Advice for a possible new owner

[Whtshprd]

Hello all.

I am new to the BMW m/c scene and have been lurking on this and other forums to determine whether or not getting one would be for me. This forum seems the most informative, so I wanted to see if any of you could address some of my questions regarding getting one of these rides. I am looking particularly at the 1150RT because of the motor and a friend of a friend has one and he swears by it. Also, I want a bike to ride my son on as my current bike doesn’t allow it. So, here goes...

What are the best things about this bike?
What are the negative (if any) things about this bike that I should know about?
Is it easy to do the maintenance yourself? I am used to doing all of it (except valve adjustments) myself.
What are the modifications I should make if I got one?
I love the twisties... How does this bike do in them?

Also, I am thinking about getting a used Police model. I’ve seen ads saying that they have a 2nd battery (which could dome in handy), the crash bars, and a “beefed up” suspension (I don’t really know what that entails). Also, I know that although they have high miles one them, they have been maintained at regular intervals. They also sell for relatively cheaper prices (because of the high miles?). So here are few more questions.

Would you recommend getting a privately owned bike over a Police model?
I know I would have to switch out or add for a pillion because the Police models don’t have one. What would that entail?

Thank you in advance and I look forward to your replies.

Jo

[boxermania]

From my perspective it is one of the best all around bikes on the market, albit, there are soe known issues with the model.

Rather than going over it again, may I suggest that you do a search on Mike Cam posts as he has writen extensively what the good/bad things about the model are.

[Ves]

Here's my thoughts for what it's worth...

What are the best things about this bike?
The best thing is the combination of features. Unique design, good performance, easy to work on, solid, versatile (trackdays, touring, whatever). I like the shaft drive and love the anti-dive front end.

What are the negative (if any) things about this bike that I should know about?
Read up on the final drive issues. The clutch is grabby, but you get use to it. Shifting into first from neutral is hit or miss, but you learn to deal with it. The stock seat sucks, but so do seats on most motorcycles. It's kind of clumsy at low speeds... out of it's element... so if you do a lot of commuting in traffic, probably not the best choice (air cooled engine adds to that problem). Vibration level depends on state of tune.

Is it easy to do the maintenance yourself? I am used to doing all of it (except valve adjustments) myself.
Yes.

What are the modifications I should make if I got one?
If you love twistiest, then you want the short paralever arm (the one off the GS) to replace the stock one. Raises the rear about .75 inches, makes the bike steer a bit quicker.

I love the twistiest... How does this bike do in them?
Like any twin, you have a good amount of torque, so that's an advantage... gear selection is not critical.
There are ground clearance issues if you're talking racetrack speeds or if you really like to lean the bike. The short paralever arm helps that. A longer front shock helps also (one with independent height adjustment). Let's face it, it's not a crotch rocket, stuff will scrape if you chuck it into a corner and your suspension isn't up to it. Hanging off helps.
Here's a question? How big are the chicken strips on your tires now? If they are 1/4" or more then no problem. If you're getting to the edge of your tire, you'll probably be OK, but if you regularly ride on the edge of your tire (edge of tire is frayed), you'll have to work on leaning off... otherwise you'll be scraping hard parts.
And it does weight 500+ lbs... so it doesn't quite flick like a 400 lb sport bike. But the wider handlebars help that some.
My internal lean indicator will let me lean further than the jugs on this bike will let me. As long as I'm aware of that, I'm OK.

Here's the bottom line... do I look like I'm having fun?

[Whtshprd]

Thank you guys for some insight. I will check out Mike Cam's post. Thank you Ves for your reply as well. As far as the quirks of the bike, it doesn't sound any more than the quirks on others.

As far as the chicken strips go, I ride to the edge of the tire, but don't shred it too often. I usually hang off anyway to keep the bike as "upright" in the corner as much as possible just in case there are any surprises and I have that "buffer zone" of extra traction. Yeah, it does look like you're having a blast!

Thanks again, Jo

[MikeCam]

MikeCam sez:

What are the best things about this bike? Proven design. Robust. Easy to own and maintain.

What are the negative (if any) things about this bike that I should know about? Final drive failures (bearings and bevels) in 3-5% of all models. Tramsmission input shaft failures in 0.1% of all models (but can be a bigger number as time goes by). Clutch slave cylinder corrosion. ABS adds electronic complexity and high repair cost are a potential future outlay. Fully linked brakes on civilian model are a bad implementation of a bad idea.

Is it easy to do the maintenance yourself? I am used to doing all of it (except valve adjustments) myself. Yes including valves and throttle body sync; tire changes, all fluids incl brakes; virtually any sub-frame rear end work; major mods i.e. convert ABS to non.; shocks; electrical.

What are the modifications I should make if I got one? New shocks.

I love the twisties... How does this bike do in them? Capable in a sport tourer sort of way. Top heavy with a narrow tipping point at stops. Weight disappears at speed.


Also, I am thinking about getting a used Police model. I’ve seen ads saying that they have a 2nd battery (which could dome in handy), the crash bars, and a “beefed up” suspension (I don’t really know what that entails). Also, I know that although they have high miles one them, they have been maintained at regular intervals. They also sell for relatively cheaper prices (because of the high miles?). So here are few more questions.

Would you recommend getting a privately owned bike over a Police model? Police has advantages: partially linked brakes rather than fully linked; better maintenance records, better gearing, etc. Plus, if painted in traditional colors - more road respect even without lights and siren.

I know I would have to switch out or add for a pillion because the Police models don’t have one. What would that entail? Expensive parts (or salvage) some sub-frame level mods. BMWST.org has the step-by-step to do it.

[lionlady]

My one issue with the RT is the weight. That is a heavy beast. Especially the police model.

You can get the R/R and add side cases, top case and it will be a magnificent two up tourer. If you'll be doing most of your riding in warm weather, the fairing can make things a bit warm, though that protection is nice in winter.

P

[OU812]

RT is the best all around bike IF you do long days in the saddle. Handles better then the LT. My 2000 RT had the comfort seat and was by far better than any seat I have tried. And there have been more then a few. The newer(05' and up) RT's are lighter yet. About the same as a loaded up R1150R with a tad more power but that comes at a $$$$. Either way you WILL love your RT.
From the guy who has tried them all.

[Ves]

....
From the guy who has tried them all.

We can all vouch for that...

[peterbulgar]

I find the rider's seat OK, but the passenger seat (according to my skinny son) is uncomfortable for any distance over 25 miles. I purchased the BMW Comfort passenger seat, and he said it was only a slight improvement. The Sargent seat was much more to his liking - no more compaints.
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

[spoon]

On the Police model, You need to find out if the department it came from assigned the bike to a specific officer or the bike was a pool bike. Was the bike used for escort duty (these get hammered). Depending on the officer it may have been riden like he owned it or it may have been riden like he stole it. Full throttle excelleration, rapid stops, long idles, things to look out for.

[Whtshprd]

Thank you guys for the advice so far. I look forward to more.

One thing that I've not seen anyone post (I haven't really dug that deep though) is regarding the seat being upgraded to a Corbin. I got my first one 2 bikes ago and then it was the first (and one of the best) mod I did on my current bike. I loved it on the first bike and love it on the ride I have now. I know a lot of people don't like them, but I do have the luxury of going to the Corbin factory and have them sculpt it exactly the way I want. The last time I went, they had me sit on it at least three times and ride it. I then had it "built up" where I needed more foam and sculpted out where I didn't want any foam. They will even modify it further months later if I am dissatisfied with it for free. I know a few people with Sargents and they love them. The only reason I continue with Corbin (although they are more pricey) is that I can have it "fitted".

Any input regarding this?

TIA

[REFFI]

I'm a fairly new owner. I bought my 'o4 R1150RA in August of '06. I bought it in Northern California and rode it home to Southern California. By the time I got home it was obvious that I needed a better seat and that the pgs were too high for my comfort.

You don't say how lare a person you are. I could have purchased and RTP from the same dealer from whom Ipurchased my R, same price, but mileage on the RTP was, of course, higher. When I sat on it, my knees rubber the fairing (I'm 6'1") so I took the R.

I was able to ride in to Bill Mayer Saddles (a seat I've ridden from '77 to '06 on my previous Yamaha's) The design is different now, since Bill Mayer sold the technology to Russell some time back. Nonetheless, the seat is very comfortable. I did over three hours in rush hour traffic to gt home and my butt was fine.

Lowering the pegs increased my comfort tremendously. There are two drawbacks: 1. I have to use a pusher stick in order to depress the center stand far enough so that i can get my foot on it to raise the bike. 2. The lowered pegs now allow my (large) feet to scrape in fairly easy turns (like on ramps) which makes me nervous. I'm not the most agressive rider in the world (far from it) so I've just learned to slow down and make my turns at a speed where my feet don't scrape.

On the whole, I really like the bike. It is down on power from my old bike (XS1100) but not so much that I'm shopping for a new bike. The mileage is a lot better (40's versus 30's). I have ridden the R1200 and it packs the kind of power I was used too, but, again, I don't feel the need to make the expenditure.

I would say that you will enjoy the bike. Buy as new as you can afford and get the extended warranty, if you can.

Ralph

[rantee]

As a fairly recent BMW owner and a rider for many years, I have to say that owning a BMW becomes an intimate, spiritual experience. You'll get to know what sounds right, what feels right, and if you have any mechanical inclination at all, you'll be able to make everything right, on your own. The good manuals are easy to follow and this forum has lots ready advice. The ride of an R1XXX, whether an R, GS, HP2, even the new K (my only experiences), have been described by friends and myself as a "flying couch". They're comfortable, smooth, plenty powerful, handle the excellent twisties of Ca. and travel hwys with ease. I wish I hadn't waited so long to own one and wish I had more room to have more of them in all iterations (GS, S, RS, RT, etc...)
Just get one, you won't be sorry.

[OU812]

In the last 8 years I have had the following bikes and can say the newer RT is far above the ones listed. 02' R1150R, 04'R1150R, 02'K1200LT, 96' Harley Sportster(yeah I know), 03'Harley V-Rod (best motor!), 00' R1100RT(traded the V-Rod and RT for a 08'RT.And a number of "flippers" that I would never own to ride)BUY THE RT!

[Whtshprd]

Over the weekend, I went to the International Motorcycle Show in San Mateo and had a blast. We spent most of the time demo-ing bikes, or at least waiting for them. I wish that they had BMW there demo-ing. I did see the 1200RT and the police version all decked out. I made me want to search the parking lot for any RT's for sale. The RT is such a slick looking bike. I'm keeping my eye out for them everywhere. Great advice guys.

Thanks

[REFFI]

Check with Santa Rosa BMW and AS Cycles (in the Sacramento Area, I believe) If you're looking for a used RT, they usually have them. Irv Seaver in SoCal usually has RT's that have been used for a couple of seasons as rental bikes. Most dealers have inventory listed on their websites. That's how I found my 1150R.

Ralph

[Whtshprd]

Thanks Ralph. I should have thought of that first. My sister lives 2 blocks from the BMW in Santa Rosa. Now I have something to do while I visit up there for the Holidays!