considering R1150R

[merrynj]

Currently ride 03' Honda Shadow vlx dlx. I'm 44, this is my first bike and first year riding. Took the local msf course this past spring, did a bit of research and shopping and went with the shadow. I am enjoying it, but I just dont see myself getting into the whole crusier thing. I drive an 04' 525i, and my last car was an 97' 318i, so I have been parial to bmw's at least cars anyway. Lately, I've been thinking about selling the Shadow and going for a bmw. I am looking to go out for a couple of short rides after work and at least one good longer ride on weekends. Anyway went to local bmw dealer. He suggested teh R1150R. He showed me a used 02' 4K mi., no abs, just a few minor scratches for $5,000. Looking to get feedback about weather the 1150 is a good choice & what about the abs/no abs issue, price, etc. I am open to all info. thanks, steve

[cworley5150]

That's a very good price on what seems to be a pretty nice bike. Ride it and see what you think. There's no comparing it to your VLX. Probably the same weight, but twice the power and handling ability.

As far as ABS, I have it on my Rockster. I think it could possibly save my bacon some day (knocking on wood), but it is my first bike with it and so far I haven't needed it. It shouldn't be a deal maker or breaker. A biek without it is easier to maintain too.

Speaking of that, the Beemers are pretty simple to maintain other than the ABS system. Kinda fun for me and I know that it has been done right.

Take a ride and get bit by the BMW bug. It's good for the soul.

Oh yeah, welcome to the board.

Chris

[Lobo1625]

Welcome to the board!

My '02 is my first bike. I got it in a situation much like yours, 3600 miles/non abs. The bike has been an absolute Joy. If you have any mecahnical sense, you can maintain the bike yourself and save a few $$$ in the process. I do it just because I'm the only one I trust completly. I use my 1150 for transportation to work and good weekend rides. I've riden a few other sportbikes, and nothing really compares to the comfort and agility of this bike. The bike is 525# wet but feels 1/2 of that when you're up on it. It is nicely balanced in the horsepower department, and geared accordingly. As Cworly5150 suggested, go take the bike for a ride, that will give you a great idea of the capabilites/performance and comfort of the bike. As far as reliablity is concerned, there are many BMWs out there well over the 100k mark.

[munchmeister]

Steve:
The R1150R is one of the best handling bikes out there, IMHO. It has a smooth throttle response with lots of power and the torque makes it possible to roll on the throttle at almost any speed, any gear (within reason). It is very well balanced and just rolls from side to side as you maneuver through consecutive turns if you are lucky enough to have that kind of road to ride on. The ergonomics are "just right" for me, at 6'-0" and ~190 lbs. The boxer twin has its unique characteristics, as do most engine designs and I really like it. But with the telelever front end, fuel injection, shaft drive and tons of available add ons, it can't be beat.

As for ABS I would not want to ride without it. I'm relatively new to motorcycling, too, and find that those "panic" moments, when all the MSF and ERC training just evaporates from your brain, require all the help you can get. Enter ABS brakes. Don't leave home without them. Feeling as I do about ABS, I'd wait and find one with ABS. I ride an F650GS also, and it has ABS (tho' it can be turned off, which is definitely what you want when you are on dirt, gravel etc.)

But I just don't think there are too many better all round motorcycles out there than the R1150R, unless it is an R1200R or R1200ST which will hit your wallet a lot harder. The 1150's are a good value for a BMW.

[ken k]

of course we all love our roadsters. Changing from the cruiser you will notice a much different feel however. it is a taller bike and is a bit top heavy compared to a cruiser. I had a yamaha virago prior to my roadster and it took a bit of adjustment to get used to it. i felt much more comfortable once I got a low seat. i have a 30" inseam so the tall seat was a bit of a stretch, especially when I had to try to back it out of parking spaces. and if they were on a grade i was really stuck. But the low seat made all the difference for me. Not a comfortable seat for long rides however. i went to Vermont (from PA) this summer and the buns were burning. :-)

Once you get accustomed to the bike though i think you will find that there is no comparison to the cruiser. same torquey engine but more sporting handling.

good luck in your search. the bike you are looking at sounds like it would be a good deal. Are there any accessories on it such as side cases or wind screens?

ken k

[sjbmw]

I have a non-ABS 04 R, and the brakes are fantastic. 5k for a R? Not too shabby, since one with 4k is not really broken in yet.

Ask to ride it. I traded in a Honda for my R, the suspension alone will wow you.

oh, and welcome!

[Sunbeemer]

What they said! Plus I'd add that you'll enjoy simply looking at it parked. And...you meet the greatest people while riding it!

[TX2Step]

As for ABS I would not want to ride without it. I'm relatively new to motorcycling, too, and find that those "panic" moments, when all the MSF and ERC training just evaporates from your brain, require all the help you can get. Enter ABS brakes. Don't leave home without them. Feeling as I do about ABS, I'd wait and find one with ABS.

+1

[TonyT607]

Merrynj, you'll love the RR. Which dealer did you go to ? CC BMW ?

[tor1150r]

Traded in an '02 Honda Shadow Spirit (750), my first bike, for my 04 R.

Never looked back, and never thought I'd put as many miles on my bike as I have with the R.

Took me a good 3 weeks to get used to though. Fuel injection, handling, brakes, power....

Love it.

[cbesey]

I've been lurking for about six weeks now, planning the move from my first bike, an '88 Sportster, to an R1150. While this is of course the place for plenty of positive opinions, hearing yet more good reports from the somewhat vertically challenged (30" inseam here) is a plus. Between those and being comfortable on my friends VFR and DF650, I think I can pull it off.

Let us know how it goes if you get the bike, 'cause I'm planning to do the same.

Now if only prices in the SF bay area were anywhere near as low as what folks on this list talk about...

[merrynj]

Thanks to all for the quick replies and feedback. The bike does have the tall hwy windscreen. I drove over to dealer again today for another look, it is pretty cool. It was a bit wet for a test ride, will try again next day or so. Still undecided about the abs/non abs issue. Sounds like it would be nice to have, but it seems to command a premium. Seems as though abs is safer and nice option, the standard brakes are more than adequate. I was concerned a bit about seat height. I am 5'6 w/30 " inseam. Sat on bike today w/regular shoes & was on my tippy toes. I will have to try w/boots. Unfortunately, I also saw the R1200R & read up about it as well. Sounds unbelievable, but too rich for my blood. As for the question of where I saw the bike, it is ccbmw in metuchen. I am still not sure what to do w/my honda shadow. first the dealer said he would entertain a trade. spoke w/ him again today now not int'd in taking it as a trade. I understand that now is good time to buy used bmw, not the greatest time to sell honda. I was thinking of ebay, local paper, i live on pretty well traveled street in town so i can put at end of driveway w/ for sale sign, craigs list, or wait till spring. I would hate to have to have two bike & wait till spring. Thanks again to all.

[acejones]

I have a '03 R1150R w/o ABS. I would like to have abs but since I bought the bike used, thats just the way it is. Its a great bike and you won't regret it. I am 5'8 with a 29.5" inseam and am very comfortable on the bike. BMW makes a low seat and you can probably fine one if you shop around. Your dealer can probably help. I think he's offering a good deal.

[Daryl_stamp]

I am looking to go out for a couple of short rides after work and at least one good longer ride on weekends.

A good ride after a full day at the shop is a great way to recharge. Having a machine you're really in tune with makes it all the better. To each his own, but I can't get enough of the RR. Here's a snapshot of the ride home,
[/img]

[R4R&R]

The r1150r is not by any means a top end cutting edge high-tech sport bike. But it is a great bike that is forgiving, easy to ride, not easily outgrown, and a very versatile sport/touring bike.

As forthe whole ABS/no-ABS debate, it all comes down to the rider. ABS will add extra maintenance costs, and will not help you in turns when you are riding too fast and/or encounter debris. It will help you when riding in various weather conditions and knowing you will not lockup a wheel.

[jbuzbee]

Second the best handling Moniker: I'm developing bad habits: going in to corners way too hot; mid corner braking with no ill effects!!!!!!

Seriously, this is one sleeper of a bike. I'm used to Ducati's and Moto Guzzi's - arguably the best around. This bike is sick when it comes to handling. If it only came in a 100+ hp version: oh wait, it does, the R1200R!!!!!

Buy it. Push it. You won't be disappointed!

[jbuzbee]

The r1150r is not by any means a top end cutting edge high-tech sport bike

Says who? How many 600's have you raced?!

[johno]

Bar the lack of top speed versus the sporty bikes, not much will pass you
on a twisty piece of road.
And, all in comfort, not all distorted like a greyhound humping a cricket ball.
Best all round bike I have had.

[paroyboy]

And, all in comfort, not all distorted like a greyhound humping a cricket ball.

I always thought it was a "monkey F&*$ing a football"? Same basic visual though, huh?

[johno]

Down our way, we play cricket, and do a lot of greyhound dog racing.
But, as you say, same principal