2004 BMW R1150R Walkaround and Exhaust note!

[@garretv7247]

Thanks for the walk around. I just got a 2004 r1150r with 12k miles. In absolute perfect condition. Mine does have iABS, so little worried about that. But it is low mileage and the work-around doesn't seem too daunting. But, just as you said; smoothest bike I have ever ridden. The rear lever system in corners just hugs. Read online about people complaining about the boxer causing too much vibration for long hauls. To me I found it soooo smooth and comfortable. Im in the UP MQT if you ever ride around here.

[@PastorMattMoto]

How are you liking the r1150r so far? I might have to grab another boxer twin this year, we will see! I agree it is a strangely smooth bike! The suspension makes it so stable, its quite unlike other normal systems, very little to no fork dive at all.

[@DonnyBrisco]

Been riding 50 years, my first beemer and it's the most well balanced bike I've ever had the pleasure to ride. Nothing crazy about the power yet i can out corner almost every liter bike i ride with.

[@garretv7247]

@@DonnyBrisco completely agree. Not the fastest but great torque, and amazing cornering

[@garretv7247]

@@PastorMattMoto haven't gotten many long rides on it yet. But, the twisting roads around Marquette MI and Big Bay provide for some real entertainment. Couldn't be happier with my choice and the deal I got it for.

[@DonnyBrisco]

​@@garretv7247we travel for work I've ridden it in socal, Miami, Hamptons, upstate NY & NYC, Napa, Maryland, Virginia and currently in Savannah the weather here is perfect. I'm looking to get a 07 650gs Dakar for riding BDR's.

[@DonnyBrisco]

Love my R, most well balanced bike I've ever ridden! Been riding 50 years!

[@PastorMattMoto]

The R1150R is really a joy to ride on backroads isn't it! Especially considering it's weight, it's quite fun in the twisties!

[@DonnyBrisco]

@@PastorMattMoto Couldn't agree more. Some of these sport bikes guys get humbled thinking I'm on a slow bike. I can out corner 90% of them and i don't push it that hard I always ride below my limits.

[@antaresautomatyka9288]

The "choke" does not advance anything in this bike. It just opens the throttle a bit to increase the idle when cold.

[@PastorMattMoto]

You are correct, the lever on the left handlebar just opens the throttle a bit, everything else is done by the fuel injection ecu when the bike is cold, at least from what I read online.

[@farukmahrezi3057]

Hi, nice review of R1150R, thanks for sharing. I own one of them MY 2002. I have problem with the wind when riding over 100km/h = approx. 60mph - hitting my helmet and body too much. It has original stock BMW low wingshield. Windshield on the bike in your review has aftermarket/nonstock windshield. What kind - make and type it is? It will be very helpful, I would like to try it on my bike to solve my problem. Thanks for answer.

[@PastorMattMoto]

Hi Faruk, the large windshield on my bike came with it, the previous owner had it installed. From what I understand he did all his servicing at the BMW dealership, so I thought it was a BMW part for the 1150R. It did block the wind wonderfully, but also once you got past 80mph it did produce some head shake on the bike, because of the wind buffeting the windshield itself. But if you aren't planning on riding that fast, the large windshield was excellent!

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

Amazing outstanding video thank you so much for sharing

[@PastorMattMoto]

Thanks for checking out the video! The R1150R's are an incredible value I think!

[@williamziegler9991]

The top rack- did you add that or did it come that way? Looking for one for mine.

[@PastorMattMoto]

Thanks for checking out the video! The top rack on this bike came with it when I bought it, so did the hard side bags.

[@denniekorpi5264]

Looking at this bike for purchase, a 2004 just like it. Never had a BMW. Should I be Leary?

[@PastorMattMoto]

These R1150R bikes have a really good reputation for reliability, from what I've heard, and experienced myself. This one had been sitting for quite a while, and I just did basic fluids, a little repair work were a mouse had gotten to some wiring under the seat, and it was in top shape again! They are pretty easy to service yourself, and the shaft drive means no chain maintenance, which is a huge plus as well. The only thing for me is, there isn't a BMW motorcycle dealership anywhere remotely close by in Wisconsin, so if I ever did need major service, it could be quite the haul.

[@willb7184]

Just got one,, love it..

[@PastorMattMoto]

The R1150R's really are great bikes! I think they are a great way to get into touring at a super affordable cost! I actually just put our a ride review of the bike as well, I'll paste the link for you, in case you are interested :). kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqHaq6SCqs2ke5I

[@TRAIL_MIX_BILLY]

What are those tires ? Dunlop... and whats the bike worth ?

[@PastorMattMoto]

Hi, I tried a set of Dunlop Mutants on the R1150R and fell in love with those tires! Check out the ride review of the R1150R if you'd like to hear my thoughts on em some more. I also did a review of them after I put them on my CB1000R this year :). I would say you should be able to find one of these bikes for 3,000 - 4500 depending on mileage and condition :). Somewhat hidden gems in the motorcycle world!

[@nulla9601]

Do you think it would be a good beginner bike if I restrict it to 48hp (because of European laws with the A2 license)? I'm looking for something a bit heavier than the average bike because I'm planning on doing a lot of highway riding but I also want something good enough in corners (to learn cornering etc.)

[@PastorMattMoto]

Hmm that is a good question... Well I would not consider the R1150R a fast bike, so you should be fine as far as that goes, even unrestricted its not really going to scare you, like a MT09/MT10 or those type of bikes would. The weight might be a bit much for you, for a first bike, but it really depends on your height and weight. It is a pretty well balanced bike, and pretty fun to corner with. It's odd in the sense that it has almost no front end rise during acceleration, or fall during braking, due to the unique front shock setup that BMW uses. So you won't get that experience as a new rider, for better or worse. If you can test ride one, even around a parking lot before you buy, I would definitely recommend it, just to see if you like the center of gravity and weight on the R1150R :)

[@nulla9601]

@@PastorMattMoto Thanks! I will definitely try one first before buying. So if I understand correctly this bike barely wheelies even with that big amount of torque? If so I'm not really sure if it's a positive or a negative since I eventually am going for something like a MT-09 or Z900 when I get my full license. Would you say it would be better to pick something more close to the riding style of those bikes to learn?

[@PastorMattMoto]

@@nulla9601 Sorry about the delayed response here! If you want to end up with an MT-09 eventually, nothing wrong with starting on an MT03. They can be had at great prices, and you'll be able to see if you like that style of ergonomics at a more reasonable price as well :).

[@denisciurariu-gliga9224]

Hey there I saw your comment and want to help if you still need advice, i have a limited r1150r for A2 and it's great go for it, its has i think the best torque for A2 but the weight is a bit much. If you want more details I can provide just let me know

[@rvsam4u]

Do you still have it? I like it and I'm interested

[@PastorMattMoto]

Hey thanks for checking out the video! The R1150R sold a little while ago actually, but there are still some pretty clean examples out there for $3,000-5,000 depending on the mileage :).

[@nulla9601]

How tall are you and were you able to flat-foot it?

[@PastorMattMoto]

I am about 5'10" and I was able to flat foot both sides comfortably. The seat height is not bad at all on the R1150R :)

[@antoniocantonespinosa1653]

lengua Española xfavor

[@PastorMattMoto]

I wish I spoke Spanish well enough! There isn't enough motorcycle content for Spanish viewers, as far as I can tell!