Thinking of a 1150RT

[Kenn45]

I went to pick up my 96 r1100r from the dealer Saturday. My spousal equivalent and I were checking out the r1200rt when they wheeled in an 03 r1150rt. I've always liked the 1150, so I took it for a ride. An 03 with less than 1100 miles. $12,500 with a heated Corbin, PIAAs, C Bailey. I was very tempted. The sales guy said they also had an 04 that wasn't on the floor yet, so I looked at it and rode it. It just had it's 6K service, top case, aeroflow, Marsee electrified tankbag. The 03 is out of warranty in two weeks. (Why someone would buy a bike and not ride is beyond me.) The 04 has more than two years of warranty left.
I am leaning to the 04 because of the warranty and the dual plugs, and I could move the Corbin side to side on the 03. I didn't like that much.

Anything I should look for or be wary of?

[IAMBOB]

I went to pick up my 96 r1100r from the dealer Saturday. My spousal equivalent and I were checking out the r1200rt when they wheeled in an 03 r1150rt. I've always liked the 1150, so I took it for a ride. An 03 with less than 1100 miles. $12,500 with a heated Corbin, PIAAs, C Bailey. I was very tempted. The sales guy said they also had an 04 that wasn't on the floor yet, so I looked at it and rode it. It just had it's 6K service, top case, aeroflow, Marsee electrified tankbag. The 03 is out of warranty in two weeks. (Why someone would buy a bike and not ride is beyond me.) The 04 has more than two years of warranty left.
I am leaning to the 04 because of the warranty and the dual plugs, and I could move the Corbin side to side on the 03. I didn't like that much.

Anything I should look for or be wary of?

Went to Bobs to get some service done on my 2002 1150RS, and I could HEAR the RT calling my name.. I JUST bought the RS in June, and am now sooo tempted to trade it in for the RT, but am afraid if I do I'll be looking for a new place to live.

[Bfish]

go with the '04...especially if it's silver! :dunno

[MarkF]

go with the '04...especially if it's silver! :dunno

I want one. Missed out on one last month. Cash flow issues. I'm always looking. The best looking BMW since the R100RS! IMHO....of course.

[Bfish]

I want one. Missed out on one last month. Cash flow issues. I'm always looking. The best looking BMW since the R100RS! IMHO....of course.


:D :clap :D

[RedBeemer]

The '04RT will expand your riding season because of the two sockets for heated vests for you and your S/O. Sitting behind a windshield will make trips more pleasant and that will make you want to take more and more rides. The tank bag, saddle bags, top case and glove box will fill up with souviners and the likes when you play tourist.

I can't add anything other than to look for the standard items to seek out when buying used, leaks, dings, ect. My RT has been VERY good with the exception of needing $15 worth of fuel evey 200 or so miles :D

My vote goes for the Piedmont Red

[Bullfrog]

Despite my oil consumption problem, I love the effortless way the miles disappeat under the tires. I think that the only thing (minor) is getting used to the integrated brakes.
My wife loves the ride and on days off even wakes me up for the ride!
If I had it to do again I'd go for the 1150RT.

Bullrog
04 1150RT Blue :thumb

[BobFV1]

Go for the 04 - it's barely broken in, and they did the second spark plug for a reason - you definately want to have it. Just take a look at the bike -it is beautiful, with beautiful lines - nothing like that Japanese-cartton inspired successor model. It is not without some minor drawbacks (can be a little topheavy, not the greatest high-end, but certainly adequate for road conditions).

You will not be sorry with the 04. Weather protection is great - almost TOO GOOD in the heat! Good luck.!

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/14690001-S.jpg

[RTRandy]

Here's a picture of Trigger all loaded up in Idaho. He's an 04 with 26,000 miles and running great. Bikes can't do everything, but no matter what other bikes I hope to own in the future, I'll always have one RT in the garage. The 04 has the twin spark plugs and I'm told was a big improvement over the prior years with the issue of surging. Unlike the 05 1200RT the dashboard is vertical allowing for a shelf to mount all kinds of toys like GPS, Radar, and Satellite radio. Love this bike!!

[MarkF]

Thanks, now I can't stop thinking of a 1150RT.

[n1hnr941]

Me too..! :clap

[Bullfrog]

Randy,
Beautiful! Could you tell me of some good roads in the DFW area. I've a friend in Flower Mound I'll be visiting in November and it'll be by RT so some nice roads to explore would be great.
Would that duffel sit on the tail rack without problems? Who made it? Where did you get it?

Thanks,
Bullrog :wave

[RTRandy]

Randy,
Beautiful! Could you tell me of some good roads in the DFW area. I've a friend in Flower Mound I'll be visiting in November and it'll be by RT so some nice roads to explore would be great.
Would that duffel sit on the tail rack without problems? Who made it? Where did you get it?

Thanks,
Bullrog :wave

Bullrog.

The bag is actually a BMW bag and was intend to sit on the back rack in place of the top case. I put Bungie Buddies into my system cases allowing it to sit over the rear seat. The bag has this super high tech heavy duty zipper that closes like a Zip Loc bag making the bag completely water proof. The BMW logo on the one side is reflective so it luminates from headlights. Can't remember the price, but I'd guess it was more or less a hundred bucks. . . Hey, it says BMW!


As for riding in Dallas, rule of thumb is all the good roads are west of Ft Worth. From Flower Mound with limited time, your friend most likely will head up to the Denton area to ride across the dam Ray Roberts or head through Sanger on Route 455 to St Jo or Muenster. Another good choice is heading over towards Glen Rose, Grandbury, Lipan to ride route 4. The key would be to end up in Stephenville to have BBQ at the Hard Eight.

I live not far from Flower Mound and would be happy to meet up with you on a weekend day to ride. There are some good roads for sure. Let me know.

[krello]

After riding numerous Harleys for the last 15 years, I accidently rode an '04 R1150RT. I bought one two weeks later (last September). In that time I have put 13K on the bike, completed my first Iron Butt ride and reached a new level of two-wheeled contentment. The RT is easily the best bike I have ever owned. I'm even used the the BMW quirks like the weird turn signal controls. :thumb

[scjack]

I'm gonna be the bad guy here. I bought a R1150RT and got rid of it six months later. why? The linked, servo-assisted brakes were the number one reason. Number two reason was the bike is way too top-heavy.
I've owned over 35 bikes over the last 35+ years and had NEVER dropped a street bike. I dropped the RT two times in my garage because the bike is just plain-old top heavy. It will get away from you while you are lifting it onto the center stand or taking it off of the center stand. Someone started a thread on BMWST.com abouth this subject months ago and a LOT of people had done the same thing. I'm 6'1" and 225 lbs so height, weight and muscle mass had nothing to do with my drops. If you're under 5'10", you may have trouble everytime you stop.
The linked brakes are so touchy that using them in slow speed parking lot/gas station manuver's are sometimes a real challenge.
If I had any problems with other bikes, I wouldn't be posting about this but since I've ridden Beemers since 1976 (as well as other brands), it is more than a coinsidence that I had both problems with the 1150RT and NEVER had either problem with any other bike (and than includes a couple of Goldwings).
YES, The 1150RT is a good looking motorcycle and once you're moving over 10 mph, it handles great but every now and then you have to stop.
Buyer beware before you spend your hard-earned money.
YMMV. My $.02 :cry

[Mr. Frank]

While I wish the rear brake were not linked to the front, I really like the new wizzy brakes. They take a little getting used to, but that was true with the early power brakes on cars. Beginners would do well to avoid the foot brake pedal until they have adjusted to the power of the brakes, especially at low speeds. Two fingers are a lot more controllable than a big size 12.

As far as top heavy goes, I find it less so than my old K bike.

[MarkF]

Still thinking about it! Maybe even more than the R1200GS I test rode last week.

I gotta sell some bikes first.

[Bfish]

I'm gonna be the bad guy here. I bought a R1150RT and got rid of it six months later. why? The linked, servo-assisted brakes were the number one reason. Number two reason was the bike is way too top-heavy.
I dropped the RT two times in my garage because the bike is just plain-old top heavy. It will get away from you while you are lifting it onto the center stand or taking it off of the center stand. I'm 6'1" and 225 lbs so height, weight and muscle mass had nothing to do with my drops. .
YES, The 1150RT is a good looking motorcycle and once you're moving over 10 mph, it handles great but every now and then you have to stop.
Buyer beware before you spend your hard-earned money.
YMMV. My $.02 :cry


everyone entitled to their opinion but if you're having such a hard time keeping the bike upright then you should get rid of it. you're doing something wrong...don't care how big you are. putting the bike on the center stand and taking it off requires literally no effort if done properly. i will admit that it took me about week to get the hang of it, but it's a thoughtless process now.

i find the brakes to be a non-issue. if used moderately and properly one does not even know they're linked.

[scjack]

Brian,
The thread that I mentioned on another forum produced quite a few posts with the same problem that I had with the bike. Many an RT has been sold because of the two problems that I posted. Hey, it's a great bike but if I can ride 500,000+ miles on 35 other bikes and never have this problem with any of the others, the old adage applies "if it looks, walks and quacks like a duck.........it's highly likely that it's a duck".
No offense intended to anyone who owns an RT. Just hate to see anybody spend money on a bike without hearing ALL the facts.

[BobFV1]

Brian,
The thread that I mentioned on another forum produced quite a few posts with the same problem that I had with the bike. Many an RT has been sold because of the two problems that I posted. Hey, it's a great bike but if I can ride 500,000+ miles on 35 other bikes and never have this problem with any of the others, the old adage applies "if it looks, walks and quacks like a duck.........it's highly likely that it's a duck".
No offense intended to anyone who owns an RT. Just hate to see anybody spend money on a bike without hearing ALL the facts.

Jack -

As to the brakes on the 04 RT, I like them - but I think that is just a matter of personal preference.

The bike is a little bit top heavy, I do admit. I understand that and live with it - I don't think it's that bad - I even did a six hour low-speed run with a videographer and camera on back during an Ironman Triathlon - it takes extra concentration, but I don't think that "dropping" the bike is by any means normal or should be expected. Likewise with the center stand - I put the bike on the center stand every time I get off, including when I refuel. No real problem with that - it even has a special, purpose-engineered handle to assist with the task.

I had a bike which was much more top-heavy than the RT - it was a 1983 Gold Wing Interstate - man, I could barely keep that thing up! Dropped it on it's side in front of my house while at a stop once (embarrassing) and could not get it on the center stand by myself. What a hog. A beautiful hog, but a hog.

I respect your opinion, but I just don't think the "characteristics" you describe on the RT are big negatives - they are things you live with of you own one if these beautiful, functional, and versatile machines.

[Bfish]

Brian,
The thread that I mentioned on another forum produced quite a few posts with the same problem that I had with the bike. Many an RT has been sold because of the two problems that I posted. Hey, it's a great bike but if I can ride 500,000+ miles on 35 other bikes and never have this problem with any of the others, the old adage applies "if it looks, walks and quacks like a duck.........it's highly likely that it's a duck".
No offense intended to anyone who owns an RT. Just hate to see anybody spend money on a bike without hearing ALL the facts.

my point is that something is wrong. maybe it's so different from your other moto's that it's hard to adapt. it's a big bike granted, but man i'll take those brakes any day when i need to stop and getting it up and down from the c-stand is truly effortless.

[RTRandy]

I went from the beginner's Motorcycle Safty School 250cc Honda Shadow to my RT and it was quite a change for sure. The day I left the dealer on my new RT , my salesman said there would be a high probably of dropping my bike within the first two months of owning it. He said most of the time they get dropped within two months and most likely in the garage or parking lot. He suggested I just use only the side stand for awhile and only move the bike while on it. To this day I back it up while on the bike and roll it off the centerstand while on the bike. I'm not real adept and rolling the bike around while next to it, but I can also say it's never been down either.

I've seen guys get off the bike with no kickstand and then set the center stand. I still always use the kickstand first and then go to centerstand.

A couple of the mechanics at my local dealer are under 150 pounds and it amazes me how they can roll a 1200LT uphill and then roll it on the lift with no help.

[ian408]

While many cite linked brakes as a problem, I haven't seen the as such
though I would prefer the newer style brake. The bike has taken time to
learn how to ride at slow speed but it is no more challenging than any
other. Getting it on and off the center stand isn't a problem.

Regarding the '04/03 decision. Aside from remaining warranty, the '04 is
a much nicer ride. I test rode the new RT and didn't think there was much
reason to trade up from the '04. It's comfortable on long trips, goes nice
and blue is definetly the faster color.

I don't think you'd go wrong with the RT.

Ian

[Bfish]

....and blue is definetly the faster color.

I don't think you'd go wrong with the RT.

Ian

your post was full of interesting facts except the deal on the color. we all know silver is the way to go!!! :fight

[Kenn45]

Well, I did it. After a lot of soul searching about not really needing a new bike (my '96 R1100R still does everything like new), I bought the '04 RT I described in the beginning of this thread.

The batter was dead (hopefully from sitting around the dealer with no tender), and I am having Motolights and a LED brake light installed. I should be able to get it Tuesday or Wednesday. It is silver, which I understand is atleast a second and a half quicker zero to 60 and 10 mph faster than any other color. At least that is what my riding partner confided to me, and he is an expert on everything. (To see my riding partner, check the avatar.)

For now, I am keeping the Roadster as well.
Thanks to all that replied. I am looking forward to thousand of great miles.

[Bfish]

congrats. you will enjoy it. silver was smart.

[RTdavey]

Congratulations!!!!
The longer I ride my 04' RT, the more perma-grin I have while sleeping!
Another hard working american "ruined by an RT", welcome my friend, come 'on in, the water is great.

[Fritzc]

My two cents! Just bought a 2001 police bike and I really like it. Yes, I noticed the top heaviness but adapted quickly. Consider the battery is right up there in front of your crotch and the large (? gallons) gas tank. My buddy rode a 100RT for years and got hit by a deer, totaled the bike and he bought a new 1200 RT. Oh by the way, I am 70 and he is 80 years old. :buds Neither of us has trouble with "top heavy". :)
Best feature? Over forty miles per gallon and last tank took me 280 miles with the yellow pump light coming on for last five miles. By the way, can I make it to a gas station? :dunno

[ian408]

Well, I did it. After a lot of soul searching about not really needing a new bike (my '96 R1100R still does everything like new), I bought the '04 RT I described in the beginning of this thread.

The batter was dead (hopefully from sitting around the dealer with no tender), and I am having Motolights and a LED brake light installed. I should be able to get it Tuesday or Wednesday. It is silver, which I understand is atleast a second and a half quicker zero to 60 and 10 mph faster than any other color. At least that is what my riding partner confided to me, and he is an expert on everything. (To see my riding partner, check the avatar.)

For now, I am keeping the Roadster as well.
Thanks to all that replied. I am looking forward to thousand of great miles.

Congrats! Many years of happy riding are ahead for you!

Ian