Certain doubts

[Scandic]

Hi all,
I have been reading your forum for the last few days and picked up a lot of info on the R1150R. I am considering buying a 2005 non ABS version but after reading your threads I don´t know what to think. First of all; Abs or non ABS. My conclusion is to go with the ABS, not so much because I want it personally but because the conclusion is that resale of a Non ABS is more difficult. It is a fact that the bike I have been looking at has been sitting at the dealer for a few months. The reason however is that BMW enthusiasts over here (Iceland) are more inclined to the GS versions. I have myself had a F650GS 2001 for 4 years and ridden it on and off road, for a time I also had a Suzuki V-strom 650 but found it a nondescript machine, and I also had a KTM 450 for the more serious off road riding. Don´t get me wrong though, I don´t have many years of riding experience but I have done quite a bit during the last 7 yrs.
Anyway,I am now thinking of a more relaxed riding. But alas, relaxed, as I find that many of you complain over the uncomfortable riding position on the R1150R, cramped knees and hard seats, this I found indeed during my short testride. Was quite a surprise as the G650 is the most comfortable bike I have sat on. The difference between the two siblings is remarkable.
Then there are other issues; boxer overheating in traffic, topheavy; again the 650 has such a low centre of gravity because of the fuel tank being under the seat, so my question is what are the definitive pros in this matter. The cons seem to be the center of discussion here. Or am I reading you wrong; you all love your bikes to bits and the nagging is a sign of a healthy relationship. I want to be convinced but I have my doubts.

[Sunbeemer]

My thoughts on your doubts...
ABS vs. Non-ABS issue: resale value is probably higher with the ABS, but so is the initial cost, so it's probably a wash. I personally like not having ABS, but I would feel differently if I had a GS and rode lots of dirt. I think many riders of these bikes (who are older & wiser?) feel the same, so this should be less of an issue than you might expect when you resell.

There are too many good things about the RR to list which usually are not discussed on this forum since most postings are about problems people need help with, so this is a selective filter...you are seeing the worst of the best here. Don't let that dissuade from trying one out...in my opinion it is the most competent machine on two wheels ever made...if you want to trust your life to something inherently dangerous, get the best, it evens the odds somewhat!

About the seat: there are different heights available to solve some of those comfort issues, and you get used to the others after a few thousand Smiles...

[Karmøy]

Go for the ABS VERSION....Its perfect,you cant break better....

Good luck (to us all) with Hekla.....

[boxermania]

Stateside recomendations might be illfiting to the conditions overseas, your riding style and what makes you happy. Most of those on this site that have owned an R and have moved onto the 650 and 800 twins are elated with their choice. You might want to browse their posts.

[challey]

many of you complain over the uncomfortable riding position on the R1150R, cramped knees and hard seats. . .

Riding comfort is very subjective. I find the R1150R to be quite comfortable both for long distances and short, spirited rides. The seat is a bit hard and not the perfect shape for all (including me) but this is pretty easily fixable. If you are very tall or short, this is may not necessarily be the case however.

Then there are other issues; boxer overheating in traffic, topheavy . . .

Not sure where you're seeing complaints of overheating issues at least from most middle latitude riders. The boxer is an air/oil cooled engine and is much better at dissapating heat than other designs but of course, considerably inferior to liquid-cooled engines in this regard. Unless you live in the tropics, I think overheating is a non-issue. As to the the top heavy complaint, this is something that is only felt at very low speeds. Once you're moving, the R's handling is on par with many sportbikes - and I'll venture to say that it is more responsive and confidence-inspiring than most of them. The handling, along with outstanding brakes, makes the R a great road machine. The most negative complaint I can make about the handling is that there is not great deal of feedback due to the telelever. That's a very small price to pay for the other positives though.

I have some complaints about the R and about BMW in general but overall, there are few machines out there that are as competent as the R at so many things.

Charlie

[Keppelj]

I just returned to BMW and cycling and thought also about the ABS. I found a good '02 RR example locally and bought it because it was so good in every respect. Now, with some miles on it and some deliberate brakes testing I'm happy not to have the ABS. Brakes on all bikes have gotten so good and the brakes on this bike are great. The other consideration is that I have had three oil heads in the past and with all sorts of riding and stopping I never got into the ABS.

[Scandic]

Well I bought the bike yesterday and brought it home today. A 2005 RR, with 6k miles on the clock. It looks great and rides great. Certainly different from my previous F650GS single cylinder which is also a great bike. I would have loved to keep it too, but one bike is enough.
Anyway, first thing I did was to remove the ugly windshield it had been burdened with; I think the bike looks great without it but I might get a decent looking one later. I am quite happy with the seating postion now but I really would like my legs to be a bit lower. I am 32" inseam. Any suggestions on which is more sensible, get a higher seat or lowering the pegs? Higher seat makes more sense to me. Another thing. There is nothing to hold on to for a pillion passenger. How do you guys solve that? BTW, thanks for all your positive responses, sorry about the volcano, nothing much we can do about that, other than get out of the way.

[owldaddy]

The seat has been a sore spot for a lot of riders. I have a Sargent saddle myself and like it a lot. It is almost 2" higher then the stock seat. In my opinion that would be a better choice then lowering the pegs. I did put the stock saddle back on a few weeks ago, mainly because I have a 30" inseam and my feet won't flatfoot. All it took was a few rides to convince me to put the Sargent back on. My knees felt cramped with the stock seat, and my butt complained. I might be on tip toes at a stop, but my butt and knees are a lot happier.