Recommendation for Accessories for R1150R - 2002 just bought

[blovebaiku]

Good Sunday to you!

Well it's raining so it actually stinks since I've had my R1150R for the third day now and can't get out and ride just yet in rain.

I would like you seasoned R1150R owners to recommend what I should get as accessories. I am in Raleigh NC suburbs and have lots of curves available on side roads. Do some riding on highways and will eventually head to mountains and ocean.

I thought of buying and wonder what else you recommend:
1. A BMW power outlet adapter to convert to a car cigarette lighter jack for my GPS/PDA charging. Why would I want the version also that converts to coax? For a heated jacket? Those are expensive no?

2. A cover for the bike- saw $40 ones on ebay to a BMW one for $100. Which is really needed? For covering in the garage so the kids don't get at the bike too easily and for trips and overnights in a parking lot.

3. Motion sensing theft alarm or wheel lock or both? Could you recommend a brand to save me the search?

4. Windshield - torn on this one. Rode 90miles from Greensboro to Raleigh and wind was annoying but not overwhelming. Some of the parabolic and other windshields I saw take away from the naked appearance. Any ideas for small winshields that do a better job than the stock instrumental cluster protection windshield but don't make the bike look like a touring bike?

THanks in advance, Happy RIding!
blovebaiku!

[challey]

Congrats on the new purchase. An observation: Your R loves the rain and doesn't really mind getting wet!

As far as accessories, the power outlet is a very good option. I presently use mine to power my GPS, but I will soon wire that directly so that I can use the outlet this fall for the Gerbings jacket I recently acquired (barely used - $175 from a posting on my local BMW club's site).

Regarding a cover, though I have one, if I had a garage for my bike, I wouldn't have bothered. I never bring the cover with me on trips - don't want to waste the space and as I mentioned above, the R loves the rain and doesn't mind getting wet. Since a garage is only a dream for me, I actually "upgraded" my cover and now use a Cycle Shelter instead.

My opinion on alarms is that they are completely unecessary if you have theft insurance. On the other hand, they are great for annoying your neighbors when they inevitably get tripped by accident.

Regarding wind protection, for years I used the BMW Sport Shield. It provides some protection and doesn't detract too seriously from the looks of the bike. I recent removed the BMW shield and installed the Aeroflow Sport Fairing in its place. Haven't had it on long enough to really evaluate it but it does block a lot more wind than the BMW shield. It is also well-contstructed and way easier to install and remove than the factory offering. A bit more obtrusive cosmetically than the Sport Shield but not enough to make the R look like an RT wanna be.

An accessory that is absoultely worth the money is the system cases (hard bags). Well built, durable, waterproof and in my opinion, indispensible. I use my R as a second car and often take my R to the grocery store. You'd be surprised at how much you can get in the cases.

The R is a great bike but has a couple of weak points that I'd suggest are worth adressing before they leave you stranded. If you still have the OEM plastic fuel line quick disconnects in place, I'd recommend replacing them with metal QDs or eliminating them altogether. I'd also strongly suggest you replace the stock Oeticker clamps used throughout the fuel lines with screw-type fuel-injection clamps. Both of these are inexpensive modifications that will pay off handsomely in the long run.

Have fun riding the best all-around bike out there!

Charlie

[BMWEW1]

Congrats, I hear you on the rain, frustrated here in DC too, had my 1150r about a month now and rained nearly every weekend. Ditto on the side cases, also consider getting a top case, I have the Givi Monokey 40L, holds helmet and other gear, great for in the city where it can be a bit tight riding in traffic with side cases. For the garage you can get a soft cloth "dust cover" for about $30-40. Enjoy.

[P_Jensen]

When I bouught my 2004 I added accessories as follows:
1. Side Case(s) and rails, the rails are also the passenger hand holds. I have the Givi Top Case mount instead of the BMW luggage rack. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... w/789/246/

2. BMW GS Hand Guards with Throttlemeister throttle lock , helps make the headted grips more useful and keeps the bugs off my gloves. http://www.throttlemeister.com/tm.html

3. Windshield, I now use a Cee Bailey 14" sport with a MRA deflector on the top. Windshield choices will depend on several factors Rider Height, Seat used, and the amount of protection wanted. http://www.ceebaileys.com/bmw/1150rws.html http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... /2710/339/

4. Aftermarket seat, in my case a Corbin witha a narrowed and lowered drivers platform (short leg syndrome). http://www.corbin.com/bmw/r1150r01.shtml

I have also made some other modfications but the above list is the items you will find the most use for now.

[Canyon Runner]

OK, first of all, I am not really a "seasoned" R1150R rider. Had mine for a a bit over a year now.

I will say, however, that the accessory that has made a huge difference to me (which I would have never thought about, and which I am lucky came on my used bike) is the heated handgrips. As mentioned above, hand guards make them more effective (I also have those), but having the grips themselves has been a huge plus on many occasions. And I live in the desert!

Anyway, just $0.02.

Enjoy the bike! I am still giddy every time I ride mine!

[RedRider]

This will be my 4th season on an 04 R1150R and I had a 96 R1100r for 6 yrs. The following are the accessories I found most useful.
1.Bmw side cases. I would also look at GIVI.
2. Sports windshield in Smoke available from ZTechnick. ( I'm 5'8") reasonable wind protection & looks good also.
3. Top Case ( GIVI or SHAD) mounted to BMW luggage rack. ( 30 L size for 100 cdn)
4. Tank Bag ..Wonderlich Magnetic... made for R1150R.... great quality
5. GPS.. Hardwired or battery...Quest II....has become a favorite.. oh and a good rain suit.
Cheers
PS an old sheet works wonders in the garage.

[blovebaiku]

Hi Gents,

Many great suggestions and rapid replies to boot. Thanks a bunch.

I bought the bike with the side hard cases. That was priceless as I rode Amtrak Raleigh to Greensboro, stored my laptop in one case, the extra bag that had my helmet and jacket in the other case and rode the bike I had just purchased from a private owner home with nothing hanging out!!

By the way, my recommendations on gear:
- Schubert composite helmet from craiglist is priceless. It even has a built in sun shade! I'll post a pic later this week!
- Dianese white leather jacket with additional insert back protector. I love riding with this gear, it looks super sharp and hopefully that spill that never comes will have me well prepared for it!

I will check out the throttlemaster stuff, the windshield recommendations and the fuel line changes!

Safe riding!
Blovebaiku (baiku is Japanese for bike )

[FloridaBeakster]

1) If it doesn't have the accessory socket already installed, that is a good addition. In addition, I installed an accessory socket "Y" cable and SAE cord that runs power up under the tank and to my tankbag without any wires hanging out. At the least, you can get an accessory socket to SAE converter, an SAE extension cord, and then an SAE to cig lighter socket if you want to run 12V stuff off the accessory socket. Eastern Beaver has all kinds of SAE/accessory socket (Powerlet) cords and adapters. Very nice to work with and their shipping (cost and time) is very reasonable given where he is located. If the bike doesn't already have an accessory socket, I'd get the BMW one as the harness is already in place and it really is plug-n-play. Check my post in this thread for a few more details on what I did with my bike: http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14070

2) I don't bother covering it in the garage. I encourage my kids to climb all over the bikes: gotta start sometime getting them comfortable on the motorcycles! I do keep them on center stand and have taught the kids how to mount and dismount the bikes safely without damaging them. Every once and a while, I do find that the bike won't start because the kill switch is in the "off" position. I do have a travel cover that seems to work pretty well, packs up small, and is inexpensive: Nelson-Rigg UV-2000. I use it when the bike is parked outside all day in the FL sun when I'm at work or overnight at rallies, etc.

3) I usually don't use anything except the fork lock. I'm not sure what a wheel lock gets you that the fork lock doesn't. I personally don't think alarms are worth the time/hassle/annoyance, but that's just me.

4) I like the BMW fly screen. Large enough to get the air off your chest and small enough to keep your helmet in clean air (I'm 5'10"). I prefered it to the bike naked, and FAR prefered it to the BMW Sport screen.

I would most definitely get the metal quick disconnects. I installed the Omega ones which are very nice. However, I saw these at a rally, and they looked very interesting (supposedly, then can get both ends straight for you): http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/cate ... isconnects. The advantage is that the o-rings are captive so there is no chance of damaging them and they are extremely easy to use. The downside is that they are not compatable with the OEM plastic ones. With the Omega ones, make sure to dab a tiny bit of silicone grease on the o-rings and be carefuly when releasing/connecting them so as not to damage the o-rings. I have removed my tank 4 times since I bought the bike 6 weeks ago (yes, that is excessive), but was REALLY glad I installed the QD's the first time I had it off. Removing the tank with metal QD's in place is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. If you're worried about it, a few extra o-rings on hand is not a bad idea (I took the old ones covered in silicone grease and put in a ziploc bag in the tail trunk).

[OU812]

I would say these did the most to make the longer rides comfy.
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/Pr ... p?item=ELF
Keep an eye out for used as the price is bit shocking.

[rdsmith3]

You should first ensure that you have the proper gear – helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves.

Here are some upgrades and modifications that I made to my 2002 R1150R:

Ergonomics and Comfort
• Wind screen – I have tried the BMW fly screen, BMW touring screen, and MRA Vario screen. The fly screen is the best looking but does not offer much protection. The MRA screen looks good, too, but the wind flow was not right for me. I am currently using the touring screen.
• GS hand guards – I use these for colder weather riding.
• BMW tall seat, with additional spacers
• Sheepskin butt pad (Alaska Leather)
• Kaoko throttle control

Conspicuity and Visibility
• K mirrors – the rectangular mirrors offer a wider field of view than the stock “Mickey Mouse” ears.
• Upgraded H4 headlight bulb (Philips 90/100 watt) and dual relays.
• Motolights with 50 watt yellow bulbs.
• Hella Optilux driving lights with 50 watt bulbs.
• License plate frame with two rows of red LEDs

Storage
• System cases
• Top case (J.C. Whitney)
• Bags connection tank bag – day pack

Safety
• Metal quick disconnects for fuel lines (Omega)
• GPS (Garmin Zumo) with XM radio and traffic service

Appearance, Entertainment and Other
• Clear turn signal lenses and bulbs that look bluish but flash amber.
• Power outlet
• Digital thermometer for ambient temperature
• Etymotic er6i ear buds
• Cardo Scala Rider Bluetooth headset

[rdsmith3]

2. A cover for the bike- saw $40 ones on ebay to a BMW one for $100. Which is really needed? For covering in the garage so the kids don't get at the bike too easily and for trips and overnights in a parking lot.

3. Motion sensing theft alarm or wheel lock or both? Could you recommend a brand to save me the search?

I would not bother with the cover. On an overnight trip, your bike will be dirty anyway, so why bother? In your garage, just threaten your kids' lives.

I also would not bother with an alarm. Four guys with two poles can steal your bike quickly. BMW Roadsters are not a highly sought after bike, anyway.

[blovebaiku]

Fantastic Input All,

Thanks a bunch. I've been riding almost everyday and just a commute to work (non rush hour) is quite fun. In fact I take the long way home and a lot of country roads to the trip and enjoy the Spring weather!

Happy Riding
blovebaiku