new to beemers, now what?

[marine dad]

hello all,
i have been a die hard harley rider for half of my 47 years. my 3 closest friends have bmw's and ride them everywhere, and to put it simply, i got the bug. so... tonight i sold the harley, and tomorrow, i go to pick up my "new" to me 2002 1150r. bike is immaculately clean, 12,000 miles, yada, yada. what do i need to expect, except lots of saddletime?
thanks
mike

[Byrdguy]

You'll have to get used to the very different riding position. Different engine characteristics, plenty of torque, but higher revving. The R1150R is one of the absolute best all around "do it all" bikes out there. Also, if you do your own wrenching, the 1150R is a breeze to work on. The more you ride it, the more you'll like it. There are also quite a few accessories (BMW and aftermarket) so you can make it "yours" .

[bikermeow]

Let me tell you my experience ....

Some of my friends said that I am too young for one (I'm 40), and when they find out more, they are intrigued by the tech of the bike and the simple concept behind the bike.

Corners will be fun, and so will be all round riding. Don't expect to outpace a sportsbike unless the race is a really long one.

If you love working on bikes, this bike will give ya fun, because you can do stuff to it. If you love travelling, get the panniers and you will wonder how you have lived without them.

Have a good time, and welcome ...

Cheers

[MikeCam]

Welcome. In many senses, a bike is a bike. So you got that going for you. Comments above cover the essence. Beware the internet hysteria of what might go wrong, prepare for the future by letting yourself do as much of the maintenance as you care to learn, find a dealer service department you like and develop a trusting relationship if you can.

Ride more! Ride farther. Be safe and join in.

[towerworker]

+1 on what MikeCam said.

Be prepared to be able to hear what goes on around you! R's are quiet if you have the stock exhaust. (a goood thing!)

Welcome and join in!

Wayne

[Boxer]

Sell the '02 for a profit and get an '05. You'll be happier longer.

[Ves]

hello all,
... what do i need to expect, except lots of saddletime?
thanks
mike

Harley's have a lower center of gravity, so the BMW feels heavier during low speed maneuvers... When I rode a Harley that was the first thing that struck me.

Expect you're going to need to do something about the saddle... for many people it's not very comfortable... Why BMW would put a relatively uncomfortable seat on a bike meant to soak up the miles, I have no idea... Ok, it's not a touring bike per say... but it should have a better seat than a crotch rocket....

[marine dad]

thanks for all the input. picking it up at 3:00pm today and the 125 mile ride back home should help get familiar with it.
mike

[moxnix]

Marinedad, I have a buddy that has a HD Road King or some other such, and he prefers to ride the HD just because of the low cg.

I think you'll get used to it, its just a jump technology-wise. Now you'll be riding 1920's technology.

My dad is a Marinedad as well, Semper Fi!

[KeithC]

Marine Dad,

I, too, went from a HD to the R. If you like to ride, as opposed to staring at chrome, you're going to love the R. For a short time, I was going to keep both bikes. I found that, after riding the R for a week or so, riding the Harley was a little scary due to the crappy brakes and sluggish handling. It also felt extremely slow. So I sold the Harley. Now when my friends with HDs talk about some outrageously expensive mod that gives them 5 more HP, I just laugh to myself. Again, if you like to ride, I think you're going to be glad you made the switch. As for the seat, I find it comfortable, but many don't. You'll have to see what you think. One last piece of advice, there's shop manual in pdf floating around on this board somewhere. Do a search, find and download it. Although I haven't had to do any corrective maintenance on my R, the manual is a great resource (as are a number of very knowledgeable guys on this board).

Best of luck with your R.

Keith