I own a GL1800 and really like it … It’s nice to ride but as motor bikes go it’s a beautifully engineered smooth riding bus.
I had a Suzuki V-Strom 650, and it was a fun ride, and if you are young enough it can take you almost anywhere you want to go. But at age seventy it’s narrow saddle is hard on my old skinny butt and arthritic hip. My thinking is seventeen but my body knows it’s age…
The short version of this story has me looking at a bike dubbed the R1100R/1150R. The Harley guys say it’s an over engineered Maytag Messerschmitt and the Honda guys say it’s a maintenance nightmare that will pick your pocket and make you think a Harley is cheap to keep…
Well that’s the propaganda from those two camps --- but I still think it would be nice to have a used R11**R living in my garage. I’m old, so an old motorbike in good health and still good looking would be loved and appreciated … The problem is I don’t know anything about BMW bikes or ABS brakes and so far haven’t found anyone in these parts that does; so I have questions for anyone with the time to answer them. I’ve looked at Cycle Trader and little else so real market value is an unknown. Worse yet I don’t know enough to make an informed inspection before the buy…Right now the buy of the century would slide past me because I won’t buy anything without an informed feel for market value.
Question 1. Anybody out there with a 30" (760mm) inseam riding a R11**R with an aftermarket saddle? How much foot can you can plant on both sides of the bike? Are you comfortable stopping on gravel?
Question 2. I’ve never owned a bike with ABS but think I would like them. The difficulty in buying in the used market is learning enough to know how to stay out of trouble and not buy someone else’s problem. Can anyone explain (to an uninformed neophyte) the difference in the ABS systems in the 96 through 04 models of R11**R.?
Question 3. Explain correct the start-up procedure, including the correct indicator light operation. Is there any way to recognize an ‘ABS’ problem based on the way the ABS indicator light/s go on and off at different times. (Please realize I know nothing about this but have read bewildering communications between people that apparently did know the sequence) …
Question 4. How good are the standard (non ABS) brakes on the R11**R? (I realize any answer here is just an opinion. So I’ll offer some benchmarks)
I have ridden the following bikes more than 5,ooo miles each and rate the brakes as follows:
Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1500 brakes are acceptable below 65 MPH I’m not comfortable with them above 60mph.
Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Honda Valkyrie have excellent brakes at speeds well beyond legal limits.
Honda Goldwing GL1800 has outstanding brakes. I don’t think ABS would of value unless the road conditions were extremely poor or wet. These brakes are not prone to lock-up and do not cause excessive front-end dive.
Thanks
oldgeorge
Hep! Hep! I want a fun bike
Moderator: Moderators
I have a 2004 R1150R with just over 22,000 miles on it. It does not have ABS. However, I have owned other ABS equipped bikes, and I currently also own a Yamaham FJR with ABS.
I rode for 25 years before having my first ABS equipped bike. So, "going back" to non-ABS on my 1150R was no big deal. I find the brakes on the Roadster to be very good.
I have a 29" inseam. With the Corbin seat on my 1150R I can easily put both feet flat on the ground.
As for maintenance, my bike has not been expensive to maintain at all. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and take it to the dealer every 6,000.
VM
I rode for 25 years before having my first ABS equipped bike. So, "going back" to non-ABS on my 1150R was no big deal. I find the brakes on the Roadster to be very good.
I have a 29" inseam. With the Corbin seat on my 1150R I can easily put both feet flat on the ground.
As for maintenance, my bike has not been expensive to maintain at all. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and take it to the dealer every 6,000.
VM
Hey Old George - welcome to the board!
I'm a new R 1150 R owner (just found my new 2004 and got a great deal). But I'm an experienced motorcyclist and can probably help you out. I was right where you are a few weeks ago, and trying to decide if I wanted the R 1200 C for the low seat height, and knowing the GS was too high. But I think BMW's reputation for quality is well deserved, and pooh-pooh the nay-sayers who think routine maintenance will rob you blind. I think the ACCESSORIES will rob you blind, but you can do it on a budget and do lots of maintenance yourself. And the shop prices for regular work aren't too bad, really (probably depends somewhat on where you are).
Anyway, to your questions:
1. I have a 30" inseam. I'm riding the R 1150 R with the low seat. I have the balls of both feet on the ground when stopped, but not the heels. The balance of this bike is very good and for as much of it looks like it's top heavy, it doesn't feel that way. I've not had to stop on gravel yet.
2. The ABS brakes are great, although takes some getting used to the whine they make. The light in the middle blinks at start-up, but then stops blinking once you're underway. All the idiot lights are somewhat annoying and take a little getting used to. The manual has more info. If the ABS light comes on when riding or blinks then probably something wrong.
3. My start up procedure is same as with any bike, as I always stop with the kill switch and put in neutral. In neutral you can start up with the sidestand down, but if in gear the sidestand relay kills it. So, put kill switch in the middle, clutch in, ignition on, start button, clutch out. Get on, get in gear, get going!
4. The ABS brakes are great, I think they'll stop a train. A couple fingers does it. Can't comment on the non-ABS.
I'm a new R 1150 R owner (just found my new 2004 and got a great deal). But I'm an experienced motorcyclist and can probably help you out. I was right where you are a few weeks ago, and trying to decide if I wanted the R 1200 C for the low seat height, and knowing the GS was too high. But I think BMW's reputation for quality is well deserved, and pooh-pooh the nay-sayers who think routine maintenance will rob you blind. I think the ACCESSORIES will rob you blind, but you can do it on a budget and do lots of maintenance yourself. And the shop prices for regular work aren't too bad, really (probably depends somewhat on where you are).
Anyway, to your questions:
1. I have a 30" inseam. I'm riding the R 1150 R with the low seat. I have the balls of both feet on the ground when stopped, but not the heels. The balance of this bike is very good and for as much of it looks like it's top heavy, it doesn't feel that way. I've not had to stop on gravel yet.
2. The ABS brakes are great, although takes some getting used to the whine they make. The light in the middle blinks at start-up, but then stops blinking once you're underway. All the idiot lights are somewhat annoying and take a little getting used to. The manual has more info. If the ABS light comes on when riding or blinks then probably something wrong.
3. My start up procedure is same as with any bike, as I always stop with the kill switch and put in neutral. In neutral you can start up with the sidestand down, but if in gear the sidestand relay kills it. So, put kill switch in the middle, clutch in, ignition on, start button, clutch out. Get on, get in gear, get going!
4. The ABS brakes are great, I think they'll stop a train. A couple fingers does it. Can't comment on the non-ABS.
"Bruce" = 2004 R 1150 R Dark Ferro Metallic
http://www.DMPHOTOSD.com
http://www.DMPHOTOSD.com
George, welcome to the board. You will get a lot of good information from the contributors here though it may be a little biased. I bought a new R 3 years ago after riding British and Italian bikes for close to 30 years. I can say that the R1150R is the best all-around bike I've ever owned (refer to the first sentence after reading this though). It is the best combination of handling, braking, power (OK, really torque, not HP) and riding comfort out there. You can buy machines with more HP, there are certainly more comfortable long-distance bikes available and maybe there are better handling bikes out there but the R1150R is far and away the best overall combination that you can get. If you want a bike that you can use to commute to work, to take cross-county or out for a weekend blast on some mountain roads, you will probably wind up on the Roadster.
As far as maintenance, the R can be among the cheapest (if you do you own service) or the most expensive (if you take it to the dealer). It is quite easy to do most of the servicing on oilheads - I do my own valve adjustments, TB syncs and fluid changes. All of these are relatively easy for the average mechanic to do and there is a wealth of how-to-do-it information on this board and other BMW sites. And if you get stuck, chances are good that someone on this board can set you straight.
As to your questions (in order)
1) I have a 29" inseam and use the stock seat. While I can't flat foot the bike, I can get the balls of both feet on the ground. The only real drawback is that you don't have any room for error on slippery surfaces (like gravel or leaves). I had planned to do some seat mods and actually bought a used seat to play around with but have yet to actually find the time. Maybe this winter. . .
2 & 3) I have a non-ABS bike so can't help here.
4) The standard brakes are truly excellent. Great stopping power and easy to modulate. The telever suspension virtually eliminates dive, so stopping is a very civilized affair. I used to think that the Brembos on my Ducati were the best, with the linked system on my Moto Guzzi a close second but the R1150's brakes are in a class of their own.
One last anecdote. I bought my R at about the same time as 2 other friends bought new HDs (one a Duce, the other a Fat Boy). I have nearly 15,000 miles on mine and only wish I had more time to ride. The Fat Boy rider has 2,800 and my buddy on the Duce about 1,800.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Charlie
As far as maintenance, the R can be among the cheapest (if you do you own service) or the most expensive (if you take it to the dealer). It is quite easy to do most of the servicing on oilheads - I do my own valve adjustments, TB syncs and fluid changes. All of these are relatively easy for the average mechanic to do and there is a wealth of how-to-do-it information on this board and other BMW sites. And if you get stuck, chances are good that someone on this board can set you straight.
As to your questions (in order)
1) I have a 29" inseam and use the stock seat. While I can't flat foot the bike, I can get the balls of both feet on the ground. The only real drawback is that you don't have any room for error on slippery surfaces (like gravel or leaves). I had planned to do some seat mods and actually bought a used seat to play around with but have yet to actually find the time. Maybe this winter. . .
2 & 3) I have a non-ABS bike so can't help here.
4) The standard brakes are truly excellent. Great stopping power and easy to modulate. The telever suspension virtually eliminates dive, so stopping is a very civilized affair. I used to think that the Brembos on my Ducati were the best, with the linked system on my Moto Guzzi a close second but the R1150's brakes are in a class of their own.
One last anecdote. I bought my R at about the same time as 2 other friends bought new HDs (one a Duce, the other a Fat Boy). I have nearly 15,000 miles on mine and only wish I had more time to ride. The Fat Boy rider has 2,800 and my buddy on the Duce about 1,800.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Charlie
'03 R1150R
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
I can tell you a couple things about my experince...
The non ABS brakes are every bit as good as any modern bike I have ridden (Honda VFR, Ducati monster, kawasaki 750, Triumph speed triple) and the perfomance and handling are fantastic.
The maintenance has been a non-issue because I do it all myself and it's been easy.
As for shopping, I would suggest riding one at your BMW dealer to see if it's a good fit. The best deals I have found have been in the for-sale section of this board. There is actually a great deal on one right now!
Good luck!
The non ABS brakes are every bit as good as any modern bike I have ridden (Honda VFR, Ducati monster, kawasaki 750, Triumph speed triple) and the perfomance and handling are fantastic.
The maintenance has been a non-issue because I do it all myself and it's been easy.
As for shopping, I would suggest riding one at your BMW dealer to see if it's a good fit. The best deals I have found have been in the for-sale section of this board. There is actually a great deal on one right now!
Good luck!
'02 R1150R
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jon pierce
- Basic User
- Posts: 138
- Joined: Sat May 13, 2006 6:03 pm
- Location: Chester, VT - ex UK
- Contact:
Hi - I have lived in many parts of the World and had many bikes - these are my thoughts.............
Harley are over priced two wheel tractors - sure they can be pretty to look at but it's all about image and size!
Honda are superbly built, very reliable machine (2 & 4 wheels) but lack a bit of character - as do all Japanese products - it's a culture thing!
German products are superbly built, reliable machines with loads of character and charm. Maintenance of a boxer twin is very easy (it's an air cooled twin cylinder motorcycle, the dealers do try and confuse with technical garbage), the dealers do try and overcharge but that's just how they pay for the glossy showroom, which is what BMW pretty much insist on
ABS is the best 'extra' available for two (or four) wheels. Almost every car now has it, buy a BMW with it and just ride normal. BMW have been fitting it on bikes since 1987 so have a lot of experience.
For ten years whilst living in Europe I did not have a car and used my BMW bike every day - no problems, no worries - but the ABS did save my bacon on at least three occasions.
For most folk, when first riding a BMW they notice that it all seems a bit different to the usualu Jap stuff - in fact it puts a few off - but stick with it and you will see.................vee ave vays to make you like it! ya?
Harley are over priced two wheel tractors - sure they can be pretty to look at but it's all about image and size!
Honda are superbly built, very reliable machine (2 & 4 wheels) but lack a bit of character - as do all Japanese products - it's a culture thing!
German products are superbly built, reliable machines with loads of character and charm. Maintenance of a boxer twin is very easy (it's an air cooled twin cylinder motorcycle, the dealers do try and confuse with technical garbage), the dealers do try and overcharge but that's just how they pay for the glossy showroom, which is what BMW pretty much insist on
ABS is the best 'extra' available for two (or four) wheels. Almost every car now has it, buy a BMW with it and just ride normal. BMW have been fitting it on bikes since 1987 so have a lot of experience.
For ten years whilst living in Europe I did not have a car and used my BMW bike every day - no problems, no worries - but the ABS did save my bacon on at least three occasions.
For most folk, when first riding a BMW they notice that it all seems a bit different to the usualu Jap stuff - in fact it puts a few off - but stick with it and you will see.................vee ave vays to make you like it! ya?
Everyone is entitled to my opinion!
Hey Charlie one more question on the standard brakes. What do you know about the brakes on the 1999 R1100R i.e. are they as good as current models? I came across a nice looking '99' non ABS.
I'm retired and average a thousand plus miles a month. A round trip from my house to the grocery store is 24 miles... I do as much maintenance as possible, so far that has been every thing but tire changes...
I'm retired and average a thousand plus miles a month. A round trip from my house to the grocery store is 24 miles... I do as much maintenance as possible, so far that has been every thing but tire changes...
Let me chime in...
Having owned both a 2000 R1100R and now an 05 1150R, I think it's important to note that there are some significant ergonomic differences between the two. The 1100 has an adjustable seat that goes a tad lower than the 1150R with the low saddle (I have a 28" inseam and use my supernatural powers to levitate at stop signs).
Also, the 1100 has more upright "RT-style" bars that are IMHO a bit more comfy for my shorter arms. I suggest trying find one of each model and at least sit on them.
As to the brakes, I found the Brembos on my 1100 every bit as good as the ones on the 1150 (non-ABS for both).
As with any bike, I think you need to test ride. Although, as noted elsewhere, the real connection to a BMW can take a little while to develop...
I just came back from the BMWMOA rally over in Vermont where I rode for three days straight and the bike just felt great -- rock solid, smooth and very confidence-inspiring.
Having owned both a 2000 R1100R and now an 05 1150R, I think it's important to note that there are some significant ergonomic differences between the two. The 1100 has an adjustable seat that goes a tad lower than the 1150R with the low saddle (I have a 28" inseam and use my supernatural powers to levitate at stop signs).
Also, the 1100 has more upright "RT-style" bars that are IMHO a bit more comfy for my shorter arms. I suggest trying find one of each model and at least sit on them.
As to the brakes, I found the Brembos on my 1100 every bit as good as the ones on the 1150 (non-ABS for both).
As with any bike, I think you need to test ride. Although, as noted elsewhere, the real connection to a BMW can take a little while to develop...
I just came back from the BMWMOA rally over in Vermont where I rode for three days straight and the bike just felt great -- rock solid, smooth and very confidence-inspiring.
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scottybooj
- Lifer
- Posts: 1336
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:16 am
- Location: Long Island, NY
owning a harley and the 1150r, i must say that if the qualifications for a bike to only hit it's prime at 100,000 miles is to be an over engineered maytag/messerschmit, then that's what it is.
My harley is always having something needed to be worked on. Why? Cause I don't ride the damn thing anymore!
p.s. I have a 30" inseam and do quite fine.
My harley is always having something needed to be worked on. Why? Cause I don't ride the damn thing anymore!
p.s. I have a 30" inseam and do quite fine.
Scott
Black '50R
Long Island, NY
double-secret probationary lifetime member #311
Black '50R
Long Island, NY
double-secret probationary lifetime member #311
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garylspolar
- Lifer
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:43 am
- Location: Cleveland
But I like the Maytag Messerschimdt!
R1150R 2004 ABS. The brakes stop you like hitting a wall of glue. They can be grabby at parking lot speeds.
I do most of my own maintenance the ABS and tire changes. 13K miles so far. Stock seat, 30 inch inseam. I can flat foot it on level ground. She's a great set of compramises all around bike for me. The stock seat has just started to get comfy. I like long rides in the country(no iron butt here) and usually take her on vacations to places like Dinosaur National Park, Seattle, and lovely Barstow. (I too have an arthritic hip) She's dependable in the rain. She handles well in windy roads (I live on a top rated road) She's a good faithful companion that ticks off the miles pleasantly.
I do most of my own maintenance the ABS and tire changes. 13K miles so far. Stock seat, 30 inch inseam. I can flat foot it on level ground. She's a great set of compramises all around bike for me. The stock seat has just started to get comfy. I like long rides in the country(no iron butt here) and usually take her on vacations to places like Dinosaur National Park, Seattle, and lovely Barstow. (I too have an arthritic hip) She's dependable in the rain. She handles well in windy roads (I live on a top rated road) She's a good faithful companion that ticks off the miles pleasantly.
29" inseam, low BMW seat, and very happy with the 1150R. Sometimes when stopping on an uneven surface, I have to slide over on the seat to get the ball of my left foot down solidly, but have managed to keep the shiny side up thus far. :-) Best of luck with your new bike adventures!
2004 Ferro R1150R
Most of the timeI ride alone but when I ride with friends they laugh at me tiptoeing at a stop. I am 5'8" and have a sargent on my RR. On gravel I also slide to my butt to one side to flat foot it. (They also howled when we stopped for gas, I put the bike on the center stand, when it was time to go I stood on the peg and swung my leg over the bike rocked forward and took off.) I came to this bike after riding a MG LeMans I for thirty years so I was used to putting my feet flat on the ground anywhere. I love the LM but since getting the RR it has only been out once. I said I 'd never sell the LM but the R1150R has totally won me over. Their are no issues with maintainence so I doubt the bike will ever see a dealer again.
Michael
MG 78 LeMans
2002 R1150R
78 R100S
MG 78 LeMans
2002 R1150R
78 R100S
I ride both BMW and HD. My Harley has been rock solid with no problems in over 18k miles. My BMW, on the other hand, surges and required a new clutch and clutch input shaft with only 25k miles. I also had an intermittent problem with an electrical short near the frame nack, where the wiring harness moves with the bars.
My R1100R is my fifth BMW. I like the bike's ABS brakes and the telelever front, which eliminates front end dive when braking.
My R1100R is my fifth BMW. I like the bike's ABS brakes and the telelever front, which eliminates front end dive when braking.
'96 BMW R1100R
'05 HD Electra Glide Ultra Classic
'05 HD Electra Glide Ultra Classic
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beekstersocal
- Lifer
- Posts: 424
- Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2005 10:01 pm
- Location: oceanside ca