BMW R1150RT (2001 - 2005) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £450 |
| Power: | 95 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (30.7 in / 780 mm) |
| Weight: | High (562 lbs / 255 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe BMW R1150RT has all the comfort needed to blitz Europe – and it handles too. Proof that a motorcycle can take you a pillion and plenty of luggage to those Alpine passes can be fun once you get there. The R1150RT is lighter than most full tourers of the time and superbly built too – but it's no rocket in a straight line.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe BMW R1150RT's light weight plus well engineered chassis = great handling. It’s all the more surprising as the R1150RT looks about as sporty as a brieze block. Dry weight is just 255kg – light for a full tourer. Many sources quote wet weight which makes the motorcycle sound heavy. Servo-assisted, linked, anti-lock brakes are excellent.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe BMW R1150RT's ‘Boxer’ opposed flat twin traces it’s heritage back to the 50s or even 20s with few major changes. It’s torquey at low rev and produces modest power higher up the tacho. It’s more than adequate – up to about 100mph when other tourers will clear off. Some surging on a steady throttle. Gearbox is pretty poor.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe BMW R1150RT has a solid construction which includes building in some resistance to salty roads. Brakes in particular resist weather better than most rivals. Plenty of bikes rack up huge mileages – 100,000 plus without major problems. The odd electrical niggle and small areas of corrosion are not unheard of.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe BMW R1150RT was not cheap when new but in this class, so are all the rivals. Now only available on the used market and becoming more affordable. Depreciation is low due to the bike’s durability and small cult following. Glitzy main dealers tend to charge more than private sales but not always – do your research. Find a BMW R1150RT for sale.
Equipment
The BMW R1150RT delivers superb comfort for one or two – seat and bars are adjustable at a standstill, the screen can be moved on the move with a touch of a button. Panniers are included and work pretty well. Loads of extras are available including BMWs superb heated grips. Compare and buy parts for the BMW R1150RT in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1130cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 8v flat twin, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Three section composite |
| Fuel capacity | 25 litres |
| Seat height | 780mm |
| Bike weight | 255kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload, rebound, compression |
| Front brake | Twin 320mm discs |
| Rear brake | 276mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 170/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 47 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £450 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £2,600 |
| Insurance group |
14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 95 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 63 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 12.5 secs |
| Tank range | 255 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2001: BMW R1150RT launched.
2005: BMW R1150RT discontinued.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the BMW R1150RT (2001 - 2005)
18 owners have reviewed their BMW R1150RT (2001 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW R1150RT (2001 - 2005)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £450 |
Year: 2004
Annual servicing cost: £250
I recommend to more than one of my friends
It needs more power
No one problem
Year: 2002
Annual servicing cost: £300
This is my 3rd R1100 series bike, which must say something! I have use all 3 on a 400 miles per week commute over the last 15 years and while the others were good the RT is by far the most comfortable with its adjustable screen and very effective fairing, and the remarkable paralever front suspension. I'm also a fan of the linked ABS servo system in all weathers.
When used as a workhorse, riding solo year round the fairing and suspension give protection and confidence to ride to traffic and conditions. I have found the engine to be all i've ever needed with low down torque and control for traffic jam work. The most I've ridden in one stint is 250 miles with out a stop , but I did need a break after that.
In my use as a daily ride the engine is all I have ever needed. It's not overly powerful for a fairly heavy m/c but is tractable throughout it's range with that bit extra when required.
All my bikes were used as daily workhorses. The 40 mile trip allowed all systems to run at proper temps for reasonable times which I'm sure improved all aspects of reliability. Apart from fuel, oil tyres ( average 14K miles per set) and pads (40K) I have had to replace the Differential main output bearing at between 60 to 70K miles on all 3 bikes. Using them year round to around 100K miles, the out of sight places behind the plastic on engine, frame and forks have suffered corrosion, pitting and peeling but mainly to the surface cosmetics.
This includes 1 set tyres per year and doing the work myself.
Favourite bits have to be: 1.The paralever front end; with no diving or changing the steering characteristics under braking, even through the bends. 2. the adjustable screen and fairing. I don't get wet until stopped at the lights. 3. The lockable pocket in the fairing. Very useful for carrying the chains. For a daily drive I have found Avon storm tires to last the longest while still giving good grip and feel.
Version: used police bike
Year: 2005
Annual servicing cost: £150
bike has earned it's cost
Year: 2002
Annual servicing cost: £250
I bought this second hand and find it a joy to ride. It is comfortable and I recommend as a touring or commuter bike for longer distances. It is not sporty and I also have a 1996 VFR750 for an alternative.
It’s an air cooled boxer twin and it’s feel is wonderful.
It does corrode, but this adds to the charm. It is a 2002 bike after all. I bypassed the Un-repairable servo brake system and fitted braided steel hoses for the front. This makes the brakes good and it is noteworthy that BMW never tried this approach again! I had the suspension replaced with Hyper-Pro and set up by M&M motorcycles in Waterbeach Cambridge. They did the braided steel brake hoses. I also put an aftermarket end can to replace the rusted OE. This has made the engine punchier and sounds great. I feel like I’m flying a WW2 fighter plane.
Such a simple air cooled motor. The fairing removal is the only issue. I suggest putting a trickle charger Lead onto the battery, but it starts perfectly after I replaced the original 2002 battery in 2019.
Version: Single plug
Year: 2002
Still uses a qt of oil every 2k miles. Burned exhaust valve at 23k. Fully integrated brakes with servo assist the most dangerous thing I've ever experienced. Battery barely lasts a year, even with a battery tender. Radio on a motorcycle is a ridiculous thing (I took it out and use the cavity for storage). I do all my own work using Chinese parts, when available...otherwise I couldn't afford to own it. Love the adjustable wind screen (otherwise I would have rated it a one). I'm 74 years old and will likely have to quit riding in the near future. Otherwise it'd be gone.
Great ride. Terrible brakes.
Always burned oil. Burned valve at 23k. Clunky shifting tranny.
Reasonable purchase price used. Outrageous service and parts prices at the stealership. Don't buy one unless you can work on it.
Love the adjustable windshield.
Year: 2004
Annual servicing cost: £1,500
Sporty, comfortable, and fun to ride. Comfortable eating up the miles on the autobahn or the curvy roads of the alps.
Great all round bike that is comfortable. I can usually go about a four hours before I need a break, and my bladder seems to have the bigger say in that decision than my butt. It does have a slightly cramped riding position, some would say "sporty", and I feel like a piece of origami unfolding when I get off.
Engine has enough power for what I need it to do. It does sound like I am riding a sewing machine at times.
Well built machine that keeps plodding along.
BMW stands for Bring My Wallet. I cry ever time I go to dealership to get even the most minor of work done. I could probably do it myself cheaper, but then it eats up valuable time I could be doing something else, like writing a review for MCN.
Quality fit and finish, but the stock windshield was too short and the seat was too hard. They were the first changes I made and have vastly improved the ride experience.
Year: 2004
Good tourer let down by servo-braking issues
The most dangerous braking system ever installed on a motorcycle. The servo system is unbelievably NOT fail-safe, i.e if and when it fails (and thousands upon thousands have) you are left with about 10% braking power, or what BMW laughably describe as "residual braking". When it does work, a dab of rear brake during a feet-up U-turn will virtually lock up the back wheel! Many owners junk this system as a matter of course, unfortunately this eliminates the ABS as well, but it's still safer! The telelever front end is a great system on this bike and handling is top-notch. Height adjustable rider's seat fits all sizes.
Bit of a tractor if you're used to modern four cylinder bikes, but quite relaxed. More than enough performance two-up and fully-loaded.
No issues on mine reliabilty wise. Engine paint is made from flour and water paste. Fork paint not much better. All the 1100 and 1150 boxers have appalling finishes in this respect and need alot of attention to maintain a good appearance.
Pretty decent for a tourer.
Usual touring bells and whistles. Good rider and pillion comfort.
Year: 2004
Annual servicing cost: £350
Not bad at all. Good suspension, great handling, excellent wind protection, reliable touring machine. Gas mileage acceptable, some surging, kinda heavy, acceleration .... What acceleration? Well, it is okay. I like my bike.
Year: 2004
70k miles and runs great. Gearbox is klunky and if you leave it on side stand for a while it will smoke for a minute when you start it. Also you absolutely need to fit a battery tender as battery will drain quickly. Great bike tho
Year: 2002
Annual servicing cost: £350
Great comfort. Decent handling for a sports tourer. Very reliable. Has aged well.
Heated grips are excellent. I have fitted taller screen which gives excellent weather protection at high setting. Panniers are great.
Buying experience: From a dealer: €4500 in 2015
Year: 2001
Annual servicing cost: £450
overall awesome bike
owned since new not a single problem
Year: 2004
Best motorcycle I've ever owned. 75k on mine. Uses zero oil, plenty of power, amazing handling, comfortable enough to knock out 800 mile days, over and over.
The Boxer engine on this model puts out 95hp. Doesn't sound like much compared to today's hyper powerful bikes, but the power is always there and a touch of the throttle at any speed results in a nice, usable surge in acceleration.
Fit and finish is excellent. Some slight corrosion on some fasteners but nothing too detrimental.
heated grips and electric windshield are first rate features as well as the saddlebags and adjustable seat.
The 1150 changed in 2003 from 1 spark plug per cylinder (nicknamed single spark), to 2 (err, the twin spark). When this later model was brought out it sorted quite a few issues with earlier machines such as: Cured the surging (a feeling of the bike accelerating and decelerating at steady throttle settings). Improved rear brake feeling (the rear brake was too powerful and caused the odd problem with slow speed manouvers when it was too easy to lock the rear wheel (and bring the front brake into play a little too early). Improved the horn (the later models used twin horns as opposed to a single unit). A different alternator belt and pulley was used to give the alternator an easier life. This is a superb bike but not without its faults. Comfort for me is top notch, econony is 50mpg plus (most of the time). Handling is brilliant. Its shortcomings...look out for possible gearbox alignment problems if the bike has had any history with this, don't touch it. Hall Effect Sensors (ignition trigger) wiring on early bikes had been know to have insulation breakdown problems, but never heard of it in later bikes. Servo brakes could go belly up. Some bikes have had this removed - this is not a bad thing and don't let it put you off.
Bought April 2008 with 41000 miles and a full service history,and have had nothing but trouble with the thing. The electric screen, heated grips and comfort are very good as is the handling for such a big bike. However it has been the most unreliable bike I have ever had. Its had a new battery (failed due to an electrical short), starter motor, gearbox seal, rear hub seal, drinks loads of oil and now has had complete brake failure when travelling at speed. Its going to cost £1600 to repair the brakes as a brake modulator has failed. I should of stayed with what I know and stayed away from this German rubbish. Avoid if you don't want major servicing service and repair bills.
not an 1150 and apart from a bit more power and a different front light I can't see much difference. Used to have a firestorm and really liked the noise and power but then I got married and it had to go as it wasn't really practical even though i'd fitted a Givi top box. So went to look at big tourers incl Pans, FJR's but they didn't fit through my narrow gate, so got an R reg R1100RT, which just goes through when mirrors a removed. The first biggest difference was how big it was when filtering and the comfort of the bar position. So First mod was a bigger screen made by Sedcam, much better wind deflection all the way up to 110 mph. Pillion comfort is great she said and the other luggage is a big help, I transferred my Give from the firestorm to the BM no problems. The Engine does have a lot of low down torque which is where all the power is but doesn't like it near the redline. Once chased a VFR 800 from 50 (post Gatso) and I simply ran out of revs and he slowly pulled away once i hit 4th. Overall though a great bike for going places on, great on petrol usually average 45-50 mpg knocking around on a run I get around 70. The only thing to have gone wrong was an actuation arm which SNAPPED CLEAN IN HALF at the back of the engine which is simply pulled by the cable from the clutch god knows how this happened. Got a second hand one from Motorworks for 40 quid. Would sometimes love the speed of the FJR though
Bought the bike to tour Europe next year. Me and the Mrs have done loads of miles on it with no aches and pains, a very comfy bike. Good weather protection with the adjustable screen and of course the heated grips are a mortal saver when it's cold. The engine will just keep spinng whatever you want to do in whatever gear you might find yourself in. The ABS took some getting used to but after a few 'situations' they become something to rely on. Once we got used to the bike the fun factor really takes hold, smooth ride through bends and straights. Cars really do move out of your way!. Really looking forward to next summer when we can get amongst it in France, Spain, Germany etc. Not as quick as my previous Jap' bikes but then again I'm not as quick as I once was either. Definetly a good buy. Strengths: Bags of grunt, even with 2 up, build quality is good, fuel compsumption is good street cred' is great! Weaknesses: At 90mph+ and solo bike becomes a little unstable with all panniers on, faith in gryoscopic's will keep you calm though!
Bought used in 2005 (2 years old). Needed a bike that could take me and Mrs to far off places in comfort without costing a fortune in fuel. Looked at the Honda but they had problems on the new Pan and the old one seemed a bit dated compared with this, not to mention servicing and fuel costs. I am very happy with the bike thus far, having covered 16k miles over the year. It is comfortable, has excellent weather protection (which is bad on hot days! Where's the breeze?). Brilliant heated grips! BMW luggage is easy to use and secure, with enough room for essentials on a long trip. The bike reacts well to a relaxed style of riding, perfect for holidays, but can also really cut it with the faster boys when required. The engine is not up to this really though, getting a little rough if you rev it. I'd expect that of a boxer twin though. Tank range is very good, 225 miles. Around 48-50 mpg. Servicing is easy once you get the bodywork off (15 min job). Strengths: The engine has lots of torque and pulls well thoughout the range. Handling is very, very good. More so for the size of the bike! With practise you can really chuck it about. The brakes are amazing, a little sharp at times but grab the front lever and it stops! No matter what the weather! Weaknesses: Fuel injection! Runs too weak in closed loop cycle, causes surging. Careful setup and fix it or after market injection controller (twin spark bikes are ok). Engine could occasionally do with more power at the top of the range. Liked back brake is a bad idea, (U turns!) front is good though.
Have had this bike for a year and 10,000 miles. For the first 7,000 miles it did not run very smoothly . It requires a mechanic to know what he is doing to set it up correctly (this was more of a let down by the dealer). In the last few months the bike has had to have the following items replaced because of the quality. Centre stand-poor quality paint work, one of the panniers -as it let in rain water when the bike is parked on its centre stand in the rain, both horns have given up working.The paint work on the front fork bridge has been very poorly applied and litteraly falls off in your cloth when you polish it. The left hand panel trim has been replaced twice as the fixings are so poor.The rev counter had condensation in it as well as the Rider Information Display unit.(Petrol gauge,clock and engine temp gauge). The Fuel gauge gives false readings.The brake discs are also showing signs of "pitting". Strengths: A comfy seat and corners well for a tourer. Weaknesses: When the two year warranty ends and in particular the poor fuel consumption of 42 MPG.
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Side view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Exhaust
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Front view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Riding
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Side view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Rear view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Front view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Top view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Side view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Side view
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Riding
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Riding
BMW R1150RT motorcycle review - Riding
