin engine
2. awesome brakes
3. shaft drive
4. great handling
5. heated grips!
6. the telelever front end (no brake dive)
7. looks like it should be in a museum
8. chrome headlight and instrument cluster (classy look)
9. sharp looking magnesium rims
10. upright seating position


bad:
1. all that great stuff comes with a hefty price tag!
2. not enough time to ride


it is a great all-around bike. you can find one faster, cheaper, handles better, stops quicker, blah blah blah... BUT you will *NEVER* find one that can do them all better than the Roadster can.

[challey]

I'll second everything my friend Wayne posted, both the good and the bad.

I'd add that after 30+ years of riding bikes, I've never had as much fun on 2 wheels as with the Roadster and can state unuquivically that it is the best all-around bike out there (allright, maybe the R1200R is a tad better). As for being, um, vertically challenged, I'm 5'7" with barely a 29" inseam and don't really have any issues. I've removed the rubber spacers under the seat, which brings things maybe 1/2" closer to the ground and can almost flat-foot the bike. I plan on finally doing a little surgery on the stock this winter seat to narrow it a bit which I'm pretty sure will be all that's needed to finally get both feet flat on the tarmac when stopped. One big plus is that this is a very easy bike to work on. My local dealer closed up about 2 years after I bought my bike and since then, with the help of this board, I've done all of the routine maintenance. Saved money and got great peace of mind knowing that the work was done properly.

The R is is a great bike made even better by the this board.

Charlie