BMW R1150GS ADVENTURE (2002 - 2005) Review

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £500

Reliable and fun workhorse used for London commuting and fun trips away! A do it all that is going strong even 17 years later. I cannot afford a £15-20k bike and wanted something that will go forever… hence the 1150GSAVery happy with my choice and this bike will probably be with me until we all go electric in 2035!!!

Year: 2003

If well taken care of this R1150GSA will run forever Surprisingly nimble for the weight; which makes me confirm how well engineered this bikes are, super well balanced, and you forget about the weight once taking the clutch out. Comfortable, can do different things such as highway travel, twisty roads, commute (better that you would expect), etc. pros Overall Engineering: chassis, suspension, engine, gearbox, breaks Handling Reliability High Quality in every component cons BMW took care of putting high quality materials which is good, but did not care about making a light bike, it is a buffalo! Stock front all time running light is not enough for both traffic conditions and dark roads, you will need to add additional lights Windshield is fixed single position Rear stock fender tends to break with knobby tires such as Conti TKC80s Servo brakes let you no braking with the switch off you need to get used to that in some conditions

I forgot to mention that the fuel economy is outstanding. I just got 550km from the last tank of juice before the fuel light came on, which has another 40km in reserve... which is welcome in comparison to the TL1000S I just traded in which got barely 200km before it ran out of fuel. The brakes are unbelievably good, it just takes a bit of getting used to the servo assisted brake motor sounds. This bike had already ridden 56,000km and the BMW dealer assured me that these Adventure models run to about 300,000 km before needing an engine rebuild... they also gave me a 2 year guarantee which adds credibility to this claim. The bike was in tip top condition and will remain so. Wrapped to say the least.

Just bought my first BMW after 7 Suzukis and am totally schocked how well this bike handles... better than any other bike I've ever ridden. It's deceivingly agile for a bike that in a stationary position appears to weigh quite a lot. But, get going and you don't notice it one bit. This bike is so perfectly balanced it goes through hairpins and tight corners faster than most R1 riders can manage. Rough roads are eaten up by this bike... you can take it over anything and still ride it fast. It goes off road and through the mud also, just keep the momentum going and try not to stop as this is where you will notice this bikes kilos. Probably not my preferred bike for the autobahn (this is where I would prefer the Hayabusa) but it does most things with exceptional poise. If you love corners and touring, then it's absolutely fantastic. Heated grips, big screen, big protective cylinder bars which you can rest your legs on for that lounge chair feeling, ABS, the list goes on. OK the motor could use a few more PS but what you get as an overall package can't be beaten. Acessories are damn expensive, so if you're in the market for a used one then find one with all the extras on it like a Remus exhaust system and alu panniers. These are really expensive... even used ones which you'll see on eBay. The motor does use oil and it's best to check after your ride when hot... but all boxer motors use oil I'm told. 9/10 thumbs up!

I had a 1150GS adventure before and I sold it to get the new model. what a mistake ! I am currently on the hunt for a mint 1150GS adventure again as the bike is better made, has more torque down low (if you fit the y piece and a remus) and handles better with a more front oriented bias. Also has less plastic than the 1200GS, stronger battery anad an overall better package.