BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Hello All

After a quarter of a century I've decided to get back into the sport and onto a BMW :-)

As a newbie re-entry rider a couple of questions and any input is welcomed. I'm looking at purchasing a R1150R, my heart beats quickly when I see one. Is it too much bike for a re-entry rider?

The other question is, if the bike has been well maintained, is there any issue of high (road) mileage/kilometre's versus low?

Cheers

Gary

You don't say what your last bike was or how long you have been away.
I bought a 650cc cruiser as a 1st time street bike owner and less than 6 mos. a had to have something bigger and better. Two months after that I bought the R. I was a little intimidated by the seat height and the weight of the R but now am I am used to it.
I think you would be happy with this bike because IMO it is the best all around bike if you are going to have just one.

The other question is, if the bike has been well maintained, is there any issue of high (road) mileage/kilometre's versus low?

Welcome..and No is my answer...obviosly the lower the better...My main concern would be that it's been well looked after.

As long as the mileage/kilometers are not too high...maybe 60,000m/100,000k would be my limit if I was to buy a second hand RR.

Good luck and wise choice.

DJ

The R1150R is my first bike. It's a big bike but a joy to ride. The integrated braking and ABS systems both seem to be a big plus for new bike riders. Be careful and be sure to read up on bike safety and take the the Bike Safety Course in your area. I purchased my bike used with only 250 miles on her. I paid just under $10,000US.

My last ride was in 1985 before I bought my Roadster last April. My experience was mostly with Triumphs, Harleys and Hondas with a Sportster being my last ride.

I looked at the Yamaha FZ1, Ducati Monsters and the new Harleys. I finally decided that I could afford whatever I wanted and settled on BMW. My first choice was the F-650 GS due to its comparatively light weight, fuel economy and ability to go off road. I went to the dealer with cash in hand and the only F-650 GS in stock was sold.

My Roadster had just come in on trade-in. It is a 2005 and had only 3,500 miles on it. It was not my first choice but I'm pleased with it. I will warn you that it is a BIG motorcycle both in size and weight. The size has taken some getting used to and I'm just now feeling secure on it after 4,000 miles.

Good Luck!!

I took a 10 year hiatus from two wheels to deal with traffic here in the metro. Two years ago I decided I wanted to get back on a bike and deal with the cell phones and the stupidity... I bought an '82 Honda Silverwing to learn on again. It served it's purpose but I needed more ummmph and less down time so I bought an R. Wow, it's handles sooo much better. The CG is much lower and it weighs 70lbs less than the Silverwing (500cc's). The power is very smooth and easily controllable. Getting used to the control placement took some time as well as the seating position.

The seat height can be remedied if it's an issue as there are varying heights of seats available. Not sure what your looking at spending but ~$7,000 US would get you a very decent specimen with low miles and some accessories to boot

Gary C wrote:Hello All

After a quarter of a century I've decided to get back into the sport and onto a BMW :-)

As a newbie re-entry rider a couple of questions and any input is welcomed. I'm looking at purchasing a R1150R, my heart beats quickly when I see one. Is it too much bike for a re-entry rider?

The other question is, if the bike has been well maintained, is there any issue of high (road) mileage/kilometre's versus low?

Cheers

Gary

Mine's for sale. Check the classifieds.

Thanks to everyone for the information. It has been 25 years since I last rode and it was a Yamaha 550. But as stated in the replies, I'm a little older and wiser and can afford what I really want - BMW.

Fortune has smiled upon me and I have a lead on a 2001 fully kitted out plus extra's with only 14,000Km on it. I go this Saturday and will probably have a big smile on my face by lunch! Now, is it true what is posted about the colours, that some colours are faster than others ?

The bike is daunting to start out with, but the overall input is it is worth it. I just need to take my time and enjoy it, no Evil Knevil! Looking forward to being part of the "clan".

Again, thanks to all.

Cheers

Gary

Rick Lee wrote:

Gary C wrote:Hello All

After a quarter of a century I've decided to get back into the sport and onto a BMW :-)

As a newbie re-entry rider a couple of questions and any input is welcomed. I'm looking at purchasing a R1150R, my heart beats quickly when I see one. Is it too much bike for a re-entry rider?

The other question is, if the bike has been well maintained, is there any issue of high (road) mileage/kilometre's versus low?

Cheers

Gary

Mine's for sale. Check the classifieds.

Gary
I found The R to be a perfect bike for a re-entry rider.... me.

As well as several other baby boomers that I have talked with on this forum. Many of us....maybe even most of us,
have come back to riding.
I am into my second season on the R. I had a 25 year break from riding. (kids).

It is nimble, managable, smooth and responsive.

As for colors....Black is definately faster !

Just-Beeming

[quote="Gary C"] Now, is it true what is posted about the colours, that some colours are faster than others ?
[quote="Gary C"]

The correct answer is, "Yes.....and no"..

Yes, some "colours" are faster.....

BUT

No, black is not the correct answer.

Red is actually the fastest. The Black Beauty riders don't realize this because the Red Riders often feel compelled to slow down to allow the admiring throngs time to stare in abject awe.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Good luck with the R. It was my re-entry bike after a 32 year lay-off but apart from slow-speed maneuvers (sorry - the spelling doesn't feel right for that) I found it easy and quite inuitive to ride despite someone having put the gear-shift on the other side from my previous BSA.

As long as you're careful and avoid trying out the R1200R, you should enjoy the R1150R for many years. It's a great bike!

Lots of sense talked here BUT the colour suggestions are all wrong so far...the quick ones are SILVER!
Hope to see some pics tomorrow when you pick it up!

Colors don't matter to me, I am color blind, so I bought an Atlanta blue, that's a color I can see and appreciate. The fastest was my Ducati in RED of course. But the Blue MG Lemans I is the best in the curves.

Out of the blue a year or so ago on a Sunday drive we saw a bike and my lovely wife said "We should get a motorcycle" and I said "Why, yes, we should". My lovely wife is from Germany and insisted that only a BMW would do (we were almost sold on a Road King, until the salesman said to her "The bike is only the beginning, the fun really starts with the accessories" We looked at each other and thought, not this isn't us.)

Anyway, the local BMW shop let me take a test ride and I was ready to take an R1150S, but the lean forward was too much. I also tested a K series S (a Flying Brick model) and had a hard time deciding. Some things happened and the RS was out, at least for the time being. The same day I found out about an RR and have never looked back. They really are a blast. My lovely wife likes it too, even enough to go for a ride on 1 Jan 07 around Cayuga Lake.

E.G.:[/img]

Other rides have been a little warmer. The bike really is just right for returning motorcyclists.



You are going to love it.

DLS

Nice pics Daryl_stamp...

Gary C...You will find yourself just staring at it and taking lots of pictures of it..Just like it is a new baby.. ..Here's recent picture of my baby.

DJ

Everyone, again many many thanks for your input. Today was a big beautiful day , I finally bought the bike of my dreams, desires etc. A 2001 R1150R with only 14000Km on it - sweet.

Naturally today's weather blossomed to 20degrees C and I had to go to work. It shall be safetied this week and then, pure passion and pleasure!

Once I have it in my possession I'll post a bragging picture! As you all can appreciate colour choices are slim to nil when not purchasing new - it is a black beauty all shining and smooth lines and ....

I look forward even more to being part of the R society!

Cheers to all.

Gary

Welcome aboard Gary,

You'll defintiely love the R, it's great for bombing around town or for the LONG trip. Awefully versatile.

By the way, was that the black R that Wolf had in the showroom?

Cheers,
Chris