Hello everybody,
I am new to BMW motorcycles. Until now I have had Kawasaki and Honda bikes. The last one was a 2001 VFR which has been totaled by a left turning car. I would like to buy an R1150R and I need your advices to choose between these 2 bikes :
R1150R (2001), ABS, 39000km/24200mi, blue, asking price 6000 USD
R1150R (2003), ABS, 23000km/14300mi, silver, asking price 7200 USD
The 2001 bike looks like new and its owner has well taken care of it and want to buy a newer R1200GS.
The 2003 bike has not beem ridden for the last 6 months and has not been cleaned when I saw it. Its engine made a strange clicking sound when started. But the clicking stopped when the choke is turned off. Is it normal ? Its owner has quit riding motorcycles
Does the 2003 model have a better engine ? or brakes ? or ABS ? ...
I have taken a short ride on each bike and did not notice a difference.
Thanks in advance for your advices.
used R1150 : 2001 or 2003
Moderator: Moderators
Stratus --
I am not sure exactly what the "clicking" sound on the '03 was but, since the bike had not been run in 6 mos, it was likely caused by a lack of lubrication, i. e., all the oil had drainged to the crankcase, so the upper cylinders were dry with no lubricating oil available until the engine was turned over. It should have stopped after a few seconds as the oil began circulating and if this was the case, it would be "normal" and nothing to worry about.
You don't mention maintenance records for either bike. These are much more important than whether or not the bike looks good. Neither bike really has many miles, so assuming, that both have been properly maintained (with the records to prove it), my inclination is to go for the newer bike. The 2003 model will have a slightly different telever (though this is mostly an aesthetic improvment) and some engine and suspension tweaks tha the '01 doesn't.
The R1150R is a great machine and I think that you would be happy with either bike. The VFR and the R are pretty dissimilar machines however. The you will notice that the R is significantly heavier with only about 80% of the peak horsepower of the VFR. On the other hand, the R produces its horsepower at much lower revs, has 20% more torque, which is produced at far lower RPMs, has a great suspension and fabulous brakes and it a far more versitile machine than the VFR. If that's not enough, it's a much easier bike to maintain than the VFR as well.
Good luck with your selection. I'm sure others with much more experience will weigh in with better suggestions and remember that this advice is worth every penny you paid for it.
I am not sure exactly what the "clicking" sound on the '03 was but, since the bike had not been run in 6 mos, it was likely caused by a lack of lubrication, i. e., all the oil had drainged to the crankcase, so the upper cylinders were dry with no lubricating oil available until the engine was turned over. It should have stopped after a few seconds as the oil began circulating and if this was the case, it would be "normal" and nothing to worry about.
You don't mention maintenance records for either bike. These are much more important than whether or not the bike looks good. Neither bike really has many miles, so assuming, that both have been properly maintained (with the records to prove it), my inclination is to go for the newer bike. The 2003 model will have a slightly different telever (though this is mostly an aesthetic improvment) and some engine and suspension tweaks tha the '01 doesn't.
The R1150R is a great machine and I think that you would be happy with either bike. The VFR and the R are pretty dissimilar machines however. The you will notice that the R is significantly heavier with only about 80% of the peak horsepower of the VFR. On the other hand, the R produces its horsepower at much lower revs, has 20% more torque, which is produced at far lower RPMs, has a great suspension and fabulous brakes and it a far more versitile machine than the VFR. If that's not enough, it's a much easier bike to maintain than the VFR as well.
Good luck with your selection. I'm sure others with much more experience will weigh in with better suggestions and remember that this advice is worth every penny you paid for it.
'03 R1150R
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
Stratus:
The 1150 R is a great bike. If possible, I would keep looking for a 2004 model which has a dual spark plug in each cylindar. This seems to have nearly completely eliminated the surging problem of this boxer engine. Also, I believe the '04 model switched to a "partially linked" brake. Before, both the hand brake and foot brake applied both from and rear braking. Sometime around '04, it changed so that the hand brake activates both, but the foot brake only applies the rear brake. I could be wrong on when this changed. Anyway, I've seen some very nice '04 1150R's for sale on the BMWMOA flea market and CycleTrader for very little more than the prices you mentioned.
The 1150 R is a great bike. If possible, I would keep looking for a 2004 model which has a dual spark plug in each cylindar. This seems to have nearly completely eliminated the surging problem of this boxer engine. Also, I believe the '04 model switched to a "partially linked" brake. Before, both the hand brake and foot brake applied both from and rear braking. Sometime around '04, it changed so that the hand brake activates both, but the foot brake only applies the rear brake. I could be wrong on when this changed. Anyway, I've seen some very nice '04 1150R's for sale on the BMWMOA flea market and CycleTrader for very little more than the prices you mentioned.
Al
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
Re: used R1150 : 2001 or 2003
Between the two, I would go for the 03, lower mileage and newer. The noise you heard was the cam chain tensioner that was just coming back to life after sitting for a while. They all do that to some degree. The 03 has servo assisted brakes. Some people like them some don't. The brakes may be antilock. You can tell by the serrated rings on the wheels.stratus17 wrote:Hello everybody,
I am new to BMW motorcycles. Until now I have had Kawasaki and Honda bikes. The last one was a 2001 VFR which has been totaled by a left turning car. I would like to buy an R1150R and I need your advices to choose between these 2 bikes :
R1150R (2001), ABS, 39000km/24200mi, blue, asking price 6000 USD
R1150R (2003), ABS, 23000km/14300mi, silver, asking price 7200 USD
The 2001 bike looks like new and its owner has well taken care of it and want to buy a newer R1200GS.
The 2003 bike has not beem ridden for the last 6 months and has not been cleaned when I saw it. Its engine made a strange clicking sound when started. But the clicking stopped when the choke is turned off. Is it normal ? Its owner has quit riding motorcycles
Does the 2003 model have a better engine ? or brakes ? or ABS ? ...
I have taken a short ride on each bike and did not notice a difference.
Thanks in advance for your advices.
Last edited by BchrisL on Tue Jan 02, 2007 3:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
All R1150R w/ ABS have partially linked brakes and servo assist. The rear pedal never activates the front brake on any model year.
Silver is a more acceptable color unless you really like the pale blue. Both seem well priced for your market.
Challey - what is the telelever change in '03? Length? ball joint sizing?
Silver is a more acceptable color unless you really like the pale blue. Both seem well priced for your market.
Challey - what is the telelever change in '03? Length? ball joint sizing?
I don't mind paying for mistakes. Can I get a discount?
I would go for the 2001 model, gives you $1200 to spend on goodies, and if you dont like the experience(highly unlikely), you have not lost as much.
I dont think there was any change to the telelever-maybe paint colour,
but not much more than the twin spark, and brake change in the whole life period.
Whatever you do, I am sure you wont be sorry.
I dont think there was any change to the telelever-maybe paint colour,
but not much more than the twin spark, and brake change in the whole life period.
Whatever you do, I am sure you wont be sorry.
2002 R1150R.
GTR350cc wrote:
BMW replaced the one-piece telelever with a bifurcated arrangement with the pieces welded together for (I think) the 2002 model. Don't think there were any real changes, other than being somewhat nicer looking.Challey - what is the telelever change in '03? Length? ball joint sizing?
'03 R1150R
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
challey,
I think that the 1150r was not in the US in 2001, but it was in Europe. A 2001 would have been a R1100R in the US. So, I think that the telever is the same.
I have owned both a single and a dual spark R1150R and I could tell absolutely no difference between the single and dual spark models. The single spark has a better spark plug puller, and costs half as much to replace spark plugs on.
Do both have system cases?
What maintainence records were kept?
Stainless steel brake lines, or rubber?
Have fun with whichever you choose, and post pics.
I think that the 1150r was not in the US in 2001, but it was in Europe. A 2001 would have been a R1100R in the US. So, I think that the telever is the same.
I have owned both a single and a dual spark R1150R and I could tell absolutely no difference between the single and dual spark models. The single spark has a better spark plug puller, and costs half as much to replace spark plugs on.
Do both have system cases?
What maintainence records were kept?
Stainless steel brake lines, or rubber?
Have fun with whichever you choose, and post pics.
Jeff (lifer #289)
'17 F800GSA
'04 R1150R
There ain't no education in the second kick of a mule!
'17 F800GSA
'04 R1150R
There ain't no education in the second kick of a mule!
GTR350cc: Thanks for the correction about the partially linked brakes. I had been told they were fully linked prior to 2004 like the RT.
Jeff: I've heard of 1150R bikes surging. However, I've only ridden my dual spark 2004 which doesn't surge. I'll defer to your experience with both single and dual spark. I haven't experienced any problem pulling the plugs on my R.
I stand corrected. Given this information, sounds like either bike would be a good purchase and a nice ride.
Jeff: I've heard of 1150R bikes surging. However, I've only ridden my dual spark 2004 which doesn't surge. I'll defer to your experience with both single and dual spark. I haven't experienced any problem pulling the plugs on my R.
I stand corrected. Given this information, sounds like either bike would be a good purchase and a nice ride.
Al
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
Thank you all for your advices.
Both owners have told me that all maintenances had been done properly but I did not checked their maintenance book. I will of course before making a decision. But what is the maintenance schedule for a R1150 ?
The 2003 owner also said he changed an electronic chip which should give the bike a higher torque. Do you have more infos about a such chip?
Both owners have told me that all maintenances had been done properly but I did not checked their maintenance book. I will of course before making a decision. But what is the maintenance schedule for a R1150 ?
The 2003 owner also said he changed an electronic chip which should give the bike a higher torque. Do you have more infos about a such chip?
Thanks again for all advices.
Finally I bought the newer 2003 R1150r for 6800USD. It has 22400km (not 23000), ABS, heated grips, windshield, 12V connector, cylinder head protectors. And 1 system case. The owner said the other one has been stolen but I suspect it was broken in a crash.
I took it out for a little ride around the lake of Neuchâtel. It was real nice.
Finally I bought the newer 2003 R1150r for 6800USD. It has 22400km (not 23000), ABS, heated grips, windshield, 12V connector, cylinder head protectors. And 1 system case. The owner said the other one has been stolen but I suspect it was broken in a crash.
I took it out for a little ride around the lake of Neuchâtel. It was real nice.
Very nice!! As Biff said, hit up ebay and maybe you'll get lucky finding a side case. Mine had a chirping noise to it also which I noticed shortly after I bought it....particularly when cold. After that settled down then it just had an intermittent clatter which I'm sure is valve adjustment. Yours has enough miles on it that there could be considerable carbon/oil crud build up in the cylinders. An easy way to check that is to pull a plug and if it looks close to fowling, chances are the cylinders look the same way. Several folks here swear by a product called Seafoam which will do a pretty good job of cleaning up those cylinders without having to remove the heads. Not sure it's available in Switzerland however.
Good luck with the new ride and enjoy it!
Good luck with the new ride and enjoy it!
'04 R1150R
Hello again,
I have bought some accessories for my R1150R:
1. Low seat (not low enough but still better than standard)
2. Wunderlich Touring windshield (has MRA written on it)
3. Two used system cases (found on Ricardo which is better known than Ebay in Switzerland). Still waiting for it to be delivered.
So far I have not experienced any surging.
And no more clicking noise.
I have bought some accessories for my R1150R:
1. Low seat (not low enough but still better than standard)
2. Wunderlich Touring windshield (has MRA written on it)
3. Two used system cases (found on Ricardo which is better known than Ebay in Switzerland). Still waiting for it to be delivered.
So far I have not experienced any surging.
And no more clicking noise.
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Rog(UK) - Yorkshire Dales
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