Help - Thinking of buying a R1150R

[tracye34]

Hey everyone, I am new to the list and was looking for some help.

I currently have a 97 F650ST and want to move up. So far the R1150R seems to be the best combo of looks & performance for what I want. I want something that I can do occasional 100-300 mile rides as well as short stuff around town. My wife also rides on the back occasionally. I don't want a full tourer - too big and I have no interest in a sport bike. Also cruisers don't excite me to much. The 1150 R seems to be the best combo of sport tourer for my taste.

The only problem I have is I haven't ever ridden one or even sat on one to confirm. None of the dealers close by have one so I haven't been able to take a test ride.

I was wondering if there is anyone within about 2 hours of Richmond, VA that would be willing to let me come by and sit on the bike and maybe even take it for a short ride to get a better idea of the feel. I have been riding for about 4 years and am pretty conservative if that helps any.

Any advice & info is very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Tracy Mathews

[chris]

Welcome Tracy,
I was in the same position as you before I bought my RR. No more interest in sports bikes, cruisers, tourers or offroad. Had the chance of a two day test from my local dealer but before it happened I found the bike I have now. Bought it unseen, no test ride and never ridden a BM in my life. Best thing I ever did! All I can say is find yourself one and enjoy it! Yorkshire might be a little far for you to come for a test, hope someone nearer can help!

[DJ Downunder]

No problem...come on over...take mine for a spin...

DJ

[Lion_Lady]

Hmmm. Post your question here: http://www.bmwbmw.org/forum/

If I'm not mistaken, there are at least a couple folks IN Richmond or nearby who own R/bikes.

I moved up from an f650CS to an R1150R Rockster (sportier suspension and 33" seat height). The main "issue" was the additional 100+ lbs. After a couple "set down's" I figured it out.

Planning to ride to Atlanta, GA with my dd on pillion at the end of the month...

Pam

[owldaddy]

It was the test ride that convinced me to buy the RR. I wasn't even going to stop by the BMW dealer, but they were close by, and I thought I would see what they had to offer. The salesman insisted I take an R1100S out for a spin, he was riding a well used RR with me. I loved the way the S rode and handled. After a couple mintes my wrists started to complain, due to the riding position. the S just placed to much weight on my wrists. So I stopped and told the salesman that this just wasn't the bike for me, he suggested we swap bikes. That was all it took, I was buying my first BMW an hour later. If you take the R for a test, I bet you will find it quite to your liking.
Don

[gagator79]

I was away from riding for 25+ yrs and bought an 1150r after taking the Rider Safety Course. This bike is very easy to ride (from a rookie's perspective). Contact me on my email address below if you want to know anything specifically about my initial experiences with the bike.

Don

[email protected]

[Arbreacames]

Tracy,
Going by your description of what bike you are looking for, I am pretty sure that the R is for you. However, I commend you for doing a test ride. This bike definitely has a personality and it may not be for everybody. For instance, I think that its sounds are not pleasant: mechanically noisy compared to watercooled, intake honk, meek exhaust sound. Also, it will be an expensive bike to maintain if you always take it to the dealer, but a very inexpensive one if you do most of it yourself.
Nevertheles, I am one hour from Richmond and you are welcome to take mine for a test ride. Send me PM.
Carlos

[mcollect]

Just thirty days ago I was in your situation. Having ridden a Moto Guzzi Lemans for thirty years I wanted a sit up and go bike. long rides are hard on a sport bike, at 57yo. I tried every European bike out there, OK I wanted a Guzzi. Well after riding Triumphs, Ducatis,R1200Rt, and Guzzies I went to Pittsgurgh to buy a new bike. They had Ducs Triumphs and Bmws. I tried all of them and something was lacking. The salesman asked what I really was looking for, I told him and he mentioned that they had 3 r1150r's. He started one up, I took it for a test ride, returned, bought it. That bike is the best machine I have ever owned, it does it all perfectly. By the way I can't sell the LM1, but don't know when I'd take it over the R1150R.

[dwayne]

No problem...come on over...take mine for a spin...

DJ

No problem, I'll be there yesterday.

[mcooperstein]

I was wondering if there is anyone within about 2 hours of Richmond, VA that would be willing to let me come by and sit on the bike and maybe even take it for a short ride to get a better idea of the feel. I have been riding for about 4 years and am pretty conservative if that helps any.
Tracy Mathews

Tracy,
I live in Southwest Virginia (Big Stone Gap). Thats about 370 miles from Richmond..but your welcome to come up and ride my R anytime. I have two bikes, so we could make a day of it!

Mark

[P_Jensen]

Tracye;
I was in the same position as you last year, I traded my 97 ST in on an R1150R. The biggest difference was the weight and not quite as nimble as the F. On the plus side the R is just starting to warm up were the F started to trail off, at 75 + on the highway the R is not even working hard. Must contain yourself as it is very easy to go 90+, it is much more able to run 2 up with full luggage all day. Good luck

[popgazer]

Dude, you are getting an R

[KHaynes]

Tracy,
I doubt whether you'll get much opposition to your idea of acquiring an R. If you're not into sports bikes and don't want to go the full tourer, then either the R1150R or the R1150GS will suit your needs very well.
Other than commuting to work on my GS, most of my serious riding is on my RT so that suits me fine. If I planned on lots of solo riding and the occasional two-up ride, I wouldn't go past the R1150R.
You'll find it a pleasure to ride on the open road and quite manageable to service yourself.

[Xray28]

I went from a Honda 600 Shadow (Learner bike) to the R1150R. I've made some long rides, some short ones. Matilda takes good care of me. I live on one of the top rated Motorcycle roads in California, and she does me proud through a hundred-plus miles of twisties. While I don't have a whale of a lot of experience on bikes I find the R to have plenty of power, handles very nicely, stops well, etc. If I have one complaint it would be the brakes at parking lot speeds. Using the front brake handle they tend to grab sometimes. Just remember to use the foot brake in such situations.

[tracye34]

I appreciate all the help, I am going to ride on this weekend about an hour from me. I am sure I will really want on then.

Tracy