new vs. used (r1150r)

[Dauntless]

Can you even find a new R1150R these days? Even if new ones were available, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used one. There are plenty of nice bikes out there with less than 2000 miles.

[geogridshorthair]

Well,

Did you buy it?

I bought an 02 with 13,750 miles and six months left on the warranty.

I did test ride the bike. It has ABS, heated grips (although the heated grips don't seem to work that well). I paid $7500 back in Jan 06.

I have put 4K miles on the bike and have put new tires and the 12K service.

One thing I've noted is that the clutch releases on the outside. This means the bike will need a new clutch sooner than later. As a comparision my clutch on my 04 R1150RT with 13K miles released very close to the grip. I have been the only rider on the RT and I do not abuse the clutch.

The clutch cost about $800 to $1000 to replace and should not be needed until 50k or 65k miles.

Good luck with your choice. You will love the bike.

Is this your first ride? Be reallllllly carefullllllllll!!!!!!!!!

Steve
aka

[Mason'sDad]

The bike I found, and liked, actually sold the next day before I could travel to see it... Must not have been meant to be?

I've been riding a Yamaha Road Star Silverado ('99) 1600cc cruiser for the past four years. The bike is actually my father's, but I ride it when time permits. The main things that I don't like about an 800 lb. cruiser would be: hard to manuever in tight spaces, easiest to operate when traveling on the highway (straight road), and safety. We both took the MSF course a few years back and really enjoyed the training and definately made us better riders.

My thoughts regarding the R1150R would be that it is actually a user friendly machine... I can ride back roads, do some touring, do some commuting back and forth from work... But basically do it all on a bike that I feel would be safer. Not like the 800 lb land yacht.

[pjpockets]

I would think you would not ride two up with your size in mind. The other issue is your joint tollerence from the leg position. Just my opinion, but I think a good size cruiser is in your future. Or perhaps an RT would be better then the R. You might be able to do more for size accomadations.

[bobclift]

I'm 6'3" and 275 (out of the shower). I needed a Wunderlich peg relo kit to reduce the stress on my knees. Not only did it lower the pegs, it also brought them outward about an inch. I also like to sit more upright than the standard position so I got a set of Genmar barbacks. Not necessarily related to size, I just couldn't stand the stock seat and replaced it with a Sargent. To keep the wind calmer (and after trying several winshields) I went with a Parabellum Scout fairing and two windshields (a ten inch for around town and a 19 for cold weather or road trips). These winshields are interchangeable on the fairing in 10 minutes or so. I also installed a pair of Aeroflow tank wings. Giant help! These vitualy stop the buffeting caused by air coming over the oil coolers which was a real problem for me (I'm not sure if this was height related). I don't ride two up. I haven't bottomed the rear suspension out. I love the look and the feel of my 2004 beakster with ABS and would find it hard to give it up (unless someone wants to trade me their 2005 or newer 1200RT!). In short, your R1150R may not fit "off the shelf" but there are plently of ways to make it just right for you. Good luck! Bob

[OU812]

My buddy is 6'2". He sat on my bkie(36" inseam) and found it way too small for his taste. What do you want for a Harley rider
. But I feel , I picked up a month ago a 04 R1150R non-abs 2500 miles W/luggage rack, for $6400. Man I just had to buy it! I sold the speedster screen for $75, and a jacket that was too small (that came with the bike) for $125. Life can be GOOD!

[iowabeakster]

of course we all like the RR a lot! but bikes are not cars, fit is very important! test ride as many bikes as you can and make sure it is the one for you.

[dwayne]

New member to this site... and I'm asking for any insight or suggestions on the benefits of buying new vs. used with regards to the R1150R. All the used bikes I've found are in other states (timezones) and not sure if I want to spend the "new" price. I'm also 6'3" and 230 lbs and curious if I'll feel cramped on the bike. I liked the feel at the dealership, but wanted actual owner/user input. I really, really appreciate your help and hopefully I can locate the right bike. Thanks!

Only 'casue I'm a cheap bastard; I would go non-ABS...only cause of the work that I have heard that is involved in working on an ABS system. Check the cylindar covers for scratches (dropped), and service records.

[OU812]

I was at the dealer Friday... The price on the new R1200R w/ABS... $15,500! OUCH! Befor taxes.

[GeoffJ]

New member to this site... and I'm asking for any insight or suggestions on the benefits of buying new vs. used with regards to the R1150R. All the used bikes I've found are in other states (timezones) and not sure if I want to spend the "new" price. I'm also 6'3" and 230 lbs and curious if I'll feel cramped on the bike. I liked the feel at the dealership, but wanted actual owner/user input. I really, really appreciate your help and hopefully I can locate the right bike. Thanks!

If I was in the market, I'd buy the new R1200R.

[OU812]

I still prefer the R1150R looks much more than the new 1200! Sure, it has better performance, but the looks just don't do it for this Roadster Lover!

[marecycling]

All I can pipe in on this subject is, last fall I bought my first BMW. It is a 2002 and had 4700 miles on the clock. I paid $6000 and I feel it is one of the best deals on a used vehicle I have ever gotten. The bike is all I had hoped for and then some. I am 6 ft 2 in tall 200 lbs and ride the bike bone stock. I find the stock position comfortable and it places you in a position that is beneficial to aggressive riding. With all the low mileage adult owned bikes on the market I would definitely buy used.

[dragonmojo]

I was at the dealer Friday... The price on the new R1200R w/ABS... $15,500! OUCH! Befor taxes.

I got my '04 Rockster new for about 13 bills out the door. An incentive was their 0.9% financing 60 months and picking up the first 3 months' tab.

On a tangent, funny how non-riders seem to always ask how much (or how fast). I usually tell 'em around $20K and so fast that I've been pulled over many times.

[Lost Rider]

I bought my 05' R1150R brand new for $9700ish + $400 for demo system cases that had a minor scratch. Non-ABS, heated grips.
Seems like a fair deal to me.
Looking back I have no regrets, but will be buying my next bike ( maybe some sort of "enduro") used.
eBay, forums, wherever.
Let someone else take the hit, and accessorize!