Any experience with the R1150RS? [Archive]

mistercindy

10-19-2005, 07:21 AM

RebeccaV

10-19-2005, 09:00 AM

I rode an 1150RS once. A few months later I bought my 1100RS. You're right -it's a pretty bike and lots of fun to ride.

I have only sat on the new ST - never ridden it, but the riding position seemed the same.

kbasa

10-19-2005, 11:57 AM

Lorezapam and DarrylRi have them, so you might want to wait for them to check in.

I think Darryl has a whole pile of miles on his.

We had an R1150R and our house and have had an R1100RS for quite a while. I can say that the RS is more forward positioned, but not obtrusively so. It's a comfy bike for all day rides and will do a nice job managing windflow and weather. For two people, it's far nicer than the R because the passenger doesn't sit way up in the breeze. You can get a big Givi bag on the back, so you can carry a ton of stuff when you travel.

We have an R11RSL, which has full lowers, but isn't available anymore. To my eye, the RSL is the prettiest of all the RSs, but I'm a bit biased.

We've modified ours with Freeman's BarBacks (no longer available, but other solutions are), a Sargent seat, the Givi bag and Ohlins shocks. It's a wonderful bike and even though I don't ride it nearly as often as I should, I can't bring myself to sell it.

It's kinda Tina's bike.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/124326-L-1.jpg

IAMBOB

10-19-2005, 01:14 PM

I'm 6'3" and ride an RS without any kind of riding mods.. no bar backs etc..

I'm very comfortable on it, except for after an 800 mile ride my throttle hand was sore.. bought a Bob's Wrist Rest and that problem is gont..

I've put almost 10,000 miles on it since June, and all have been very enjoyable, and the looks I get are priceless.. Not many get a chance to see an RS, and wonder what it is.

i would LOVE to get my hands on the European Fairings that cover the bottom of the bike like the picture above.. think that makes the bike 10 times better looking.. of course me sitting astride it accomplishes the same thing.

IAMBOB

10-19-2005, 01:17 PM

I've always thought the R1150RS was the prettiest of the beemers, so I'm lusting. But I haven't ridden one. I currently ride a R1150R so if anybody could compare the riding characteristics of the two I'd sure like to hear it. I'm interesting in anything you may know, but particularly the angle of the knees and the body's riding position. I've sat on a R1200ST, is the position similar to the R1150RS?

Thanks in advance.
As far as the riding position, my GF noticed I don't slouch on the bike at all.. After giving much thought to it, the sitting position to me reminds me of the ergonomic office chairs.. no back to the chair.. you basically had a pad you knelt on, and a pad your butt sat on, MADE you sit up straight.

Granted on the bike your knees don't sit on anything, but I think the seating position is almost identical..

i would be curious to ride on with bar-backs on it to see the difference.

DarrylRi

10-19-2005, 01:42 PM

I have a '94 R1100RS, which now has 190,000 miles on it and is garaged in Germany, and an '02 R1150RS with nearly 64k on it.

I guess I like them.

http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2002/P1030442med.jpg

I'm 5' 10" with a 30" inseam, and I'm (more than) a bit "oversquare". I don't use bar backs on these bikes. One of the things I really like about them is that I can sit back a bit and get into a sporty mode, or I can move forward and sit nearly upright. This really makes riding these bikes a joy over long distances.

The one thing that was never a joy for me was the stock seat. Both of mine have Rick Mayer seats. Other than that, a throttle lock, and eventually, aftermarket shocks, and that's all the mods I've done.

I run the stock shield all the way down, all the time. This keeps my head in the clear air, which is the quietest and least turbulent. Also, I run the seat in the highest position, which is more comfortable for my knees on a long ride.

I've test ridden an R12ST twice now. I find the seating position a bit more forward. I think if I had one of those I'd want bar backs for it. I also thought that the bend in my legs was as tight as the RS with the seat in the low position.

I've also ridden a few R models. They have a more upright position, and the bars are noticably higher. R/GS engine tuning and gearing are different also, and the RS has more power at and above midrange revs. It also needs a bit more slipping of the clutch to get going.

Personally, I think the RSL lowers that KBasa likes are too much plastic. That's what I don't like about most new bikes. I really like to see the motor in the motorcycle, otherwise it starts to look more like an Acura. (The RS has the biggest fairing I've ever owned, can you tell? ;-)

Besides, the RS makes a great couch.

http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2002/Spain/P6271756med.jpg

MarkF

10-19-2005, 03:32 PM

That blue one is sweet. I agree the lowers are too much plastic. I've seen a Wudo chin fairing that looks much better. It was posted here a couple years ago.

IAMBOB

10-19-2005, 03:32 PM

Damn, I LOVE that green color!!

I ended up with SILVER!!

If there is ONE thing I dislike about BMW is the color selection.. too limited..

MarkF

10-19-2005, 04:09 PM

lorazepam

10-19-2005, 04:45 PM

Ihave a 2004 R1150RS with almost 30k on the clock and I love it. I have bar backs, I wanted to bring the bars up but not back, but alas, you have to do both on the 1150.
I have the Rick Mayer seat, I also am the same dimentions as Darryl, and when I ride for any distance, I like to switch the seat heights to vary my leg position.
I find it a very comfortable bike to ride any distance, it is not a bike you see every day (like those GS models) and I find it to be a great overall bike.

I plan on gstting some solid mounts for the handlebars, and probably losing the barbacks next season. This is a bike you will love, and will not regret buying.

http://lorazepam.smugmug.com/photos/3349262-M.jpg

DarrylRi

10-19-2005, 05:20 PM

Damn, I LOVE that green color!!

I ended up with SILVER!!

If there is ONE thing I dislike about BMW is the color selection.. too limited..
I think ALL their Silver bikes look great as do some of the shades of blue. But, I think every year, every model should be available in black with hand pinstriping. Cuz it's tradition!
Hmmm. Well, Bob, you'll be disappointed, but I suppose that MarkF will be happy, to see how the R11RS looks today... It's kind of a long story. (http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/motorcycles/2004TheEnd.htm)

http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2004/Europe1/r11rs_motor/P5103766_med.jpg

(Actually, the signal lenses have been traded for clear ones that are smoked to match the rest of the paint.)

MarkF

10-19-2005, 05:23 PM

I plan on gstting some solid mounts for the handlebars, and probably losing the barbacks next season. This is a bike you will love, and will not regret buying.
Sweet bike Gale. I did not know hard bar mounts were available. Do the rubber mounts bother you? They felt funny when I sat on one. I wonder if the bars/top clamp from a R1100S or R1150R are interchangable. The RS was never a good bargain but it was a great bike from BMW.

P.S. RS and a R80ST? You are my hero!

lorazepam

10-19-2005, 05:25 PM

Sweet bike Gale. I did not know hard bar mounts were available. Do the rubber mounts bother you? They felt funny when I sat on one. I wonder if the bars/top clamp from a R1100S or R1150R are interchangable. The RS was never a good bargain but it was a great bike from BMW.

P.S. RS and a R80ST? You are my hero!

they are available for around 50 bucks, but I plan on making a set this winter via a trip to a machine shop down south where I used to live. Should cost me around 10 bucks for materials, and a good time visiting with old friends.

BobbieZ

10-19-2005, 05:54 PM

I love my '04 RS. It seems a great bike for both two up touring and sport riding as well as some "mild" off road use. (Mild as in well graded, packed roads.)
Does anyone have an opinion about what will happen to the resale value of the RS since the RS model is discontinued?

torags

10-19-2005, 06:52 PM

I've always thought the R1150RS was the prettiest of the beemers, so I'm lusting. But I haven't ridden one. I currently ride a R1150R so if anybody could compare the riding characteristics of the two I'd sure like to hear it. I'm interesting in anything you may know, but particularly the angle of the knees and the body's riding position. I've sat on a R1200ST, is the position similar to the R1150RS?

Thanks in advance.

I love mine. I put peg lowerers because I cramped with the leg folded to tight. On long trips I raise the seat. Last month I did 1500mi in 27 hrs. very comfortable w a sheepskin seat.

I lower seat and take off sheepskin for twisty ridin'... I'm pleased with ergos, but not happy w Boxer vibes. I glued two foam aftermarket grips on top of my heated throttle grip and reduced vibe to acceptable level.

I think the K1200RS has a more forward weight distribution and is great for twisties but more difficult to seat up straight (as mentioned earlier) for butt relief.

the adjustable wind screen is also a nice feature and it's elegantly sexy....

GSfornow

10-19-2005, 07:02 PM

Damn, I LOVE that green color!!

I ended up with SILVER!!

If there is ONE thing I dislike about BMW is the color selection.. too limited..

Find a good painter. If you really like the bike (and plan to stick with it a while) pick a color you like and make it yours! Oh and I really like the look of the lowers. Is it a separate add on piece or a whole different fairing? Looks like the latter.

IAMBOB

10-20-2005, 08:16 AM

Ihave a 2004 R1150RS with almost 30k on the clock and I love it. I have bar backs
Debating doing this, anyghing special need to be done, like new lines, longer cables etc??

kbasa

10-20-2005, 10:16 AM

Find a good painter. If you really like the bike (and plan to stick with it a while) pick a color you like and make it yours! Oh and I really like the look of the lowers. Is it a separate add on piece or a whole different fairing? Looks like the latter.

The lowers are a separate piece. You'll need a couple of brackets and a little filler piece by the exhaust to go along with the big panels. You can swap the bike back and forth between RSL and RS by swapping the panels and removing the mounting brackets.

GSfornow

10-20-2005, 11:14 AM

The lowers are a separate piece. You'll need a couple of brackets and a little filler piece by the exhaust to go along with the big panels. You can swap the bike back and forth between RSL and RS by swapping the panels and removing the mounting brackets.

Nice!

lorazepam

10-20-2005, 02:32 PM

Debating doing this, anyghing special need to be done, like new lines, longer cables etc??

In my experience, I was able to relocate the brake line and not have to replace it or the cables. I have heard that others have had to change out the brake line to the front rotors. I believe the RT brake line is the one they use.

medieval

10-23-2005, 10:25 PM

I recently bought a 2003 R1150RS. 2tone blue. It was broken so I have to fix it. While inspecting the bike I found that the clutch cable (hose?) was snapped off at the fitting. I went to the local dealer and ran into a snafu. Seems that stock RS's have a standard style banjo fitting on the master cylinder. Mine has bar backs and the small diameter cable housing that looks like a non-hydraulic clutch cable setup. I have seen both in pictures on bikes for sale on ebay. I'm baffled. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks :banghead

medieval

10-27-2005, 09:55 PM

I think that my RS would be more comfortable with lower pegs. Who makes /sells them. Thank you.

torags

10-27-2005, 10:14 PM

I think that my RS would be more comfortable with lower pegs. Who makes /sells them. Thank you.

ascycles.com, but google the product

kbasa

10-27-2005, 11:47 PM

John Brase

10-28-2005, 07:06 AM

Mine has bar backs and the small diameter cable housing that looks like a non-hydraulic clutch cable setup. I have seen both in pictures on bikes for sale on ebay. I'm baffled. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks :banghead

That is puzzling. An '03 RS should have hydraulic clutch operation. It seems like a lot of trouble to change it somehow to cable actuation - and why??? Even if the bar backs made the hose too short or something, it seems it would be a lot easier to have a new hose made up than to change to cable.

John

p.s. Keeping with the original intent of the thread - I love my RS. I think it is the perfect combination of sport/tour bike. If I could only have one (and I can only have one) the RS is the only choice.

medieval

10-28-2005, 05:19 PM

kbasa

10-28-2005, 06:39 PM

I am sending this pic of my broken clutch cable. I don't know why it would be other than what the parts book shows. I have looked at about 6 R1150RS's for sale on ebay and 3 have this same arraignment. This means that other bikes also have it. Someone knows. Thanks...........forget pic, I can't get it attached :confused:

Email it to me at teamkbasaATcomcastDOTnet and I'll post it for you.

scottfarm

10-29-2005, 08:02 AM

I have a 94 R1100RS I bought with 25K for $5K and it now has 60K on it. I also have a 96R1100RT. The Rs is more comfortable on long rides than the RT--who would have thunk it, but when it's cold the RT is surely warmer to ride. The RS is one great bike that I will never sell.

medieval

11-02-2005, 08:55 PM

I sent an inquiry to Mike at beemerboneyard. Figured that someone there should be familiar with strange parts. He informed me that there was a change to the small diameter hose after 6/02. He also told me that the parts were interchangeable. I can only guess why the dealer in Portland Oregon didn't know this. I still can't get the picture to load:brow

kbasa

11-03-2005, 03:43 PM

Bert sent me a photo of his clutch arrangement, which is unlike anything I've ever seen there. In every instance I've seen, it's been a standard banjo fitting, not something like this.

Any ideas?

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/42903280-M.jpg

dbrick

11-03-2005, 06:21 PM

My '96 R1100RSL is approaching 91K. I like a roomy cockpit, so mine has barbacks and GS footplates (http://www.bikersoracle.com/rs/forum/showthread.php?t=457), which put the pegs down and forward several inches. Like DarrylRi, I keep the screen down all the time in all weather. Unlike him, the stock seat works just fine for me.

This is a superb motorcycle. The ST rides nice, but has, to my eye, a cluttered design and little garage appeal. I tried a VFR the other day, and while it was stable, comfortable, quiet, well-finished and fast, it didn't push my button like the RS does.

medieval

11-06-2005, 08:36 PM

I fully agree with the critique on the new 1200ST, a little too edgy. Altho it took some time for me to accept the weird tank/fairing on the 1100/1150RS bikes, it looks integrated and smooth to my eye. It is as far as I want to go with the plastic.
We can rationalize all we want, but bottom line is, does it make you lust after it. :heart

MYCLau

11-22-2005, 03:10 PM

I recently purchased a slightly used '04 1150RS and am discovering that though often overlooked among other BMW models, it is a very well balanced and capable ride. It has been said many times that "one" bike can't cover all the bases, but the RS comes darn close. Though I haven't had any seat time on a R1200ST, for sport and touring the R1150RS is currently my cup of tea!

saab93driver

11-25-2005, 03:40 PM

I am sending this pic of my broken clutch cable. I don't know why it would be other than what the parts book shows. I have looked at about 6 R1150RS's for sale on ebay and 3 have this same arraignment. This means that other bikes also have it. Someone knows. Thanks...........forget pic, I can't get it attached :confused:

The fitting was changed after the first year (2002) due in part to interference if you moved the bars furthest position forward the banjo bolts would foul on the tank as I recall, you have what appears to be the latest iteration.

Forks

03-26-2009, 05:49 AM

they are available for around 50 bucks, but I plan on making a set this winter via a trip to a machine shop down south where I used to live. Should cost me around 10 bucks for materials, and a good time visiting with old friends.

I can't find a source for the solid bar mounts anywhere - although a lot of folks refer to them. And I remember they were readily available in the 90's.

Any source you know of? Or any chance you could get your machine shop to make some extra's while you're there???:D

Andy VH

03-26-2009, 09:43 AM

I have the teal green 94 R1100RS like Darryl has, and I now have close to 140,000miles of smiles on it. Actually, that teal green color is a more rare color than even the "special edition" banana yellow model that came out a few years later.

Personally, I think the teal green is very classy looking.

I have made several mods to mine over the years, as I'm a constant "tweaker". I made my own handlebar for it, my own muffler design, GSXR mirrors (with support brackets in the fairing) and my own light bar mount. But I still love the basic RS format and I'd buy another one if BMW were to make a new R12RS version. But a few comments that are unique to the R11RS:
1. The gas tank is asymetrical on the bike, which puts the majority of the fuel weight to the RH side. So with a full fuel load be aware of this weight bias. The R11RTP has an extra battery to offset this bias.
2. In straight line riding, the rider must always be slightly leaning left to compensate for this weighting. Thats one of the main reasons the left side of the front tire wears faster than the right (no, its not road crown as the cause). I have noticed too, that my left hand cramps up more than my throttle hand, due to this constant left grip pressure.
3. In tight RH turns be aware of that weighting, as the bike will want to "fall in" in that direction. I am a MSF instructor so I practice my tight manuevers on mt RS regularly.
4. If you tend to load one saddlebag heavier than the other, chose the LH bag (sidestand side) as that will somewhat counterweight the fuel weight.
5. Trust this bike in the twisties, and you may embarrass many less capable riders on their sportbikes! I have ridden two up in the twisties, dragging the centerstand, my boot edge and my passenger's boot edge, and the bike was solid and took the curves easily, bags and all.
Andy

Oh, and I am a wee bit biased since I still have my 1st BMW, my 76 R100RS, serial number 6080414, number 414 built in that series.

dbrick

03-26-2009, 10:08 AM

I can't find a source for the solid bar mounts anywhere - although a lot of folks refer to them. And I remember they were readily available in the 90's.

Any source you know of?

They're still listed in Bob's online catalog (search under R1150RS),
and I think Verholen also has them, at about twice Bob's price.

Forks

03-27-2009, 09:52 AM

They're still listed in Bob's online catalog (search under R1150RS),
and I think Verholen also has them, at about twice Bob's price.

Yep, Bob's was one of the first places I searched, no luck. Even emailed back and forth a few times (they were very responsive to my questions) but they indicated they don't carry any such item.

Heading to a local machine shop on Tuesday - hopefully they'll make a couple for a reasonable price.

Thanks!

Marc

jamesdunn

03-27-2009, 10:20 AM

...RSL 260 miles. It was cool bordering on cold to be out on a bike. My '94 with 38,000 miles looks new and runs like a dream with no noticable surging, merely with the install of Autolite ( cannot recall the number at present) plugs.

I bought this bike four years ago as a 16,000 mile garage queen. By this seasons end I will likely have around 45-50,000 miles on it; there'd be more but I split my riding between the '94 RSL and it's predecessor my '78 RS.

Great bike, great riding position and great tourer. I never liked the front end design of the ST 1200 but the riding position is not too dissimilar and I may own one of those someday.

PGlaves

03-27-2009, 02:35 PM

PGlaves

03-27-2009, 02:36 PM

I have an R1150R. Voni has an R1100RS.

The knee position is nearly identical.

Slightly more forward lean on the upper body position, but not much. I put slight barbacks on my R - slight meaning up 1", back 1/8"

r11rs94

03-27-2009, 06:47 PM

We have an R11RSL, which has full lowers, but isn't available anymore. To my eye, the RSL is the prettiest of all the RSs, but I'm a bit biased.

We've modified ours with Freeman's BarBacks (no longer available, but other solutions are), a Sargent seat, the Givi bag and Ohlins shocks. It's a wonderful bike and even though I don't ride it nearly as often as I should, I can't bring myself to sell it.

It's kinda Tina's bike.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/124326-L-1.jpg

And the Prettiest of all RS's is the PearlWhite w/Teal seat.
:banghead :banghead :banghead Why why why did I sell mine..

flat_twin

04-05-2009, 09:50 PM

I have to agree with most of Darryls comments and agree that the ST is a bit more forward leaning riding position.
I had an oilhead RT for 5 years. I got interested in the RS and discovered my back is much more comfortable on the RS. Like someone else mentioned, the RS riding position generally keeps a nice arch in your back and discourages slouching. In nasty or cold weather I think about the RT but that's the only time.
I have the solid handlebar mounts which I think improves the road feel. I now have a Russell seat and lowered pegs for comfort though I normally keep the balls of my feet on the pegs rather than the arches like on an RT.
I'm not tempted by any other motorcycles right now and don't even think about replacing the RS. Mine is a 2001, last year for the R1100RS. I just don't care for the fancy brakes and I prefer the 5 speed gearbox. Unless I'm on the interstate, it's in 4th gear and above 4k rpm in the fun zone.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n163/flat_twin/IMG_0150.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n163/flat_twin/100_2031.jpg

medieval

04-08-2009, 02:40 PM

I am glad to see that there are satisfied RS riders around :groovy I am happy to say that I have completed the rebuild on my '03. I have barbacks and am pretty happy with the riding position. My legs are not a problem. I don't like the hard grips and found some slip-on cushion grips that work just fine. The seat was only comfortable for about an hour, so I got a beadseat cover. I am surprised that it works so well. ;) Someday I will bite the bullet and get a Rick Meyer seat. I don't ever see myself selling this bike. :hug Everytime I roll it out of the garage I am struck by how fine a piece of machinery it is. It is not perfect......some surging at lower revs. When I first rode it, I thought that it was a result of a light flywheel. The quick solution is to keep the revs up. From about 3500-3700 it noticeably smothes out. :bolt Bike is much more capable than I am.:eat Much better than the other way 'round.

nhbmw

04-08-2009, 08:54 PM

I had been away from Beemers since the early 70s when this one caught my eye a year ago. The Ivory/Grey colors sold me the bike. The color scheme is even rarer than the model.

One thing that I really like is the 'turn in' handling. I don't think about countersteering at all: look where you want to go and the bike follows. I've never ridden a bike that was more responsive.

Since then, I have come to appreciate what an RS is: a compromise that isn't much of a compromise. The RS gives up little in the sport or touring categories. I simply can't understand why it wasn't a big seller. If BMW would bring it back, I'd buy one in a heartbeat!