Another new R1150R owner ! From Brussels, Belgium.

[michelhuy]

Dear all,

I just put a large down payment on a used 2004 R1150R with about 20,000 miles on it. Within a few weeks, when all the paperwork is through I'll be riding all over the place like a boy on his first bicycle. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute to this forum as much as I can.

This bike is not only meant as my main means of getting around, but I intend to venture quite a bit outside of Brussels, my home town. It is meant to replace my 20 year old Piaggio X9 - who has done her time - and being only 125cc, riding on the highway is uncomfortable so I rarely venture outside town. The R1150R should free me.



When I first went to the dealership, the bike looked much bigger than I imagined, and much bigger than anything that I have ever ridden so far - quite intimidating, and it didn't help that there were GTs, LTs and RTs around. But yesterday I finally sat on it, and fell in love - it looks great and feels right.

Europe being Europe, and being used to driving a scooter that protected me against the inclemencies of the seasons - the stock windshield on that R1150R looks ... decorative. I've noticed the several windshield threads already. For now I'll just drive as it is and advise then.

Glad to meet yall,

Michel.

[Buckster]

Sharp bike. The bike will take some getting used to. I came off a low cruiser that kept most of the weight down low. The R felt WAY heavier even though both bikes weighed close to the same. Everytime I moved it, I thought I was going to drop it. Once under way the pounds seem to disappear! Welcome to the forum!

[angellr]

Welcome! Hope you find this place useful. If you need anything, am a short PM away. Enjoy.

[Keppelj]

Welcome! Nice photo. Brings out the tangle of sinewy lines which which make the bike's design so cool. Wish we knew who draws these things...

[brownj]

Michel,

Nice bike. I had a tough time deciding between the blue and the black (2002). I got the black, but seeing your bike makes me want the blue version all over again! Even better is where you can ride! In 8 hours or so, you can be riding in the Apls, right? I can't wait to get back over there and ride again. Truly outstanding riding and a beautiful part of the world.

Congratulations and enjoy the bike.

Jon

[michelhuy]

Thanks all for your kind words.

Had the same bike been on sale in black, I would have purchased it just the same. I too love black - but that blue one came up first, and it is indeed gorgeous, and so BMWish.

Yes from Belgium, you can easily reach the Alps in 8h - I understand Switzerland is "the" Biker's paradise. Zurich is less than 7 hours away from Brussels. Paris is 3h to 4h, Amsterdam even closer, Aachen 2h, Cologne - 2h1/2, Luxembourg 2h1/2, Normandy 3h. We have excellent beer, chocolate, and good food in general

I have two bike trips in mind for next year:

One is to Northern Irland - drive to Calais, under the Channel, through England, into Scotland, take the ferry at Stranraer to Belfast. Maybe overnighting in Liverpool or Manchester. On the way back, will probably take the ferry from Edinburgh to Zeebruges Belgium (overnight). It's been a while since I've driven on the left side of the road, I'm hopeful it will come back!

The other, I was thinking about going to Rome - about a 16h to 18h drive (including breaks, refuel) - that I will most likely do in 3 days. Overnight in Zurich, and Milan. On the way back, Florence and Munich!

I don't even physically have the bike yet, and am already looking all over Google Maps for possible destinations, hotel prices. Destinations such as Denmark, Poland, or even Morocco, I would probably avoid going by car - but by bike, that's a whole different story. Maybe it's because I'm a big n00b and still all exited... I hope it won't go away too quickly, if at all!

[omg1010]

Bonjour Michel and welcome to the club! A fine piece of German mastermind you have bought and I am sure you will love every minute with your beauty-queen.

If you aim to spend some holidays with riding the bike I would recommend the Pyrenees. Excellent roads, not crowded at all and very affordable with food food. And area I can also highly recommend is the border area between France and Switzerland - called the Jura. Also not crowded and if you overnight and eat on the French side also very affordable (Switzerland is more expensive). I have toured both areas and had a great time.

Have fun and welcome again!

Best regards
Oliver

[gregor]

There are loads of threads about windscreens.
I fitted one just like yours this year and I'm pleased with it.
Generates less wind noise than my previous ,larger, MRA two piece.
And looks great to me!

[n.i.paul]

Hello Michael, If you are coming to N.Ireland give me a shout. I live just outside Belfast and ride an 03 Black r1150r.

[michelhuy]

I won't forget to do it, Paul. One of the chaps I know from Bangor is coming over to Brussels in November, I'll talk with him about when I should come over there. If possible, it will be when roads are not frozen over ...

cheers,
Michel.