I bought a new 2003 R1150R and still have it. Runs great with 60K on the odometer. It's been all over. I consider it my last bike at the age of 71. Sold the rest of the fleet as I don't travel as far and I did at one time. I like the bars where they are and I suppose lowering the pegs would help. The best modification was a Two Brothers pipe. I've used Two Brothers on other bikes. Yes, louder, but that's what ear plugs are for, and it's not Harley loud. There's a substantial gain in power along with losing 17 pounds. I did put it on a dyno, and it backed up the claims published by Two Bros. A bump in over 5 HP. The bump in torque was even more at around an additional 8 at the rear wheel. The pipe also got rid of the surging problem. If my memory serves me correct, I could do a top gear roll-on from 60 to 80 in 3.3 seconds, a gain of over half a second. Very impressive. Enjoy your new toy.
Hi Pete, wow owning a bike for that long and putting on 60k is an impressive feat for sure! I need to do some longer trips soon as well :). Also that is some great hp and torque gains, I'll have to look into two brothers exhausts!
Thanks for sharing it. This is for sure a great looking BMW. I rode a lot of them and now I am thinking of getting one. :) Drop by bro, you may like my content. :) Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the video! I came across your review after seeing an '04 R1150R for sale locally about a month ago. After watching I went out and bought it the next morning. It has ABS and the smaller windscreen. Love the bike!
Glad the review could help you out with your decision! I think the R1150R is a bit of a sleeper. It does alot of things really well, and seems to be pretty easy to maintain too. Also the reliability is pretty legendary. I rode this one home from the barn it had been stored in for years, started right up! It needed some work to get it in tip top shape, but it still ran good when I rode it away from that barn!
John I also just found a 2004 and decided to buy it as well after reading, watching and test driving. Let me know how you have enjoyed yours in the last few months. I am getting a very gently used bike with only 12k miles. Its brand new. Such a pretty bike. Would love to hear your input!
@@garretv7247 Loving the bike! Not much to compare with though. I had an old Triumph Thruxton years ago which I found pretty uncomfortable for any lengthy ride. That said, this BMW I feel I could ride all day! Very comfortable and smooth. I'm still getting up to speed on the maintenance but so far has been pretty easy. Lots of info out there. Parts at beemerboneyard and I've watched countless Chris Harris videos here on youtube. Congrats. Enjoy it!!
I have had my roadster since July 2001. You are spot on with your evaluation and commentary! I put on a Day Long seat, Verholen bar backs, and peg lowers. Also Ohlins shocks. That greatly improved the comfort. I have managed three 800 mile days on this bike. The nickname for this bike is “the Curve Wizard“. This is a great all-around bike. It is also not difficult to work on.
Wow 800 miles is massively impressive! :0. The longest I did was about a 3.5 hour ride, if I remember correctly, but there were some awesome roads in southern Wisconsin to hit! The R1150R really is much more nimble than it's weight would suggest isn't it!!
My experience is, that if you give it gas and more revs, it becomes a totally different machine. The engine comes to life, nice power after the torque, the sound changes...handles beautifully through corners, braking is effortless with the abs pump etc...also super smooth like you said, but still the mechanical bmw boxer feel that enthusiasts are looking for...not sure if im ever going to sell it
@maurizioarrivabene8182 I do wish I would have kept the R1150R longer, I'm looking for another BMW though, possibly an R Nine T or an R1200 :). The R1150R is surprisingly good in the corners isn't it? Sometimes the spec sheet doesn't tell you everything, some bikes just have to be ridden :)
I had one of thses when they were new for my daily ride to work, which involved some very heavy filtering. It was great for that because it would tick along with great slow balance. The brakes were a bounus for that because with the servo ABS set up I could cover the rear brake and stop real quick if needed. I only swapped when the dealer shut. Now all these years later I have another which needs a bit of work and the ABS brakes are the main problem and I'm planning to delete them. Good to hear you are happy with the basic set up. I've done the rear drive which can become a problem if not shimmed correctly at some point. The final drive pivot bearings are also a weak point, plain bush replacments with grease points are better.
I think the standard brakes are quite good on the R1150R, especially for the era! I had a deer appear on the side of the road, did some quick progressive braking, ended up doing a bit of stoppie on the big machine :p.....then the deer just decided to stare at me like I was an idiot from the side of the road, and didn't cross anyway! Haha
Very good vid for a great bike. I have mine for 12 years now and the riding pleasure is still the same. And an incredible construction quality. Best regards
Hi Bruce, this video was shot out in the country between Tomah and Sparta WI. It's in the driftless area a bit north of wildcat mountain. There are alot of great roads in the driftless area! Some of the pavement is a little rough depending on how far out in the country you get, but the views are pretty amazing!
I have an R1100r and a BIG plus for me is the vibrations.I love 4 cylinder bikes but almost all of them have high frequency vibes.I have poor circulation and permanent pins and needles and get numb fingers when riding.I thought my riding days were over but the R puts out low frequency vibes which don't affect me at all.Don't need my Rox rubber risers(which is just as well,since it has fixed alloy swept back bars).It also has an old style saddle which doesn't push me forward ,which is a real pain in the nuts as detailed in the vid.
Lol yeah that stock saddle is definitely a but rough after about an hour :p. If you have to brake hard...better watch out! Lol. I have an R NineT now, and it has those same laid back low vibrations. It really reminds me of being in a Cessna to be honest, it feels a bit like flying :)
That is a good deal, if it doesn't have a ton of miles on it! These roads are in the middle of Wisconsin, around the Driftless area, great riding around here! I grew up in MN, there are some absolutely beautiful places over there as well :)
i sold my r1150. i hated the gear ratios. bought an rt1200. night and day. fantastic upgrade. gear ratios are perfect. the 1150. ran like crap under 3000 rpm. the 1200 can be lugged down to 500 rpm and still pull.
I agree! I have an R Nine T now, it's also an oil head, but the power difference is huge compared to the R1150R! Now it is about 20 years newer, so not exactly a fair comparison, but there is a big difference. The R1150R is MUCH better distance bike though. Here's link to my R nine T first impressions, if you'd like to check it out :) th-cam.com/video/iutLOR6Xn-w/w-d-xo.html
There is one for sale and used a 2004 1150R yet it has 120,000 miles on the odometer. My question is, how long will these engines last. Does anyone ever overhaul the BMW engines and who? Thanks
That is quite a few miles! I've heard of these motors going around 200,000 though. If the bike is clean otherwise and priced really reasonable, I would say you could get some more riding out of it. If you have a good local independent mechanic, I would give them a call and see if they can do a compression test for you, and give the bike a good once over. :)
More about it. I got the same as a wedding gift. Waits in Germany for our honeymoon and so far never had a chance to ride it yet. Same color, same year with abs. 😊
What an awesome wedding gift! :) :). I do love ABS on bikes when I can get it, I've seen studies where it significantly decreases total stopping distance in emergency braking situations!
@@PastorMattMoto haha 😂 and I would love to have one without. Yes awesome brakes but if the modules fails you miss 90 percent of the braking power. New part at bmw super expensive! Like 1500 buck plus work. I have already the alternative parts at home if it fails that I can bypass the system. Problem in Germany it’s after removal not roadworthy anymore 🤮
My R1150R did vibrate at higher RPMs as well, but it wasn't too bad, and it started later than yours, probably above 6k+ I would say. I'm not sure if cable replacement would be needed for bar risers. You might be able to get away with a shorter 1 inch rise with stock cables.
I have successfully placed a 1" riser on a 2002 R1150R and while the cables are "snug" the stock cables have been fine after 10 years. @@PastorMattMoto
sold mine a couple of years ago been regreting ever since might just get another eventually roads are pretty crappy in quebec the suspension is right at home here, great around town and in twisties
The unique suspension on these make for a super smooth ride don't they! They are pretty inexpensive now days too, a pretty awesome hidden value I'd say.
@@PastorMattMoto the telelever is indeed quite special its plush yet never bottoms out the bike keeps level on rails in corners when I used to ride with buddies I had to be selfaware they couldn't or wouldn't follow me through rough backwood roads
This is in the driftless area of central Wisconsin, in the US. I'm actually part Swedish, my grandmother was from Sweden. Would love to visit one day :).
Both hard cases came with the bike, but the one side had a problem with the mounting clip unfortunately, so I just ran with one case. It looks a little goofy, but hey some storage is better than no storage :p
Amazing outstanding video I found a 2004 bmw R1150 military green really cool he is asking $3500 obo I’m diving between the bmw for $3500 or a triumph America for $1809
Hi, this year I'm using a different helmet for recording, the audio has improved quite a bit. I'm also treating the audio with a multi band compressor to cut some of the low-end noise, and boost the vocal range. If you have a chance to check out some of my newer videos, let me know what you think :)
I bought a new 2003 R1150R and still have it. Runs great with 60K on the odometer. It's been all over. I consider it my last bike at the age of 71. Sold the rest of the fleet as I don't travel as far and I did at one time. I like the bars where they are and I suppose lowering the pegs would help. The best modification was a Two Brothers pipe. I've used Two Brothers on other bikes. Yes, louder, but that's what ear plugs are for, and it's not Harley loud. There's a substantial gain in power along with losing 17 pounds. I did put it on a dyno, and it backed up the claims published by Two Bros. A bump in over 5 HP. The bump in torque was even more at around an additional 8 at the rear wheel. The pipe also got rid of the surging problem. If my memory serves me correct, I could do a top gear roll-on from 60 to 80 in 3.3 seconds, a gain of over half a second. Very impressive. Enjoy your new toy.
Hi Pete, wow owning a bike for that long and putting on 60k is an impressive feat for sure! I need to do some longer trips soon as well :).
Also that is some great hp and torque gains, I'll have to look into two brothers exhausts!
J’ai la même (2003), j’ai 65 ans :). Lourde à l’arrêt et dans les très petites routes sinueuses des Cévennes (Sud du massif central France).
Thanks for sharing it. This is for sure a great looking BMW. I rode a lot of them and now I am thinking of getting one. :) Drop by bro, you may like my content. :) Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the video! I came across your review after seeing an '04 R1150R for sale locally about a month ago. After watching I went out and bought it the next morning. It has ABS and the smaller windscreen. Love the bike!
Glad the review could help you out with your decision! I think the R1150R is a bit of a sleeper. It does alot of things really well, and seems to be pretty easy to maintain too. Also the reliability is pretty legendary. I rode this one home from the barn it had been stored in for years, started right up! It needed some work to get it in tip top shape, but it still ran good when I rode it away from that barn!
Great to hear that. How is it running now?
John I also just found a 2004 and decided to buy it as well after reading, watching and test driving. Let me know how you have enjoyed yours in the last few months. I am getting a very gently used bike with only 12k miles. Its brand new. Such a pretty bike. Would love to hear your input!
@@garretv7247 Loving the bike! Not much to compare with though. I had an old Triumph Thruxton years ago which I found pretty uncomfortable for any lengthy ride. That said, this BMW I feel I could ride all day! Very comfortable and smooth. I'm still getting up to speed on the maintenance but so far has been pretty easy. Lots of info out there. Parts at beemerboneyard and I've watched countless Chris Harris videos here on youtube. Congrats. Enjoy it!!
@@garretv7247 That should be a great deal if it really has that low mileage. :)
I have had my roadster since July 2001. You are spot on with your evaluation and commentary! I put on a Day Long seat, Verholen bar backs, and peg lowers. Also Ohlins shocks. That greatly improved the comfort. I have managed three 800 mile days on this bike. The nickname for this bike is “the Curve Wizard“. This is a great all-around bike. It is also not difficult to work on.
Wow 800 miles is massively impressive! :0. The longest I did was about a 3.5 hour ride, if I remember correctly, but there were some awesome roads in southern Wisconsin to hit!
The R1150R really is much more nimble than it's weight would suggest isn't it!!
My experience is, that if you give it gas and more revs, it becomes a totally different machine. The engine comes to life, nice power after the torque, the sound changes...handles beautifully through corners, braking is effortless with the abs pump etc...also super smooth like you said, but still the mechanical bmw boxer feel that enthusiasts are looking for...not sure if im ever going to sell it
@maurizioarrivabene8182 I do wish I would have kept the R1150R longer, I'm looking for another BMW though, possibly an R Nine T or an R1200 :).
The R1150R is surprisingly good in the corners isn't it? Sometimes the spec sheet doesn't tell you everything, some bikes just have to be ridden :)
I had one of thses when they were new for my daily ride to work, which involved some very heavy filtering. It was great for that because it would tick along with great slow balance. The brakes were a bounus for that because with the servo ABS set up I could cover the rear brake and stop real quick if needed. I only swapped when the dealer shut. Now all these years later I have another which needs a bit of work and the ABS brakes are the main problem and I'm planning to delete them. Good to hear you are happy with the basic set up. I've done the rear drive which can become a problem if not shimmed correctly at some point. The final drive pivot bearings are also a weak point, plain bush replacments with grease points are better.
I think the standard brakes are quite good on the R1150R, especially for the era! I had a deer appear on the side of the road, did some quick progressive braking, ended up doing a bit of stoppie on the big machine :p.....then the deer just decided to stare at me like I was an idiot from the side of the road, and didn't cross anyway! Haha
Very good vid for a great bike. I have mine for 12 years now and the riding pleasure is still the same. And an incredible construction quality. Best regards
Thanks Francis! I've heard of some of BMW's boxer twins hitting over 200,000 miles with just regular maintenance, that's pretty incredible!!
Someone else mentioned the beautiful roads - really nice! Where? What town/area? Thanks!
Hi Bruce, this video was shot out in the country between Tomah and Sparta WI. It's in the driftless area a bit north of wildcat mountain. There are alot of great roads in the driftless area! Some of the pavement is a little rough depending on how far out in the country you get, but the views are pretty amazing!
I have an R1100r and a BIG plus for me is the vibrations.I love 4 cylinder bikes but almost all of them have high frequency vibes.I have poor circulation and permanent pins and needles and get numb fingers when riding.I thought my riding days were over but the R puts out low frequency vibes which don't affect me at all.Don't need my Rox rubber risers(which is just as well,since it has fixed alloy swept back bars).It also has an old style saddle which doesn't push me forward ,which is a real pain in the nuts as detailed in the vid.
Lol yeah that stock saddle is definitely a but rough after about an hour :p. If you have to brake hard...better watch out! Lol.
I have an R NineT now, and it has those same laid back low vibrations. It really reminds me of being in a Cessna to be honest, it feels a bit like flying :)
Looks like my roads in MN. someone has one in chanhassen and is on sale now for 2500. Now i really gotta figure out how to buy it😢
That is a good deal, if it doesn't have a ton of miles on it!
These roads are in the middle of Wisconsin, around the Driftless area, great riding around here!
I grew up in MN, there are some absolutely beautiful places over there as well :)
i sold my r1150. i hated the gear ratios. bought an rt1200. night and day. fantastic upgrade. gear ratios are perfect. the 1150. ran like crap under 3000 rpm. the 1200 can be lugged down to 500 rpm and still pull.
I agree! I have an R Nine T now, it's also an oil head, but the power difference is huge compared to the R1150R! Now it is about 20 years newer, so not exactly a fair comparison, but there is a big difference. The R1150R is MUCH better distance bike though.
Here's link to my R nine T first impressions, if you'd like to check it out :)
th-cam.com/video/iutLOR6Xn-w/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for your knowledge and video ; drive safe!! From Chile South America
Thanks Enrique, glad you enjoyed the video! The R1150R was and excellent machine! I'm currently looking for another BMW as well :)
There is one for sale and used a 2004 1150R yet it has 120,000 miles on the odometer. My question is, how long will these engines last. Does anyone ever overhaul the BMW engines and who? Thanks
That is quite a few miles! I've heard of these motors going around 200,000 though. If the bike is clean otherwise and priced really reasonable, I would say you could get some more riding out of it.
If you have a good local independent mechanic, I would give them a call and see if they can do a compression test for you, and give the bike a good once over. :)
More about it. I got the same as a wedding gift. Waits in Germany for our honeymoon and so far never had a chance to ride it yet. Same color, same year with abs. 😊
What an awesome wedding gift! :) :).
I do love ABS on bikes when I can get it, I've seen studies where it significantly decreases total stopping distance in emergency braking situations!
@@PastorMattMoto haha 😂 and I would love to have one without. Yes awesome brakes but if the modules fails you miss 90 percent of the braking power. New part at bmw super expensive! Like 1500 buck plus work. I have already the alternative parts at home if it fails that I can bypass the system. Problem in Germany it’s after removal not roadworthy anymore 🤮
I also slide forward on the seat of my 1999 BMW R850R but can still do 300 miles in a day.
Yeah it's still comfortable even with sliding on the seat a bit.
Maybe some tank pads would help the situation as well?
Mine vibrates a fair amount over 4k. Didn't notice that with yours. Can you put var risers on without replacing the cables?
My R1150R did vibrate at higher RPMs as well, but it wasn't too bad, and it started later than yours, probably above 6k+ I would say.
I'm not sure if cable replacement would be needed for bar risers. You might be able to get away with a shorter 1 inch rise with stock cables.
I have successfully placed a 1" riser on a 2002 R1150R and while the cables are "snug" the stock cables have been fine after 10 years. @@PastorMattMoto
sold mine a couple of years ago been regreting ever since might just get another eventually roads are pretty crappy in quebec the suspension is right at home here, great around town and in twisties
The unique suspension on these make for a super smooth ride don't they! They are pretty inexpensive now days too, a pretty awesome hidden value I'd say.
@@PastorMattMoto the telelever is indeed quite special its plush yet never bottoms out the bike keeps level on rails in corners when I used to ride with buddies I had to be selfaware they couldn't or wouldn't follow me through rough backwood roads
Nice review! I don't know where you're shooting this but it looks exactly like Sweden. Almost uncanny.
This is in the driftless area of central Wisconsin, in the US. I'm actually part Swedish, my grandmother was from Sweden. Would love to visit one day :).
One side-case? What happened to the other?
Both hard cases came with the bike, but the one side had a problem with the mounting clip unfortunately, so I just ran with one case. It looks a little goofy, but hey some storage is better than no storage :p
That's a nice area for riding that you have on your doorstep.
Thanks Simon, I'm definitely blessed to have some if these roads right nearby :).
Great review have owned 2xr1150Gs both built to last unlike modern bikes🏍️👍
They are built out of some solid metal aren't they!
@@PastorMattMoto absolutely proved when you have to pick one up .🏍️👍👍
Amazing outstanding video I found a 2004 bmw R1150 military green really cool he is asking $3500 obo I’m diving between the bmw for $3500 or a triumph America for $1809
O man thats a tough choice, especially with the Triumph only being $1,800!
What did you end up going with?
Was this bike for sale in SLC ?
@@billzinke9056 yes
Did you buy it ? If so how is it working for you ?@@MOUSEBOWEN
thank you
Solid review
Thanks! :)
Can barely hear the narration. I mostly listen to videos, so this is a non-starter for me. Good looking motorcycle.
Hi, this year I'm using a different helmet for recording, the audio has improved quite a bit. I'm also treating the audio with a multi band compressor to cut some of the low-end noise, and boost the vocal range.
If you have a chance to check out some of my newer videos, let me know what you think :)
i dont like the way it rattles at idle
True it does sound a little rattley, it could be the windshield though, since one of the bolts likes to work its way loose!
You can get used to it. :)