[gchacko]

I test rode the R1150R last weekend. For a 5'7"

and 165 lb rider the bike was very easy to handle.

What I didn't like were the mirrors (restricted view and too small), the handles (my wrists were splayed outwards) and the instrument cluster (in bright sunlight it's very difficult to see whether the warning lights or turn signals are on). The numbers on the retro-dials are small. I'll probably buy the bike but it ain't perfect.



GC

 

[Haird]

At first, my 2000 R 1100 R buzzed almost unbearably at around 4,200 RPM and up -- just about at 70 mph cruising speed -- and reving the engine above 5,000 produced incredible shaking. After about 2,000 miles, though, I noticed the buzz moving higher and higher on the rev range. At 3,500 miles the bike runs very smoothly up to about 5,000 RPM and will easily run to the redline without major shakes. The clunky transmission has also smoothed out considerably.



I wonder if some of the shaking was due in part to the low speed break in. As the factory instructed, I kept the engine under 4,000 RPM for the first 600 miles. At 600 to about 1,500 miles, it seemed very reluctant to rev higher than that. After I endured a few trips running it at about 5,000 RPM it smoothed out quickly.



I saw the new R and RT at the dealer last week. To me, the R looks much better in person than in the photos I have seen, especially in black. I particularly noticed the new tail light arrangement, which is barely visible in photos. The new R looks very sleek compared with the old model. Too bad I haven't even finished breaking in the 1100 yet.

 

[nighthawk_rider2000]

I bought the R1150R a week ago and enjoy it quite a bit. It's a major step up from the Nighthawk 750 I had for two years. I have about 500 miles on it so far, and am just starting to get used to it. If the vibration goes down, it will only get better.

I did notice a little oil weeping around some of the bolts on the engine. I'm assuming this is normal during the break in period.

BTW, with the sixth gear, I can run at 80 mph without cracking 4,000 RPMs.

I'd be interested in talking to you more about your bike and the break in -- [email protected]

 

[MazaiMan]

Re: Opposed twin engines burn some oil

I suppose opposed twin engines tend to "use" some engine oil because of the horisontal piston placement.

I just bought beatiful red R1150R. The dealer said I'd be prepared to add some engine oil between the maintenance stops of 10 000 km (6 000 ml). The dealer explained further: small amounts of engine oil may drip to the left combustion chamber especially when the bike is leaning to its sidestand and the piston has stopped in a particular position. In this case the left piston and the cylinder head are naturally pointing towards the ground. Because of the dripping the engine start may result a black cloud of smoke when the oil in the combustion chamber is burning (incompletely).

The oil usage because of the piston placement should not be an issue in any other piston arrangement?

This BMW "characteristic" is not in any way diminishing my respect for this agile bike.

Tip: I tend to use the centerstand and I've not yet experienced any oily smoke coming out of my R1150R silencer.

Cheers,

MazaiMan from Finland, Northern Europe

 

[MazaiMan]

R850C is smoother

Some Europeans prefer the R850C for its smoother ride. The R1200C is a whole lot quirkier because of the awfully fast throttle response. And some of us don't like the jelly-like tremble of the low revving 1200C boxer either: shorter lifespan for the battery - 850C is smoother in this department also. The mpg value for the 850 is somewhat better resulting longer rides. 850C has notably lower pricetag. And still the two C models share the very same looks.

I bought my R1150R because it is powerfull and smooth (as far as boxer can be) at the same time.

Cheers,

MazaiMan from Finland, Northern Europe

 

[MeatHook]

I finally made my way to a dealer to see the R1150R in person, and I left the showroom shaking my lowered head, wondering what they could have been thinking.





Up until recently, BMW motorcycles were what I call "A-10 ugly," meaning beautiful because form followed function.





The trend now is towards just plain ugly -- self-concious over-design starting with the R1100GS, and getting worse with the R1100S and R1150R.





What sort of Bauhaus dandy designs a motorcycle fender to "highlight the fly-line of the bike?" Are we really expected to buy this b*llsh*t?





And over-the-top air ducts on the side of the gastank (which look much worse in person, btw) are most remarkable in that they make the intake ducts on the V-Max look restrained and tasteful.





The BMW design team is out of control. Please, somebody stop them.

 

[starry]

Well After reading this and other articles I bought one. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder to some extent. I'm not concerned as much about asthetics as I am about the ABS, the unbelievable brakes, and the reputation for reliability and longevity. The Oil cooler scoops while perhpas not an artistic success are functional and guess what they don't blow hot air on to you. I'm just about finished with the 600 mile break in so far the biggest thing about this bike is TORQUE. You can lope along in 6th gear and make almost 65 MPH at about 3000 RPM. You can still accelerate smothly up to 70 with a flick of the wrist. Oil consumption so far is light if any, no disturbing drops or such anywhere onthe garage floor. The bike is stable and smooth, almost too quiet, the engine noise is almost drwoned out by the noise of the wind as you fly along the road. My neice only 9 and certainly not an expert was impressed that such a large bike is so quiet. I haven't noticed any signs of midthrottle surging or any other "anomalies" that many others have reported with the older R1100Rs

The large amount of torque means almost any gear is sufficient for in town use. I was able to slow from 65 to 45 in 6th and then acclerate back up again. IT was quicker in 5th but the engine didn't bog down.



Complaints: so far only that I can't quite figure out the low Gas light. It comes on pretty early with what seems to be about 2 gallons in the tank. This means about 120 to 150 miles and the light comes on even though you still have enough Gas to go perhaps another 80 to 100 miles. I understand the concern with running out of Gas in a fuel injected mortorcycle but this might be perhaps a little over cautious.

 

[starry]

Well since the 600 mile service, I have another 500 miles for a total of 1100. The bike runs much smoother since the service and the shifiting seems smoother as well. The gas light hasn't come on again since that first time. I'm currently conducting a mileage test to see how far I can go before it does come on. So far I have been 160 miles and it hasn't come on. I chickened out and filled it up. It had consumed 3.7 gallons. THe book says at about 4 gallons gone it should come on. Mileage has averaged about 42mpg and it has needed a small amount of oil. I check it at very fuel stop and tire pressure once a week.



The bike seems to really like running above 3000 rpm. THis makes using 6th gear in town not possible.



The shop is about 75 miles form my house so a trip for service is somewhat of an undertaking. Nobody seems to ahve a lot of accessories yet.

 

[Knightrider]

Since I am in the market for a new bike, and I like twins, this one seemed like a candidate.



Saw it, sat on it, inspected it as much as the dealer would allow, and I liked it, - a lot.



Dealer would not let me take it for a spin, or even run it since it had already been sold. Seems that the next few comming in are also spoken for, so no test ride for me unless I buy one.



I like the overall design of the BMW, and being an all weather commuter I can see a usefull need for those brakes. My only restraint is the sticker price, and with all incoming models being sold at this time, not much incentive for this dealer to bargain.



Guess I will have to fall back to a Buell S3 or a Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport. How about a comparison?

 

[Knightrider]

I go along with what you say, but only if the bike is the best for you.



I hate what if, but what if said bike turns out to be a lemon? Or just can't cut it as advertised, then you spent a couple of extra grand for ...........!



With that said, I am now going to hold off on a new bike purchase untill some more feedback comes in on the BMW.



The extra cost for a BMW would be worth it for me if it truley is as great as it now now seems to me.

 

[Knightrider]

This may be a bit off topic, but I was wondering how the Buell is holding up for you.



Both the BMW and the Buell is on my short list for a new bike this year, - I need something reliable for 60 mile a day year round commuting in rain or shine conditions.



Have you had a chance to do a ride comparison?

 

[jared]

Of course with Harleys you have to factor in the price of truck, for the wife to drive behind you and haul it home when it breaks down.

 

[jared]

Re: Retro Airhead?

Why would BMW need to produce a retro standard, when the real things are still running strong, and priced at or below your target of $6-7K. Check out some of the milage from Iron Butt Ralleys. Those chaps are gettings 100K+ out of those old engines. BMW makes 'em to last. Want a cheaper one? Wait a few years, and buy it used... you'll still get more than your fill out of the machine.

 

[starry]

Well since the last report now approaching the 2K range. The bike is still smooth and strong no problems. It has consumed about 800ml of oil in the 1300+ miles I have put on it since 600 service. The dealer claims this is within expectations and it will improve as the valves seat.



Range so far at least 180 miles, between fillups, this consumed 4.7 gallons of gas leaving about 0.8. The bike should be able to go 200 miles between fillups. The low fuel light came on at 170 miles while riding. It will come on earlier on an uphill slope.



Still looking for a windshield and some extra lights I would like but no accessoreis yet! I have seen some of each but nothing I'm satisfied with. The bike is very easy to clean, the only chrome besides the exhaust is the head light and gauges.

 

[5171]

Thought I'd drop a note about the R1150R. I bought mine on 07/10/01, and a week later I have 1100 miles on it. The bike is great, not a single problem as of yet, and as this is my first Boxer I was really surprised by the amount of power it produced. I am sorry to say that the Dealer I bought it from is letting me down, as I have to wait until 07/31/01 to get the 600 mile service done (I made the appointment on 07/11/01). I would think after dropping $11,200 for the bike and accesories plus tax and license that I would get a little preferential treatment, but I guess not. I guess I will do most of it myself as I can not wait another 14 days without riding this bike.

 

[michalakis]

I bought an R1150R in May and I would like to ask you if you noticed a slight drop in the response time of the engine after the first 600 miles. It might be that the bike is smoother now, but when I drove it from the dealership and for the first 400 miles it was really responding immediately. I broke the 4K rpm break-in restriction just once (went up to 6K rpm) for just 1 sec. Please let me know how your bike is going. Is the engine making any sounds from time to time?



thank you

 

[starry]

I haven't really noticed anything like that (a drop or sginificant change in throttle response) I guess perhaps the throttle cables mybe a little loose on yours? THe only odd noise mine makes is a loud clicking sound that I was informed were the fuel injectors opening and closing. You can hear it at idle. DId the mechanic synch the throttle bodies as part of the 600 mile service? He might have not done it porperly. If they get in a hurry sometimes the bike doesn't get fully warm before the adjustments. Mine is strong right throught to about 5500 rpm when the torque stops to drop off. I normally up shift at about 5000 rpm while accelerrating so I don't know a lot about life above there.



When he synched my throttle bodies they crnaked the motorcyle up put a fan in front of it and let it run for several minutes. Then he adusted the screws.

 

[5171]

I now have 3800 miles on my R1150R and am really enjoying this bike. It does quite well for two up touring and the system cases work great. I did buy a wind shield made by Memphis Shades that works great for long rides and trips, I can remove it in minutes and leave the handle bar clamps in place for daily/short rides. The bike handles very well, though it has less front end feel than I am use to, but I just trust the telelever is doing its job won't let me down. The center stand and peg feeler do touch down quite early, at what I would consider a moderately quick pace, but It doesn't upset the bike much. Another area that could be improved is the seat. I would like to see the front seat about an inch higher and firmer, and the passenger seat could be a full 2 - 2 1/2 inches higher, as the padding at the back of the seat is quite thin (or so my wife tells me).



This bike is great. It has exceeded my expectations in every area, save for the ones listed above. I have not been impressed with the BMW dealers I have dealt with thus far, so I will keep searching for one I like, otherwise I am enjoying my new bike!

 

[starry]

Okay now over 3000 miles on bike. I did the oil change myself last weekend. In the 1200 miles since last update the bike burned approxiamtely 300 ml of oil. THis is less than half what it burned in the first 1800. Power is still smooth and I haven't noticed any surging. Accessories are slowly rolling out and these bikes have become as rare as hen's teeth as far as I can tell. No dealers seem to have them. I guess BMW miscalculated demand. Oil change was easy to do. A Center stand is a great thing. I guess one of these days all bikes will have center stands again. I'll not post again until the 6k service which will be early next year at my current rate.

 

[The_Aerodynamic_Head]

Re: How about an 850?

Remember, too, that Luxury companies produce bikes (and cars) with a certain nameplate cachet.

If everyone could afford an S-Class Benz, they would be "perceived" as having less value.

Likewise, part of the "value" for which one pays is the exclusivity. In the case of the 1150 roadster, exclusivity as a "feature" accounts for roughly $2,000. (Sound about right?) In other words, is it reasonable to expect that Everyman would think that this bike with these features and specs should sell for roughly 8k? MAybe 8.5k?

A Sedan DeVille from Cadillac is a Lincoln Town Car with a 6k hood ornament. So why do people buy the Caddy?

Answer that question, and you will know why BMW intentionally prices their bikes out of your range.

Mine, too, unfortunately.