reliability

[krowl]

Hello all, I am new to the site and new to bmw. I am seriously considering purchasing a 2002 r1150r and would like to know if they are reliable and also are they expensive to maintain. The bike I'm interested in is a 2002 with 11, 000 on it. Any advice w ould be appreciated.

[towerworker]

Krowl--

Welcome!
The short answer is yes they're reliable. Long answer--they are not perfect and have their own particular issues. Engines and transmissions are pretty well bullet proof but there are some cases of clutch spline failure but the numbers are low compared to the huge numbers of R's on the road. You will also hear of simple issues like quick disconnect failures and too-tight zip ties on the wiring harness (around the steering head). I have a biy over 100K between two R's and hoping to ride my current '04 till one of us quits first. (I'm 60 with a lot of miles)

One very good thing is the R is a very simple bike to maintain. Plus there is a wealth of knowledge, experience and a willingness to help on this site.

Give the '02 a very strong look. Ask if the quick disconnects been replaced (originals were plastic and break at the worst moments thereby stranding you not to mention spraying gas all over your right leg and that side of the engine and tranny). Look at fluid changes (they're all easy to do), if the bike has ABS it's VERY IMPORTANT that the ABS service is done regularly. Brake and clutch fluid service is another important service. Again easy to do (a tad more difficult with abs) but very important. Look over this site and please consider becoming a paid member (I think $15 a year?) That helps Doug (member #1) keep it going. And jump in and contribute and ask lots of questions! We may even give you a correct answer once in a while!!

[lcarlson]

+1 on Towerworker's QD tip -- damhik. Overall my 2002 R1150R has been much more reliable and less expensive to maintain than my now-departed 2007 K1200GT.

Larry Carlson
Redding, CT
2002 R1150R
2014 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom

[peels]

yes.

same yr/model I have.

just has some niggling points, here is what Iv'e experienced.

-ABS(if it it has it) can be finicky. Pain to maintain, multiple lines. And the whiny noise bugged me. (so i removed mine)
-I had a rear brake sticking, wearing out pads and causing poor MPG. removing the extra abs line fixed that.
-clutch slave cylinder. was simple enough fix.
-oil leak from trans seal, slow drip. will fix this winter, doesn't look too terrible.
-snapped quick disconnect. I replaced with barbed connector. cost 2 dollars.
-battery. only a hassle because tank must be removed. scary at first. but after you do it 2-3 times, its gravy.

the only prob hanging out there that worries me is those darned.clutch input splines. Yours is low enough miles, therefore seemingly well taken care of. However, as Ive experienced...a low mile bike sits, and isn't maintained. SO there WILL be things to address.

But towerworker is spot on. the maintenance on these things is REALLY easy. and, I find it enjoyable.

Your question is "expensive to maintain?" if you do your own. NO. cheap as can be. valves, TB sync, change the 3 oils. Engine, Trans, Final Drive. cost me a total of 30 bucks I think...... took a couple hrs...maybe My oil filter was put on by hercules himself. LOL

if you plan on relying on a dealer. YES, you must prepare your wallet.

[cgguy09]

Welcome friend,
I'll double down on Towerworker and Icarlson. I picked up an 04' Rockster (I slightly modified r1150r). Over about 13 months I've put about 7k-8k miles on it. It's been an amazing bike & I'm just getting started.

First off the support network for the 1150's is great. Most of 1150 owners (at least that I interact with) do all their own maitnence, ride their bikes often, and have had them for a few years. Thus, these individuals know their stuff inside & out. Further, they are willing to take the time to help you out.

The oil-head engine is simple and therefore is maitenance is relatively easy. Honestly, you can knock out eveything in a single day that'll let you ride care-free for a year. I've done all the required maintenance and it's been fun & easy. However, if you're going to pay someone to do your dirty work, it will be expensive. You might be better off seeing if your bike can get covered under obamacare!

If you go to the thread "I just bought a rockster, what do I need to know" (viewtopic.php?f=3&t=31128) they'll be a ton of info on the r1150r's in general. Beyond that, stay on this site and ask questions. Poor saps with nothing to do (like TowerClimber) just wait around to answer your questions

Get the bike, you're going to love it.

[swamper]

Ours are. Even if you use a dealer for service it isn't more than other makes dealers, all are expensive in my opinion.

[krowl]

Thank you for the advice. That Obamacare line had me rolling on the floor. I look forward to becoming a paid member and talking to you all. Thaks again!

[RRANDY]

Bought my 02 new. I fully agree with Towerworker. In 172,000 kilometers I have had similar issues.Still love my bike.