R1150R for First Street Bike

[dilligaf]

I use both the shoei RF1000 helmet and the joe rocket meteor 5.0 jacket, luv 'em both.

Check this place out, they have the best prices around IMO.
http://www.ironpony.com/

[Guest]

For helmet info see numerous posts on this site. She-Lion did a nice job a few months ago. You really must try the helmet on before you buy. Almost rules out internet purchase, however, find a store that has many brands, try them on and compare prices on the net.

I love BMW'S technology. Ask the guys who ride for their profession (city cops or the highway motor cops).

I have asked the California CHP and they almost all say their choice is for ABS.

I have only two years of street riding experience and have only owned BMW's, but if I get into a situation and need to grab a hand-ful of brakes my choice is to have the ABS.

I have only purchased used for all three of my BMW bikes and have not regretted any of the purchases. New is always nice for all the reasons you already mentioned, but, most bikes do lose value as the bike is driven off the lot.

I just bought a used '02' 1150R and here are some examples of what i looked at before i bought.

Dealer in Anaheim, CA:

2002 R1150R, black, 7500 miles, ABS, system bags, wind screen asking $9k, he would not move on the price.

2004 Rockster, with ABS no bags, $10.4k and 10k miles

2004 Rockster, no ABS no bags, $9k and 2400 miles

I found a private party bike:

2002 R1150R, black with tinted screen, 11.5k miles and 8 months left on the warranty, with ABS and bags, $7500. I bought this bike.

Good luck with your choice.

Steve

[JCsman]

find a store that has many brands, try them on and compare prices on the net.

Just my personal "take" on this. I, occasionally, buy over the internet. However, it is usually a replacement item or something I can't find off the rack in my limited, local market..

If I take a store's time and good will to try on an item, I buy from them (exceptions made where overt rudeness or price gouging is clear). If I buy a second of the same item down the road, I have no hesitation to surf for a bargain.

I may lose a few bucks from the net price. But I want these store owners to stay in business for my next try on day.

YMMV

[tipstall]

I thought you guys might finf this funny. One of the bikes I was looking at has very low miles and the ad is done very poorly. I called and got his brother who passed a meesage to the owner who called me and left a message, never leaving his name. I called him back and he started by telling me his parents give him so much grief when he rides he is just giving up. He procedes to tell me his dad is a doctor or EMT and has seen some really bad results from motorcycles, nice sell job.

The ad says the bike has ABS, it does not. He seemed to not know alot about the bike or the options on it. He called it an "1140". He wants more than the payoff and wants me to send a check to BMW to pay it off with a note. Even if that is the correct way to handle it, I feel like the bike had a hard 2 years. This is one I'll walk away from and keep looking or buy new.

[king biscuit]

I had not ridden in about 20 years and when I did ride, it was mostly dirt bikes. I got the itch, lucked out and saw a 2002 R1150R in the paper, in my price range. It was love at first sight. Bought a helmet, then bought the bike. It handles great and I've ridden quite a few long days on it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.


Dan

[tipstall]

The hunt for a used bike has stalled, maybe something will pop up. I will try to visit the one that is local but misrepresented. I should give BMW finance a call about handling the payoff.

I like this helmet and wondered is anyone else has one, Shoei RF-1000? Any comments?

[dilligaf]

I like this helmet and wondered is anyone else has one, Shoei RF-1000? Any comments?

Hey Tipstall, you're not following along. I said i like it!

[greer]

Tipstall, have you checked http://www.ibmwr.org Marketplace Classifieds? 2002 Black in Asheville NC, 13,000 mi with some extras $6,900. I would think prices would be negotiable this time of year. Good luck, Sarah

[tipstall]

I like this helmet and wondered is anyone else has one, Shoei RF-1000? Any comments?

Hey Tipstall, you're not following along. I said i like it!

Dilligaf,

Sorry I forgot your earlier statement, but thanks for the input and reminder.

[dilligaf]

Tipstall,
Great deal IMO on the "buy,sell, trade board.

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t ... 25772551b5

[MikeCam]

Helmet - Shoei or Arai if they fit and if you agree that SNELL beats DOT crash standards (not joking, but it is a snarf-fest to discuss). HJC, Nolan, etc are less expensive and some say less quality, but no one argues less safe. Things people regret later on a helmet decision: fit, fit, fit, noise.

Jacket - $$$$$ Aerostich, BMW line, Vansen leathers
$$$ Roadgear, First Gear, many others
$$ Joe Rocket some others

Go for style and comfort and forget brand names. They will all offer some protection and most offer plenty of protection.

Consider overpants with knee and hip protection.

Boots - Motorcycle specific Oxtar, SiDi, BMW, Aerostich, Alpinestars, etc, etc, etc
non-specific US Army Black Combat and knockoffs, many lumberjack and worker brands.

Laces can get stuck on bike parts, ankles need protection, not support. Steel toes are bad things for motorcycle accidents.

Gloves - people tend to slide on their palms, not their knuckles. There are many trade-offs but I don't recall us ever arguing about the gloves.

Oh yeah, the bike.

R1150R and similar USED BMW to look at: 1150GS, 1100GS, 1150RS, 1100RS, 1100R, 850R, 1100S same engine and mechanicals all around. Different CG's and tires and handling ergos. 2001-2005 years all feature the Motronic 2A FI/ECM chip. prices from 5K to 12K; mileage, model and year dependent - see KBB.com for a baseline idea of used prices.

BUT the R1150R is the class of the bunch, no doubt.

ABS - I've had both. With your experience, you'll probably not miss it. With it you might not like the feel or the servo or the performance.

Seat - Lo, Comfort, Tall -- it matters what's on it -- ask and measure. Low =780mm. Hi = 820mm

Bar backs - watch for these on used bikes. Your size indicates you'd NOT need them.

Windshield - everybody is different. Check for turbulence more than wind protection during a test ride.

Grab rails on an 1150R are the luggage rails. $110 extra if purchased from dealer.

System/City cases - worth it but not to effect used sale price.

Luggage rack - ????--- most like it.

HTH

[tipstall]

Picked up a jacket, (Joe Rocket), gloves and a helmet at lunch. Just went for a HJC until I find a new bike, R1150R. It's the first cool fall day here in Chicago and it will be great riding tonight after work. The search is still on for the "perfect" used bike within reasonable driving distance.

[tipstall]

Good timing on the jacket and helmet, it was 50 with no sun. Note to self: don't weat mesh gloves in cool weather. My fingers just stopped tingling (sp?). Going to look at a 2003 with over 10,000 miles tomarrow, any hints?

[tipstall]

Did not look at the used bike today. Ordered cold weather gloves today. I may just buy a new bike, got the OK from the wife. She like the ABS.

[BK]

Bought mine used 6 mos ago. It's a terrific bike. Like putting on a nice leather glove. I'm 5'9". Age 62. It has a little bit of a sport bike riding position vice the RT more erect. Also your legs are are bent a little more.
These are considerations for longer rides only. I have found that most bikes are compromises. The R1150R does everything the big boys does without all the plastic etc. I think it has great eye appeal as well!

[tipstall]

I'm really stuck on the new vs old. There are some nice used bikes but 3 grand for 1/2 or less of the warranty, limited color/option choies, paying for options others wanted and you don't (cases) and the biggest, not getting the new bike feel.

My wife has already green lighted me to do what I want, she even said buy new. Just feel a little bad about spending the money on something only for me, OK not to bad.

[greer]

I consider a pampered, used BMW a very good thing. It's broke in, the bugs are worked out, somebody else has paid for those initial services, so I can just ride it. If you find a used bike with cases you don't want, you'll be able to sell them in no time flat; same with handlebar risers or a windshield or a tankbag, or whatever if your price is fair. And since I'm riding a bargin bike now I won't feel guilty a little later when I have my eye on a 1200...grin, grin. Sarah

[tipstall]

OK, I know you are all tired of this search for my bike but I thought I would share this. I was driving to work and saw my first r on the road, at roberts and cuba, I think it was a dakar yellow R1150R (maybe a rockster), it was early in the morning and dark.

I took that as a sign and started to narrow my search. With all the help I have received here I think I have found a bike. Still finishing details and hope to have it done this weekend.

Side note, the government has making transferring money a major hassle, more rules just put in the last week or 2, delays when funds are available and how you can transfer funds electronically.

Tried out my new Joe Rocket Nitrogen Gloves, what a difference, nice and warm.

Thanks for all the help.

[greer]

Good luck, and let us know what you get. Sarah

[tipstall]

I'm getting pretty excitied as tomorrow I pick up my new ride and drive home 200 miles. Weather looks perfect.