Cruiser
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Cruiser
Are there any R1150R riders out there that believe you need an additional bike. I've looked at the R1200C and I like what I see. Anyone with experience with that model and why BMW stopped making it. I've only had my ride for about 3 months (2,000 miles) but I really like it. Do I need an additional ride? Now that I've got my wife on the back of it she thinks that maybe she would like to ride on the back of a Gold Wing. I'd much rather stick with the BMW. Any help is appreciated. Thanks...
Depends on what you plan on doing with the bike. For extended touring alone, I find I can hardly get everything I need on my R-bike. Camping is an even greater struggle. I guess I need to limit what I pack. Anyway, I think two-up touring, and for sure camping, would be a challenge on an R-bike. Just my opinion, but like I said, I like to take everything with me but the kitchen sink. I think it would be fine for local riding two-up and brief touring trips. Still, I believe the R-bike is a great all around bike.
Al
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
Ogden, Utah
2002 R1150RT
2004 R1150R (sold) (sigh...)
2004 R 1150GS
Mike, I think the R can do anything. I have my rockster rigged as a general purpose touring UFO. In 2 minutes, I'm a cool naked street fighter (unless you have a Ducati in which case Im a pug slow old man on a BMW.) More than glad to send pictures, have no idea of how to post them.
I'm one of the most staunch supporters of the BMW brand and, to be honest, have no idea of what they were drinking when they thought it would be a good idea to compete in the American cruiser market. Suzuki makes a great 800 CC old school fat boy lookin cruiser for $6400. BMW built a bizarre, underpowered, atypically inconvenient, very strange looking machine for, well quite a bit of scratch. Upside, definitely more reliable than the leading brand of cruiser, downside... I still have yet to figure out what it is. The chrome is, well, suspect at best and it definitely does not have a cruisery exhaust note.
My advice is to forget the cruiser, get the R, farkle it up, and never look back except to check forcruisers in your rear view.
I'm one of the most staunch supporters of the BMW brand and, to be honest, have no idea of what they were drinking when they thought it would be a good idea to compete in the American cruiser market. Suzuki makes a great 800 CC old school fat boy lookin cruiser for $6400. BMW built a bizarre, underpowered, atypically inconvenient, very strange looking machine for, well quite a bit of scratch. Upside, definitely more reliable than the leading brand of cruiser, downside... I still have yet to figure out what it is. The chrome is, well, suspect at best and it definitely does not have a cruisery exhaust note.
My advice is to forget the cruiser, get the R, farkle it up, and never look back except to check forcruisers in your rear view.
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Bruce_Almighty
- Basic User
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:51 pm
- Location: Hanford, CA
Zuki cruiser
Hey Mike, from NW MO here.
Wife rides an '06 C50c a suzuki limited edition 805cc. Just like a a less expensive Fatboy from HD. Very easy riding, your wife may even decide to ride herself, it's really that easy, extra low seat height, not too much power... heck my old lady is all of 5'2" and 105 lbs (don't tell her I posted that!)
anyway, It's a good inexpensive way to test the cruiser market, that said, I'm still dreaming about an RR and she wants an RC!! Anyway, here's apic of hers. She might even sell it to you!
http://homepage.mac.com/egaffney/PhotoAlbum14.html
Wife rides an '06 C50c a suzuki limited edition 805cc. Just like a a less expensive Fatboy from HD. Very easy riding, your wife may even decide to ride herself, it's really that easy, extra low seat height, not too much power... heck my old lady is all of 5'2" and 105 lbs (don't tell her I posted that!)
anyway, It's a good inexpensive way to test the cruiser market, that said, I'm still dreaming about an RR and she wants an RC!! Anyway, here's apic of hers. She might even sell it to you!
http://homepage.mac.com/egaffney/PhotoAlbum14.html
Currently own an '06 M50, but really want an '04 Rockster, destickered of course!
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dragonmojo
- Basic User
- Posts: 255
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:23 pm
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- Contact:
'99 Cruiser
Euro handlebars
Heated grips
Touring ABS saddlebags
Beveled footpegs
Averaging about 8,500 mi/year (the Rockster avgs about 2,700 mi/yr).
No experience with 2-up riding, but there's the Montana variant.
Different type of grunt... deep, down low. Comparing apples to oranges.
Stock saddle up to 14 hrs and 720 miles on one trip.
Had no problems with the chrome.
Suspension soft compared to Rockster.
Not as smooth as the 1150, but has its own personality.
Exhaust note best in this area for BMW (don't be baffled).
5-spd, no tach (but does that really matter to YOU?).
Non-servo ABS, doesn't bite as hard as on the Rockster.
It is my very first cruiser (having ridden since '78), and I've had only one other since. And since sold (a Yamaha VStar). I decided that I do not fit the cruiser mold, but really enjoy my R1200C. Even early reviews/critics have described the bike as being more of a gussied up standard than a true cruiser.
These are two decidedly distinct bikes, and surprisingly both carry the BMW Roundel. That's why I plan on keeping both. BMW dropped from the market due to competition upping the displacement ante, and probably their target market is dominated by HD.
In closing, 007 would probably have had an easier time jumping rooftops with the Rockster. Better yet, an R1200GS.
Euro handlebars
Heated grips
Touring ABS saddlebags
Beveled footpegs
Averaging about 8,500 mi/year (the Rockster avgs about 2,700 mi/yr).
No experience with 2-up riding, but there's the Montana variant.
Different type of grunt... deep, down low. Comparing apples to oranges.
Stock saddle up to 14 hrs and 720 miles on one trip.
Had no problems with the chrome.
Suspension soft compared to Rockster.
Not as smooth as the 1150, but has its own personality.
Exhaust note best in this area for BMW (don't be baffled).
5-spd, no tach (but does that really matter to YOU?).
Non-servo ABS, doesn't bite as hard as on the Rockster.
It is my very first cruiser (having ridden since '78), and I've had only one other since. And since sold (a Yamaha VStar). I decided that I do not fit the cruiser mold, but really enjoy my R1200C. Even early reviews/critics have described the bike as being more of a gussied up standard than a true cruiser.
These are two decidedly distinct bikes, and surprisingly both carry the BMW Roundel. That's why I plan on keeping both. BMW dropped from the market due to competition upping the displacement ante, and probably their target market is dominated by HD.
In closing, 007 would probably have had an easier time jumping rooftops with the Rockster. Better yet, an R1200GS.
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
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dragonmojo
- Basic User
- Posts: 255
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:23 pm
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- Contact:
I have an R1150R, and just bought a Harley as well.
2 completely different rides.
In the end, I will sell the Beemer, as I like the slower cruising thing, rather than the fast license loosing riding I do on the Beemer.
I know people on here have said just slow down, but it aint that easy if the mood swings, but on the cruiser, you just flow along, and enjoy the ride, and the country side.
Different strokes for different folks.
2 completely different rides.
In the end, I will sell the Beemer, as I like the slower cruising thing, rather than the fast license loosing riding I do on the Beemer.
I know people on here have said just slow down, but it aint that easy if the mood swings, but on the cruiser, you just flow along, and enjoy the ride, and the country side.
Different strokes for different folks.
2002 R1150R.
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dragonmojo
- Basic User
- Posts: 255
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:23 pm
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- Contact:
I have over 70,000 miles on mine, and don't notice anything unusual. Something I will need to ask my shop.R4R&R wrote:I've heard a little noise (complaints) that the cruiser line has issues with frame strength on high mileage bike. Only heresay, but maybe something to look into. I think they were discontinued because of low sales.
I think the noise is coming from those who have watched "Tomorrow Never Dies" and have actually tried this at home.
I don't think sales were a problem; just that 1200cc was puny compared to cruiser competitors' offerings (up to 2.2 liters!).
I think I can speak from some experience. I returned to the BMW fold after a long hiatus from a R90S in 1975. I purchased a new (never titled) 2004 R1200C in January 2005. It was actually built 10/2003. I have enjoyed the ride and the unique sound from the engine. This forum (http://www.chromeheads.org) has a wealth of information on this model and a chap by the name of Pokie is the resident guru.
However, on track day, I was holding things up on the track as it is definitely not a speedster. I also followed a bunch of BMW riders to breakfast one Sunday morning. Going through the mountains from Phoenix to Payson (climbing four thousand feet in the process), I was definetely behind. Having said that, on a trip, that 5 pound flywheel provides lots of torque and it strong enough to get the job done in the highlands of New Mexico.
The simple solution, I purchased a used 2004 R1150R. No question about power and handling. However, the seating position generates leg cramps in about an hour. So I added riding pegs to get some relief. Lots of power and nimble. I also added a few Wunderlich items and additional lights.
I seem to be more inclined to an upright riding position, so I am moving to a 2007 R1200RT. The barn is full, so the H-D Fatboy will be provided a new home and perhaps so will the R1150R. No hard feelings, things need to be enjoyed.
However, on track day, I was holding things up on the track as it is definitely not a speedster. I also followed a bunch of BMW riders to breakfast one Sunday morning. Going through the mountains from Phoenix to Payson (climbing four thousand feet in the process), I was definetely behind. Having said that, on a trip, that 5 pound flywheel provides lots of torque and it strong enough to get the job done in the highlands of New Mexico.
The simple solution, I purchased a used 2004 R1150R. No question about power and handling. However, the seating position generates leg cramps in about an hour. So I added riding pegs to get some relief. Lots of power and nimble. I also added a few Wunderlich items and additional lights.
I seem to be more inclined to an upright riding position, so I am moving to a 2007 R1200RT. The barn is full, so the H-D Fatboy will be provided a new home and perhaps so will the R1150R. No hard feelings, things need to be enjoyed.
2003 CVO RoadKing
2004 R1200C
2006 GoldWing
2007 R1200RT
2008 R1200GS A
2009 R1200GS
2004 R1200C
2006 GoldWing
2007 R1200RT
2008 R1200GS A
2009 R1200GS
Let me know when you want to get rid of the R1150R. I have never experienced the BMW family, but just have a sense about what awaits. The Marauder or M50 does combine the Cruiser styling cues with a slightly sporty feel, but it's too easy to drag the pegs so I yearn for something that will give me a sportier feel without being a crotch rocket.
If you are bored with the RC, please let me know too as this is the ride the wife is seeking!
If you are bored with the RC, please let me know too as this is the ride the wife is seeking!
Currently own an '06 M50, but really want an '04 Rockster, destickered of course!