Is R1150R a good re-entry bike?

[Ron S]

I am 54 years old, in good physical shape, returning to riding after a 25 year hiatus. Is the R1150R too much bike for a old beginner? Thanks,

[mcollect]

No! I am 58 and have a RR after years on Italian bikes and a hiatus of twenty some years I find thr R1150R the perfect fit. Technology is really wonderful!!

[nonskid]

I'm 56 and after no bike for 9 years (because of back surgery) I love mine.

[DJ Downunder]

Is R1150R a good re-entry bike?....I say yes if your a big guy and maybe not if you're a small person.

DJ

[MikeCam]

Yes, good bike. It is very well balanced, so getting used to it is easy. A broad range of power and torque that helps you get back into the feel of riding readily. The tipping point, both left and right, is close to the straddle point when one leg is down - in other words, caution when leaning the bike at a standstill. Until you get used to that, the surprise of a slow mo lay down at a stop can be an embarrassing lesson. With ABS (a controversial, love it or hate it option) the brakes are very sensitive and lack direct feel AND revert to a hard pull when the key is off. W/o ABS the 320 mm fronts and 285 mm rears are superb!

Things to check at sale time:
1) ABS vs non AND service records for brake and clutch bleeds. Air filter, oil filter, spark plugs changed? Fluids changed?
2) battery - original lead acid? replacement Gel? AGM (best)?
3) 2001-2003 models are single spark; 2004-2005 are dual spark
4) Rockster is a hooligan version of the Roadster in looks; much the same in engine, brakes, suspension.
5) clutch slave cylinder, clutch plate, splines, final drive crown bearing are major items of expense that have an Internet buzz as problem areas.

Finally, check for availability of an MSF BRC in your area. A great 2-3 day exercise in remembering the basics and practicing in a controlled environment on somebody else's bike!

Welcome.

[wncbmw]

What Mike said! That if easy at first and you will be back into the swing quickly. It is a great all around bike.

[Ron S]

Thanks, appreciate the feedback. I'm 190# with a 32" inseam, so I think I can keep it upright. Is there a noticable difference btw 1 and 2 spark?

[Trout]

Here's what it says in Appendix A (Buying Guide to New Bikes) of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Motorcycles, Second Edition:

BMW R1150R (Best First Bike)

BMW's least expensive version of it's R-series boxer twin line-up is also the very best version for a novice rider. One of the best all-around motorcycles on the market, the basic R1150R is light, maneuverable, and powerful, which are features that are appreciated by novices and experts alike.

[Trout]

Is there a noticable difference btw 1 and 2 spark?

Some will claim that there is a difference. I ride a 1 spark, and my friend rides a 2 spark. We trade bikes occasionally. I cannot tell the difference at all. Some people talk about surging with a 1 spark, but it's something I have never experienced. It seems that whenever a manufacturer adds an extra plug to the head, they are trying to mask a problem (detonation, surging) or get a certification for stricter emissions requirements without a total re-design. Mostly I think they do it for emissions certification.

[snowprick]

I am 54 years old, in good physical shape, returning to riding after a 25 year hiatus. Is the R1150R too much bike for a old beginner? Thanks,

Ron S

Do it. I was 59 and a half when I returned to motorcycling! Just take it easy and remember you are not as mentally sharp as you were when you were young. I am 170 and 29 inseam! I do not have a problem to ride the bike. Wot did I say???

The brakes. If they are ABS then they will also be power ASSISTED! be careful of this!!! At low speed or in a parking lot DO NOT USE THE FRONT BRAKE. You will get used to this. Also at low speed beware of stalling the motor, it is a horizontal twin and can catch you by surprise if you stall it, by throwing you on the deck left side down.

Those are the two gotcha's. Now just get on it and ride, you will love it. Its the best bike on the planet.

If you are vertically challenged like me..... use thick soled boots. If you have a problem with the front brake..... tape your first and middle finger together, which will remind you not to grab a handful.

Now dont forget to post a picture of yourself with your new (to you) bike.

Your next post should be "HOW DO I POST A PICTURE"

Oh, "just one more thing" (sorry Steve Jobs) Have you considered a new R1200R?

[boxermania]

Mike's description is by far the best response for a returning rider...... (Mike and I belong to the R1150R National Mutual Admiration Society, if interetsed in joining and partaking of the great programs and offers, please remit $5 US to Mike and the same amount to me.....you will receive an official letter of acceptance and a lapel pin via return mail)

As for the rest of you that so freely posted your age, please cease and desist, as I stopped counting after 300 years.....what is this, the Geritol Generation?????

Just a bit of levity......

[gaijin]

I am agreed with you on things that you have mentioned, ABS and low speed. I crossed over from Harley 1200S last November and started to ride the last two weeks. Great bike, no surge with my single plug!! My Japanese mechanic have done a great job, tuning it.

"R" has better handling much better than "Sportster". I have to get use to not start out too low of speed; it stalled on me a few times and I am now learned to give more gas on take-off. As far as ABS Assisted, I had to used a hand full on Harley; I am used just two fingers on the "R" and be gentle on squeezing the handle. I have not try a full squeeze on it yet and see the full potential on ABS.

I will enjoy my ride after snow melted and see more sunshine.

I am 54 years old, in good physical shape, returning to riding after a 25 year hiatus. Is the R1150R too much bike for a old beginner? Thanks,

Ron S

Do it. I was 59 and a half when I returned to motorcycling! Just take it easy and remember you are not as mentally sharp as you were when you were young. I am 170 and 29 inseam! I do not have a problem to ride the bike. Wot did I say???

The brakes. If they are ABS then they will also be power ASSISTED! be careful of this!!! At low speed or in a parking lot DO NOT USE THE FRONT BRAKE. You will get used to this. Also at low speed beware of stalling the motor, it is a horizontal twin and can catch you by surprise if you stall it, by throwing you on the deck left side down.

Those are the two gotcha's. Now just get on it and ride, you will love it. Its the best bike on the planet.

If you are vertically challenged like me..... use thick soled boots. If you have a problem with the front brake..... tape your first and middle finger together, which will remind you not to grab a handful.

Now dont forget to post a picture of yourself with your new (to you) bike.

Your next post should be "HOW DO I POST A PICTURE"

Oh, "just one more thing" (sorry Steve Jobs) Have you considered a new R1200R?

[drsales1]

I did it this winter. Bought a 2002. Do take the safety riders class. It really brings back the feel and mental thought process for good riding. Love mine, 53 years old, 6'2" 280. One tweak you may need is the peg lowering kit. My knees did not like the original tight bend. Funny how the body changes when you mature.

Good luck.

[Ron S]

I'm taking the MSR course this week, license Friday. The 2003 R1150R that I looked at sold last week, so I will be taking a look at the new R1200R. When I asked what changed with the R1200R, the dealer replied "they only make them better." He says it's lighter, narrower and 40 more HP - a great bike. Any other comments on how the R1200R compares to the R1150 R?

[Dr Grabow]

I'm taking the MSR course this week, license Friday. The 2003 R1150R that I looked at sold last week, so I will be taking a look at the new R1200R. When I asked what changed with the R1200R, the dealer replied "they only make them better." He says it's lighter, narrower and 40 more HP - a great bike. Any other comments on how the R1200R compares to the R1150 R?

More like about 24 more horsepower, not 40, and the R12R does weigh less - 435# dry weight is the official BMW figure. So it's overall a bit zippier of a package...

[blovebaiku]

Hello All,

I picked up my 2002 R1150R on Friday and rode it home. My first and only bike was a Yamaha Radian 600 and that bike was awesome. Incredible at low speed manuvering, incredible range of power (scaled down FZR motor) and I rode it for 8yrs before selling it cause the wife made me do it as we were newly weds (bad idea- don't do it).

So at 40yrs of age, yes I hit my midlife, I got the BMW. It is a beautiful bike. Hard bags for longer rides. Beautiful tranny where I was able to poo clutch-less just like my Radian. I took a course 1.5 day course in PA and I would highly recommend a revisit to such a course to learn the latest on how to drive defensive and avoid death.

Did you know midlifers that haven't ridden in a while and worst yet are new to bikes are dying at an alarming rate? Be careful, know your limits and know this age of SUVs puts you at great risk if you don't ride clear minded and aware of where the cars/trucks are with respect to you at all times on the road. Better yet go on back roads and avoid all the 6000lbs SUVs!

I agree also at low speed on a tight turn the bike has this funky idea to tip over and the engine at that low rpm is not quick to respond so that is a danger to do an embrassing lay down.

Best part about this bike? It has a smooth power band and is very responsive in every gear to get you away from those pesky motorists that seem to like to tail you to see you bike!

Enjoy, love riding!

Blovebaiku!

[towerworker]

Ron S-

I started riding again at 47 after not owning a bike since my teens. I bought an 03 R new and had until this past November. I now have an 04. The 03 was single spark, the 04 is dual. I really don't feel much if any difference between the two. I get slightly poorer fuel milage on the 04 but that may be due to differences in how they were broken in. Just a guess.

I cannot imagine myself owning any other type of bike. The community on this board has made BMW ownership a real pleasure. There is a wealth of great information and knowledge here so be sure to avail yourself of it. Best of luck and welcome!

Wayne

[Biff's R]

I, like Wayne, have had both single and dual plug 1150Rs and did not notice a difference, until I had to buy 4 spark plugs instead of 2.

I have had ABS and non ABS. The ABS has a different feel, but it i smoething you get used to quickly.

I like the lower 6th gear. It is much more useable than the superoverdrive.

None of these things would ever be a deal breaker for me if I were looking for a R to buy.

[towerworker]

I need to amend my previous statement about getting poorer fuel milage with my dual spark 04. I filled up a short bit ago after running all day yesterday with some friends. This tank netted 54.1mpg. The best I ever got with the 03 was 56 and probably averaged overall 50 or so. I'm a fairly conservative rider.

You can spend more money for many other bikes but you won't get as much machine (or anywhere near it) for your $$'s spent!

Wayne