Advice needed going from K75 to R1150R

[brhartw]

A buddy of mine has a 2005 R1150R that he wants me to have. It would replace a very nice K75S 1987. I have never shopped the R1150R before so I'm not sure what to expect. It can't be ridden right now due to some mechanical repairs. Bike has 65K.
Can I get some feedback on this model? How many out there? How popular? What do folks like and dislike about them?

Thanks

[Acejones]

I've got them both; '03 R1150R and a '90 K75. RR has more power and I like the six speed trans better for the highway. The K is much smoother. I honestly can't make a choice between them.

[35634]

I've got them both; '03 R1150R and a '90 K75. RR has more power and I like the six speed trans better for the highway. The K is much smoother. I honestly can't make a choice between them.

Hmmm, considering the age and price differences, that sounds like damning the
1150 with faint praise. :doh

[122832]

I've found that most BMW riders are EITHER R-Bike or K-Bike riders. Very, very few are both (i.e. the preference for one or the other engine/transmission/ride characteristics are so distinct).

Is the R1150R really an R1150RA (i.e. does it have ABS brakes?). If so, does the previous owner have ALL of the documentation regarding regular brake fluid changes to ensure likely long life of the modulator? If its a non-ABS bike, just make sure that the brake fluid has been changed.

The only way to tell if you're going to like it is to ride it once its road-worthy again. Let us know what you think once you've ridden both back-to-back.

[rinty]

BR:

This is a huge topic, and your best bet would be to go into the Oiler section and read a whole bunch of threads on the 1100's and 1150's. The only way you're going to know whether you like the 1150 is to take it out for a few hours on a variety of roads. Luckily, your friend will probably let you do this, so you have a distinct advantage over someone buying from a shop.

You will notice that the 1150 has a ton more torque than your K75, so passing will be a lot easier. You will also notice that the front end has a quite different feel than your K.

The '05 is a good year for Oilers, because it has the twin spark ignition, which reduces surging.

If you like the bike and can get it at a fair price, it would be a good one to own.

[Acejones]

I saw the pic of your K. Thats a great looking bike. What are you going to do with it?

[brhartw]

Thanks for the great replies!

Yes, this RR is ABS version. I'm 6'2" with 34 inseam, so legs felt a little bound up. I instantly thought raise seat or lower pegs. Touring windshield was on it so assuming better wind protection than my K75.

What would I do with the K? One scenario would be to sell and use those funds for new ride. If I were master of my domain, I would keep and ride both, but I'm not. The tech is repairing for a wholesaler who is threatening to part it out. Tech really likes the bike and feels once he is done it will be better than new. Wholesaler wants $4500. after tech repair.

[jamesdunn]

I have owned a K75s and a "T" model as well. Great bikes, very smooth and fun. Down on torque compared to the 1100 series oilheads.The 1100's are also a better two up bike. I cannot blame you for wanting to keep both.

[nh7robmw]

One thing to bear in mind (as well as torment you for the rest of time:brow ) is that virtually every K75 owner who has parted with his/her bike ALWAYS laments that decision later, regardless of the reason for parting...:nono :nono :nono

[jamesdunn]

One thing to bear in mind (as well as torment you for the rest of time:brow ) is that virtually every K75 owner who has parted with his/her bike ALWAYS laments that decision later, regardless of the reason for parting...:nono :nono :nono

Agree! Plus one.

[osbornk]

One thing to bear in mind (as well as torment you for the rest of time:brow ) is that virtually every K75 owner who has parted with his/her bike ALWAYS laments that decision later, regardless of the reason for parting...:nono :nono :nono

Some of us don't miss our K75s. More people regret selling selling their airhead more than their K75. Even though the K75 did everything better than my R80, I sold the K bike and kept the airhead because of the personality of the R80. I haven't missed the K75 in the last 3 or 4 years but I did buy a oilhead. I guess I just have a thing about the boxer engine. The K75 resembles a lot of UJMs in my mind.

[nh7robmw]

OK, but I didn't say anything about preference above.

I do miss and regret selling my airheads as well as my K100RS; every one of my ex bikes in my sig line...

If and when I can afford another bike it will be an airhead, but I'm always gonna hang onto my K75 regardless. K75s are whatever they are to different folks but to lot of them---including yours truly---they are a gem of a bike and a solid "keeper.":bikes

[jamesdunn]

I have owned airheads, oilheads and K bikes. Love 'em all. Currently I have a '78 RS and an 1100RSL. I wish I had not sold my K75S. And am looking for another. A poster here described the K bikes as looking like universal Japanese motorcycles. I do not agree. I find the K bricks very distinctive in appearance. And performance.

The oilheads are wonderful bikes. Punching out more power than most two cylinder bikes, Ducati being an exception, while being better on most fronts than any other two piston bike on the road. All the while beating the gas mileage of the big multi cylinders. You will not regret your decision. You will miss your K75S.

Faults? A little "surge" mostly addressed in the model you're interested in purchasing. Other areas of concern are covered in various threads here.

[zoridog]

OK, someone needs to step up to the plate. Might as well be me. :1drink

To prevent the remorse of selling the K75, I will keep it in my garage until you are ready to take it back. I think I can make room.

[osbornk]

. A poster here described the K bikes as looking like universal Japanese motorcycles. I do not agree. I find the K bricks very distinctive in appearance. And performance.

The K bikes are distinctive to those of us who are familiar to them but not to the casual observer. When both my K100RT and K75RT were sitting among a group of various brand touring bikes (Concours, ST1300, ETC), they did not stand out and nobody noticed it was a BMW unless they saw the nameplate. People know my boxers are BMW when they see the cylinders. They don't need to see the nameplate.

[98lee]

What you will get with the R1150R:

More torque (my dads chevy had more torque than my old 320iS, but guess which one was more fun) If you keep the S singing 5000-8000rpm "happy songs' when your running the twisties and just down shift a gear or two when you really need to pass in a short distance you will easily stay with the bigger boxers.

Newer suspension design and brakes (paralever, dualever) all the other manufacturers still think forks and swingarm can get the job done if properly tuned) with good pads and stainless lines your K brakes are more than up to the task.

10 more horsepower out of 400 more cc. Ridden properly, the S will easily keep up with the R.

Better power when two up. No question. The K75 is not ideal for two up. (let her get her own bike)

More vibration (no more turbine smooth at any speed). Oh yeah, and more vibration. If that tickles your fancy then I guess it's a good thing.

No more blasts to 8500 rpm (6750 redline).

Less top speed 122 vs 130 for the S. (yes I know the speedos lie, but they BOTH lie the same amount. The S is comfortable cruising for miles and miles at over a hundred. The R is a naked bike. The wind a that speed would become tiring. A big aftermarket screen would slow it down even more.

More maintenance. Valve adjusts way more often (you are going to be able to do that yourself, right?? Because taking it in to the dealer as often as recommended could get expensive.

No self canceling turn signals. More miles of people thinking "What a Dufuss." and you wondering why people keep turning right in front of you.

Less wind noise. The noise generated by the Ss windscreen gets very tiring. Those little yellow foam earplugs that you can get for 10 for $2 will transform an S into a pleasure machine!

A much less distinctive bike. The R is the bare bones model of those "oddball BMWs with the funny cylinders hanging way out each side. Harley owners won't notice, Japanese bike owners won't notice, even BMW owners won't notice. With the S you always get people, bike people and non bike people noticing it and wanting to ask questions about it (unlike the RT versions). Every time I stop, I get people commenting "I didn't know BMW made a bike like that. That's perrrdy." Or that doesn't LOOK like a BMW. They only imported 4600 of them between 1987 and 1994. I would bet that less than 3000 are still on the road (crashed or just parted out, not worn out). They run forever if given TLC. Ss are becoming more sought after. People have even been placing want ads on Craigslist and MOA and IBMWR sites trying to find clean ones for sale. Prices are trending back up for clean ones. The trend on used boxers (except for the S models) is probably going to continue in one direction only. The prices are getting close right now even though the K S is a much older bike. 10 years from now the K75S will easily be worth more than the newer R1150R.

I'm not biased or anything :stick , but I just had to point out that more torque is not everything. It just means you can be less concerned about what gear you are in.

Truthfully, the best advise is to ride both bikes for extended varied rides and pick the one that floats your boat. They are both great bikes, just different. Some people like American cheese on their burgers, some like Swiss, some only like hot dogs. Both bikes will get you out on the road for some great adventures. It's not what you ride, just that you do.
:bikes :thumb


:dance :dance :dance

[SheRidesABeemer]

Keep the K75 or live to regret it. :nono
It could be your spare bike.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3566452183_b4e986ef86.jpg

[brhartw]

As usual Lee is the voice of reason. Thanks to all who responded. I do love my K75S!

[knary]

If your K75S is keeping up with an oilhead when the road gets twisty, you can bet that you're a better rider than the oilhead's pilot. Rider to rider, the R will *easily* get away from that very heavy K-bike. The difference in power is more like 25 hp, not 10.

K75S = a bit more than 50 hp at the rear wheel
R1150 = a bit more than 75 hp at the rear wheel

Add in a mountain pass and the difference grows significantly as the K drowns in fuel. Mix in the better balance of the oilhead, and the marvelous suspension, and you've got a torquey bike that'll chase sport bikes all day long on your favorite road. You can do it n the K, but it's a LOT more work. For all its virtues, sportiness is not one of the K-bike's.

MHO

[kobukan]

. . . some days I feel like a boxer.

. . . some days I feel like a brick.

If you really must know which one I prefer most . . . it's the one I'm riding now.

Variety is the spice of life, is it not.

[98lee]

If your K75S is keeping up with an oilhead when the road gets twisty, you can bet that you're a better rider than the oilhead's pilot. Rider to rider, the R will *easily* get away from that very heavy K-bike. The difference in power is more like 25 hp, not 10.

K75S = a bit more than 50 hp at the rear wheel
R1150 = a bit more than 75 hp at the rear wheel

Add in a mountain pass and the difference grows significantly as the K drowns in fuel. Mix in the better balance of the oilhead, and the marvelous suspension, and you've got a torquey bike that'll chase sport bikes all day long on your favorite road. You can do it n the K, but it's a LOT more work. For all its virtues, sportiness is not one of the K-bike's.

MHO

Ok Scott, I know you didn't like your K that much (and evidently your R1150 either as I see you've gotten rid of that too). But a few pieces of information:

BMW lists the weight of the K75S as 504 lbs.
BMW lists the weight of the R1150R as 524 lbs.

BMW lists the horsepower of the K75S at 75 hp (crankshaft) @ 8500 rpm
BMW lists the horsepower of the R1150R at 85 hp (crankshaft) @ 6750 rpm

BMW lists the torque of the K75S at 50 ft/lb @ 6750 rpm
BMW lists the torque of the R1150R at 72 ft/lb @ 5250 rpm

BMW lists the top speed for the K75S as 130mph
BMW lists the top speed for the R1150R as 122mph

A few things are apparent from these numbers:

The bikes weigh almost the same.

The R DOES have almost %50 more torque.

They make almost similar power. (within 13%)
Since they use similar type transmissions and drive trains, the power loss to the rear wheel should be similar NOT 33% for one and only 10% for the other.

The K makes a good portion of it's power AFTER the R bikes redline (a common reason boxer owners don't feel the K75s make any power). They either upshift too early or don't downshift to bring it into its "happy spot". Driving around town in putt putt mode will not give you a feeling of power.

The K75S is more aero efficient.

Another point is state of tune. A smaller motor needs to be in better tune than a larger motor or its shortcomings will be more noticeable. Probably why your K was "drowning in fuel". Ever hear of an altitude switch/plug?

Here is a quote from you from last year:

05-31-2007, 05:47 PM
Originally Posted by BubbaZanetti:
"i couldn't get burzilla's K75 past 115, no matter how hard i tried

Knary:
Where? Hell, mine struggled to break 95mph when riding above 6,000 ft.



I'm sorry to say it, but that's pretty poor for both bikes. On last year's Range of Light Gypsy Tour, I held mine at 123mph (indicated) for over 5 minutes at over 5500 ft with full generation 3 saddlebags AND a full topbox. I still had 800rpm left but the aero drag of the bags and the altitude wouldn't let it pull it.

This weekend, coming back from the 49er Rally, riding with a very aggressive rider on an R1150GS, I would lose a little when he initially pulled out to pass a line of cars if I hadn't already downshifted, but was always up to him by the time we were pulling back in. He tried to top end me several times when we were on empty roads but I would close on him so hard above 110 that he gave up. When we stopped for lunch he said: "I never thought those things were that fast".

The bike can not be ridden like a boxer. It's a smaller engine . You must use the rpms and the gearbox more when in the twisties.

Is it more work to go fast on than a bike with more torque that pulls hard at any rpm? You bet.

Is it just as (or more) rewarding when done well? I say yes. Some disagree.

Is the K75S a GOOD two up bike? NO. It's only barely adequate.

If you don't like to work that hard for your rewards, torque WILL give you easy rewards. You can be less concerned what rpm your at or what gear your in. You have decent engine braking at almost any rpm. The K doesn't have much engine braking below about 4500 rpm so you need to keep it wound up in the twisties.

I'm not trying to say the K75S is a better bike. It's not. What I am saying is don't sell it short. It can be a more REWARDING bike. The more I have these bikes, the more I like them.

And no I'm not a better rider than some of the people I ride with. It's just very rare that a good rider will ride 10/10ths on the street. Too many variables, blind corners, varied road surfaces, possibility of animals and other vehicles. Keeping a little in reserve for developments, I can keep up with most BMW riders (the ones that have outgrown their invincibility). The bike doesn't run out of capability before I decide that the risk around the blind curve is too great. The bike doesn't run out of capability below 120 if you can see the road and don't care about tickets.

But buying a bike is like choosing a wife. Different women have different virtues and shortcomings. You can listen to everyones advice, but YOU have to make the decision based on YOUR preferences 'cuz YOUR the one that's gonna have to live with her.:bolt

But again I'm biased (3 times).

:dance :dance :dance

[Mika]

I have a ’02 R1150R that I purchased new and like it very much. It is a daily commuting rider, toy on weekends and I have several extended tours that have taken me to both coast and around the Great Lakes etc.

At just south of 6’5” the stock pegs are an acquired taste. I have added a peg lowing kit which makes it much better for touring and day to day. For a weekend of fun on double letter Wisconsin roads I put the stock pegs back on for the weekend.

The seat limits the number of positions you can move around to on a trip. It is comfortable in normal use but add a sheepskin for the long haul.

If farkles are your thing, most GS or GSA farkles can be either a direct bolt on or quickly adapted to the R1150R.

Prior to the Roadster I had access to a K75 on a regular basis and took it on one weekend trip to Lake Superior’s north shore from the Twin Cities. I considered buying it but took the Roadster instead. If it had been a S model I would have probably bought it.

The riding position was comfortable, though I would have changed the bars at that time. The seat worked well for me.

For sport riding the two are very differently. Other posts have covered the differences well enough I won’t go into my version.

I like my Roadster very much and have no trouble recommending it to someone in the market for a nice BMW. I want to add other bikes to the garage. I don’t know what the right bike would be that would make me sell it, but I can imagine finding one. I don’t know why but I have a sense if the K had been a S and I would have purchased it I am not certain I could imagine selling it.

YMMV - either way it should be fun mileage.

[Paul_F]

No one has mentioned what differences that James will notice with braking. Is there not a major difference?

[jamesdunn]

No one has mentioned what differences that James will notice with braking. Is there not a major difference?

As I recall the K75's brake very well, and some have ABS. The fork dives in hard braking, unlike the telelever equipped oilheads. I consider that to be the main difference if both bikes are ABS equipped, or both are none ABS. In other words, comparing apples to apples, and oranges to oranges. My '92 K75s was not so equipped (no ABS) and would stop very well indeed as I discovered on more than one occasion.
An ABS oilhead with good pads and tires is an awesome stopping machine. Telelever you know.

[Sailingfool]

Although I haven't riden the K75, I have many miles on a K100RS. Last summer, I had to deliver an R1100R on a 350 mountainous trip, 2 up. It was my first ever ride on a boxer, and I must admit I was a bit jaded. I couldn't figure out what the bike was for! It was naked but for a small plexiglass screen and bags. It didn't look like a sport bike or a tourer. 1100 is too large for an around town commuter. What was it intended for? A GS made sense to me, but R1100R?

The ride was fantastic. I loved the low end grunt and the 6 speed. The suspension had the very strange sensation of seeming more compliant while being more firm, and the lack of dive under braking is awesome (can't believe other manufactures don't copy the Telelever!) I hardly ever noticed there was a 115lb passenger onboard. I'd still want RS type bars on it, but the upright position was comfortable. At the rides end, I was sold to the point that I talked my brother into buying it. We sometimes trade bikes on long rides, and it is refreshing.

I still love the K, but now I am torn on my next bike. It's narrowed down to either a GS1150 or a K1200RS. Before my oilhead ride, it was no contest!