Can r1150r be a beginner bike?

gunstar9 · Post by **gunstar9** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 2:46 am

Meh. I'm 27 now. 6'1". Weigh in around 185 lbs. I bought the R1150R as my first bike back in March of 2004. It was used with 2300 miles. Picked it up in San Diego (my prior riding experience other than the MSF class was about 200 miles or so on a Harley sportster on farm roads and I-8) and rode it back to Tucson. It rolled over 30,000 miles about a week ago. I've dropped it once in all that time. I was putting it up on the center stand in some gravel. The stand kinda sunk into the ground; thus was not going to stand up the bike. Then (the dumb part) I pushed it off balance a bit (away from me; not sure how this happened; it happens some times), stepped forward to get a foot hold to pull it back, my foot slid in the gravel and knocked my shin into the bike, and I just had to let it down as slowly as I could. Crunch. A little paint got chipped off the right side valve cover. That's it.

I would totally recommend it as a first bike. Just don't be too small or do dumb things. The only thing about this bike is it's operation. A (kind of smoothly; throttle off transition sucks, though) fuel-injected torquey engine couple with a dry clutch and shaft drive make for a little jerkiness in getting to know the bike. That probably only goes for new riders, though. I'm pleased with mine. Easy to ride and easy to work on.

Good luck.

J

PS
Watch out for the stupid quick-release fuel couplings. They break.

username · Post by **username** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:17 am

i'd like to add to my earlier comments: i took the MSF course before i even started looking for a bike to buy. if youre a newbie rider, take a good training course (~2 days of time, mix of classroom and riding.)

another important thing when deciding to become a rider is to honestly assess how defensive a DRIVER you are. if you're not really defensive, then you're also increasing the probability of mishap on a bike. a high level of situational awareness combined with good bike handling skills will shift a lot of dangerous situations out of the inevitable category, and into the avoidable category.

above all, be safe, and be smart. the physics you can inflict upon yourself with one of these bikes can go from exhilarating to devastating in a split second.

Post by **Boxer** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:46 am

I have not dropped this bike but I am certain I cannot pick it up if I were alone

Just-Beeming-Yes you can! Go to this web site and see what a small Georgia girl can do. If she can do it. So can you.

http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html

Just-Beeming · Post by **Just-Beeming** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:09 pm

I checked out the pink ribbon site...I will store the information in my brain and hope I never have to use it.
Thanks Boxer and KMACR it makes perfect sence. Being a smaller person I use my legs for lifing more than my back anyway. We all should no matter what our size.

KMACR...my Dad still has a 1970 Honda 90 in almost perfect condition. It is orange. I think the seat has a tear in it from age and cold dry weather....He stores it in his barn in Central oregon. Since he is 74 and no longer rides.... I think I will ask him if I can 'store' it for him for a while. It might be fun to putt around on. The front end on those 90's were really squirrley.... I went over the handlebars more than once....

I have such great memories of those riding years. I was a scrawny kid who could never excell at sports of any kind. Motorcycling was a sport that I could rise above others...gave me self esteem that kids get from sports. I thought I was so cool on my little 90 when the other kids in the neighborhood would be down at the 'hill climbs' in the fields down by the river on thie bicycles.

Now it is just fun to ride...with the other 'old kids'.

Khemz · Post by **Khemz** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:31 pm

Thanks boxer for good tip! Since i'll eventually drop my future bike, i guess that can be useful in the future.

Post by **gagator79** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 5:13 pm

My .02 ... the Roadster was my first bike in 30 yrs. I took the New Rider Safety Course (strongly advised), then took it very easy on the bike...rides in the neighborhood, practice in local high school parking lot, short distance rides, etc. It is a heavy bike, but fairly easy to balance ... you just have to take it easy and practice, practice, practice. After 6 mths I am competent...not proficient, but competent. I have done several trips to the N. Georgia mountains and other day long rides in the Atlanta area...it is a great bike, easy to learn if you take your time. BTW, pracitce the low speed turns...thats where the trouble will be...just like a jet ski...no/low power = limited control.

Good luck with whatever you do!

KMACR · Post by **KMACR** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 11:38 pm

Just-Beeming...
The talk of that Honda Trail 90 had me re-living those days when my buddies on our mini-bikes (lawn-mower-engined beauties that they were) would just salivate over a kid going by on a 90. You were definitely cool if you had one of those

I suspect you currently love the R as much and hopefully always will. As you said, if the will is there, the R can become a beautiful and rewarding first bike.

gagator...
Good points. Every one. Heavy bike to be sure, but oh so worth the effort to get comfortable with it.

It was practically my first bike (again) after so many years of non-riding. It seemed to have worked out for me and evidently you too. After getting back in to riding after more than 20 years I did the same exercises. Neighborhood riding, school parking lots. I also found great nearby lake roads that were sparsely travelled and had varying twisties, road surfaces, intersections, etc to practice what I had learned in my MSF course. Gaining confidence and competence on the R is a great feeling. I am so glad I acquired this bike ('04, w/9.700 mi at purchase) and am quick to expound on its virtues.

Hey, I travel to Atlanta on business fairly often. Have some bike buddies out there but haven't ridden with them yet. One of them is brand new to motorcycles and recently acquired an older model Honda Trans Alp which he is loving. My other buddy rides a BMW1200GS and also has an F650. I keep threatening to ship my gear out there on one of my trips. My buddy keeps offering his 650 for me to ride. If that ever happens maybe I should give you a shout since you're in the neighborhood. I think it would be fun but I would be longing for my R the entire time.

Regardless

Just-Beeming · Post by **Just-Beeming** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:42 am

KMACR,
I remember you, You and your buddies hung around in your Dad's garage down the street. You revved up those mini bikes every day after school. You revved them far more than you rode (because your Dad wouldn't let you ride until he was home.)... but you told us girls that you were saving the engine for a big race on Sunday. ha

Those boys down the street...'Lance and Mark'. They were so cool. They were 14 and They raced.

We had three trail 90's. an old yellow one form the mid 60's, a red '68, and my Mom's new beauty that she never rode...orange and probably a '70? We would load up a cycle trailer behind the Truck and camper and take off for the weekend. We girls had to ride in the Camper.
Now I see what hard work it all was...at the time it was just fun.

Khemz...I am so please that you are planning to take a safe riders class. DO IT. I have a 24 year old son. I do not know your personality or style but his would be to spend all the money on a bike and skip the money on the class.

Please learn the right way with ample humility. I want you to have plenty of memories of your first bike.

Khemz · Post by **Khemz** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:23 pm

Just-Beeming,

Since cost for safety riding course is very cheap in my country, i think it wouldn't ruin my budget planning. The bigger cost would be learner bike before the R. I know that some of you in this board succeeded with the R as the first bike. I'm just not quite sure whether i can do that. So, thank you for your good support Just-Beeming, i'll start will smaller bike and will definitely take safety riding class.

Brownw3 · Post by **Brownw3** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 8:14 pm

I have a great idea for you! I started out at 15 with an R75/6. It was inexpensive (it was 10 years old at the time) and easy to handle. Nowadays, I can't live without an airhead in the garage. I still have a /6 (w sidecar) in the garage along with my R. It will introduce you to bike maintenance and the beautiful tradition that is BMW motorcycling. You can find one in really stunning runnin condition pretty cheap, have a fine, smaller beginner bike and still enjoy riding a really classy BMW bike. Just a thought from outside the box.

geogridshorthair · Post by **geogridshorthair** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:12 am

I also like the idea of an older airhead as a first bike, however.....

My first was a 1998 R1200C. Still a heavy bike but has a lower seat and fairly low power 61bhp. The was my first street bike ever. Had a couple of dirt bikes but no other street bikes.

Taking the safety class is a "no-brainer", a must do.

I you have any ego/attitude check that at the door before you ride your bike. Ride like you are invisible...because no one else sees you.

With time and "experience" you will become more comfortable with the R1150R. You'll grow into it. It is important to be able to put both feet securely on the ground. Not flat footed but secure and comforable.

You must ALWAYS ride defensively. While riding, your head should be thinking every car is a potential hazzard. You need to evaluate each hazzard and have a plan for avoidance of that hazzard.

You will learn to scan traffic directly ahead of you (2-3 seconds), slightly farther (6-8 seconds) and also farther ahead (12 seconds). You must learn this and use it every time you ride.

When riding you need time/space around you as much as possible. Time and space are your "margin of safety"

I am a firm believer that MOST (but not all) motorcycle accidents can be avoided. The rider is responsible to make sure that you anticipate the behavior of those around you while riding.

Good luck with your new bike.

KMACR · Post by **KMACR** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:14 am

KMACR,
I remember you, You and your buddies hung around in your Dad's garage down the street. You revved up those mini bikes every day after school. You revved them far more than you rode (because your Dad wouldn't let you ride until he was home.)... but you told us girls that you were saving the engine for a big race on Sunday. ha

Those boys down the street...'Lance and Mark'. They were so cool. They were 14 and They raced.

Just-Beeming,

What a memory you have! Yep. Had me pegged for sure. Sat on my mini-bike for hours each day way back then imagining it was really a Trail 90 like you girls had. "Lance and Mark" would often take off racing. They had a great time..but I just as often stayed at the garage, keeping my leathers looking good for the ladies, and figuring out some way to get that 90.

Well, never got the 90 but the mini-bike, years later, finally grew into the R1150. Whew!

Riding the R makes it all worthwhile doesn't it? My first bike after the mini-bikes was 10 years later--a Honda 550 Four. Sold it after two years and then it was 20..23 years again when I bought the Beemer. With that time gap it was just like starting over. Did the research. Looked at all types of bikes but it was the R that spoke to me. Bought the bike. Bought the gear. Took the MSF course and practiced those basics every chance I got. I ride today with a great and capable bike, proper gear, and a healthy dose of respect/paranoia of cagers. Riding skills are honed a little bit more with each and every ride but the process will never be complete. With the proper approach the R can be a great bike--first, last or in-between.

I may acquire other bikes in the future but I can't imagine parting with the R. I expect it to always have a place in my garage---along with one of those Trail 90's of course

johnt650 · Post by **johnt650** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:45 pm

After many years of not riding I bought the R and put 5,000 miles on it before moving to the RT. Many people have gone back to riding after a number of years and they find that the old skills come back quickly. On the other hand you do not indicate any previous experience and I am inclined to suggest you try something smaller just to master the basics of shifting, stopping, etc. Trying to master the basics on a bike like the R may be expensive.

Just-Beeming · Post by **Just-Beeming** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:07 pm

I think there are a lot of us (Beemer Boomers) who have returned to biking after long breaks while we did those ambitious duties of life...like raise kids, pursue careers, buy houses and cars and such and were less free financially to go after our bikes. In fact there is a major marketing plot directed RIGHT AT US (if you have not noticed. ) I feel it is my duty as a boomer to stimulate the economy....ha

After being away for so long I was absolutely amazed that my body/brain still knew what to do. It was rusty...especially slow speed control but it was still down there in the deep recesses of my past.
I have only been BACK to riding the last 3 years. It is still not prefect and never will be. I agree that this is a life long learning curve. My own boneheaded moves give me pleny of humility each time I ride...It is such a fine line between confidence (but not rooster) and humility (but not chicken).

Living where I do it is hard to get 'mucho miles' each season...unless I take a long bike tour as we plan to this year.
And then there is this thing with 'aging' where the bod is just not what it once was.

K MAC R I will take a picture of my mom's old Honda Trail 90 next time I get to thier place and I will post it. You will salivate. It will take you back to the 70's in a flash.

apaulcopy · Post by **apaulcopy** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:33 pm

This is a popular subject...can't resist wading in. I'm one of those newbies with a touch of gray. Rode the occasional mini bike as a kid, but didn't fulfill that riding dream until age 40. Took the MSF course, etc. Bought what, looking back, was a great starter bike: Kawasaki W650 (wish I still had it as a second bike!). It was relatively light and easy to handle, yet had sufficient power (get that tach above 4,500 and you had to really hold on...sounded good too!). Good bike to practice the basics. Rode it for 2 years. Moved up to a Yamaha V-Star 1100...then I rode that BMW R1100R and it all became clear...this is what a motorcycle should handle like! Traded up to 1150R last November. Total elapsed time for evolution: 4.5 years.

It amazes me how many people are choosing either large, heavy bikes or large displacement bikes (or both) as a "starter" bike. Can it be done? Sure. But I think there's a lot to say for starting out on a lightweight 500 or 650. Less power to get in trouble with, less weight to drop. In fact, as a vertically challenged individual (5'5"), the 1150 is a bit of a balancing act for me now. When you're first learning, not having to hold up that weight is one less thing to worry about.

In summary, I think the 1150R is the perfect second bike (or 4th, in my case!).

Post by **duke** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:55 pm

I'm a bit of a cheat here - I had half road/half offroad 125 cc bike for 8 months and then moved to the Rockster. Also 6'2" and 16 stone comes handy to wrestle the Rockster at standstill.

On day one when I got the Rockster (notice - no test ride) I was thinking "Why the f**k am I doing this - I am going to crash it".

Then 150 miles and 2 days later I have started commuting in the dense traffic of London (another cheat - I have been commuting every day on that route before with the 125 cc).

I love the bike - it accelerates like a comet from the lights (you all know it anyway) - no slipping the clutch, no black lines, no overreving the engine, no nasty attempts to pull a wheelie on me. The whole show happens between 2000 and 4000 RPM - why rev beyond anyway? The ABS works like a charm (I have the nasty tendency to lock the rear wheel and skid on anything with disk brake on the back) and makes me confident (but not stupid).

The only hairy moment I had was on a wet, slippery fast corner with reverse banking and high speed (trying to get ahead of the cars in the traffic lights rally) and the tyres were so new they were still shiny.

The love affair with the bike goes on!

Spilferderber · Post by **Spilferderber** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:28 am

R1150R was my first bike..

G.R.E.A.T.

turnercj · Post by **turnercj** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 7:46 am

Personally I wouldn't do it. Firstly its a top heavy bike with strange handling traits. Secondly if you drop it, BMW will gladly empty your bank account at amazing speed even for the smallest insignificant part and finally dropping your new toy will knock your confidence, I know this from (painful) experience

Get a cheap 250cc that you won't worry about damaging and thrash the nuts off it. When you are confident on that, go buy the R.
Oh and don't forget the cylinder head protectors!

rockster.ch · Post by **rockster.ch** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:45 am

only the weight would put me off this as an "early" bike. Wider bars and a decent physical presence plus a vice-grip on front brake and bionic abilities will keep the puppy up

rearro · Post by **rearro** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:44 pm

When i started looking at bikes I started with Bmw's Keep in mind I had never been on a bike . I was told to buy a good 2nd hand bike first but I too was watching my budget! and did not want to waste my money SO...
I went straight to a Limited edition Rockster and took the motorcycle safety course and I did well and like someone said earlier I too have dropped my bike 3 times completly stoped in a parking garage very very big blow to the ego

I had the plastic engine gaurds on the bike and my hard bags and they took the blow hardly any cosmetic damage, I now have less than 1000 miles on my bike and I feel pretty comfortable I have even taken my wife 3 times for rides, I would say it just takes alot of concentration, balance, determination and just PLAIN COMMON SENCE! Good Luck in whatever you decide.

One more thing if your on a budget you have to concider Motorcycle Maintanence, 600mi service very important Ran about $400.00 OUCHHH!

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