Look, Bewbies

[Kazushi]

2003 Roadster ABS model (Silver off course) bought used spring 2006. Came with new Metzeler Z4's, sport fearing, new breaks, soft BMW back-bag and tank-bag. Total of 25.000 Km up to now.

According to the dealer no major work done on bike other than required service before I purchased.

Since purchase, high beam cable patched to fix the "tight cable ties" problem, and now the horn connector lost its "connecting" property

Minor noise from left cam chain tensioner, but does not bother me enough to have something done.
No oil burning, no funny noises or funny behaviour...

Very happy with a smooth ride under all conditions, and the fact that this bike actually stops when I want it to !!!

[mcollect]

2002 non abs Atlanta Blue of course 26,000 miles
I had to change the battery.
She will never see a dealer again; it's way too easy to do everything oneself
I think I need new shocks Wilber's
This bike is the easiest motorcycle to keep up of any I have owned, except maybe the MG LM1.
Makes me smile each and every time I ride her!

[beekstersocal]

04 black abs purchased new; many upgrades including ,remus full titainium. k&n intake and filter, xm sattelite custom powder coated rims chip,k1200 mirrors, only had a minor [left side electrical] fixed by dealer. very low oil consumption ,om my 3rd set of z6's [from tearing up the twisties only 13000 miles

[latakia77]

2002 Atlanta blue, purchased new June of 2002 from Big Sky BMW, It now has 25,000 miles.

Windsheild wellnut fell out and the extendable mudguard fell off in the first 15 miles. I attribute those to dealer assembly error, dealer replaced.

Dealer did 600 mile service.

Local BMW motorcycle wrench does basic 6000 mile services, (I'm very happy with his work. He apparently used to work at a dealership in Denver.)

Replaced battery last year.

Rear brake pads will need replacing soon.

Problem #1: Occasional fuel line disconnect leaks.
Solution: Put on EFI clamps.

Problem #2: Right fork tube is leaking a small amount of oil.
Solution: Must rob convenience store to pay mechanic to fix it. (Maybe I could do it myself, I have no idea. I don't even know how much it would be to get it fixed. This is a new problem.)

Engine would drink 1.5-0.75 qt oil between 3K oil changes until 20K miles, now it takes 0.25 qt between changes.

Right side telelever arm pivot cap falls off every six months.

Verdict: I am perfectly content with keeping this bike permantly. Very satisfied.

[priapismic]

2004 twin-spark, non-ABS, bought new in March, 2003, now at 35,600 miles. Lots of tires and oil changes. I've done most of my own maintenance since the 600 mile service - valves, plugs, fluids, and filters. I let the dealer do the fuel filter and replace one weak gel battery. Lots of mods and farkles - I'll save that list for another thread, rather than hijack this one.

Problems? Very few .... Recently came down with the dreaded fuel line clamps leaking, so I trucked it to the nearest dealer and had 'em perform the recall service. Someday I'll get adventurous and replace those crimp clamps with the fuel injection clamps.

While that was being done, I had the dealer replace the final drive seal. I was beginning to get just a wee bit of seepage from there - not a lot, just enough to notice some grimy film develop on the lower paralever arm within a few hundred miles of cleaning there. Since I was technically out of warranty, I had the dealer ask BMW if they would help cover the cost of that - they agreed to split the cost with me. I thought that was reasonable, again considering that I was out of warranty.

Complaints? None to speak of. The bike still makes me smile with most every ride, I still enjoy going down to the garage at night and just admiring it.

Would I like a newer bike, something faster, more touring-oriented, more suited for adventure touring, something ... different? A new R1200R, perhaps? A new Concours 1400? A K1200GT? Sure, but this one is paid for, I've got kids approaching college age, my car has 146,000 miles on it and I really should think about replacing it soon, now that my oldest son is old enough to drive and will be needing wheels to go to college and .... Well, I'm keeping my R for a while longer ....

[ProductUser]

Silver 2004 R1150RA bought new in August of 2003.

I have just turned 45k miles with no problems at all. While having the bike serviced, the fuel QDs were replaced as a precautionary measure.

I do all of the fluid changes and valve lash checks.

My R has taken me to Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, California...etc. with ease. I have ridden many 500+ mile days and one 820 miler I ride to work as much as possible; I ride anywhere from 100-400 miles some time during the weekend. I'd ride more, but my golfing gets in the way

The mods: Ohlins and a Sargent seat.

Overall -- I continue to have a ton of fun riding to new places whenever I can.

ProductUser

[ASQTec]

2004 purchased January of that year. 15000 miles later, and no issues except for the rear brake light switch which was replaced at 80 miles. It just a bit over 2000 miles since the last oil change, and have not added a drop. All service done by the dealer (Cross Country BMW). New Z6's every 6000, with the third set looking to be right on schedule.

Looking to buy another bike this winter (most likely an HD Super Glide) but I'm still keeping the beemer.

[Gordium7]

2005 Granite Grey ABS, purchased May 2005. Total of 500 miles on odometer.

Dealer did 600 mi service before pickup.

Since this bike was a demo, I assume that the "hard" break-in approach was applied. I mostly ride reasonably, except when I don't. I make of point of doing hard accelerations periodically when I can can get away with it, or perhaps just for fun. I don't think I have been over 90 mph however (yet!).

So far this summer, I have been commuting to work (30 mi RT) about 75% of the time, even though we've had a wet summer (for Colorado). I have only gotten in one or two long day trips a month so far.

At 2000 mi oil was at lower quarter of the sight glass, so was topped off (~ 8-10 oz).

Currently nearing on 3500 mi, and would be ready for another oil tweak (bit below half), but I am going to change the oil and filter this weekend.

Oil usage seems to be decreasing already, a 33% decrease in consumption rate since first 1500 mi datapoint.

Only widgets installed are SignalMinder and headlight modulator. Made custom tiedown loops for the normal system case attach points and use a semi-rigid tailbag (i.e. a AXIO tankbag) on the rear seat during commuting and daytrips. Have a the Verholen / Hein Gericke mini-tankbag that sits on the fuel filler area when needed.

When I do the oil this weekend, I will check and adjust the TB sync if needed. Idle is a bit low (950-1000) once warmed up, so I will correct this during TB adjustment..

No problems whatsoever.

Nothing quite like cruising up into the Rockies on this machine. I am soooo spoiled now.

I really love this bike.

[Kevin Markwell]

2002 Atlanta Blue RR purchased as Demo with 205miles in June 2001. Now with 32,000miles. Dealer has done all routine maintenance on schedule. Switched to synthetic oils at 18,000. On third battery, the second No Maintenance Odessey crapped out in less than 10,000 miles.

The only significant problem was when my ignition coil abruptly died at 70mph in the left of six lanes on I270 outside Washington D.C. during rush hour. I think there was about 20,000 miles on the bike at the time. I spent a while on the the center jersey barrier waiting for the tow promptly provided by BMW roadside assistance. I was glad I wasn't left coasting somewhere in the middle of the 6 lanes. It could have been ugly, with tired commuters speeding home all around me.

Other than that it has been wonderfully trouble free. The Oil burning has gradually dropped to negligible from an initial high of half to three quarters of a quart per 6,000miles.

My K1200R is a year old and has just turned over 10,000miles. It got sluggish after the 6,000 mile service performed at 6,800 but has been cured by the the 7.0 CIP update. Doesn't loose a drop of oil and has been trouble free.

[Capt. Blackadder]

Black 2003 R1150R single-spark non-ABS, purchased new December 21st 2002. My first BMW bike, approx. 30,400 miles so far. Dealers performed the 600, 24,000 and 30,000 mile services, I've done the rest. Used for 40-mile round-trip commuting almost exclusively, which means two cold starts per day, five days a week. Burns about half of what the manual says is the maximum oil consumption. That may taper off later, or it may not... I don't really care. What the bike needs, the bike gets. I use 15W-50 synthetic motor oil, 91-octane gas, 75W-90 synthetic in the final drive and 75W-140 synthetic in the transmission. Starts well, runs well, no issues with the transmission or final drive. 43-44mpg on the average.

At 4,500 miles: The dealer installed a new fuel pump under warranty, since the old one was screeching pretty loudly. It was still working, though.

At 20,000 miles: I replaced the fuel filter a bit ahead of schedule because I was certain there was too much crud in there.

At 24,000 miles: Dealer removed the quick-disconnects and installed new, unbroken fuel lines under warranty, because of frequent fuel leaks.

At some point past 20,000 miles (I think) I replaced the left cam-chain tensioner with the updated R1200 part. That quieted the motor down quite a bit, and it felt like it ran a bit better afterwards too.

Apart from this, there have been a couple of minor things, like blown lightbulbs. Has never failed to start or left me stranded. My most dependable bike to date, and I still think it's one of the most beautiful bikes ever made.

[thenewcamus]

2004 Rockster purchased on eBay in 3/04 with ~1200 miles from a guy in Washington state, had it shipped to me in NH.

600 Mile service by dealer in Washington state
K&N air filter at ~1000 miles
6000 Mile service performed by me at ~7500 miles
Can removed at ~8000 miles
New Z6's at ~9000 miles (originally Bridgestone BattleAxes)
Will break 12,000 miles next weekend, debating taking it to the dealer to have them check the final drive seal since I have started to get some seepage. I also don't have the gear to do the TB sync.
I've added about 1/2 qt since the 6000 mile oil change.

I love it. It's never stranded me, it never rejects me and it always listens. Oh and green is the sexiest color, just ask your wife.

[Tripton]

2004 Rockster Bought June 21, 2005 with about 8000 miles on it, now a little over 20,000. Dealer serviced at 6000k intervals, oil changed by me at 3000 intervals.

No issues but a leaky seal in the shaft drive, warranty work, about 500 miles ago, and I see that it is leaking a bit again.

Other than that no issues whatsoever except no more than 3000 miles for a set of Z6s, and the Battlax BT020s or whatever i have on it now suck. Much less grip, though they are seeming to last a bit longer. More than once have I had the rear slip out a foot or so in a turn in town. I hate them.

probably try Pilot Roads next...

[Just-Beeming]

Dumb title to this thread...but I will chime in anyway.

'04 R Bought used this last January '06
Had 4k miles on it when it arrived.
Did I mention it is black? (to quote tor1150r)

Now has 19k miles...not bad for a g-g-g...good rider.

I had the 6k service done
the 12k service done...put two new sets of road pilots on it.
It is due for the 18k service but I don't want to part with her while the weather is this dandy. I will wait till it rains.

No breaks, no failures, no repairs
Uses minimal oil...like maybe 60-100 cc last 4k miles

I have spent plenty of money on her...but not on repairs or problems...just on goodies.

She's a honey.

the bike thrills me over and over and over...
that is why I am always

Just-Beeming

[qfman]

Black '02 ABS bought new. Now has 77,000km on odometer. Still on original battery. Tyre of choice - Metzler Z6 gives 10K rear and 16K front.
Use: Commuting and weekend sportsbike chasing.

Faults: Clock went haywire and ran slow first couple of years. Leaking forkseal replaced using wheel-on procedure foung on net. Bent rear rim due biggish pothole - straightened for $90.

Issues: Will burn oil down to bottom of sight glass within 500km but then burns no more. Motor runs very lean and will occasionally stall if throttle blipped.

Mods: Exhaust can removed at 30,000km. Now happily revs till fuel cuts out.

Summary: Whilst no GSXR1000 or Goldwing - this bike does everything pretty well. I Will flog this bike till one of us dies.

Tom

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~lonergans/

[cworley5150]

Thanks again for the responses. It confirms my decision to get the BMW in the first place. All machines will have their problems. BMW seems to stand behind their product.

I know that this is not everyone on this site. Keep the responses coming.

[Lost Rider]

05' R1150R

Purchased in May 06' from Chicago BMW ( would never buy or have my bike serviced there again , dislike the poor attitude in the service department ) Too bad BMW NA doesn't do follow up calls on all the sales and service like they do with cars.

10,200 miles

0 problems

600 miles service

3000 miles I did an oil change myself

6000 mile service done at MotoWorks Chicago
New Michelin Pilot Road Rear tire mounted due to a big nail in the Metzler.
That nail probly saved my life, the Pilot tires are WAY better in the wet IMO. I see why they discontinued the M4.

8300 miles had an oil change done at Scottsdale BMW, another thumbs up here.

*Update

12,000 service done at Charlotte BMW, along with a fresh set of Pilot Roads.

Currently has 15,500 miles, never been dropped, and has had no problems.

Nothing but riding bliss for me.
I'm on my 3rd BMW car, and have had the same satisfaction and reliability there too.

[jfslater98]

2004 Rockster ABS
Purchased new from CCBMW in Metuchen, NJ in May 2004
600 and 6000 mile service performed by dealer, interim oil changes as well.
So far about 10,500 miles
Burns about 1 quart a year, hoping to ride more once I get the hand guards and windscreen up.
Only other issues have been transmission related. Doesn't seem to want to shift into 2nd sometimes, it hangs in N. Maybe heat related, seems to happen more toward the end of rides. On several occasion has shifted itself out of 6th. Other than that I am happy with it.

[hirsty]

2005 R850R Classic/Comfort - a Europe only run-out model; kind of like the old 1100/850R with some 1150R pieces...

- Only 8,000 miles so far (110+ per week I guess), but faultless
- 600-mile service at SPC & 6,000-miles at Vines Guildford
- Used very little oil before 6,000 mile service & hasn't needed much of a top-up since - it only got halfway down the sight glass after a 2,000 mile thrash around Ireland.

No modifications as such, but have removed some parts & added a few more:

- Cat & end-can replaced by Remus Revolution
- MRA Vario screen, upgrading to Parabellum Scout shortly
- GS handguards
- Wunderlich fenda extenda & side-stand enlarger

I'm glad I bought it, and will replace it with a similar BMW without hesitation if I ever felt the need. If forced, I'd say the only little things I don't like about it are:

- many of the fasteners on the bike (screws, allen & torx bolts etc) are too soft & don't seem that durable
- I'd like to be able to get to the battery & air-filter easier
- footpegs could be lower (for my taste, and I'm not tall)

[sebastien]

hello

i have my r1150r since 02/2005 and nothing at all

i am very happy of my bike. it' my first bmw and no regret

the next wil be a bmw perhaps the k1200 s .

[socalrob]

Hirsty - I bet that 850 is a smooth running little motor. I always wanted to try one out.


2004 R1150R ABS Ferro/Ferro purchased right about Thanksgiving in 2003.

Only mods are:
Sargent seat (highly recommended)
sport shield (works well for me, I've done a 1,000 mile plus day on it)
HID headlight H4 bulb replacement (fantastik light at night)
clear indicators
flashing type LED tail light

Problems: (all except those created by dealer, which are not the fault of the bike)
Dealer replaced heated grip (throttle side) at about 10K miles
I am on my third (counting the original) battery, but I use no tender.
I had one unexplained ABS Failure that left me coming to a stop without the servos - one time only - worked well before & since. I like the brakes.

Bike uses almost no oil, with synthetic I've been extending the change interval to the 6,000 mile dealer services.

Tires:
Had Z4s, Z6s & Pilot Roads. Like the Pilot Roads best and have gotten as high as 8,000 miles front & rear. Plugs work in them too.

Mileage: 25,000 miles

Use: Daily rider except when its raining in the morning (wich ain't too often here in LA). Also, a few 4 to 5 day trips to Utah & Texas. Great in the canyon roads.

Satisfaction: Very High

Future replacement options: 1200GSAdv (weighs the same as the R1150R), with maybe a R1200ST or R1200R or R1200S or Ducati Monster S4RS or an Aprilla as a second city ride. I don't think one bike will replace the R1150R.