BMW 1150 RT, 2001 - Long Term Owners Review

In the following minutes me and my friend Mick will make a detailed video review of BMW 1150 RT.

[@brianmacdonald3292]

Thanks for sharing these bike reviews Pavlin. I have an '04 R1150RT. I bought it because (to me, IMO) it is among the most pleasing to the eye sport touring models ever built. If others out there get interested in getting one, do your homework! They have design quirks that must be sorted out! (Hydraulic cam chain tensioner, & clutch plate, to name the two biggest) Here in Texas where speed limits are 135kph in some places, cruising at 160kph on the RT is just a pleasure. No drama at all. It just eats miles for a snack, all the while in a calm bubble of air. You can attack twisty roads as if you are on a sport bike if that opportunity comes up too. It is NOT my favorite in the city. It has very long legs for gearing and does not like to move less than 20KPH in first gear. Lots of clutch work in stop & go traffic is needed. My R1150RT is always my first choice for asphalt adventures because like y'all mentioned it is so comfortable, yet you can drag the foot pegs too if you want to.

[@gastramp]

I've had two 1100RT's. Sold the first one with 150000 miles... beautiful bikes. You can do serious miles on these.

[@younelife1]

Mic seems like a nice guy. And this is the most important thing about traveling, meeting nice guys all over the world

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks for the compliment. Easy to be nice when in good company.

[@jeanjacques9980]

@@mickcook9277Mike?

[@MrsPattyann12]

My husband just bought this bike 2003 and I enjoyed watching this review. Very nice thanks 😊

[@mickcook9277]

Welcome.

[@patrkbukly4240]

I take my RT anywhere my friends take their GS’s. I even cut my front fender to keep mud from building against the tire and fender when riding dirt roads. And i love his term “fashion adventure”. Perfect.

[@mottthehoople693]

i had a 1985 k100rt back in the day when they were new and i can tell you my old brick was the best bike i ever had....i went to rough rode rallies travelled on roads that these days would only be travelled by big chook chasers....on the tar it was legend on the dirt the soft suspension was brilliant plus the big bars allowed leverage everywhere and it was great rolling into a rally with zztop cranking out after covering 500ks of dirt or more....

[@mickcook9277]

@@mottthehoople693 Outstanding! Adventure is all in the head really. A pristine adventure tourer is an opportunity lost.

[@mottthehoople693]

@@mickcook9277 yep and because they are cheap at the moment i've bought a few old bricks and intend to do them up and get them going properly again just to go to rallies again

[@moosa2130]

thank you for the review. I have the 2002 model and it is a great bike. I use it for daily commute and for long trips. It is very balanced and hardly feel the weight when cornering.

[@MrEtnorb]

The Aeroflow screens are the best aftermarket screens ever made. I was the Australian importer and they are mainly aimed at BMW’s. Superb design and extensively rider tested before release. I had them on all my GS’s and they make an amazing difference to both the rider and pillion. You can only get them now direct from LA where they are made.

[@mickcook9277]

Yeah, I got my pne direct and the headlight protector too. Really top quality stuff.

[@Dez456]

I had an R1100RT, it was my first BMW. Well built and very comfortable - the boxer engine gave it a lot of character.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@georgetech380]

any issues with engine and gear box in general? Thanks

[@Dez456]

@@georgetech380 nope. I made sure that the throttle bodies were balanced and the valves were adjusted. My R1100 was a later one, which had the factory upgraded gearbox (after 97-98 I believe), no trouble at all

[@BruceHoult]

@@georgetech380 I've had an R1100RT since new in October 1995 -- so just over 28 years now. Sometimes it's been used heavily for commuting every day and trips to my parents when they lived a nice after-work 880 km ride away (one stop to refuel and refresh) and sometimes in storage while I've been abroad for a few years so it's only got 130,000 km on it. The only unexpected failure to date is the Hall effect sensor on the crankshaft, or should I say the part of the wiring to it that is exposed to engine heat had the insulation disintegrate. Wasn't expensive. I've also done the fuel pump and lines, but think that's largely because of the storage periods. And new battery a couple of times. And a few tyres -- I generally get 10k km from a sport front tyre and 15k km from a touring rear (benefit of limited HP) -- though that data is from 90s/00's/early 10's tyres. It's got new 2022/23 tyres on it right now which are no doubt vastly superior to 20 or 25 year old models. The original shocks are still fine, and it's still on the original brake disks, though I went through a lot of pads in the early years, racing Ducatis and 'blades in the mountains. Engine, gearbox, driveshaft have never been touched -- just the scheduled maintenance. It's got a slow leak in the front brake system at the moment that needs topping up every couple of months. At $15 for enough fluid for maybe 10 top-ups it doesn't seem worth diagnosing unless it gets a lot worse.

[@gmcjetpilot]

I have a 2004 R1150RT it is by far the most comfortable touring and sport bike I have ever ridden. I have not ridden the bike in +3 years. Yes I know. I am right now going trough it top to bottom, full service, new brake lines, pads. I look forward to getting back on the road from some trips. I can ride this all day, +10 hours. Get off and not feel tired. I don't always ride so far per day, but you can. I like to ride about 400-500 miles and stop to camp or hotel it.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bobbishop9339]

OK, everything they said on this video is right. For you in the USA I get around 200 miles to a tank, but have gone 250 on one stint. Mine is an 02 with 50,000 miles on it. I how ever don't like the baby fart exhaust replaced it with a ZTech unit that went bad, something rattling in the muffler. So replaced it with another one. I have found it seems to run the best with low back pressure in the exhaust. Keep that in mind. When I got the bike I had a "surge" at light throttle like on the freeway. This is a lean misfire which proved to be a bear to cure. I found a Greek guy who made reprogrammed chips which fixed to surgging. Had some other problems too, biggest was the brakes. The brakes work on a servo/manifold thing that is more expensive than the whole bike. I removed mine after fighting it for 6-7 months. No problems now. I have had to bike for close to 10 years now, so I have spent a lot of time with it. I like things perfect on my bikes. Like Corbin seat had tall sides, making it hard to get my feet down. Windshield replaced, radio removed, front brake rotors had bad spots in them-replaced, and I had the heads drilled for a second spark plug-helped with the surgging. Thanks to Chris Harris for all his help, and Bemmer Boneyard for all the good parts. Your version will vary but get one and you will be happy with it.

[@mickcook9277]

Mine has the John Gemi chip too.

[@grzegorzgrotkowski6575]

Chris Harris he is BMW wizard! I love this man! 👍 Pavlin did a splendid job with this review - as usual by the way 💪👏👍

[@stefanmajonez6571]

My 'adventuring' is mainly spent in cities - I love exploring cities, looking at landmarks, sightseeing, going to castle or palace tours, beautiful architecture. My bike is a ~270 kg 1994 BMW K1100LT, and it's perfect. It's a tourer which makes traveling between cities a breeze, it's surprisingly thin which allows me to lane split, and rather nimble making twisty roads very pleasurable. Also... I absolutely hate side bags/cases because they obstruct my lane splitting. I ride with my top case, and keep my sleeping gear (tent etc) on the rear seat. EDIT: Just watched to the "They're known for their longevity" part. My K1100LT has 160k km on it and the engine is essentially in pristine condition. The transmission is slightly worn, especially around the 2nd and 3rd gear, so I'm guessing at some point it was ridden very aggressively(and the unusual gear changing technique probably added to that). The clutch, which I suspect to be original, works very well and doesn't slip.

[@herbwag6456]

I like the big windscreen, the comfy saddle, and the padded knee cutouts. I've had several BMWs, but not this model. Good review!

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks!

[@petery3523]

A lovely example of a well looked after RT, great bikes👍

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks, she is loved.

[@MyYTwatcher]

I have newer model and I love it. I dont go off road so it is completely fine for my needs. It is heavy bike but due to low center of gravity (all boxers), you wont think about weight at all. You wouldnt believe how agile the bike is. Twisties are pleasure on this bike. And I fell in love with telelever and I think that this type/location of mirrors is simply superb. I like it way more than the standard position of the mirrors. The only downside I can think of, is U turn from stop or U turn in very low speed. And I am almost sure that the problem isnt the bike but the rider. But I kind of think to buy some used GSA cause I am quite tall am it may be even more comfortable than RT.

[@ktmtragic1397]

Was looking to buy a KTM but jumped on a 1150 rt due to the price. Rode it 660ks home. Found the mirrors amazing !

[@motorcycleadventures]

Very nice!

[@ericroman9126]

Superb video. You've inspired me to look into them.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@carguybd]

I’ve had mine for 16 years and it’s been bulletproof for 50k mi., however recently the ABS controller took a dump, and fixing that was quoted at about $4k US. The pandemic has caused a complete absence of parts (an issue for ANY brand bike right now), so instead I converted mine back to conventional brakes for about $250. I hope to ride the old gal for another 16 years!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Great! Enjoy it!

[@mickcook9277]

Mine is conventionally braked, works great.

[@ap06476]

I used to have the R1100RT model and couldn't stand the agricultural nature of the engine long term (having come from the inline 4 engines so it's subjective). I do have to say though - it was definitely a very comfortable bike and the weather protection was excellent.

[@RoadDogSteve]

I would definitely remove the top box for any off highway use. Looks like a comfortable ride. Great video and review....

[@kdkd693]

I like it. Top box on a tourer is ideal - thats when you need luggage and a backrest for your pillion.

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks. Good place to store some beer too.

[@punches4you]

The original top case is ridiculously small, a helmet won't fit in it ; I'm looking for a second hand one (46-47l) to replace the original (33l), for the rest this bike is a masterpiece !

[@cancerskryptonite]

Hi, I'm getting back on a bike after 20 years and I'm going to look at a r1150r this morning, thank you so much for this video it truly helped me! 😊

[@manikiro]

I just got a 2002 r1150rt-p. The ride is incredible!

[@cancerskryptonite]

@@manikiro I ended up getting an R1150R

[@robertfancher7381]

As always a very informative video! Thumbs up!

[@kirotodorov4397]

Now you've pumped up the price of this BMW ...and I'm waiting for coming down on newer models..

[@mickcook9277]

I try to help where I can. Might even get a hood deal on an old GS!

[@SherwoodTaz]

The ZZR-1200 is my favorable bike of all time. Props to Kawi for making such a great sport touring bike. The ZRX1200 Eddie Lawson green is maybe the best-looking bike of all time.

[@mickcook9277]

Mine was the ZRX1200s - great bike. My ridding buddy bought it from me and loves it - 140K on her now!

[@volvogt21]

I was never a fan because they seemed so huge. I had to borrow one a couple of years ago for a trip as my boxer cup replica was off the road. I was amazed how it shrank after a few kilometers. I ended up buying it and love it. Although I do marginally prefer the BCR and the my older 1100gs as they seem a bit more about what riding means to me. Great video.

[@mickcook9277]

Surprisingly nimble.

[@mariof9103]

I own one of those. Very comfortable and reliable bike.

[@mickcook9277]

Agree.

[@northof-62]

Surprise surprise! This is a good idea. Many people can't afford a spanking new machine. Thx Pavlin. Aeroplane-looking dash is cool.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

R1150RT 2002 love mine!

[@jeffn2723]

I have the opportunity to get one of these with about 48,000 miles (2002) for around $2,000-$3,000. Should I do it? Mostly to try and save money on gas. The last thing I want is for it to be a money pit. Can a BMW dealer do a pre-buy inspection pretty easily/quickly? I own a 2008 Mercedes SUV and I put nearly $10,000 into it last year. I do not want to be doing anything close to that.

[@voolkhan]

Hello Pavlin!.... happy to see that you are allright and your trip goes well, more than well , i would say, because, look! you just made me a great surprise!! this is my bike ( only the colour is different) and i am very happy to see and hear from another BMW owner also good things, not only ''gumikuh'' and ''scheiß BMW''. Thank you very much and Viel Spaß!!!

[@Moto.Disiac]

i have the same bike the 850rt version , it's a good bike in general but heavy when it's standing or doing tight turns , i would love to see you in a test ride ; or giving us some tips in ride it for newbies , Great video by the way ^^

[@soldat2501]

Went from a Tiger 1050 to a BMW R1200GS and I can't count how many times I hit the hot canceling the left turn signal. LOL, I am used to it now but I got a lot of weird "WTF" looks for a while till I remove that muscle memory habit. LOL.

[@alexkent1932]

Nice laid back reviews guys, only thing I'm curious about with this long term owners review is how long has Mick has had the bike and how many kilometres has he traveled so far. Cheers.

[@mickcook9277]

Hey Alex -I've done another 50K since the review and all have been trouble free.

[@allantottman189]

Chichester England, love my 2001 RT1150, even with the agricultural transmission.

[@Phantom-lb7mu]

Fareham England 2004 r1150rt great bike I love it😀🏍👍🏻

[@mickcook9277]

It's a hoot.

[@macliberal]

Very nice channel! Good job. Make a similar video about bmw K1300GT, please. Thank you

[@Rockinbiker1946]

I've had an RT and a GS both 1150s and loved both of them. The RT is a little more comfortable due to the bigger fairing but both can eat up highway miles with ease. I would ride from Las Vegas, NV to Frisco, CO, 650 miles in a day without being tired.

[@motorcycleadventures]

True

[@fonzitheman]

I have an '02 1150RT,bought used but had it for 9 years now. Ive been using the middle seat height option all this time and yesterday switched to the heighest setting,defo better for me. I did know about it but never tried riding with the diff heights. I tried the lowest setting too and found it terrible,road about 500m and switched it back to the highest setting. I dont find the bike heavy for what it is actually,weight seems well spread out. I had a '90 K100LT before and the R1150RT is 1000 times better in all aspects,well you expect that I guess.Apart from having the spare deep glove box on the right,left had the radio in.The 1150RT only has one glove box pocket and on mine the radio sits in there. Never new how much I missed the glove box,great for phone and wallet etc But mines all stock still. Only have 68000km on it. I did about 20000km of those. So not much in 9 years I guess. I still like it but reckon Ill upgrade to either used late model 1200rt or maybe even a new 1250rt..but theyre about aud $40 000 here in AUS new. Maybe in a few years,not sure yet,no doubt by then we'll have an R1300RT though.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@roycspary8923]

wonderful bike but the maintenance schedule calls for disassembly of the drive shaft to grease the splines and removal of gearbox to grease the clutch splines, of course this is hideously expensiv for me this was quoted at $1,000 new Zealand dollars,every year, so If you are rich they are wonderful. they are also much faster acceleration and top speed than most realize acceleration is impressive up to 200 k.p.h, then tails off handling is also sports bike level. when evading a truck on the wrong side of a mountain road corner, in desperation I leaned so far I groumd a hole in the front corner of one pannier, still amazed I got away with it. the big danger with these is that speed is so effortless, you can't trust your perception of speed. one friend came back from a night ride and complained of a misfire in top gear. he had hit the rev limiter, at 230 k.p.h without realising how fasthe was going. he thought he was doing "about 160" and was shocked when I explained

[@gastramp]

Roy Cspary The splines is at 40,000 miles and you can stretch it a bit. Clutch often needed around 50 so I do both as one job. One big job every 50,000 ain't bad.

[@johnhestich458]

I own a 2002 GSA. Love this platform period. Cheers!

[@GreenMntMoto]

You had me at - “actually smoke a cigarette”

[@motorcycleadventures]

Cool!

[@juancarloscastrejon3417]

I mean it's "heavy" but it's just a feather compared to most touring bikes or even to a lot cruise bikes. I had a Vulcan 1500cc 2002 that was around the same weight, but of course not even half features. This bmw , for it's year is full of equipment and don't even make me start with the suspension, feels like an suv

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chrisbartrum3201]

I was the proud owner of ther BMW 1100RS for many years commonly known as the 'Flying Brick'. Starship Enterprise performance but sadly became too heavy for this old guy. Oh, and mine was as easy to get on centre stand - compared to my Tiger 800, a doddle.

[@mr.solitude3352]

Having had owned a Beemer (R1100GS) among many other bikes, I can state this from personal experience: you have to have deep pockets to own one. When it comes time to service and replacing its parts, BMW charges you substantially more for them than the Japanese manufacturers do. Plus they have significantly fewer dealerships to access when on a long trek (in the USA). Been there; done it. I'd rather go with a metric bike any day.

[@bseidem5112]

40% failure rate. Buy Asian.

[@mickcook9277]

The BM is metric. Fair call though.

[@touchyto]

2011 r1200rt owner. Such a nice bike!!

[@marksquires1112]

Lovely review, well done gentlemen.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jeff034]

good one mate. adventure is in the mind!

[@mickcook9277]

Sure is brother.

[@OzBloke]

Still a great bike to tour with regardless!

[@mickcook9277]

She's brilliant really.

[@daraland1]

Great audio upgrade!

[@alexnuno]

Great video Pavlin and Mike.

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks!

[@steveking4966]

well, i agree with you on the GS thing , but i also ride a BMW a Rockster r1150r, basically it is a gs with a small front wheel and a handlebar fairing instead of the ugly front end. What I like is steel tank, twin oil coolers and cost me under 4000 euros with panniers and 14000km on the clock! PS my other bikes are a 900 tiger ('94) and an xt500, GS's are just a posh money trap. now at 28k kms after ayear

[@mickcook9277]

All bikes are great. BM twins rock.

[@edward7154]

Hey thank you for the America plug on windshield America gets it right !

[@startmeup775]

Still have mine, same colour in fact. Had a Ducati 750SS, Katana etc and ridden a few later bikes but this is the best handling bike I've ever ridden full stop. Its sweet zone corner wise is anything over about 60kph. You can flip it around hairpins but above 60 is where it really feels planted on the road and you don't feel the weight of it. Make sure the front tyre is in good nick though because they will understeer if the tread is low. After quite a few years my biggest gripe is the position of the horn switch and I've had a couple of dangerous situations and I've hit the left indicator. That and that clunky gearbox lol. It's a great bike in the winter because of all the protection, the flip side is that a day ride in 30+ deg can be a bit uncomfortable. I'll be riding this beauty for many years yet. BTW the video looks like it was shot in Gunning NSW??

[@mickcook9277]

Sure was in Gunning. Did a loop via Gundaroo, Crookwell, Taralga, Goulburn and Tarago then home. Was a great day.

[@jeanjacques9980]

The horn switch is a nuisance if you have a tank bag and turn.

[@seanwarren9307]

Ive wanted one of these for a while now. Thanks Mike for the great review. Can you fit nobby tyres to it. Mt Coree would be easy with all that torque

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks Sean. I have a DR for those jobs!

[@jonathanr7436]

Great video guys cheers

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad you like it!

[@marklloyd4153]

Nice bike .i love the RTs .

[@yorkchris10]

I bought my first set of Pirelli Scorpions in Oz. I found they lasted longer than my T66's. I wondered later if Aussies prefer certain tires for hot tarmac.

[@mickcook9277]

Been using Pilot Roads since 2009. Can't fault them.

[@paulaus]

There's a reason the Police ride them and used Police bikes are quite popular.

[@teneretraveller8980]

An excellent highways motorcycle. If that is all you do, great. Off road? Buy another bike as well...

[@stainsxl]

I wonder if om a summerday with 30 degrees celsius these bikes aren’t too uncomfortable to ride.

[@motorcycleadventures]

They will be

[@stainsxl]

@@motorcycleadventures thank’s so much. I better start looping for a naked R1150R and put a windscreen on it. Good!!!

[@neilwiddison6529]

Nice work you two.

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks!

[@stevec9959]

Excellent. Great bike. I should have kept mine.

[@alessandrofrikis561]

What about the weight? I am 175cm, 70kg, wouldnt it be too heavy for me to manage? I am ok with a 190kg bike, but I don't know about this 270kg beast

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is heavy.

[@SsgtHolland]

Nice video!

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bonsaigardenwithmarksander968]

Passed my test a month ago and I’ve just bought one of these. Not been out on the road yet 😀🏍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Have fun!

[@albertptran]

Please review the TW200

[@diogorodrigues1961]

Forgot to mention the clunky gearbox

[@robertjeffery4664]

Only clunky when the clutch is not adjusted correctly

[@eternallearner8185]

Aftermarket MJM seats from Goulburn NSW.

[@mickcook9277]

Yep. The best.

[@pauldaviesvoiceover]

Nice review of a brilliant bike. How do you find those linked brakes at low speed and u-turns Mick? Does the pedal apply the front progressively? Thanks

[@mickcook9277]

Sorry for the late reply - My ABS was removed before I bought her so has conventional brakes.

[@lyndonpack8048]

I hardly use the foot brake at all; hip problems and all. But since it is ABS, I have no reason to use it. Stops just fine.

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

It's a Police bike. It has to be comfortable for a Policeman to do a week of 8-9 hrs shifts on them. Also - Policemen come in all shapes and sizes, so it's got to be adaptable...

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough!

[@Rah1381]

Excellent bike.😊

[@jimksa67]

good vid and nice bike!

[@mickcook9277]

Thanks!

[@brodarrin]

I'm of a mind that that bike would be good for you to own. I think you would really enjoy it, until you too it off road and had to pick it up a few times.

[@herobo123456]

Nothing about the ABS brakes ?

[@robertjeffery4664]

The ABS brakes are fantastic I've got the 1996 R 1100 RS with linked ABS & it works like a dream

[@AnalogDude_]

i think you're wrong, it's an 18inch wheel on the back.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Both wheels are 17Inch

[@AnalogDude_]

@@motorcycleadventures i toughed they kept that "tradition" from the previous model, but later i found out. the R1150RT is a tiny bit slower than R1100RS in 0-100km/h seams. 0.4 seconds. but also has more fairing, weight and aerodynamic drag. but more torque and hp, did they try to compensate with the 1inch smaller wheel?

[@libertyman3072]

✌🏿😜 VAS-Y MY FRIEND T'ES GÔÔD GÔÔD GÔÔD 💪😜 🏍 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️

[@richmond411]

BMW-owner, with an extra comfortable seat, huge aftermarket windshield and original BMW jacket - but NOT a douchebag. This must have ruined your worldview. He even confirmed, that BMW spares aren't more expensive than others. That Australia trip successfully expanded your horizont.

[@mickcook9277]

Lol!

[@murraydupley9330]

wow

[@richardrichard5409]

Scary spendy maintenance on these bikes......try changing a clutch :)

[@bseidem5112]

Or the rear seal. Or the rear axle bearing. Or the throttle cams.

[@mickcook9277]

Make Chris Harris your friend.

[@babisgaitanis]

Hey mate 👍

[@malcolmmathers2690]

big problem with bmw is there abs system full stop they fail and are au$ 5000 for a new one from bmw beware.///

[@carguybd]

It’s definitely the weakest point on what is otherwise a fantastic machine. I converted mine to conventional brakes for about $250 US and it stops on a dime! It’s not a rational option to repair the ABS servo, plus it’s so problematic to rebuild it that even Module Master says “thanks but no thanks.” What did you do to fix yours?

[@stevendegoodmojosmet4034]

279 kg it is sir ..

[@motorcycleadventures]

ok

[@hamsun57]

not a good interview, you asked too much. that spoiled his flow of answer. he would have been telling more, if you would have not interrupted so often by asking. next time better please. and even if the interview gets longer, no problem, make it two episodes.

[@TheMhuizinga]

Bee Em Double Lou???

[@mrpeterpan4202]

Not my type of bike.....sorry

[@mickcook9277]

No problem.

[@ArmenianLifewithMitch]

@Mr Peter Pan...That's why everybody's entitled to their opinion. Hence, the reason there are so many different bikes to choose from! It's all about 'horses for courses'. I wish you an enjoyable riding experience, no matter what machine you're on. I think too much is actually made about the machines we ride, rather than focusing on the joy of riding itself. So, let's enjoy and appreciate the freedom of being in the wind, regardless of machine. Regards, Mitch