Looking For Feedback on '04 R1150R

[Bob41459]

I'm currently looking at purchasing a 2004 R1150 with ABS from the local BMW dealer and was looking for feedback on the good and bad on this year model.It only has 5100 miles and is exceptionally clean and has ABS and an aftermarket exhaust which eliminates the Cat I believe.
All info and insights are appreciated as I'm real close to pulling the trigger.
Thanks in advance.

[jm1515]

I'm currently looking at purchasing a 2004 R1150 with ABS from the local BMW dealer and was looking for feedback on the good and bad on this year model.It only has 5100 miles and is exceptionally clean and has ABS and an aftermarket exhaust which eliminates the Cat I believe.
All info and insights are appreciated as I'm real close to pulling the trigger.
Thanks in advance.

Mine's two years old today (no ABS), and after 20,000mi since 5/25/05 let's start with the bad.....

I have to continually put gas in it...

It goes thru tires too quickly (just levered on my second new set. OE Pilot Roads went ~11k, replacement Pirelli's lasted 9k. I'm back to the Michelins...)

The OE seat is no good for anything longer than ~300mi....

The thing eats oil...I put in ~1qt every 6000miles....

LY it blew a high beam on me...cost me 19 bux.....

I've spent a whopping $600 on dealer maintenance...I've had to do the work myself bc it's sooo easy....

The good....

It's built like a brick sh@#$%house...
When tuned, the R just cruises all day and I hardly feel any vibes...
Just fast enuf to be 'not boring', but not fast enuf to really threaten suicide...
Put it on the centerstand to gas up and just watch the other guys ogle...they can't figure it out.
Did I mention it's got a centerstand?

There's probably a few more, but the bottom line line is...I don't think I'll ever part w/ my R....

[OU812]

Shoot, Fire,launch! I LOVE mine. Just did 900 miles last weekend, great in the turns, on the slab,(if you must) all around great bike. I also owned an 02R1150R, so you know I am dedicated to the model.

[mad1150]

One of the things that took me the longest to get used to was the hydraulically actuated dry clutch. But once you get it down, it's so much fun!

I was with OU812 last weekend and for some reason my R just automatically speeds up to take curves faster now...hmmmm! I just can't get enough.

It's a pack mule, a race horse, and a jack rabbit that responds with stealthy grace. And even though it may not master any of the above, it does a damn good job at all of them! Even all at the same time!

[wncbmw]

Although I have an '02, it is basically the same bike, except for the twin spark in the '04 (a good thing).

Ditto most of what these guys have said. One of the finest all-around motorcycles on the planet.

And jm1515 - if I could get even 9K out of set of tires, I would be overjoyed! But I have such fun going though them!

[NCPadgett]

This was the first bike I have owned or ridden and I enjoy every moment on it. Mine is does like oil, the stock seat isn't that comfortable on long rides and only gets about 200 miles per tank, but I always turn heads when people see it. BMWs have a look to themselves and, at least around here, there aren't very many of them.

[sjbmw]

Got 16k miles on my 04 twin spark. On a second battery after 3 years. I crashed mine but the bike is a panzer, just cosmetic damage. not so for me.

One of the few bikes versatile enough for long haul touring, and stripped down for sport riding. Finding a wind screen that suits you is a art, not a science. Kinda like trying to find the perfect pair of shoes. Do homework.
Every owners garage is littered with windshields...

I ride mine naked now, I like the wind, especially since where I live it's above 90 degrees a lot in the summer.

At 5100 miles, depending if the previous owner babied the motor, it will drink oil for another 5 to 8 k miles. Maybe a quart every 1000 miles. If you get the bike, ride it hard else it will drink oil longer. use the entire power band, the motors are industrial.

Check the boot on the shaft for any oil seepage.
Read some stories about final drive issues. I asked my dealer tech about that and he told me that if a rider gets annual service done any drive issue will be discovered early, if it even exists. The horror stories are usually due to ignored warning signs. He has never seen a failure on a properly maintained bike. I have ridden very far with 500 lbs of people and gear, and the bike is a pure warhorse. if anyone should have a final drive issue, it's me with my big butt, but it's solid as a rock.

mondo torque, which makes it a fun bike in tight spaces and fools the hell out of squids.

Will the dealer let you test ride it? Take it for a ride!

[mcollect]

I agree with what the others have said, except for SJBMW's last comment. Don't take it for a test ride. If you do you will buy it! I did! Having many other European bike in the last thirty years I can honestly say that this is the finest I have ridden. It tours, out sports squids, but it takes me a LOT longer to run short errands. A fifteen minute run to the store has taken over three hours, because I don't want to come straight home. Luckily my wife knows about my habit of taken roads less traveled.

[Ian]

i love my black 04R - besides loosing one heated grip (warranty replaced) and the other is on the way out and she likes a bit of oil, i can not fault here in anyway - covered 5000k in 4 days on her and loved every minute of it. Wouldnt replace her for anything (maybe a R1200ST) - i have to go now and give her a cuddle, she will be jealous of the ST remark

[Capt. Blackadder]

Like the other owners, I can heartily recommend this bike. If I recall correctly, 2004 was the year that BMW added twin-spark, steel-braided brake lines, and a remote jump-starting post to an already great bike, making it simply outstanding.

Since it has ABS I would recommend a new battery, if it still has the original one. The ABS system is rather fond of a well-charged battery. It has been known to throw an ABS fault light or behave strangely if the battery is not up to snuff. Also, since the battery is under the tank and is a pain to get to, definitely get a maintenance-free battery. I can recommend Odyssey's PC680 from personal experience.

The fuel lines to and from the gas tank have plastic quick-disconnects, which have sometimes leaked or even broken. They can be replaced with metal ones from McMaster-Carr, or even eliminated altogether with solid fuel lines.

Check if the handlebar turns freely lock to lock. If it doesn't, you may have to snip a cable zip-tie or two. BMW went rather liberal on those zip-ties, and they can sometimes render the cable harness rather tight in places, leading to chafed wires and mysterious shorts or battery drains.

Nip these potential pain points in the bud and you should be all set to enjoy, for years to come, what is probably one of the most versatile bikes ever made.

[owldaddy]

I was asking myslef last week. What motorcycle would I like to buy next as a replacement for the R? Now that I have all the goodies to make it a better machine that suits me personally, I can't think of another bike I would rather own. If I can only have one, then this is the one for me. My wife loves to see my face when I ride into the garage after a day of riding, I always have a big smile on it.
Don

[tor1150r]

I love this bike. I have 58k kms on my '04 and other than a few PITA issues (nothing bike debilitating) I'd recommend this bike to anyone looking for sheer pleasure in a bike. As above, built tough and can take a beating. Also an excellent bike for 2-up adventures and long hours in the saddle.

Oh...also gets lots of looks and comments


Buy it!

[Byrdguy]

I have a non ABS '02 version that I've had since new. I've been riding over 30 years and have had many bikes, but this one is the absolute best "do it all" bikes of any. It is comfortable enough for long days, handles excellently in the twisties, has plenty of power and is as dependable as can be. Maintenence is easily performed by the do it yourself types also. I had been toying with the idea of buying a new R1200R, but I just can't see giving my bike and another 10 grand or so for one that won't be THAT much better once the newness wears off. (mine was less than 10K when new). I'm also in the big grin camp when the ride is over!! Go ahead and make the leap, you won't be disappointed. Also bear in mind that if you buy a nice, low mileage used one, and keep it nice, you can recoup most of your $$ if you do decide it's not for you. GO FOR IT!!!

[Bob41459]

Thanks for all the replies and feedback.I'm gonna take a good hard look at it again on tuesday but the one thing holding me back is that while it's a great bike I doubt there's a lot of long distance hauls in my current future.Most of my riding will probably be solo and some two up on roads thru the woods and also cruising the beach boulevard(all paved road stuff mind ya)and I'm wondering if I might not be better off with something like the F650GS with it's lower weight and bulk.But then I guess it'd be nice to have the R1150R if I ever do begin to expand my street ventures.Decisions decisions I guess!

[OU812]

It really doesn't weigh very much by motorcycle standards.

[Catapult]

I love my R. Strong buy recommendation.

[Daryl_stamp]

MLW (my lovely wife) looks forward to 2-3 hours rides, likes the gravel roads as much as I do, has been through the rain in 40's temps (1-1-07 NY). We were almost ready to take a Road King until the salesman mentioned "lifestyle". '02 RR has been great for me, 42, 6'1", 250#, had two previous bikes in my youth (XS650, XV750 Yamahas).

The GF (Grin Factor) is very high.

If you want a machine for you and whoever is with you, this is a good choice. If you are interested in the impressions of others as you go down the road, may not be for you. If you are a go your own way type, this is it; touring, back roads, dirt roads, double track, interstate, with or without passenger, twisties etc. I've only seen one other R1150R on the road and that was a Copper Rockster I saw yesterday.

My machine on it's first morning in it's new home (did not have registration/tags etc. until later that day).
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[OU812]

That is sharp! Please do tell us more.

[stevedore]

Bought mine on ebay with 7900 miles. ABS, factory bags, touring screen and the comfort seat. Rode it home from Nashville to Fort lauderdale in two days. The second day was 740 miles and I was not really uncomfortable even though it took about 18 hours. I've had two r11rs's and I think this bike is more comfortable for the long haul but still a blast in the twisties. Plus wifey likes riding on the back.

[JCsman]

I have a 2004.

I'd get rid of mine in a heart beat *... IF I could pick any three bikes I want to replace it. I'd have a touring bike (maybe an R1200RT), a dual-purpose bike (KLR 650, perhaps) and a light, sporty bike (an SV650 for example). With those three I could do anything my Roadster does, and, perhaps, more.

But, since I am limited to a single bike... she is NOT for sale.

* Just kidding - I'd probably skip the SV650 and keep her. Or pass her along to our son.