002 R1150R vs 2004 R1150R

[drsales]

I have been looking at various BMW's for the last 1/2 year. Older bikes of the K1100LT- K100 vintage. But the other day I found 2 R1150R bikes at the same dealer.

I have been out of riding for 30 years. I am 6'2" and 280 lbs. Short legs and tall body. But I took the riders class by the State of Ohio last year and am ready to go. My history has been dirt bikes on and off over the years. But now ready to get back and cruise.

The 2002 is a naked bike. The only mod is handle bar extenders. This does make a difference in how I sit in the OEM seat. 9.5k miles New rear tire. Black $4900.

The 2004 is loaded. Dark blue. Extended windshield, ABS, BMW bags. Has had the 12k service and new tires. $8900. 11.5k miles. One of the mechanics father bikes traded in on a R1200R 2007 bike. But no handle bar extenders. I do not like how I fit in this one. I feel my privates are pushed into the tank. Seems this is common on the bike. Both bikes are cosmetically very nice.

My thoughts. Go for the 2002. Less investment, it will need the 12k service and maybe a new front tire in a few mi. Naked but upgrades are easy. I know no ABS, but I never have had it before.

So here I am thinking, reading, thinking etc. Your thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated.

[awagnon]

I can't say which would be best for you. However, I personally think the 2004 is a bit over priced. Look on the IBMWR marketplace, Craigslist, ebay, and BMWMOA fleamarket for comparable bikes to see about the prices.

You're pretty tall. The 1150R's came with a low or high seat. I assume these have the high seats or you would be cramped.

The 2004 is probably a "dual spark" which has some advantages over the older single spark engines. ( less tendency to surge, better mileage, less emissions )

I like ABS, especially for an inexperienced rider, for safety reasons. It does add complexity and a fairly expensive periodic expense to flush the system. However, if you are reasonably mechanically inclined, you can do the 12000 service yourself, including a brake flush. All the information can be found here or on the BMWSportTourning sites.

The 1150R is a great all around bike. I think you would enjoy it. I'm sure you will get more opinions.

[towerworker]

The 02 sound like a good deal and the milage is good. And you say it fits you well. The 04 is priced high. I personally know of two 04's with abs and very well equipped that went for far less money.

The bikes are easy to maintain and not costly (imo) to own provided you are fairly handy with tools and can do simple basic maintenance. The abs brake bleed is one of the toughest to do yourself from what I'm told but I plan to learn that myself. (I just bought an 04 w/abs)

Good luck!

Wayne

[DJ Downunder]

Go with the 02...Coz it will be just like mine..

DJ

[drsales]

My inseam is about 30-31. I do find the leg bend somewhat tight. But I did sit on a R1200R but the peg placement is still about the same. Seat construction is slightly different. If I recall the 2002 is a two piece seat. Can I remove the rear cushion and be able to slide back an inch or two?

I feel the R bikes will meet my wants and needs for getting back into riding. I have besides older BMW's looked at Honda Valkyrie (I fit nice on it) but I think larger than I need. Also the Honda VTX 1300. (not me) Kawasaki Concours, sat on it but poor weather keeps me for taking it for a spin. HD bikes (again I fit well) but toooo much $.

I am leaning towards the 2002. Hope to get a pic posted soon.

Thanks

[boxermania]

I'm shorter and a touch heavier than you with a ~30" inseam. I found the distance to the ground just fine, but also a bit cramped to the pegs and I bought a peg lowering kit....and Voila' no more problems.

I would go with the 02......the price and mileage are just right. I don't like ABS, but that's me. The second plug, also in my oppinion, doesn't do much as BMW would want you to think......as a matter of fact it wasn't BMW the one that originally dual plugged the head. I agree with the other posters that the 04 is overpriced.......

Good luck to you and post some pics of the new bike..........

[DSKYZD]

The black one is faster.

[R4R&R]

Test ride the '02. If it doesn't surge, then buy it. That's a great deal on the '02.

[allanj255]

The price is right, Come on Down for the 2002.

[mcooperstein]

Get the '02. For the money you'll save compared to the '04 you can buy a crap load of accessories..

I have an '02, and it's been the best bike I've ever had. It doesnt surge, its held up fine and I really like it.

Mark

[mcollect]

I'm for the 2002. The price of the 04 is way too high, yes it has a lot of goodies, but you can select exactly the ones that are right for you for that amount of cash. Surging is not a problem!!! A good valve adjustment and a carful TB synch fixes that, mine surged fron the dealer, I fixed that with help from this board. My $.02 .

[acejones]

Buy the 02. You'll save money that can be used on upgrades, tires, insurance, etc.

[ErikU]

I'd get the '02. The price is fantastic, especially for the mileage. If it is sound and in good shape I'd jump on that.

If you really want to make your naked bike not so naked, the upgrades are cheap.

[drsales]

Well I pulled the trigger today. Put my money down to hold the 2002.

Now how do I tell the wife?

I look forward to discussing all the topics with everyone in the months to come.

[OU812]

Oh well, telling the wife is your problem. Nice deal on the 02'! Mine never surged.

[Biff's R]

It is easier to ask for forgiveness, than to get permission.

[bmwr1150rbmw]

I got it. I know what you can tell your wife. It goes something like this.

You were in a china shop looking for the perfect Valentine's gift for her. On the way out you accidentally tipped over the owner's motorcycle breaking it. The store had the policy of "You break it, You buy it." So, you had to pony up.

Then give her the, "Phew. Thank god it didn't cost much."

Just in case, have on hand a wrapped glass trinket and explain despite all the hardship you endured, you still got her a gift.

[awagnon]

Do like I do. Explain that you just made $4000 by buying the 2002 model instead of the 2004 bike, so it only really cost you $900. I don't know your wife. Might not work in all cases.

[tkm]

Big mistake. You should have let the wife choose the bike while subtly steering her toward the one you really want. Its much easier than trying to explain a done deal. Good luck.

[mcollect]

I tend to go with TKM. When I was looking at BMw's. I told the wife I wanted a new R1200Rt at only 18K. She almost fainted. Then I went to the dealer to really buy a bike and came home with the used R1150R for only 6.7K she was so glad that I was such a smart shopper she wrote me a check for the total amount as a gift!! But then again my wife is perfect, except, maybe, for her choice in husbands.