BMW R1150R (2001 - 2006) Review

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £500

I recently bought this bike as a pristine, lightly used example. It's in perfect, like- new condition despite having 46,000 km. Always dealer- serviced, it has all factory options, servo brakes, ABS, panniers, luggage rack, back rest, heated grips, windscreen, upgraded "M" style seat, and upgraded fuel line connectors. I love the excellent fit, finish, quality, and logical, functional engineering, although the styling is odd, the bike is a jumble of discordant angles and shapes, with unnecessary , clashing visual detail. Its a far cry from the gorgeous BMWs of the 1970s. The suspension design and function is superior to many other bikes. Long travel and highly adjustable, especially in the rear, the suspension absorbs rough roads like a dirt bike. The front Telelever anti dive geometry is magnificent. That combined with the powerful brakes provides tremendous stopping ability. The handlebar brake lever activates both front and rear brakes. The brake pedal actives the rear brake only, handy in certain situations. The engine is smooth and powerful, with a broad power curve and excellent, immediate throttle response. It almost doesn't matter what gear you're in, excellent performance is at hand, almost any rpm. The steering is a bit heavy and numb. It's intended for high speed touring, where its stable. It's a big, heavy bike, and strong arms are needed at low speeds. Highway speed cross winds buffet the bike, especially with the windscreen and panniers, requiring care and correction. I think the center of gravity is quite tall exacerbating this occasional instability. The transmission is horrible. Sorry. It's clunky, slow shifting , sloppy and occasionally gets hung up in gear. It's by far the worst motorcycle transmission I've encountered. Possibly mine is a bit worn, but it's a common complaint. The transmission gear ratios are too closely spaced. First gear is too tall for low speed city traffic, and 6th gear isn't tall enough for truly relaxed high speed use. With an engine this versatile, wider spaced gear ratios would be helpful. The transmission almost ruins what is otherwise a delightful motorcycle. Other features are perfect. A smooth, progressive clutch, quiet exhaust, great controls, instruments and mirrors. It would be nice to have a fuel gage. It's odd that one is missing, and the bike has a elaborate analog clock instead. Still, this is a great versatile, reliable, do-all bike, with an eye towards great highway performance.

Buying experience: Private sale, I got an excellent deal, considering the fine condition of the machine. I'm in Canada, and older BMWs are not popular. Used prices are low.

Version: servo assisted brakes

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £100

I live and work in Hanoi Vietnam (for the last 18 years). I ride both the BMW and a Triumph Bonneville T100 (2013). The Triumph is quite "agriculrtural" when compared to he BMW. I appreciate the BMW's heated grips, sensors (for everything, including blown globes), the seating position (in the bike rather than on it), and of course the engine and drive train. I needed to replace the starter motor and fly wheel, and I blew out the oil level spy glass, but apart from that it has been a pleasure. I now have 52,000 kms and it runs very strongly despite the extreme weather and traffic conditions we experience in Hanoi.

Buying experience: In Vietnam I paid $3500 USD privately, but needed new starter motor and fly wheel.

Version: None ABS

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £80

Oil head engine in roadster/naked package gives a lovely relaxed ride. Weighty but can be hustled effortlessly using low down torque in the Spanish countryside where I spend my time riding. All in aĺl, an individual styled for its time (twin oil coolers, para lever suspension, and weird mudgaurd) which kind of grows on you. As a biker from the 80's who would never have looked at a BMW I'm a convert enjoying my left field retro bike.

Buying experience: Bought privately in 2019 as my return to biking after (too) many years. Local BMW specialist (Huddersfield) gives good support.

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £130

I really like this bike. I have logged 3000 miles in 3 months of ownership after decades on Hondas (mostly VFR); it has been a joy to ride and easy to work on. Best features: the engine has plenty of torque and adequate horsepower. The servo assist ABS brakes are the best of any bike I have ever ridden. The suspension is adjustable for damping front and rear, and preload on the rear. Shaft drive is a plus. Worst features: Mechanical odometer/trip meter, lack of fuel gauge. At nearly 550 lbs fully fueled, you feel the weight when pushing it hard on a twisty road. On the other hand, you appreciate the mass on the freeway, or when riding in a crosswind. It's not a sport bike, but sporty enough to keep a smile on my face.

Year: 2004

This bike has good performance but I found the vibs through the bars number my hands. The seat is terrible sore bum after 50 miles had to stop. I v been riding bikes for 30 years this is not the best

Version: R1150R ABS

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £150

Best feature is the riding position. I am short but once on the move have complete confidence in the bike. Worst is the lack of braking when engine is not running. Manoevering on slopes can be tricky.

Firstly let's clear up the fuss over the indicators switches , they're actually very intuitive to use particularly when riding with thick gloves on no fiddling trying to return the selector to the middle here The engine , if kept tuned and serviced will last forever , the torque is fantastic some reviewers bemoan the 8k redline but change up at about 6.5 and keep the throttle open and you'll soon be doing 120mph , that is providing you've got the screen to deflect the wind roar. Handling is fine no diving or flaws apparent and the ABS brakes are a godsend . Heated grips are a welcome addition and when turned onto max soon warm your hands up nicely. Build quality is typical BMW ie very good indeed , keep it cleaned and polished and it will retain it's showroom look , mines done 16k and still looks mint . If you're thinking of buying one of these go for it , the negative press reviews are totally unjustified , try it , love it , ride it , everywhere

So I bought a 2001 R1150R in 2004 changing from a Honda Shadow! What a change. At the beginning I couldn't get used to the indicators, then the low down power or the boxer engine shake when stopped at the lights but I loved the controlable acceleration and the endless torque. So why write this review now? I've been thinking about swapping it for a GS1200 but can't seem to make the plunge. 8 years after buying, having toured across 10 countries, she's never missed a beat or given me any expense. She is serviced at CW BMW in Dorchester annually and that's it. I have fitted loads of stuff including the really needs BMW screen, a Remus titanium exhaust, starcom unit, Garmin sat nav, goodridge braided brake lines and had the seat rebuild to include a gell pad and none slip material (never got used to the standard material which left me slipping all over). So all I can say to anyone thinking about if this is a good bike, it's not good it's excellent and it's also not that common so loads of people come up and look over it asking if it's really a BMW. Mine is black which I think is the best colour. So I think whilst writing this review, I've also decided to forget the GS and stick with the R!

This bike is a real surprise once you get used to quirky things like the front end does not dive when braking hard and the brakes need a real good squeeze when the engine is not running because of the servo assistance. It is a heavy old lump but is better controlled by using the back brake when moving slow. Once you have the bike fully serviced and tuned up, when you open it up and snatch a handfull it really picks up its skirts and runs. Change gear when you get to 6000 cos there is not much past that. It will cruise at 80mph and only show 4000rpm it is economical and the finish on the bike is fantastic. The engine is smooth and only a tiny bit of vibes nothing at 70mph plus. I have had the bike almost 3 years use it for commuting, touring and just blasting round. It needs to have all the schedules adhered to i.e change clutch fluid very year (how do I know this? my slave cylinder failed and destroyed the clutch!) and oils I use synthetic 15w50 it uses very little oil and does not need topping between yearly service but check anyway! This bike grows on you! I have had Japanese fours and twins but nothing that gets under my skin like this bike. My next bike will be a KTM 990SMT but I will keep this one.

I bought a 2004 R1150R after my ancient but reliable VFR suffered terminal loom failure due to road salt. First impressions are that it is a damn good commuter. The power is good low down but not available higher up the rev range and I am still recalibrating my riding style to cope. First tank full only got me 45mpg, worse than my 18 year old old Honda! Build quality seems excellent with just a couple of issues to sort that reflect the previous owner rather than the bike. I have a 30 year old Moto Guzzi that is faster, lighter and returns better mpg but this is a better commuter when all said and done. Mine is the non ABS model so normal brakes which are great and low maintenance. If you are coming from a Jap background you need to give this bike a long time to grow on you, don't judge it on a weeks riding or you will likely hate it.

I moved up from the R1100R and the 1150 should have been an improvement - six gears instead of five, more power, servo brakes. However, the gears are badly spaced, the riding position isn't as comfy and the servo brakes are a nightmare. Try touching the front brake as you're turning at low speed and you find it grabs hard - not good! It always seemed to give me a headache, so after a few thousand miles I sold it and bought an R850R. If you just want a hooligan-ish bike though, it might be for you.

R1150r these are great bikes with good build quility very reliable nice and easy to ride in and out of town,very good on the twisties,ive had crusiers and sports bikes this is a bit in between,you can easely clock up a few hundred miles a day in comfort and do it the following day,there easy to do basic servicing on,the abs is outstanding,and they hold there value,so give one a go,comfort,fun,touring,what more do you want

No listing for an R850R Classic, the run-out model before all the Boxer bikes moved up to the 1200cc hexhead engine. I used mine for a daily commute, weekend runouts and week-long tours of Scotland, Ireland and France. 14,000 miles & didn't miss a beat other than a weeping gearbox oil seal which was replaced under warranty without quibble. The Boxer motor is an acquired taste, but these bikes deserve a better run in the press/reviews - nobody whines about the Bonneville being underpowered, yet the BM will run rings around it. If you're not after out & out pace, then you should try one - great bikes.

This is my first BMW, and I reckon it's one of the best bikes I've ever owned in 24 years. The Vmax was more manic, the Armstrong was cheaper, the SV was lighter, the 1200 Bandit was faster, lighter, more manic AND cheaper, but has a chain! Everything on the R1150R is good quality. It doesn't corrode, (unlike Ducatis), it doesn't give up the ghost at a whiff of moisture, (unlike Ducatis) it's good for touring, and I can scratch on it because it actually lasts longer than 50 miles before breaking down, (unlike Ducatis)! The engine has plenty of character and torque, sending it to speeds high enough for everyday use by mortals. I've never used it on a track, I doubt it would be well suited to that. I have used it for a 3000mile one-week-long trip in October to France, Andorra and Spain. The BMW luggage is excellent, the ABS brakes are outstanding, the reliability is fantastic, and the servicing is so easy I do it all. The only niggle, and it is only nitpicking, is the rear suspension. I have it set almost fully hard for normal riding otherwise it wallows. It can still cope with pillion and luggage though. It's comfy, handles very well, never gets left behind. And it still looks like a new bike, even after 30k miles. Mine had a Y-piece on the exhaust, but I've removed it and refitted the cat. It's smoother and runs better. The heated grips and charging/accessory point are bonuses. Ignore what the bike press say about the weight, if you know how to ride, this bike really excels at slow speed manouevres and town riding, while devouring distances like any BMW. It doesn't feel heavy at all. I'd rate it 9.99/10. The only criticism is the rear suspension. That's just a personal thing. Plus BMW back up is great, really professional. What more do you want from a bike?

Never really saw myself on one but due to the fact no other manufacturer then made a reasonably practical high distance machine, I've had the bike from new! Why an R? Less weight than the others. It handles excellently it really does, and it is at home on the twisty's. It tours brilliantly and with the addition of a slightly modified National Cycles F16 Tour Shield, and GS1150 handguards, it is comfortable and practical. It works best with Metzeler R6 tyres, maybe a pound up on suggested pressures if you are over about 13 to 14 stone. I have firmed the front up by 1.5 clicks and the rear by about 2 clicks and the pre-load is up two turns as standard and about 3.5 turns with luggage or pillion. The real revelation is the replacement of the cat with a y piece and a Remus silencer. You really can feel the difference. Fuelling is of course taken care of by the lambda sensor. It also loses 22lbs in weight! I really don't understand why the bike mags and papers are so anti-R1150r, and probably the new r1200 r as well. These are very good machines, and if you want to you can just about keep up with your mates, but when you are in the mood on the tight twistys - can they keep up with you? No really!! Great bike, very underated as it is neither glamorous nor Italain, well it can't be it's really well engineered...

Had my R1150R for 5 years now. 40,000 miles and its still as good as on day one. Not the fastest bike on the road, but one of the best. Great looks. Stand back and just take a look at its flowing lines and curves and you'll have to agree. Strengths: The ease at which you can play ping pong with cars. Easy to ride, restfull even. Will give any other bike a good run for its money up to 120mph, due to its easy and predictable handling. Weaknesses: No BMW top Box. Just a floppy bag. So had to buy top box from other producer.