I regret not having bought two

[yjleesvrr]

I rode my Roadster last night in some pretty difficult conditions from Summit, NJ to Haymarket VA last night. It was a 275 mile trip done in extremely windy conditions as well as cold weather. It snowed a wee bit in Summit at the beginning of my return trip home. I rode a total of 560 miles in two days round trip under what most motorcyclists would deem adverse conditions. Crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge and especially the I-95 crossing over the Susquehanna last night wasn't fun, but all in all the trip wasn't too bad given that I had heated attire. When I got home, I wasn't tired at all. My bike never skipped a beat through the trip. Rolling the throttle on to pass cars and semis on the highway, on bridges, and even the Baltimore tunnels was a lot of fun. After I parked the bike in the garage, I stared at it for a good several minutes in appreciation for its reliability in getting me to my destinations over the years, and especially last night as getting stranded when the wind chills quickly make exposed skin unbearable after a couple minutes isn't something you want.

At near 42k miles on the odo in 4.5 years, I've come to appreciate the low end grunt of the motor, the stability of the bike, and the general feel of the motor. To me, the R1150R's weight is in the perfect zone for a motorcycle for all around riding. My Roadster is nowhere near the end of its life, but now that I think about it I wish I had bought a new twin spark a couple years ago. This bike is that good.

[BoiseBeemer]

I did buy two, and I second your assessment--a great bike for the long haul.

[MIXR]

I'm the opposite. I could have replaced my R a few years ago. Wanted and still want a GS 1150 Adventure. BUT ........

This damn bike is so good and so reliable and so pleasant to ride that I don't care for an upgrade. I'd still buy the 1150 GS, but I'm more than happy with my 01 R. I've ridden a couple of twin sparks. Not enough difference to warrant the upgrade.

What changed me was my big ride around Aus. 16,000 kms in three weeks. I was just so pleased with the way the poor old bike handled the heat, the load, the constant days of dawn to dusk.

You've done the right thing in keeping the old one.

[wncbmw]

I have no desire for another bike but a spare would be nice!

Maybe when the old girl is ready for pasture, you can find a sweet deal on a used one!

Me, I plan on buying a low mileage used 2008 R1200R, from the Buy/Sell part of this forum about fall of 2010!

[1150929]

minus 20 degrees up here...no bike for 3 months now..very depressed. Thanks for the story though.

[NachtRitter]

Yep, I agree with you... I have an RT and just put my 40 thousandth mile on it today, after owning it for 3.5 years... an absolutely lovely 'bike!! I recently purchased an R-R as a "spare" (I told my wife it was for her ), and I have a really hard time deciding which I should ride each day! They are both awesome!!

[lcarlson]

The new bike has gotten really good reviews in the motopress, but, frankly, it would have to be a huge improvement for me to give up my 50R. I distinctly prefer the older bike's styling (love those functional dual oil coolers in the graceful scoops, the distinctive beak, etc}. The new model is handsome, but a little more generic. And what's with those cheapo-looking plastic brake and clutch master cylinders on the bars -- looks like a Japanese set up? Just my opinion, but ---

Larry

[vexlak]

In addition being a proud owner of one of the best bikes ever made it is the community that impresses me. This is almost a cult of great Bimmer riders sharing their passions, experiences and giving suggestions to fellow riders. Also, most of the Bimmer riders are very mechanical and “know how” to do things in and out of the field. I am not aware the other brand riders having such a tight bond. You guys are absolutely the best! The only draw back is that occasionally you are not greeted by the bullet bikers or HD riders. But who really cares?

[R4R&R]

I'm still loving mine after 46,000+ miles (you're catching up to me). I don't see getting rid of this bike anytime soon - it's too versatile! go out cutting some good curves hanging with the sportbikes, be comfortable diong it, and throw on the bags for an overnight/weekend camping trip! What more can you ask for? Plus, I think my bike is currently running the best it ever has.

Yong, I'm not sure why you wish for a two-spark, I don't think there is any noticeable difference, other than extra plugs to replace.

A co-worker of mine is interested in getting a roadster and is fixed on the R1150R, and I plan to help him as much as possible. It's kind of like I get to 'buy' one again, only knowing what to look for and not having to spend the money.

[yjleesvrr]

I only mentioned the two spark because that's what all boxers were two years ago. What I really meant to say is that I wish I had bought another R a couple years ago before they phased the R1150R out of production. Mine hardly surges, so it's not for want of better usability that I desire a two-spark.

Yes, the R community is great. This is one of the most helpful online communities I've encountered anywhere in any field of interest. I can post a question and within a day a half-dozen or more people post responses that are intelligent and useful. It certainly enhances the brand experience!

[Boxer]

Yong, you can still have two. Just found this over at IBMWR marketplace

2004 R1150R
silver, tall seat, only 500 miles, (have five bikes) heated grips, clear turn signals, warrantee until 11/07, stored in heated garage, flawless as new condition, no pictures if you're buying one you know what they look like.
Price: 8900.00
Location: Palisades, N. Y. ten miles north of N.Y.C.
Contact george cooke at <lga1962>
Telephone 845 365 0033 201 304 1200
Posted Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 21:34:27 (EST)

[yjleesvrr]

Hmmm...

[Biff's R]

Do it.

[DJ Downunder]

Yeah...If it was me..and I could aford it.."I'd do it".. ..a new one in the crate would be even better..

DJ

[DYNAMICS]

Yeah friends of mine who have a hex head talk about the extra smoothness etc, but the 1150 engine is still damn good (obviously that depends on what you want your bike to do) and really well suited to the R or Rockster.

Also, that frontal view is awesome

I think Charlie and Ewan would have had a different tale to tell if KTM had not "backed out"...

[frozennorth]

Does 2 in the family count as two? Mrs. Frozen just bought an 02RA . . . off the buy/sell actually. Ships next week from PA.

[warwkbass]

soooo..... what seat allows you to go that far and be smiling when you get off? Living in FL, I can comfortable ride year round, but more than 50-80 miles is downright uncomfortable in the, uh, mid-section if you know what I mean. Stock seat on the 2004 r.

[yjleesvrr]

I'm still thinking... I also want to buy a new truck and build a deck.

I have the standard and tall saddles. The standard saddle breaks in to the shape of your rear after about 10k - 15k miles, believe it or not. Until then, it's not very comfortable.