I'm new here but been riding for 30 years. I currently ride a 2003 BMW F650GS Dakar. I go back and forth between road bikes and dirt/dual sports and have been looking at used R1150R for my next road bike. I have noticed a great deal of 2004 and older models for sale but very few 2005/2006. I can't seem to find a big difference between the 2004, 2005, 2006 models other than their availability. Is there something different about them? Are their advantages/disadvantages between these three years?
I am sorry if the answers are located elsewhere and I have missed them. I have been reading here for a month or so and haven't seen any conclusive evidence to answer my questions. Perhaps BMW simply made fewer of them or the newer years aren't being traded in/sold outright as much yet.
Aside from some new colors in 2005/06, the only thing I remember is the optional overdrive 6th gear in 2005/06 that came standard on the 2004.
(and the price hike from $9990 in 2004 to $10,500 MSRP after that)
The 05/06's have 2 possible 6th gear ratios.
The overdrive gear was extra.
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
sjbmw wrote:Aside from some new colors in 2005/06, the only thing I remember is the optional overdrive 6th gear in 2005/06 that came standard on the 2004.
(and the price hike from $9990 in 2004 to $10,500 MSRP after that)
The 05/06's have 2 possible 6th gear ratios.
The overdrive gear was extra.
Thanks. I will keep looking. Amazing how many 2004's are for sale.
Did BMW drop the power ABS in 2005 or did it stay on until the R1200?
I bought my '04 R1150R specifically because I wanted ABS, but the power assisted ABS on my bike is overly sensitive and grabby. BMW saw the light and quietly reverted to a non power assisted system on later models. After 96k miles I've learned to live with mine.
My bike has the overdrive 6th gear, and it is great for relaxed cruising on the Interstate at 80 mph, and returns excellent gas mileage. Below 65 mph you learn to use 5th gear.
peterbulgar wrote:Did BMW drop the power ABS in 2005 or did it stay on until the R1200?
I bought my '04 R1150R specifically because I wanted ABS, but the power assisted ABS on my bike is overly sensitive and grabby. BMW saw the light and quietly reverted to a non power assisted system on later models. After 96k miles I've learned to live with mine.
My bike has the overdrive 6th gear, and it is great for relaxed cruising on the Interstate at 80 mph, and returns excellent gas mileage. Below 65 mph you learn to use 5th gear.
Pyrate - I don't think you will find any differences between the expressed years. I do not think that there were any significant (if any at all) changes between 2004/2005. My guess is that during 2003 and 2004, BMW was offering really fantastic financing (financing was a big factor in my original purchase - 2003) and there were more bikes sold during those two years. I can't substantiate this - it's just a hunch. Couple that with the fact that '05 and '06 are still newer and thus a little less likely to be sold and you may have your answer. If it were up to me, I would take an '04 with the same miles for considerably less than the '05 and feel confident doing so.
chibbert wrote:Pyrate - I don't think you will find any differences between the expressed years. I do not think that there were any significant (if any at all) changes between 2004/2005. My guess is that during 2003 and 2004, BMW was offering really fantastic financing (financing was a big factor in my original purchase - 2003) and there were more bikes sold during those two years. I can't substantiate this - it's just a hunch. Couple that with the fact that '05 and '06 are still newer and thus a little less likely to be sold and you may have your answer. If it were up to me, I would take an '04 with the same miles for considerably less than the '05 and feel confident doing so.
There were a few upgrades between 03 and 04... stainless brake lines... jump start posts... improved ABS unit (if ABS equipped)... 2-spark ignition.
I think the 04 and newer models are exactly the same. I think that the default 6th gear situation is that the Roadsters had the tall "overdrive gear"... the Rocksters had the shorter 6th gear. You could order the 6th gear you wanted... but almost all Roadsters delivered to the states had the taller "overdrive". It's easy enough to tell... crank it up to 80MPH... the tall "overdrive" gear will have you at 4000 RPM.
I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray...
I agree with the overdrive being present in year 2004 and being selectable afterwards.
I also agree that on sixth gear 80 mph equates to 4k rpms, and 60mph to 3k rpms and so on on my bike which is a 2004 with overdrive.
I also can advise that if you plan to do interstate long runs overdrive is a must.
I can tell you I still hope for my bike to have 7 gears and not six.
I don't mean I can't live and do well with six, but on certain occasions the 7th gear is something my ears ask for.That being said means a wouldn't like to have a shorter sixth no matter what.
eduardobelmonte wrote:I agree with the overdrive being present in year 2004 and being selectable afterwards.
I also agree that on sixth gear 80 mph equates to 4k rpms, and 60mph to 3k rpms and so on on my bike which is a 2004 with overdrive.
I also can advise that if you plan to do interstate long runs overdrive is a must.
I can tell you I still hope for my bike to have 7 gears and not six.
I don't mean I can't live and do well with six, but on certain occasions the 7th gear is something my ears ask for.That being said means a wouldn't like to have a shorter sixth no matter what.
That's my two cents on this matter my friends.
Eduardo.
2004 and beyond all had a 6th gear but one is an OD and the other is just geared as 6th? I will try to look it up but I guess I am confused by the comment of "if you plan to do interstate long runs overdrive is a must."
Nevermind. Iowabreaker's comment seems to address this. Thanks.
"I think the 04 and newer models are exactly the same. I think that the default 6th gear situation is that the Roadsters had the tall "overdrive gear"... the Rocksters had the shorter 6th gear. You could order the 6th gear you wanted... but almost all Roadsters delivered to the states had the taller "overdrive". It's easy enough to tell... crank it up to 80MPH... the tall "overdrive" gear will have you at 4000 RPM.
Pyrate - rest assured that you would be happy with either 6-gear combination. Only difference is the 6th OD tranny doesn't like cruising in 6th at really below 70mph so you would end up higher revs in 5th until you get above 70 then would shift to 6th.
chibbert wrote:Pyrate - rest assured that you would be happy with either 6-gear combination. Only difference is the 6th OD tranny doesn't like cruising in 6th at really below 70mph so you would end up higher revs in 5th until you get above 70 then would shift to 6th.
Which works out just marvelously as this bike doesn't seem to mind cruising at 4-5k rpm for 200 miles.
chibbert wrote:Pyrate - rest assured that you would be happy with either 6-gear combination. Only difference is the 6th OD tranny doesn't like cruising in 6th at really below 70mph so you would end up higher revs in 5th until you get above 70 then would shift to 6th.
Which works out just marvelously as this bike doesn't seem to mind cruising at 4-5k rpm for 200 miles.
Awesome. My riding is typically a weekend afternoon of 200 miles and then a couple week long trips per year. So having the ability to cruise long distance but have the fun on the afternoon rides is great. I guess I will have to get used to the lower distances on a fuel tank though. My Dakar averages about 260.
Hey Pyrate - I just bought a 2002 Roadster Sunday to add to my 2005. Rode the '02 from Dulles VA to Boston 538 miles in 10 hours w no problems, but noticed a couple small differences. Oddly, the '02 seems to have a taller 6th, maybe it was the OD referred to here. I think they converted to double sparks somewhere in there, but not sure when. The '02 with new Road Pilot 2's was taught all the way. Very similar all in all. Enjoy your new rockster!
I currently ride a 2003 BMW F650GS Dakar. I go back and forth between road bikes and dirt/dual sports and have been looking at used R1150R for my next road bike. I have noticed a great deal of 2004 and older models for sale but very few 2005/2006. I can't seem to find a big difference between the 2004, 2005, 2006 models other than their availability. Is there something different about them? Are their advantages/disadvantages between these three years?
