BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Greetings from sunny Arizona. I've recently sold both of my bikes, and I'm looking to replace them with one machine. I've found a clean 04 R1150R ABS locally, and I hope to see it this week. My question(s) is how neutral is the seating position? I've read a few reviews online stating the reach to the bars was a little far, which seems to be my primary concern. I'm coming off an 03 Aprilia Tuono, if that helps with my expectations.
I'm not expecting Goldwing/LT comfort, but it has to feel right. I go about 5'10 and I'm 36, for what it's worth... I know there are bar-backs and the like to change the position of the bars, but I really don't want to go there.
Comments and opinions, please!
Thanking you in advance.

OnlyVees

You should not have any problems, unless you have short arms. Likewise, you can also rotate the bars....I'm 5' 8" a little rotund and never had any reach problems. The best bet is to get on the bike and see for yourself.

Good luck and welcome aboard.....need some pics posted after you get it.....

Also, do these bikes have steel fuel tanks?

my sleeve length is 31-32 and the fit is fine. I am fairly upright, but not completely.
the tank is steel--ie will accept a magnetic bag

John

I'm 5'10", a little too heavy for my height, and about your age. I find the upper body positioning very good, the bars are pretty much perfect distance, though they are a bit too wide for my preference. My biggest complaint is that my legs are a little more bent and tucked up than I'd prefer.

OnlyVees wrote:Greetings from sunny Arizona. I've recently sold both of my bikes, and I'm looking to replace them with one machine. I've found a clean 04 R1150R ABS locally, and I hope to see it this week. My question(s) is how neutral is the seating position? I've read a few reviews online stating the reach to the bars was a little far, which seems to be my primary concern. I'm coming off an 03 Aprilia Tuono, if that helps with my expectations.
I'm not expecting Goldwing/LT comfort, but it has to feel right. I go about 5'10 and I'm 36, for what it's worth... I know there are bar-backs and the like to change the position of the bars, but I really don't want to go there.
Comments and opinions, please!
Thanking you in advance.

I'm also 5`10. I don't have any real problems with the stock reach of the bars, but I recently bought a Wunderlich touring bar because I wanted to change the position of my wrists and perhaps improve the reach a bit. The bar-backs do pretty much the same thing, for the reach at least, and are easy to change. I think someone makes a set for as little as $35 if you decided to give them a try. The stock seat is going to bend your knees a bit, but I think that's just something to adjust to, not a real problem. The bike has a good aftermarket, so if you want to change the ergos, it is at least possible. The best way to evaluate this bike is to go get the demo from your dealer and ride it for an hour or two. Most people can take off on a long ride with this bike in the stock configuation with no complaints. You'll see a that a lot of the guys here tinker with the RR continually, but I think that has to do with their personalities rather then any real need to correct problems with the bike.
And I include myself in that.

I am 5'10" and have an 04 R1150R. It has a neutral position which can be made even more comfortable (for me anyway) by putting a peg lowering kit and handlebar risers as well. Altogether I think that cost me < $200. Course, I can't remember where I ordered them from but I bet Priaprismic (on this board) can tell you because I got the information from him! I rode from northeast Louisiana to West Virginia last year with no problems. Planning on leaving Thursday to go to Monument Valley, AZ and places beyond. The R is great for across town and great for across the country. I have 45K on mine (bought it new) and plan on keeping it a long time.

I'm one of the many who find the standard position OK. I've ridden up to 400 miles in a day no problem.
6' 1 1/2", 31" inside leg, size 12 feet UK (13 US) . I've used a sheep skin pad occasionally , just for comfort,but after getting used to being in the saddle , was not needed..
Would not like to lower the footrest as I have touched the ground with my dangling feet occasionally. And I have just been diagnosed with Planitar Fasciitis. Ouch.

Airman wrote:I'm also 5`10. I don't have any real problems with the stock reach of the bars, but I recently bought a Wunderlich touring bar because I wanted to change the position of my wrists and perhaps improve the reach a bit. The bar-backs do pretty much the same thing, for the reach at least, and are easy to change.

Hey, Airman:

Have you installed the Wunderlich touring bars yet? I'm considering them as I'm not quite satisfied with bar backs. I'd be interested in your impression of the Wunderlich bars compared to your bar backs.

Coming from a Tuono you will find this a much more relaxed position. I came from a MG LeMans with clip ons and this is like a gold wing to me. I am 5'9" and an 58yo. The RR allows me to ride all day, I took off the rear seat and added the plate. Now I can stretch out and put my feet on the rear pegs ala sport bike . I did lower the footpegs and added handle bar risers. My advice is to take the bike for a really long ride if possible, half an hour won't tell you much!

Coming off a sportsbike this will be a godsend. Just don't expect the performance you enjoyed in the past. We are kindy non-frantic riders

Do remember to try out the reach turning the steering full right or left.

Welcome.

Cheers

Cat

Hey! 6'1" here and a 32"inseam. I have bar risers and backs and lowered pegs. My longest rides are 650 a day and it's not bad. I have a sheepskin and I TRY to bend my elbows and sit-up straight. There was an article here somewhere about posture. It's a good read. Enjoy!

I'm 6'2 190, 34 inseam. I have the tall stock seat and BMW mystic bars that are a bit lower and narrower than stock. I also have Ohlins suspension front and rear which I highly recommend for comfort as well as handling.

I have had one discectomy, and will most likely need another in a couple years. Leaning forward a bit so your lower back is straight, and to make sure you are not slumping is, for me, the road to lower back happiness. And the bike feels just like a late 70's superbike. I've done 500 mile days on my bike, and my back is happier at the end than the beginning. The lean forward position is a tough sell to most people, but it really works.

These are great all around bikes, get one and enjoy it.

OnlyVees.
Welcome aboard and congrats on the bike.
You have raised a very reasonable concern and you are absolutely correct. The bike should "FEEL RIGHT".
I am probably one of those guys that bought the right bike for the wrong reasons.
Stock R1150R is absolutely not a touring bike, at least to me. But, there are plenty of after market parts that will bring this bike very close to the Gold Wing, LT or RT riding position. It all depends how much are you willing to spend and what you are going to use the bike for?
I am about 6 feet tall and according to my weight I should be at least 7
I am not a youngster anymore but I still can do 1000 miles a day with no problems, after I outfitted my bike to the point of "FEEL RIGHT" bike.
My first "LONG DISTANCE" trip was 180 miles one way and on the way back home I was seriously thinking of renting a U-HAUL to get my bike home.
For you "FEEL RIGHT", maybe all you need is a little twist of the handlebars.
As for for me... It took the list of parts listed below to make the bike comfy.

#1 Wunderlich touring bar was an excellent choice.
#2 Vario Bar Riser http://www.eurotechmotorsports.com/form ... 2%2000%2D1
#3 AeroFlow Tall Touring screen.
#4 Russell Seat.
Whatever you choose to make the bike "FEEL RIGHT", at least the options are available to you.
Good Luck.