does size really matter??

[simon.d]

Greetings guys from the south coast of England. I don't recall ever seeing a mention of the r850r in your pages and am trying to work out if there's a bias against the little 'un or if BMW North America don't import it? For the record I have an 04, non abs, in black and I love it to bits! The real reason for writing though is to ask for experiences with the "Airhawk" seat cushion. One of the few bits of the Roadster I don't like is the seat (factory high option) as to get in a comfortable position I'm sitting on the step where the two parts of the seat join.The "Airhawk" retails in the UK for £150 (or about $300) roughly twice the US price,so before I take the plunge I would appreciate some feedback on how effective it is likely to be! Kindest Regards to all . Simon D.

[Biff's R]

simon.d,
BMW NA does not import the 850R into the US(not sure about Canada). Just out of curiousity, what is the price difference between the 850 and 1150?

I have no experience with the airhawk, but for that price you may consider looking into a Sargeant seat. $300 seems astronomically high.

[JCsman]

I believe the 850 was imported to the US at one time. But, as I recall, the 850 was virtually identical to the larger model. Some manufacturers add lesser suspension bits, instruments, etc. to bring the cost down. If I recall correctly the 850 wasn't priced substantially less than the big twin, so sales were poor here.

I'd still have sprung for my 1150 had I had the option. But I'll bet the 850 would have been plenty of bike.

I sure won't look down my nose at an 850. The odds are you could outrun me on my bike due to my own limitiations.

[boxermania]

simon.d......I have a rider friend that swears by the "Airhawk" and you are right they are less expensive stateside. May I sugest that if you decide to purchase one maybe you can get one of the Board members to do it for you and save you a few "quid" in the proces.

The 850R came to the US for a couple of years but didn't sell well.....we are into large displacements, from bikes to breasts. I'm sure that in the UK, with the tariffs, cost of fuel and the roads the 850R will make a wonderful and reliable mode of transportation.

Enjoy............

[simon d]

Thanks guys for your interest, you're all quite correct in your assumptions that the 850 is identical to its' bigger brother, only bore size and a lower (shorter) final drive ratio differ. In the UK the 850 retails about $14000, the 1150 $15000 with abs an extra $1500 on both. I didn't choose the 850 just to save money, although any saving is always welcome,I really went for the extra smoothness and rideability. I rode a friends 1150RS and was not impressed, it had a couple of vibration periods that were as bad as an old BSA! The 850 is smooooth from idle to redline & invites you to rev it hard (just as well as it does lack the big 'uns torque at low revs).Maybe you're right bigger IS better?! I bought some Cee Baileys bag liners which even including shipping were still cheaper than UK prices, but then had to pay Customs & Import duty on them which ended up making them dearer- damnit! So any volenteers to help me get bits cheaper would be very welcome. I'm off to Scotland in a couple of weeks, first long trip so I'll let you know how it go's. Cheerio Simon.

[ArjanH]

I tried to reply, but instead created another topic... But this is what I wrote:

I had a R850R, in the former style (R1100R alike).

I reallly liked it, it was essentially the same as the R1100R. It only ran somewhat higher in revs on the highway.

In a lot of magazines it got tested quite well, and they all mentioned it in fact ran smoother than it's bigger brother and was the better choice for backroads and twisties. For what it is worth....

I traded it in for a R1150R which by then had a better transmission, somewhat sportier riding position, and I could keep my system cases!

[Guest]

As a new AirHawk user,

I can only say good things about the cushion.
I do not have it strapped onto the seat (i may not do it at all), and I forgot to put it back on when returning from work the other day, and

Boy, what a difference compared to the stocker!!

I would get uncomfortable about 80-90 miles out, but did a 220 mile jaunt the other day and i never had to give it a thought.

I did think at $150 that it was on the expensive side (still cheaper than a seat replacement AND transportable),but $300 is too much.

Would consider someone shipping from the states or a replacement seat.

Anywho, I would recommend one to anyone who might experience
"monkey-butt"


Tom

[jhva]

Greetings,

Which airhawk fits the best on the stock R1150R seat? They have cruiser, large cruiser, a square one that's 14 x 14, a 18 x 12...thanks in advance,

john in VA

[DJ Downunder]

You could do this and it will cost you nothing...I have not tryed it on a big ride but on a quick ride around the block it did feel good...

David

[rphforbmw]

The medium size, or cruiser size works well for me.

Does sound expensive over there though.


Tom