Which R1150R?

[Eagle6]

Hi all,
I'm interested in information regarding the history of the R1150R to choose the best model.
What changes were made during production?

I understand that there was an overdrive top gear option. How do you tell if it is fitted?
Do all the ABS versions have the "servo" brakes?
When was the gearbox changed to 6 speed?

Any points I should know about when buying?

Thanks

[MikeCam]

R1150R Roadsters and Rocksters were produced between late 2000 and late 2005. Those sold in the US market had model years 2002-2003 (single spark) and 2004-2006 (dual spark).

All ABS equipped models feature partially linked, servo assisted, ABS brakes as a package. Non-ABS equipped models are standard brakes. Dual spark models feature stainless steel brake lines.

Transmissions were always 6 speed on the 1150 series. (1100 series had 5 speed). The overdrive 6th featured a .70 ratio as opposed to a .80 ratio. Aside from deciphering the VIN, the usual way to tell is in operation: at 80 mph 4000 rpm = overdrive 6th (approximately); at 70 mph 4000 rpm = "standard 6th"

Rocksters feature parts from 1150GS and 1100S models, most notably, the headlight and instrument cluster, the forks, and the (oops, I forget). Also flatter handlebars and wider rear wheels.

Early 1150's came with 5" rear wheels and 170 profile tires (although many have run 160 and 180 profiles on the 5" rear with safety and success). Later models, especially the Rockster featured 5.5" rears and 180 profile tires.

Maintenance points: Brake fluid changed not less than every two years in 02-03; not less than every 4 in 04-06. Seek records for this. Clutch slave cylinders can fail from corrosion. The regular fluid change can delay this onset. Clutch hubs and transmission input shaft splines experience premature failure on 1-2% of the models. Little known about the failure mode, but inspection can predict failure. Final drive small bearing races, big main bearings, and seals fail at a 3-5% rate. Transmission rear main seals can fail and contaminate the clutch facing. Starters, batteries, shocks, coils, front headset wiring all experience failures from bad parts, wear and tear, etc. While aggravating, these are within expected wear rates. Many folks replace shocks with Wilbers or Ohlins (no longer produced but still some NOS). Stock coils, Odyssey batteries, Valeo or Bosch starters are all readily available aftermarket. Generally, the unexpected failures occur between 24000-40000 miles. After that the bike seems to be totally durable and reliable.

David Robb designed the R1150R to replace the naked R1100R as the last of the 1150 series (GS, GS Adventure, RT, RS, 1100S) 259 motor oilheads. He integrated the oil coolers (love it or hate it) into the side of the gas tank, added a strangely shaped "beak" to the front fender, designed an elegant telelever arm in place of the industrial arm used on other models, and offered an under $10,000 naked standard BMW Oilhead to the American market. Widely popular, yet 4th in overall sales of the Oilhead line (GS, RT, Adventure) it was replaced by the R1200R in late 2006/early 2007 (somebody check my work on those dates).

Unique versions include the 2002-03 single spark "Yellow Jacket" and the 2004 Rockster Edition 80. Standard colors for the model are: Roadster - Black, Red (two shades), Atlanta Blue, Bronzite (gold), Silver, Granite Gray, Dakar/Dark Dakar (a grey version of the Yellow jacket but more widely produced) and dark blue. Rockster - Orange or lime and the white on black Edition 80.

Owners mostly love the bike. Some regret the lack of wind/weather protection and move on to other models. Others regret the relatively low power and performance compared to Triumph, Ducati or Honda nakeds (among others).

[MikeCam]

So which one to buy?

My criteria are these:

1) Maintenance and service history (in order of preference: owner maintained and serviced, dealer serviced, good records not required if the seller is credible about what he describes doing).
2) Color preference
3) Model year - slight preference for 04-06 to get SS brake lines. Dual spark not necessarily better, just different. Model year and color preference cancel out.
4) Appearance, condition.
5) Price. 02-03 $4500 to 5500 base; 04 $6000-6500 base; 05-06 $7000-7500 base. Add $250-500 for system cases, windscreen (if it's the one you want), and Motolights or PIAAS professionally installed. Other accessories are valueless unless you genuinely want them. Farkles and bling detract from the price. Electrical modifications injure the wiring harness and integrity of the system.
6) New tires, new brake pads, new battery, fresh fluids and filters add to sale desirability.

So having said all that - buy the red one.

[Eagle6]

So is the silver one faster?



Sorry!

Great potted history. It would seem that there are no glaring faults that I should know about. So it's just a question of picking the best within budget.

Thanks.

PS. Have 1150 owners moved to the R1200R or stayed loyal?

[MikeCam]

Seems the main cohort of 1150 owners stayed with it. The 1200R appealed to a wider range of customers and is immensely popular with its own crowd - more power, less weight, higher degree of electronic integration, better brakes.

[boxermania]

+1 Mike Cam

As usual, very detailed and helpful....

[Moore4u]

Where are you looking to get one from? I have been thinking of selling my '04 Rockster since I am in Iraq right now and can't enjoy it. (Three kids in the last three years takes some riding time away too) Would let it go at a good price so if you are anywhere near NC, let me know.

[Eagle6]

Where are you looking to get one from? I have been thinking of selling my '04 Rockster since I am in Iraq right now and can't enjoy it. (Three kids in the last three years takes some riding time away too) Would let it go at a good price so if you are anywhere near NC, let me know.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm in England.

Stay safe buddy, and lets hope all the guys over there get home soon!!

[Eagle6]

Seems the main cohort of 1150 owners stayed with it. The 1200R appealed to a wider range of customers and is immensely popular with its own crowd - more power, less weight, higher degree of electronic integration, better brakes.

Thought I'd explain my thoughts about moving to an R1150R rather than R1200R. There are a couple of the reasons.
I'm currently on my 2nd beemer, an 07 R1200GS Adventure which I purchased in February this year. Previously I had a rocketship 06 K1200GT SE on which we (can't get my SO off the damn things!) ran for 24k mostly around Europe. It was a great bike with all the bells and whistles and did us proud.
My only concern was the technology.
Canbus electrics, electronic suspension, electronic traction control, tyre pressure warning, etc. are all very expensive to repair and limit the amount of personalization. So when time came to change we bought a low mileage used GS Adv without any of the electronics apart from ABS and the computer. This was because we had had a problem with the front shock on the GT and although covered under warranty would have cost over £2000 (€2,300 or $3,300). Which to say the least frightened me!
So I'm trying to stay away as much as possible from the techie bits, although I do like the look of the R1200R.
The second reason is that the R1150R rear seat looks way more comfortable for SO than the R1200R which gives the impression of a sports seat.

[qfman]

I had am '02 R1150R with ABS and luggage. Great bike. All I did was remove the muffler and ride it harder. I learnt all about braking from those ABS servo assist brakes - these days I never touch the rear.

Last year I bought a basic R12R with no ABS. A much better bike. More power, less weight, better gearbox, no oil consumption etc etc but the bike is built down to a price. 'Weight saving' could just as easily be referred to as 'cost cutting'. I didn't understand why it needed a steering damper but yet had no front suspension adjustment at all. The front shock is a sealed unit that has too little compression and too much rebound damping. Kind of a waste of a great engine because you arrive at the corner 10mph faster but then struggle to get through because the front end is all loaded up.

I am seriously in need of an Ohlins or Wilbers upgrade but otherwise.... this is a great bike. Like a horizontally opposed Honda.

Tom

[bikermeow]

My only concern was the technology.
Canbus electrics, electronic suspension, electronic traction control, tyre pressure warning, etc. are all very expensive to repair and limit the amount of personalization. So when time came to change we bought a low mileage used GS Adv without any of the electronics apart from ABS and the computer. This was because we had had a problem with the front shock on the GT and although covered under warranty would have cost over £2000 (€2,300 or $3,300). Which to say the least frightened me!
So I'm trying to stay away as much as possible from the techie bits, although I do like the look of the R1200R.

May I suggest the R100R then

The R1150R is great, bar servos (which can be dissected away)

Welcome .....

[gregor]

I'd get in touch with Rainbow Motorcycle, the main BMW dealer in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. They have sourced several BMWs for me over the past 15 years. Including my current 2002 R1150R. If they do not have one in stock , one will be found as per your desires. They are really that good and I'd recommend them 100%, being a very happy customer. No problems about doing the simpler maintenance myself and getting them to do the more complicated bits plus tyre changes etc..Relaxed about test rides and little if any pressure to buy. Not cheap running one but enjoyable.Shaun and wife Lorna are the long time owners. See the end result on my other message about posting on Picasa.

[BMWEW1]

The silver may not be faster but it looks damn BETTER riding fast! (and sitting still).

I get complements every time I ride, my buddy with the black rarely. The previous owner added chrome valve and alt belt covers and I have to say that bling really adds to the silver color.