Please help a new guy... r1150r or r1200r

[SteveJJ]

I've been wanting a BMW since primary school. Classmates were drawing cars and guitars, and I was drawing BMWs! I had some bikes in my youth, and now as a widower I'm getting back into touring and camping. Currently have a Suzuki weeStrom DL650 and enjoying it, but....

There's a black <2000 mile 2003 r1150r for sale for under $7000 US without any panniers or extras to support touring. It's a garage queen that someone has given up their dream and decided to sell. Less than 170 miles per year for a decade doesn't sound like much fun.

There's a white 2010 r1200r with panniers, high wind screen, LED lights Givi Trunk with light kit, tank bag custom seat for $10,000US at <17K miles, properly maintained as well.

I know I'd be spending money to get the r1150r ready for touring, and nearing the cost of the r1200r. I've been reading comparisons online but still can't decide which way to go for my first BMW. I am not prepared to buy new.

I'll probably keep the weestrom for the rest of this season for a commuter. The BMW will mostly be for trips, and very likely 95% paved (so don't need the GS). I'm pushing 60 and not eager to learn dirt riding on a heavy bike (The KLR650 taught me that last rear) so I'll keep it mostly tame.

With your experience, and what little you know about mine, what would you recommend as a starter BMW for mostly over the road touring for weekend campouts and 1-2 week trips around the US?

Thanks in advance!

Steve in Minneapolis

[swamper]

I have a couple of Wee's also with a Couple of 1150R's. I like both types of these bikes. I've actually found if going on Camping type trips the Wee's get the call. The 1150R's are used mostly for day outings and a few 1-2 night short trips. They are fun bikes. Can't help much with the 1200 as I've never ridden one and really probably won't as I like the looks of the 1150 better.

[angellr]

1200R hands down and at $10K this is not a bad price ... welcome to the board.

[SteveJJ]

1200R hands down and at $10K this is not a bad price ... welcome to the board.

Can you share why you say that?

Karen and Cass are still with us in the sense that they've left quite a lot of beautiful music.

[angellr]

1200R hands down and at $10K this is not a bad price ... welcome to the board.

Can you share why you say that?

Karen and Cass are still with us in the sense that they've left quite a lot of beautiful music.

Agreed.

Difference is night/day in technology and handling. The differential in price is minimal considering these two. I considered a 2004 R1150R before I purchased my '07 R12 and once I rode the latter, there was no comparison. Both great rides, but the handling and other improvements were many. Make sure the '10 has ABS, as this has saved my keester many a time.

[SteveJJ]

I took a look at both and rode both bikes today. While one held more promise of meeting touring needs almost right away, the other spoke to me on a more instinctive level.

I won't take it home til tomorrow when I can get a ride there, but I bought the r1150r. It looks literally showroom new. I love the style on the 1150 and most everything about it appealed to me more than the r1200r. It's not the latest and greatest, but I liked it.

The $3K difference will allow me to buy the hardbags and have some change for LED lighting etc. Perhaps in a couple years I'll trade it in on a r1200rt? We'll see how it goes with this one.

Thanks all for your input, I'm sure I'll be reading lots of threads here now that I have a focus.

[swamper]

Good for you.

[SteveJJ]

Rode the R1150R home this afternoon and put a hundred miles on it. It is by far the best bike I've ridden. I spun a few miles in a twisty office park <http://mapq.st/11ZNBuS> at low speeds to get used to the feel of slow turn-ins and reverses. It's posted at 30, but glancing at the speedo would often show 50-60. It doesn't feel as fast as it is at times. Luckily I saw no LE, and they didn't see me. It's a lovely wooded area between buildings and has some terrain for a Great Plains state.

I'm rather stunned and in awe of the smooth power and great handling this has. The throttle provides smooth acceleration (not possible at low speeds on the WeeStrom) and the gearing is a little high or long for stop and creep, but the clutch feathers well. This bike also feels like it's 20% lighter than the Wee, but they list at about the same. Having the CoG so low makes a huge difference! 70 feels like a casual walk it's so smooth.

If the R1200 is even better, I have a bright future ahead. This one's got 1460 on it now, so we've a long life ahead together, and when I get too old for the tight crouch this one has, I'll look to the RT or similar.

I always knew BMW was good, I just never new how good until today. This bike is quite nice and leagues ahead of anything else I've ridden. Good to know there's better, but I'm so pleased with this one just now... my cheeks hurt from grinning so much.

Thanks again.

[gregor]

A tight crouch? You must be a giant. I'm 6'2" and comfortably sit bolt upright with standards bars and seat.

[SteveJJ]

Compared to DL650 and KLR650 the pegs are back further and up higher bending the knees more. The bars are lower and more forward too, so it feels like a tight crouch in comparison. I'll probably get 2" Rox Risers and play with those a bit. It's still comfortable, rode for over an hour without complaint from any joints.

I can't wait for the weekend!

[peels]

congrats on the bike.

I too just purchased an 1150r last week. I sat and stared at the brochure back when BMW first came out with it...just never pulled the trigger. 10 years later, here I am. I Love the bike.

they had a blue 1200 there when I bought mine, for 5000 more. But for what Ill use it for(99% commuting), the cost savings outweighed the improvements of 1200. And mine came with cases. But that would be my next bike, for sure.

[gregor]

If that is what you feel then fair enough. But I can sit bolt upright if I wish and my hands fall naturally onto the standard handlebars. Never thought that my legs were anything but comfortable.
As good as any bike I've ever ridden but never tried a sports bike unless you count an R1150RS- I was leaning forward a bit on that but the solution was enough speed to balance things up.

[RadicalR1150R]

Good choice my friend.. I get nods & thumbs up by many people young & old on my 50 miles of highway commute daily.. & even a State Trooper standing on the shoulder of the highway (had someone pulled over) was checking me out tonight. heck I was only doing 75 in a 70mph stretch . It's gotta be that sweet sounding short turn out pipe on the end of the cat..and smooth you've never known till cruising on an R bike.. I'm pushing 60 myself and I put the Wunderlich touring bars on mine & it helps me sit a little more upright & back a bit. very nice.. The Sargent seat will take ya all day although I've not really put a whole days ride in yet. The bairs lair backrest is nice for the short rides I can talk the wife into climbing on back for., it's mostly for holding the matching T-bag that's suppose to hold a full face helmet.. but wont fit mine. (Small bell Star)
Bought my first Harley new in 1977 & have owned many in between ,Suzuki 125 stinger ,Honda 450 & 305 ,VFR 700 ,Honda Super hawk 996, Honda reflex scooter & a few more I've forgot & the very first was a Bridge Stone 50 my neighbor helped me put together from a bushel basket.
Nicest ride is my Red 2004 R1150R.. plug in the electric jacket liner & gloves with a pair of leathers over the work pants & be riding long into the cooler months after the V-Twins have been stowed away for the season.. Just don't get in the car with a cup of hot coffee on one of those cold riding mornings cause you'll get spoiled quick & it's hard to get back on the scooter.
Welcome aboard. Trust NO ONE behind the wheel. look over every once in a while.. they're talking on the phone & the one's looking down are texting..
Again Welcome aboard.. Ride Safe.. Enjoy..
Steve in Michigan

[fpgirard]

Great choice. I too bought a 2003 R1150R with < 1500 miles on it 2 years ago. I now have almost 30,000 miles on it and loved every mile of it. I've ridden the R1200R and it's wonderful but there's something visceral about the R1150R.

Now there are going to be a lot of things that you'll want to do almost immediately so read this thread: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=27879

I don't know how long ago the fluids were changed in the bike (FD, xmission, engine, and brakes) but I would start with these. At the risk of inciting an oil war, since you haven't hit 15K miles, stay away from synthetics. Also replace the plastic quick disconnects and check to see if the fuel lines are leaking (this year had fuel lines with radial cracks - mine did). Get parts at beemerboneyard.com Also, cut those zipties at the head of the bike - they cause wiring to hinge and that'll cause shorts.

And you *might* want to have your clutch slave cylinder inspected for leaks before it trashes your clutch. I wish I had.

Last but not least. Tires. If they are original tires, they are 10 years old and tire technology has come a long way. Consider the Michelin Pilot Road 3s or solicit advice from this forum.

p

[SteveJJ]

Excellent advise from fpgirard and radical. The oil was just changed and new battery installed. I'll double check the FD and tranny soon. I'll be looking for magnetic drain plugs just to keep an eye on things. I'm looking for a service manual (if you got one from the bike you sold, let me know!) to do much of my own service. I worked on German pre-press and press equipment for 16 years, so have some comfort with German technical manuals. Those were fine machines, I wonder why it took me so long to get a German vehicle that wasn't a VW?

I just rode 230 miles today and my butt isn't happy. I had a Corbin flat on my KLR650, and a custom seat on my DL650, and I know I wouldn't have noticed sitting on those. In the market for a better seat! (If you have one that you haven't used in a while, let me know!)

As you all know so much better than me, this is one sweet handling motorcycle? It takes just a suggestion of counter steer to begin a curve, and the bars turn into the turn/curve more than any other bike I've ridden, except perhaps a 67 Lambretta scooter I had in the 70's. It's creepy feeling, but I let it take the lead and it does just fine. Too fine, I go way too fast!!!!! This is so comfortable going 75-80 without complaint, I end up speeding like crazy, without intending to. I held it to 100 on the flat and it was smooooooth going. Radar detector mount more essential than GPS mount!!!!

I'll see if the recall on the fuel connect situation is still good, and get the parts one way or the other. My DL650 developed a drip as well, and that is no fun at all. I'll look at the harness by the forks and dress it properly. Nice to hear these tips before problems develop! Synthetic will be in accord in 15-20K miles. I want everything to work in nicely first.

Is the clutch servo something that I should just replace the seals with new before anything can go wrong? Are there better than BMW parts to use?

I'm looking for saddlebag mounts and bags if you have some to part with.... This bike is (except the seat) just too nice to not tour with.

Pardon the obvious, this is such a fine machine and I'm so pleased with it! i think I'll head up to Silver Bay tomorrow, and just bungee my camping supplies to the pillion! It just begs to be ridden!

Thanks again for your contributions, I have everything to learn and so much to enjoy!

Steve in Minneapolis

[towerworker]

Congrats!! And welcome to the best BMW board there is! You've made a great choice, the 1150R is the finest bike on the road today. I have a 2004 and I love it.

I'm just now getting back to riding mine after a 3 year "break" of sorts, kindasorta. Some really cool and great folks here.

Oh.and by the way...........be sure to keep a check on the antifreeze in the tank side radiators. BMW has been a bit secretive on how to maintain that. It's not in the owner's manual. Some of the more distinguished members of this board can direct you there.

[fpgirard]

SteveJJ - it's not the servo you need to worry about - it's the slave cylinder that's mounted just in front of the rear wheel. i'm not sure if the newer ones are any better but I know I have a new one and new clutch plates. new cylinder is about 350 bucks. new clutch and cylinder is about 1400 with labor. it's too big of a job for me right now.

Also, I really like my Clymer manual and use this forum as well as bmwmoa and advrider for additional tips/pics/techniques.

There are some really really good folks here - sunbeemer and cyclerob and glaves come to mind - that give sound advice. Listen to them.

Towerworker will lead you astray....

[SteveJJ]

Congrats!! And welcome to the best BMW board there is! You've made a great choice, the 1150R is the finest bike on the road today. I have a 2004 and I love it......be sure to keep a check on the antifreeze in the tank side radiators. BMW has been a bit secretive on how to maintain that. It's not in the owner's manual. Some of the more distinguished members of this board can direct you there.

Yeah, I discovered that when some steam was cutting loose on the left one, the radiator cap had come a bit loose! Good to catch that before losing too much antifreeze.

I'm watching the 10 year old tires closely. so far no cracks or bulges. It's amazing the centerstand is at the exact balance point!

I've ordered a manual on amazon.com, think it’s the haynes though. Anyone know if the $100 CD of manuals is worthwhile?

[fpgirard]

Don't spend the $100 on the CDs. Become a lifer on this forum is a better investment. It'll more than pay off. I need to double down...

also when you replace those cheap plastic fuel disconnects, keep these originals as it will help you siphon gas out of the tank when you need to take the tank to replace the air filter, battery, whatever.... just connect them to some old fuel line and ...

[SteveJJ]

Don't spend the $100 on the CDs. Become a lifer on this forum is a better investment. It'll more than pay off. I need to double down...

also when you replace those cheap plastic fuel disconnects, keep these originals as it will help you siphon gas out of the tank when you need to take the tank to replace the air filter, battery, whatever.... just connect them to some old fuel line and ...

Just did earlier today! Full Lifer now.

Found a link to pdf manuals that ought to help until the Haynes comes in.

Good tip on the original parts for draining. Should I be ordering new fuel line as well? Someone mentioned cracks in the fuel line in this model year.... nothing I want to experience!