New to R1150R

zofo · Post by **zofo** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:51 pm

I am considering buying a 2004 or 2005 R1150R and was reading reviews by owners of 2002 and 2003 models on MCN's webpage. They all had great praise for their bikes, but one mentioned there not being a fuel gauge, just a warning light. Is this true for all models.

Love the forum and getting some great insights to the R1150R

Post by **towerworker** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:18 pm

Don't need no stinkin' fuel gage!

Seriously----I have an 03 and the fuel light comes on around 170 or so miles depending on how hard I've been running it. I reset the trip each time I fill up and seldom pay attention to the lamp. Just keep an eye on miles traveled. I think I'd probably be good for another 40 to 50 miles after the lamp lights. Don't want to push it though! (literally and figuratively)

Wayne

Just buy the bike and have a heck of alot of fun!

Post by **owldaddy** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 7:26 pm

I agree with towerworker, the light is good enough, I haven't seen a fuel gauge on a motorcycle that was very accurate. As long as you keep an eye out for the light, and know that you have 40-50 miles left, thats all you need. I also reset my trip meter after every refueling. You'll know how much fuel you have left after a glance at the trip meter, even if the light hasn't come on.
Don

BigC · Post by **BigC** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:03 pm

I haven't had mine long enough to have too much of an opinion but I would have to agree that you work out the math as to the avg. mileage your getting and keep an eye out for the light. I've never had to go to reserve on my old Honda due to the fact I knew the mileage I was getting and how much the tank held...

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:59 am

+1 for the above. The key is indeed to reset the trip counter at each fillup so you can keep an eye on it.

The newest BMWs (mostly the R or K 1200's) mostly have digital fuel gauges either as standard or an option, but the none of the 1150 / 1100 / 850s do as far as I know. Note that there is no old-fashioned fuel tap to fiddle about with, just the light illuminating.

I agree that it's not a problem, as you have a good 5 litres / 30+ miles left when the yellow dash light comes on. My fuel consumption varies significantly, depending on whether I've been riding in town or open road, but I usually start looking out for the light at 120-miles+. My last two tanks were 144 & 172 miles between fill-ups.

You'll also find the front suspension very accomodating on the 'varied roadsurfaces' over in Ireland

HILLBILLIEBIKER · Post by **HILLBILLIEBIKER** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:35 am

I dont trust fuel gauges till you know where the hand points when your out of gas. With the RR just zero out the trip mile and like everyone else says your ready for gas after the lite is lit. IF your reading over 180 and the lite is off get gas anyway.

zofo · Post by **zofo** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 5:36 pm

Many thanks for your comments, I agree totally I have only recently started to use a gauge on my Suzuki Vstrom. I am quite used to using my own calculations.

I read another comment that the R1150 was not friendly in city traffic. I would appreciate your views

BigC · Post by **BigC** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 6:24 pm

zofo wrote:...
I read another comment that the R1150 was not friendly in city traffic. I would appreciate your views

Are you referring to the potential heat issue? Again, I don't have a lot of experience here but basically you want to make sure when you have the bike in traffic you have the choke at the low idle setting. Some folks shut the bike down at long stops other don't... I am going to do the clock swap for oil temp mod in the not too distant future. I think that's probably one of the best ways to gauge (literally

) whats going on in that respect. Pitty they didn't just make that part of the gauge set. When your on a bike, time is so irrelevant

peterbulgar · Post by **peterbulgar** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 7:41 pm

I read another comment that the R1150 was not friendly in city traffic. I would appreciate your views

Could also be referring to the tall first gear that makes it difficult to creep along at very low speeds without slipping the clutch. Also, if you have the servo-assist ABS, the brakes (especially the front) are touchy at very low speeds. You get used to using the rear brake at low speeds. I find the R to be extremely well balanced - I can coast along at a crawling pace without putting a foot down.
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

Post by **challey** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 6:54 pm

The R with the stock cat does run hot in traffic and as Peter points out, the tall first gear makes creeping along a bit more difficult. All things considered however, I find the R to be quite docile in traffic. My only complaint would be that the engine design makes lane splitting touchier since you need a bit more space.

zofo · Post by **zofo** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:01 pm

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I test drove a R1150R and I found the tall first gear a little bit difficult but I could get used to that. It is a beautifully well balance bike for moving in traffic, I was afraid with the size it would be cumbersome. I would'nt be too worried about over heating I don't spend that much time stationary. Many thanks again. I have two bikes to choose between and I have to talk finance now.