R1150R for First Street Bike

Post by **tipstall** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 7:58 am

Guys,

Other than ebay and the for sale section here were do you find used bikes for sale?

DK · Post by DK » Thu Sep 29, 2005 8:03 am

Tipstall,

My bike is non-ABS, I just thought the price was a bit high for that plus my previous bikes never had them so I couldn't miss it. Someone may have experience with ABS and really recommend them. Thankfully I've not needed them! Re: the other dealers, yesterday I bought a tall seat from Geneva, they are 5 minutes from my office so way convenient. They are really nice guys and seem to be well priced on bikes. Don't know anything about their service. I have never heard anything negative about Chicago BMW and they are also priced well; I bought mine from Mike. For us in the 'burbs, it's a hard place to get to. Barrington doesn't seem to be that helpful when I've been there.

Re: used bikes, I bought mine, '04 with 5100 miles on it and the balance of the warranty 'till March '06. I figured I couldn't go wrong that way plus I save alot off a new one.

Randy,

I've been to Lake Geneva several times this summer and there are some good roads up there. I'm thinking of going to Galena some weekend to checkout that area, I hear good things about it.

DK

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 8:08 am

Tipstall,

If you are interested in buying used, try Craigslist. I got back on a bike after 30 years, last year. I went the used route and have purchased three used bikes off Craigslist...so far. I bought mine in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco, but there is a Chicago Craigslist, too. Here is the site:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/mcy/

Do a "keywords" search using "BMW" and it will list a 04 R1150R with 500 miles on it, black and ABS. Might be worth checking out.

....and, no, that isn't my bike...

Good luck finding a nice street bike.

-John-

Post by **rdsmith3** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 9:02 am

tipstall wrote:Guys,

Other than ebay and the for sale section here were do you find used bikes for sale?

Here is a good source for used bikes and parts. I see a 2005 R1150R in Ferro Blue for sale.

http://www.ibmwr.org/market/

There is also Cycle Trader
http://www.cycletrader.com/

And then there is e-Bay
http://motors.listings.ebay.com/BMW_R-S ... ngItemList

BTW, the Roadster was my first motorcycle.

Post by **tipstall** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 9:20 am

Bob,

New York City would be a long ride to Chicago, but thanks for the links.

Ken

greer · Post by **greer** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 11:00 am

Try http://www.bmwsporttouring.com Classifieds and http://www.advrider.com Flea Market. You might post a "Want to Buy"; it worked for us when we were looking for a GS for my husband. He and I lucked up and got our bikes from forum members. Sarah

DK · Post by DK » Thu Sep 29, 2005 12:07 pm

Tipstall,

Give me a call if you have other questions or want to see the bike w/o going to the shop since I'm 5 minutes from you.

Dwayne
630-215-9543 cell

dilligaf · Post by **dilligaf** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 11:07 pm

Tipstall wrote:

"The next big question, ABS yes/no. "

I have ABS on my "04" and would not get it again. Not only does it add approx. 20lbs to the bike(up high to!) but there is limited brake "feel", they are very vague untill you squeeze past a certain point then pow! their on. Don't get me wrong they work well, i just don't like 'em.

Post by **tipstall** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 9:37 am

dilligaf wrote:Tipstall wrote:

"The next big question, ABS yes/no. "

I have ABS on my "04" and would not get it again. Not only does it add approx. 20lbs to the bike(up high to!) but there is limited brake "feel", they are very vague untill you squeeze past a certain point then pow! their on. Don't get me wrong they work well, i just don't like 'em.

Thanks alot, I had decided to go ABS if I buy new, open on the used side depending on the deal.

Post by **tipstall** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:40 pm

Is the overdrive useful or a problem?

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 7:06 pm

tipstall wrote:Is the overdrive useful or a problem?

Yeah overdrive!! And ABS too. -

I've got a Rockster and that 6th gear is sooo sweet for highway cruising.

P

Post by **tipstall** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 9:31 pm

Wow, I didn't think overdrive would be a big deal. I'm leaning towards a new bike. Can you add grap rails easy.

Post by **boxermania** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 12:28 am

Oooops dilligaf, as a result of your untimely outcry you have awaken the ABS Gods which have been asleep for the better part of three months.

Rest assured that a sleww of posts arwill be forthcoming each defending the merits and the ills of ABS, some of the posts will be factual, some purely oppinions but for the most part educational and entertaining.

Your indiscration shall not remain unpunished, as Dr. Boxer Meister will be showing up at your doorstep to administer the prescribed punishment.....40 lashes with a wet noodle. Ahhhhhh.....

Please be prepared......

dilligaf · Post by **dilligaf** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 12:53 am

I.... uh....you see.... well, what i meant was...ok here's the thing......

Ah screw it, can it get some marinara with that?

Post by **tipstall** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 2:19 pm

OK,

I have a used one to look at and have a new that is perfect. I hope to make a decision this week. For a couple of grand I like the new option as I'm super picky and don't want anyone touching my toy before me.

I need a street helmet. My Harley friends don't wear hats so no help from them. I want a full face and like a helmet with a design in place of a solid color. My bike will be either silver or black. I can't believe the amount of helmets out there. Should I look for any special features? Any hints other than trying alot on and seeing what feels good?

Thanks for the help.

Post by **Boxer** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 2:46 pm

Oh WOW! Now in addition to everything else this thread is including HELMETS! You will get about as many different opinions on helmets as you will on ABS.

Look for something that is all one piece. Bones says the flip-ups are dangerous. Also go for the "D" ring attachment. Make sure it's made of something hard....with foam inside.....and it fits without sliding around on your head.

Blaster229 · Post by **Blaster229** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:11 pm

My 04 R, in Black of course, is my first street bike. I used to ride as a kid on dirt bikes, then came a very long hiatus. I almost made a 24k dollar Harley mistake, then I looked at BMW. I avoided the people who said start out small then work your way up. Having some experience, coupled with a few days on the MSF riding course, I was comfortable enough after a week or so. The jitters are long gone and am even planning a possible Florida run for November. I live in Md.

Get the 1150, equipped with whatever you feel comfortable with. Don't *think* yourself to death. Get the bike, ride it safely and enjoy it.

Signed,

Someone who doesn't know enough to know that he doesn't know anything.

DK · Post by DK » Sun Oct 02, 2005 7:29 pm

I think it's easier to choose a bike than a helmet! I looked at several and ended up with the Shoei RF1000. I wanted a full face for protection plus I wanted a quiet helmet. I am very pleased with it; it's lightweight, quiet, and fairly cool when you open the vents. I rode in over 100 degree heat this summer and was fine. But the best thing to do is start trying them on and see which ones fit you best because they are all so different.

DK

Post by **tipstall** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:16 pm

Can I add one more thing? What jacket do you like? I think I like the Joe Rocket Alter Ego. What do others use? I've been riding around without a jacket and do not like it. I don't dislike the Meteor, any opinions?

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 11:07 pm

Bones says the flip-ups are dangerous. Also go for the "D" ring attachment.

I say go with the flip and with the seat belt type clip...beats fiddling with those D ring thingies...

The Joe Rocket Comet looks nice...so's this price... http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/deta ... D=351-0102

Sometimes I wish I live in the US...they're well over $500 here.

DJ

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R1150R for First Street Bike

Adding to the question