Newbie - Thinking about getting an R1150R

[timmy2wheels]

Howdy:

I just found this site this morning and created an account. I currently own a R1200C, R60/5 and a Kawa KLR250. I love 'em all, but I really like the looks of the R1150R. I plan to keep my R60/5 and KLR250, but would consider replacing the R12C with an R1150R. I've had the C for six years and I've ridden it from my home in Vermont to the MOA rallies in Wisconsin, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. As I noted, I really like the C, however, I'm looking for a bike that's a bit "sportier" that is still capable of doing some touring. I would like a model with ABS, windscreen and bags. I'm not a guy who adds on many items other than these.

I have a number of questions for you folks:

I've talked with a few folks who have suggested that I should get an R1150R vs. an R1200R. What are the primary advantages of an R1150R vs. a newer R1200R (other than the $$)?

What are the primary "issues"/"problems" with the R1150R?

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Tim

[riceburner]

Howdy:

I just found this site this morning and created an account. I currently own a R1200C, R60/5 and a Kawa KLR250. I love 'em all, but I really like the looks of the R1150R. I plan to keep my R60/5 and KLR250, but would consider replacing the R12C with an R1150R. I've had the C for six years and I've ridden it from my home in Vermont to the MOA rallies in Wisconsin, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. As I noted, I really like the C, however, I'm looking for a bike that's a bit "sportier" that is still capable of doing some touring. I would like a model with ABS, windscreen and bags. I'm not a guy who adds on many items other than these.

I have a number of questions for you folks:

I've talked with a few folks who have suggested that I should get an R1150R vs. an R1200R. What are the primary advantages of an R1150R vs. a newer R1200R (other than the $$)?

What are the primary "issues"/"problems" with the R1150R?

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Tim

R1200R vs R1150R - errm, mostly "character" and handling. The R1200R IS lighter, slightly more poweful and revvier - but the 1150 will be more like your current 1200C (I've ridden all 3 models) in terms of weight/handling and power characteristics. I'd test ride both and see which floats your boat - then park them up next to each other and see what looks better to you.

The main issues with the R1150R depend totally on your level of mechanicing. The main issue is the slight offset of the clutch-gearbox splines which can lead to premature wear in some instances and failure, Other issues (ABS failure, clutch slave-cylinder failure, etc etc) are not unique to the R, they're shared across the R259 range and in all honesty, they're relatively rare I think.

[gregor]

I still own an R1150R but have ridden an R1200R. In traffic the newer bike felt very like my old XT350 Yamaha- really light and manouverable.

My only gripe, I have aired this before, is that oil cooler hanging down in behind the front wheel. Ugly and I do not want road grit and spray splattering it. The R1200R guys disagree.

I love the styling of my current bike and am prepared to put up with its weight pro tem.

[BoxerSteve]

The R1200R IS lighter, slightly more poweful and revvier - but the 1150 will be more like your current 1200C (I've ridden all 3 models) in terms of weight/handling and power characteristics. I'd test ride both and see which floats your boat - then park them up next to each other and see what looks better to you.

I sold my '02 R1150R a few months ago and moved up to an '08 R1200R (that I got a great deal on). "slightly more powerful" doesn't begin to describe it, it's a whole new world in acceleration. More HP and less weight, it is a 40% improvement in power to weight ratio. It really moves out, I was very impressed the first time I rode it spiritedly.

Handling and shifting are very very nice and absolutely no surging. Surging was a problem on my R1150R. I did love that bike though, other than that. And the occasional shifting issue, sometimes it didn't want to downshift.

On the new bike, braking is phenomenal with ABS. Not that it was any slouch on the R1150R. It did take some getting used to the linked brakes. And the gas mileage is also much better than I got with R1150R, 52 MPG vs about 43 or so. I am not a slow rider either, I was surprised at the gas mileage.

I love my R1200R but do miss the looks of the R1150R.

[sweatmark]

I've talked with a few folks who have suggested that I should get an R1150R vs. an R1200R. What are the primary advantages of an R1150R vs. a newer R1200R (other than the $$)?
What are the primary "issues"/"problems" with the R1150R?

You will get many informed opinions on the R1150R vs. R1200R questions over in the R1200 section... several long-time Roadster board members "moved up" to the newer bike following years & miles of R1150R ownership. Yes, the R1200** bikes are more powerful, smoother, and lighter than their 1150 forebears, but still nowhere near the performance of a sportsbike, in case that's your frame of reference.

riceburner's message has it covered: objectively, the R1200R is improved in most all respects versus its older R1150R relative. More problems have been noted for the 1150s than for 1200s, but you can find many folks here and elsewhere who've enjoyed reliable 100k miles R1150** bikes.

Aesthetics, OTOH, are too personal a matter to debate. I'm obviously a fan of the 1150s, both Roadster and Rockster varieties, owned/ridden each. Also had an R1200C for a couple years - a beautiful machine (yep, subjective aesthetics) and fun to ride, but not enough sporting dynamic for me. I'd buy another for in-town errands if budget and local weather allowed.

[ron prior]

I briefly had a 1200C. Found an "04" Montauk [last year]....with less than 500 miles, beautiful motorcycle....but! something about the handlebar to seat to foot peg distance? / angle? ....it was the most uncomfortable motorcycle I've ever owned.
Left on a trip, made 200 miles & turned for home....it actually caused me pain...dog-gone shame ! Sold it right after, got lucky $$ wise.

[riceburner]

I briefly had a 1200C. Found an "04" Montauk [last year]....with less than 500 miles, beautiful motorcycle....but! something about the handlebar to seat to foot peg distance? / angle? ....it was the most uncomfortable motorcycle I've ever owned.
Left on a trip, made 200 miles & turned for home....it actually caused me pain...dog-gone shame ! Sold it right after, got lucky $$ wise.

I had a similar experience on a Montauk - had one for a hire bike for a couple of days..... chose my old 550Zephyr instead for the commute - the Montauk crippled me on just the half-hour rides from the dealership and back.

[peterbulgar]

In my humble opinion the R1150R looks better but let me clarify that: The R1150R has a funky look to it with that beak, the analog instruments, the idiot lights, and the bulgy scoops on the tank. To me the R1200R looks cheesy. But that is just looks and you don't see the bike when you are riding it. In every other way the newer bike is better - less weight, more power, modern fuel control, etc. We can also hope that the spline and rear drive issues have finally been resolved. The older bike carries a half gallon more fuel, but the new one gets better mileage - probably a wash in terms of range, although I'd prefer more. My own 2004 R1150RA (ABS) has almost 100k miles and I still enjoy everything about it except the stupid and annoying power brakes. I've adjusted to them, but I still don't like them.
Peter '1973 R75/5, '04 R1150RA, '06 Kawasaki EX500, '08 Suzuki DL650

[sweatmark]

My own 2004 R1150RA (ABS) has almost 100k miles and I still enjoy everything about it except the stupid and annoying power brakes. I've adjusted to them, but I still don't like them.

Peter, that's a problem easily solved!...

[CycleRob]

timmy2wheels,

If you can afford it, definitely go for the R1200R. The OilHeads have too many serious issues compared to the R1200R. I rode only the R1200ST model and liked the modernizations, but the $,$$$ trade-up cost gagged me. Years later, after costly parts replacements hit my 50R, I test rode the F800ST on a whim at an open house event and knew immediately it was time to move on-up. Smart move it was.

Me personally, I'll never go back to the heavier/wider/thirstier Boxer motors.

[Xdot]

As always among this crowd, consensus.