In the market

[aka_ayperi]

I'm in the market for an r1150r and over the next couple of days, I'm going to be looking at a couple of used '04. Both are ABS models with under 2000 miles. Is there anything I should keep my eye out for? Special questions to ask about the bike?

I sat on one a year ago and liked everything about it except the riding position. I found that I was leaning forward. It was just enough to be annoying. Does anyone else have this issue? I know there are different bars out there I can get and that I can also add risers. I'd like to sit up straight. Would risers do the trick? Or should I plan on getting new bars? I'm 5'9" if that helps.

My current bike has fallen over mysteriously in the driveway son a couple of occaisions so I'm thinking about engine crash bars. Does anyone have a photo of the crash bars on theirs?

Assuming that the bikes I look a don't have windshields, I 'm going to buy one. Any advice on which one to get?

Anything else I should think about adding right away to the bike?

Thanks

[TonyT607]

Used 04's with sub-2k miles- still under warranty, I can't see the bike being too abused. Check the usual: leaks (rear drive), brake pads, look for evidence of dumped fuel (fuel line clamps), spilled battery acid, check the rims for dents/dings, misc crash damage like steering head play, etc.

People smarter than me will chime in.

I am also 5'9" and used the Verholen bar backs, they worked well for me. Don't bother with new bars. The Verholens are expensive but you'll install them in 5 minutes.

Here are pics of the bars from the BMW of Santa Cruz web site:




Regarding wind screens, everyone has a different opinion. I had the little fly screen on my RR, it was ok. BMW makes 2 other sizes but you can also look at 3rd party solutions (Cee Bailey, Aeroflow, etc..)

Good luck,

[gagator79]

The combo of bar backs and peg lowering kit worked for me. Makes for a very comfortable riding position.

[dwayne]

I know what you mean about the rding position, but I have actually started to like it more then the position on my cruiser with 4" pull back risers. The lean forward position, I find, more comfy for highway cruising and just riding around in general.

[dragonmojo]

I know what you mean about the rding position, but I have actually started to like it more then the position on my cruiser with 4" pull back risers. The lean forward position, I find, more comfy for highway cruising and just riding around in general.

I have an R12C with the Euro handlebars, which don't pull back quite as far as stock. The forward lean is less pronounced than on the R1150R, but not so far back like a traditional (read: Harley) cruiser, hence, it is a great compromise. This is still keeping close to BMW's philosophy on ergos. This also is a point that cruiser aficianados criticize about the R12C; that the riding position is less cruiser and more "standard".

Fine by me, especially after a 14-hour, 700+ mile ride a few years ago (from the NW Montana/Canadian border to Kalamath Falls, OR).

[marecycling]

I went to my local BMW dealer late last season and sat on a number of different BMW models, and I too, was disenchanted with the perceived unatural seating position of the R1150R. I could not get the rest of the bike off my mind though, and started searching for a used model a few weeks later. About six weeks later I was fortunate enough to come across an 02 R with 4200 miles, ABS, Sport Screen, heated grips. I was the first person to look at the bike and bought it on the spot. My initial thought was to alter the bars, seat, and footpegs to acheive a more natural seating position. Much to my surprise, after riding the bike, bone stock for a few hundred miles I started to actually feel comfortable with the stock bikes seating configuration. I think now, that I would feel uncomfortable any other way. For me, at least, the stock riding position, lends itself to the bikes intended purpose, going like HELL! Give it a chance, you might discover the same thing. Good Luck!

[dwayne]

... I think now, that I would feel uncomfortable any other way. For me, at least, the stock riding position, lends itself to the bikes intended purpose, going like HELL! Give it a chance, you might discover the same thing. Good Luck!

Could not agree more.

[ride1150r]

aka i sent you pm, not sure if you got. I have a 2004 r1150r for sale in new hampshire. If you are interested, you can contact me at
[email protected] or [email protected] I will be posting it in the buy sell section next week.

[Dr. Strangelove]

looks like there's a well fitted out one over on Buy, Sell, Trade for a pretty decent price

John