Please help a new guy... r1150r or r1200r

[fpgirard]

Don't buy it necessarily when you replace the quick disconnects - but inspect the fuel lines when you replace the disconnects looking for radial splitting of the lines. If you order the fuel line, get it from beemerboneyard - they actually sell an entire kit.

I replaced ALL of the fuel lines (inside and outside the tank when I replaced my fuel filter. Replacing the fuel filter is a PITA.

Pascal

[BoxerSteve]

I'm watching the 10 year old tires closely. so far no cracks or bulges.

If I were you I'd replace those tires immediately, no matter how good they look. Rubber hardens with age so they are probably not providing the traction they should be.

I have personal experience with this. When I bought my '02 R1150R the owner had apparently not ridden it much for years. The tires looked OK but I think they were kind of old - going around corners was scary as I could feel there was not much traction. New tires made a WORLD of difference. As they usually do.

[SteveJJ]

I'm watching the 10 year old tires closely. so far no cracks or bulges.

If I were you I'd replace those tires immediately, no matter how good they look. Rubber hardens with age so they are probably not providing the traction they should be.

Funny you should mention that, the rear does seem to break loose a bit easy. I suppose they aren't likely to get grippier being well aged. I'd rather not find out how it handles a high speed blow out or high side it when out having fun. Looks like I'll be reading about tires this evening.

What are the favorite places online for good tires cheap? I got the DL some Shinko 705's from revzilla I think it was (or was that the helmet?) Why do hobbies cost so much? ;^)

[Dr. Strangelove]

Revzilla is good for many many things.
New tires are a must.
Look to beemerboneyard.com for the metal quik disconnects, about $80. They are also a source for filters, though your local pep boys etc can offer 3rd party alts to oem.

Get the dealership to change the brake and clutch fluids; you can do the others, but they should be done when the bike is warmed after what is usually called a "spirited" ride. But, the rear breaking loose is not a good thing. Tires, tires tires.

Did you say it has abs? Do brake pads get brittle with age?
re the 12 vs the 1150
Like that line from Stuck Inside Of Mobile, With The Memphis Blues Again
An’ she says, “Your debutante just knows what you need
But I know what you want”
That's the 12 and the 1150 and the 1200 is the debutante

You won't go wrong with either.

John

[SteveJJ]

Thought I'd ad a post script to this thread.

Thanks to all for the great input. I'd like to emphasize to others in my situation (really old tires with low low miles). Don't kid yourself, that rubber is rock hard now! You'll skid and screech but you won't stop on dry clean asphalt worth a darn. Your life is worth more than a set of tires, so go get them ASAP!

After having a Suburban suddenly cut me off at a stop sign Friday and realizing great brakes mean nothing without traction in the tires, I called and Leos had PR3's and time to install them while I waited on Saturday.

There's a bit of a buzz now that wasn't there, nothing objectionable, but whoa! Brakes don't immediately cause a skid! This thing STOPS! I think the old pads are doing just fine, but the fluids will be changed very soon, just waiting for the manual so I do it right.

I can't thank you all enough for steering me right, especially the antifreeze warning!

The guy at Leo's said those old Michelins will be used by stunt riders to do burnouts with. Well, they're gonna pollute something somewhere, might as well go out spectacular!

Oh, and the whole shop had to go take a look at this shiny new '03, one said its cleaner than their new bikes on the floor! Kudos to the gentleman that sold it to me, it's found a good home.

[billbeemer]

last yr i bought an '03 r1150r with 4700 mi.. be SURE to replace clutch fluid and brake fluid. my slave cylinder was mucked up and had to replace clutch when i was in there. also, there is an upgraded cam chain tensioner for the left cylinder to avoid noise at startup. it's a fairly easy job to change. other than that, i love the bike. i bought an animometer to sync my throttle bodies, piece of cake. i'm planning a trip with some guys to nova scotia in the fall. can't wait.

[Lee Davis]

Just bought my second 2004 R 1150rt. It is identical to the one I bought new, rode on a couple of long road trips and then sold (because of an ex). Been through several other bikes since but always will look on the 1150 as the best touring bike I have ever owned. I am delighted to have it back again, and on the way home had memories of the bike rushing back to me... all positive. If I can make a suggestion, add the brilliant running lights. I don't know what they are called (hallogen, maybe?), but BMW supplies small bright lights that really show that you are coming. Mine are mounted to the forks. From my sailing days I put some 3M Scotchlite SOLAS reflecting stickers on the panniers to light myself up from the rear at night. Really works! Same thing that is attached to life jackets to reflect a spotlight at sea. Could help to prevent someone riding up your rear, especially in urban traffic.