Exploding Head-First Post Please Be Kind

LostViking · Post by **LostViking** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 3:51 pm

Rather Long, my apologies.

I think my head is going to explode. This fall I sold off 4 bikes to generate cash to purchase the 65 acres I always wanted.

Sold;
2005.5 KTM 950ADV
2002 DRZ 400E
1984 R65
2007 Triumph Scrambler

I want to buy one bike between now and summer. My wife left her day job to start full time at our small but growing business. So money will be in short supply. Loved the 950 but it it was a little labor intensive on the maintenance side. The DRZ was a great dirt ride as well. The Scrambler was a good around town/back road burner, slightly under powered.

Anyway it will be one bike for the foreseeable future, so the decision will have lasting consequences. I don't want to screw it up.

Started out looking at Buells(Uly/TT), then Guzzis(Norge/1200Sport. and then moved to an Aprillia Caponord. But always kept moving on. Searching for something else.

Then, I thought I'd save my self some money and go with a used 1150GS.
It would make a great all-rounder, I told myself. One Jack-of-all-trades bike.

Then by chance and a poor search technique, I stumbled across this sight. What a revelation! I had seen this bike in the past, but never really gave it much attention. My bad.

One of the things that has always attracted me to the Beemers was the folks who rode them. Maybe not all of the latest crop, but most. That network is key to a great ownership experience. Half the reason for their legendary durability, is that the folks that rode them knew how to fix them. I digress.

After reading this forum for more than a week I decided to join to express my new found enthusiasm for the Mark. It is nice to know there are still unpretentious BMW riders out there. The R1150R/R1200R has risen to the top of the potential new bike heap.

I had a 1200 GS in '05. Loved the motor and tranny. Hated the high-tech crap. Where's the Tool Kit? Why do I only get one Key? What do you mean the accessory outlet won't run my jacket? Why does my luggage fall off?

I am 48, still act like I'm 30 as my wife is quick to point out. But for what ever reason I am very comfortable with the level of technology/performance/reliability the 1150 platform provides.

I think I may have found my next bike. Again, how did I miss this thing in the past. I guess it's, The when you're ready to learn, the teacher will appear sort of thing.

I just wanted to say thanks for providing an entertaining as well as informative site to lurk and gather info on what by all accounts is a a great motorcycle.

Thanks Again,

Walt,

Post by **Beemeridian** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:32 pm

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 5:13 pm

Welcome aboard..Now go get yourself a good secondhand R1150R..You wont regret it..Why buy an ugly sister when you can get Cinderella..

DJ

Post by **DSKYZD** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 5:34 pm

Welcome home, LostViking!

Post by **wncbmw** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 6:55 pm

Mr. Viking - Welcome aboard! The 1150R is an unknown gem in the bike, even the BMW, world. The 1200R may be better, but since I am not in a position to buy a new bike, I am afraid to ride one!

This site is a great resource for info on the bike, and a great resource for finding friends. Check out Group Rides! Our annual Bash in up near you this year!

Post by **Biff's R** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 7:24 pm

Welcome aboard. The R is a hidden gem of a bike. Good luck on finding the right one for you.

Post by **boxermania** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 9:37 pm

LostViking

I have friends with both the 1150GS and the 1200GS. Performance wise there isn't much of a difference, what is most noticeable is the ~ 60 lbs lighter weight of the 1200GS.

On the other hand the 1150GS is less expensive to purchase and maintain.

Last but not least, I find it has more character than the new model....

LostViking · Post by **LostViking** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:40 pm

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll be doing some homework in the coming months. The R1150R looks like a very respectable candidate.

prpbmw · Post by **prpbmw** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 6:53 am

I have owned the R1150R and the R1150GS.

I gave the R to my son, and kept the GS.

Both are great bikes - I find the GS more comfortable. With a Parabellum and Jesse Bags, it is an awesome touring machine.

Post by **OU812** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:13 am

"I am 48, still act like I'm 30 as my wife is quick to point out. "
I am with you on this!

Though my wife says she has three boys, not two that she born. Maybe she thinks I am 12 years old