BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Hi, I am new to this forum & looking for input on a 2004 R1150R. I currently ride a 2001 K1200LT, love the bike, but my riding has changed, mostly communting & shorter trips now.

A local shop has a 2004 R1150R (black) w/27K miles. I'll have to add a windshield &/or fairing & bags. I think the only thing I'll miss is the radio.

Any input would be welcomed as far as pluses/minuses of the 2004, what to be aware of when purchasing, tire recommendations, bag & windshield or fairing options. And hopefully radio options.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I sell Harley Davidsons, love them, but at heart a beemer guy.

Welcome bob.

some thoughts here.

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=10328

Bob, I'm Bob too.

Not only that, I am also a Harley guy. I ride a Road Glide as my long touring bike, but have the R1100R as a "fun" bike. It is also set up for "sport touring", (meaning when my wife does not want to go).

I think you will find the R bike fun, lighter, easier to get around on, easy to tinker and work on. A naked bike is accessable.
It will not be as smooth at the K bike, it will not have the power and it will vibrate/buzz at highway speeds.

If you don't want buzz you will have to go to a R1200R- or R1200RT- counter balanced motor...

Good luck- welcome on board.

I have a friend with a K1200LT - he calls it the Light Truck!

The Roadster is of course a lighter and more nimble machine but can do it all. The '04 is the first of the twin-spark models which means less 'surge' (smoother running).

^ some '03's have the twin spark heads too (plus the braided lines, etc.)

I think you'll love the bike for what you described as your needs. For sound, I use my MP3 player on headphones, works perfect and I'm able to keep the volume just right to still hear traffic. Also have a Givi fairing painted to match...a bit of a trade off in wind deflection vs. more noise.

1150929 wrote:^ some '03's have the twin spark heads too (plus the braided lines, etc.)

I think you'll love the bike for what you described as your needs. For sound, I use my MP3 player on headphones, works perfect and I'm able to keep the volume just right to still hear traffic. Also have a Givi fairing painted to match...a bit of a trade off in wind deflection vs. more noise.

I have an 03 as well and it has twin sparks.

Re the MP3, I think it's not legal to use earphones in LA.. or maybe in Florida too? Some say you can, but only in one ear. Isn't it so in Canada?

[quote="bmw_bob2001"]Hi, I am new to this forum & looking for input on a 2004 R1150R. I currently ride a 2001 K1200LT, love the bike, but my riding has changed, mostly communting & shorter trips now.

A local shop has a 2004 R1150R

quote]

Prior to purchasing my 2004, R1150R I had a 1999 K1200LT. I bought it new and put 65K miles on it. Over time I got somewhat bored with the comfort (no wind in my face) and the turbine (brick) like performance of the LT.

I found that the R1150R and a set of system cases can do everything the LT can do. It is just a lot different: not better, not worse , just different. You have to experience the "R" to fully appreciate its fun and versatility factors. At this time I wonder why I kept the LT so long.

Sent you a PM.