Thinking about getting a 2004 R1150R (a few questions)

[Dave1068]

Might be looking at a 2004 R1150R that has a sargent gel seat and a few other options. I've read the bike has a low seat height and many tall people find it uncomfortable. For those of you 6'2, how comfortable is the bike (esp w/ gel seat) but more for leg room. Sounds like bike is pretty reliable although expensive when it needs fixing, etc. Any other things to look out for, feel free to add. It just had a 6000 mile check.

Thanks,
Dave

[jas]

I have a rockster with the stock seat (high seat) and at 6'2", 34" inseam, find that the bike fits like a glove as does the seat. I tried the peg lowering kit, but it hurt my knees and put my feet in an odd position.

This is the best bike I have owned, fun to ride, and very user friendly when it comes to maintenance.

[towerworker]

Dave,

I have owned an 03 and now an 04. Have spent very little on maintenance in over a combined total of over 70,000 miles. Maintenance is easy and I have learned to do everything so far. Brakes, tires, clutch and brake bleeds, TB sync and so on. There's a lot of good information on this site on how-to's. They're not perfect but probably as close as you can buy.

Wayne

[DMM]

That said, I don't know how tall the Sargent gel seat is. I have a Sargent seat, but I'm not sure if it's identical to the one you are considering. There are tall seats (they can be found for sale on this site, Beemerboneyard, Craigslist, etc., or brand new, if cost isn't an issue). You can possibly even adjust the Sargent seat; others here have done such work. The bike (and seat) fits me beautifully, but I'm only 6' (33" inseam), so I'm not sure how the bike will feel to you.

The bike is extremely reliable and quite user-friendly. I just replaced my original battery and accomplished it using information on this site (the battery change requires lifting/moving the gas tank). The folks here are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. It's a great forum. Any BMW can be expensive, but the boxer engine is one of the most user-friendly designs that exist. If you are handy, you can do much of the work yourself.

Lastly, SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT, if you get the bike, then consider becoming a member of this site (gratuitous plug for Doug and his work to keep this site going).

[Dave1068]

Thanks for the replies. I'm also 6'2/34'' inseam. Never thought Id display that online. (haha) Sounds like good advice on here. I may try to see/ride the bike this weekend and see how it goes. Always liked the r1200r but at 15k, too much. Used r1150r with low mileage and options seem to be less than 1/2 that. The only thing I dont like are the front beaks which Id probably take off and keep the smaller fender.

[peterbulgar]

"The only thing I dont like are the front beaks which Id probably take off and keep the smaller fender."

Don't pull that beak off right away. It grows on you .
peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

[taosports]

...The only thing I dont like are the front beaks which Id probably take off and keep the smaller fender.

The beak takes some getting used to but I bet you'll find that if you get rid of it and put a standard fender on, the increased space between it and the headlight will look very, very strange...at least it does to me.

[combustor777]

You dissed the beak! That's it, go to your room

[Dave1068]

Doesnt the beak sit on top of the fender? Ive seen the r1200r's and they have a "normal" fender. I thought Ive seen a few pics of beakless 1150's and it looks like a smaller black fender.

[Hawkman]

I hated the beak to start with but it is one of the things that makes the bike different from the rest and I've grown to like it. There is no fender under the beak. There us a rear mud guard, but that is all. The 1200R's don't have the beaks and there are aftermarket front fenders that you can buy ($$$ though).

Buy it! You will never regret it!

[taosports]

Doesnt the beak sit on top of the fender? Ive seen the r1200r's and they have a "normal" fender. I thought Ive seen a few pics of beakless 1150's and it looks like a smaller black fender.

The beak is the fender.

[combustor777]

The beak is in fact functional because it directs cooling air into the oil coolers mounted on the side of the tank. Without it the oil cooler(s) would have to be bigger.

[sweatmark]

Unbeaked R1150R Roadsters for your reference:

Rivi777 was long-time member here before selling his bikes and moving on.





Here's unknown Euro special, I believe.



Rivi's application of the R1100RS front fender was nicely done - makes it a partial beak. Black powder-coated wheels created a sharp looking machine.

The latter bike uses front fender from K1200RS I think... not my top choice.

[snowprick]

Dave1068

Get to like it or go to your room!!

[towerworker]

If you remove the beak you will lose 37 hp not to mention your fuel economy will drop on average 64.3%. Plus young ladies will no longer look at you longingly as you sit next to them at traffic lights.

Wayne

[Arjen]

The beak is in fact functional because it directs cooling air into the oil coolers mounted on the side of the tank. Without it the oil cooler(s) would have to be bigger.

The Rockster doesn't come with a beak, but has the same oil coolers.
I must have a problem...

[Photoguy]

Welcome to the board...

I went through a similar process last year.

1. Found an 02 1150 R after a few years away from street riding.
2. Had a few questions and found this board which has been very helpful.
3. Had thoughts of changing out the beak and posted them.
4. Had second thoughts about changing out the beak.
5. Learned to love the beak! (didn't take too long but it does take some time to grow on you).