BMW R1150RT - IS this the BEST bike I have ridden?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 тра 2022
- Is the BMW R1150RT the best bike I have ridden?
In this real-world review of the iconic BMW R1150RT touring bike. I give my impression of how the bike responds and handles in everyday riding, touring, in traffic and living with it.
How does it compare to Honda’s ST1100 Pan-European? I’ve owned and ridden the Pan for over 20 years - can the BM knock it off the top spot for me?
My Bikes:
BMW R1150RT
Royal Enfield Classic 500
Royal Enfield 350 machismo with sidecar
Honda ST1100 Pan
Suzuki GN125
Yamaha 535 Virago
I bought my 2003 R10050 RTP new. 20 years later it’s still running great.
What I don’t like:
- Top-heavy (most BMWs)
- Buzzy. My hands are sore after a long ride. (All Boxers)
- Nosedive
- At six-foot height, my helmet was always buffeted by wind. I finally got an extender this year and it’s been day and night.
- A huge amount of plastic has to be removed to get the battery out plus the screws don’t hold up well to that.
- Mirrors are waaay too low for quick glances. And they pop-off (by design) too easily (smash).
- That damned BMW horn location. The joke is that you get cut off and give the driver a long press of the left turn-signal. Also, a tank-bag sets it off when you make a tight left turn in a parking lot.
- My speedo is, weirdly for a German bike, MPH-only.
- Mikeage is not great. For touring this is especially annoying. I have to stop every 200 miles to fill-up.
I like:
- Stock panniers are perfect. They wind-tunnel the bike with the side-cases on, and it shows. They’re rock-solid, and very easily removable. Grab them and go. As good as conventional luggage.
- The BMW top case is expensive but totally worth it. Heavy and durable, even easier to pop off. I keep my clothing in this so I can just remove the one to spend the night in a motel. Built in backrest is comfy (so I’m told), and it looks like and integral part of the bike.
- The moto itself is very, very happy on the highway for hours at a time. It’s like a it’s glad to be getting out and on the road where it belongs. The engine sounds like an airplane engine. Completely at ease, like it will run this way for months. Better than a car.
- Zero rattles from any part of the bike, despite the buzzy engine.
- Fairly quiet.
- Can run over surprise railroad tracks like they don’t exist. No dental work required.
- Still gets compliments for its beauty. Easy to wash.
- Double power sockets for my electric vest and a passenger’s. Perfect.
- Like all BMWs, very quick and easy to center-stand. So solid I’m happy to lounge on it. Also really nice for an inexperienced passenger to mount.
- Great at low speed. Watch some police officers throw it around.
- This is and awesome bike for long-distance touring. Not a boat like their dresser (K), and just sporty enough to feel like a motorcycle.
"top heavy" seems at odds with "great at low speed". I'd agree with the latter. I don't know how fast you must be going to get only 200 miles (320 km) from a tank! Mine's a '95 1100 (owned from new) and everyday short-trip (i.e. a lot of cold engine running) gives 390-400 km (call it 245 miles) if I"m putting the normal 23 l into it. Touring at 120 km/h indicated is safe to plan filling after 440 km (275 miles). I once got 530 km (330 miles) riding with a couple on an F650 who cruised at 90 km/h. I'm pretty sure even touring at 100 mph (160 km/h) would still be good for at least 200 miles.
@@BruceHoulti can squeeze those 200mile(320km) at 150-160kmh with a pillion and bagged on single spark 1150. Something seems to be off with that 1100
That's what I'd have thought, but I've never had a chance to run that fast for that long! Sticking to speed limits (let's say 75 mph) and without repeated cold running, an 1100 should get 450 km (280 miles) with bags and passenger.@@judod97
Change handlebars to get rid of buzz in hands?
@@69VAJRA The guy I bought my R1150RTP from had installed handlebar risers. (He was a little short fellow.) The bars used to resonate from around 58-65mph. I removed the risers and the buzz mostly disappeared.
brought back memories of mine. Brilliant well engineered machines. Does what every rider needs. Gets you there with a smile on your face. Great used buy.
I have a 2002 I bought new. Put 75k miles on it. Probably the perfect bike for my style riding. In recent years I have had two major failures that owners/prospective buyers should be warned about. One: ruptured rubber brake line at 60k miles. Replaced with Spiegler SS braided lines. Two: Integral ABS module failure (servos burned up). If it has not yet failed, it will eventually, even with regular brake flush every 24 months. Early Integral ABS units are considered poorly design. Web has lots of info on these issues. Otherwise, it is a great bike.
I have a 2003 model and replaced the rubber brake lines with SS braided lines right away when I bougt it. No issues with the ABS so far.
First time BMW r1200rt owner here and I love it. It’s a 2011 premium package RT and I bought it in 2014 with just under 11,000 miles on it. Now it’s got a bit over 28k on the odometer and I love it. It’s been super reliable and a blast to take on short trips and long trips. Awesome video!
I’m very happy I found this review.
I had a 1977 R80/7 which I used day in, day out in all seasons to commute to and from work for several years and I loved it, with the bike barely ever letting me down other than a battery.
Sadly, a few days before Christmas I was going to work for a nightshift when I had to stop on a straight piece of unlit, national speed-limit for a deep flood across the carriageway.
As I waited for opposing traffic to clear the floodwater I was hit from behind by a car at about 50-60mph, whose driver ‘didn’t see me’, leaving me with life-changing leg injuries.
During my three month stay in hospital I decided I wanted something to give me some inspiration to get back in the saddle, and I have always had a secret hankering for the ST1100.
I found one in Cornwall that sounded great (all the usual pitfalls addressed) after extensive telephone reassurances and had it couriered about 200miles home. Sadly, it looked like it had been ridden through salt water without being cleaned afterwards, and there are several cracks in panels amongst other things that have really put a downer on the bike in general, plus I’ve never ridden it apart from quickly around the block in 1st gear (my left foot doesn’t work well currently) before spending 40minutes trying to figure-out how I was going to get off it again!
I always thought of the R1100 & 1150RT as fairly ugly (don’t hate me) but they have really grown on me recently, so much so that I have just purchased a very tidy 2002 model that has had the ABS removed.
It’s a beautiful machine, although I haven’t ridden it yet but I did meet the seller and have a good look over it.
I’m aware of the pros &l cons of having ABS or not and have decided upon a really lovely 2002 example that has had the ABS professionally removed.
I’m very excited to try to ride again and have slowly fallen for the lines & quirkiness of the big Beemer - thanks for the vid!
I have an '03, same colour grey. I use it as my daily, absolutely love it.
This is an awesome review. Very thorough. Thanks
Thanks Scott. I really do like the bike. There will be a review of a very different bike coming soon , I decided to treat myself and bought a new bike , the BMW looked lonely sat in the workshop!
@@thatblokeonamotorbike lol I can’t wait I’m subscribed and hit the bell.
My father finally gave me his a few years ago since I was the only one riding it haha! I’ve logged countless miles on the old girl. Absolutely love her! Getting into the brake problems now unfortunately. Putting on spiegler brake lines in the morning and hopefully takes care of my abs problems. If not then I guess the abs is gonna get the delete. Make damn sure you torque down the rear lug nuts to spec also! I almost lost my rear wheel out in the middle of eastern Colorado due to a non BMW shop changing the rear tire and NOT torquing the lugs. Other than those issues and typical minor repairs on an old bike, she runs absolutely great and really shines in the twisties! The ol gal will forever be in my stable!
mine is a 2004 with 164k still going strong i keep her mint condition and she gets me home every time never failed me once
Great review 👍
Hi, thanks, it really encourages me to produce more videos.
Ride safe
Stil riding my 2002 R1150RT and I jus tlove this bike! 144K now on it, still riding like new. Just keep them well maintained.
2 weeks after making this film, mine decided to die on me with a faulty fuel pump. Just filled up the tanks and had to push it 1.5 miles back. Glad some other bikers stopped to help. Fitted pump myself and back on road, it really is an addictive bike to ride
I would love to buy one but every time I find a good one I read some horror story about complete AB$ failure then it puts me off... Then I read a post like yours and am interested again lol
there is one for sale in my area that has 71k miles...i though its too high.....but if you say yours has 144k then 71k should still be fine...and its only $3k
I'm just about to do my bike test and I would love one of these to be my first bike? I wouldn't find the weight an issue. Good idea?
I can recommend the SM-5 plug and play indicator relay which allows you to have low, medium or high intensity running lights using the indicators, plus a push on push off system of activating and cancelling turn signals. It also has a programmable self cancelling function and you can turn on the hazards just by pressing both left and right indicators at the sam time.
I have had 2 R1100 RTs and am on my 2nd R1150 RT and I absolutely love and recommend them to anyone. Fully loaded or solo, they are fun, fast, safe and comfortable especially with that adjustable screen to take air pressure off you. You arrive in much better shape!
Geez, how many miles do you do on them? I haven't worn out my original October 1995 R1100RT yet -- but then I've only done 130,000 km on it.
@12:00 raising screen improved audio for us :D I have set my sets (and limited budget) on this model and this video was helpful - Thank you!
Hi, Thanks for the encouraging comment. It is a very nice bike. I'm working on improving the audio.
@@thatblokeonamotorbike Audio is more than sufficient. Your content is entertaining and informative - and enabling lol
Hello , I own a R1100RT 1998 , and i haven't had any problem since i got it . ( five years ago ) . Just normal maintenance and replacement of worn parts . It still works very well . ... I like riding it . I think i 'll keep it a few more years ... Thanks .
In my Days of K100/K1/K1100LT I once had an R1150RT as a courtesy bike from my local dealer. Like riding a feather bed. Absolutely wonderful, but I couldn't afford one at the time.
Thanks, very good video. A few additions/comments. I took up riding again after a long, long spell with just cars. I love the looks of the ST1100, I was looking for something with some storage space, I bought an old Pan. Many, many moons ago I did some road racing. And I was riding a café racer on the road. Well… I still love that sort of bike. I’m not a tourer, if I want to drive in comfort, I take my car. So I added a VFR 750 to my stable. Which I adore. But totally in practical. Than I ran into a R1100RS, BMW’s solution for a sports tourer. I do not like the looks of the RTs (very personal, I know). I like my blue (BMW color 525, easy to remember if you know something about BMW cars…) RS. It was a 1 owner bike, only did about 40000 miles and is cosmetically close to mint. And I do compare it with both Honda’s. In random order: of course the RS is a lot less complex than both Honda’s. Swapping plugs is a matter of minutes. I prefer the BMW ergonomics. I like the odd solution for the indicator switches, the dials are way more clear (especially in the dark) than the Honda ones. Braking and stability is perfect. Funny enough the VFR is more comfortable over bumps, both bikes on their softest settings. I do a lot of my own maintenance. I am not too impressed with BMW engineering. To remove the side of the fairing you need a Phillips, allen and torx tool. 3 different type of fasteners. On both Honda’s it is 1 type of tool. Also the Honda fasteners feel far more substantial than the BMW ones. I agree the boxer engine has lots of character. However, if I was to do a lot of miles I prefer the smoothness of the Pan’s V4. Also the panniers on the Pan are more useful, I can get my helmet in, which is a challenge on the RS. Yet removing the panniers is much, much easier on the RS. If I was into touring long distance for me it will be the ST1100. To me it has only one drawback: the weight. I’m not a small guy and reasonably fit yet moving it around in the garage is a pain. To me any bike over 200 kilos is. It should have a reverse, like the Gold Wing and LT 1200. In fact if I was into long distance touring I would purchase either one of those bikes. One more thing on the Beemers. The 6 speed gearbox does have a design flaw. Check Internet. They will strip the splines on the input shaft, swapping gearboxes is mandatory than. Not too difficult, yet a lot of work. The older 5 speeds as used on R1100s are not know for that problem.
Bro of mine had an 02 Beemer just like that.
She was very unwieldy on slow in town streets but on the highway she was beautiful.
I rode her from Arkansas to Moab Utah and back.
She blew all but one rear end bearing and I never knew.
daily riding that bike in european streets,filtering through traffic. I guess the ,,unwieldiness" comes from the rider more
Hi Dave, nice video. I just bought a 2002 one of these with 67thou on the clock...big jump in style from a honda fmx650! But feels very comfortable very quickly....the combined brakes are going to take some practice...they are sharp and used to controlling slow speed just on the rear which doesnt work so well on these!
I have noticed im getting a bit of noise and possible vibration and wondered if its down to the rear tyre...the trailing edge of tread is worn more than the leading edge of the next effectivly making the tyre have ridges.
History shows the gearbox has been reconned a few thousand miles ago so hoping anything sinister in the backend would have been addressed. New tyre maybe the cheapest way to narrow down a fault.
Either way for just over a grand thought the bike was worth a punt and puts a grin on my face when its out!
Morning Tony here I have the 850 rt I love it, I'm only 5' 6" so struggling with height but as I say love the bike, the only other thing is the weight nearly 300 kgs hard work at times. I'm thinking of putting crash bars on her what do you think ? I'd be interested to know any way keep her between the ditches great video.
What's a very nice I've been and you've made me want it's a choice between the BMW and pan European
Gran moto tengo una r 1100 RT del 97 y estoy súper contento .saludos desde la sierra de Madrid España
Hola, gracias por el comentario, me alegra que hayas disfrutado el video. Debe ser muy bueno cabalgar por las montañas de España. Está en mi lista de lugares para visitar algún día. Tuve que usar Google Translate para obtener la respuesta de inglés a español, disculpas si no lo hice bien.
Viaja seguro
dave
Gracias a usted la traducción perfec
I have a 2005 R1200ST with the servo brakes and have had a dozen or so BMWs and i do not prefer the servo brakes on the 1200. I also had a 2003 K1200GT but i dont recall if it had the Wizzy brakes. That bike stopped very well. The 2005 ST did have a servo brake failure a few times. It seems the previous owner hadnt ridden the bike much, he had a 2014 GS he loved and put the ST in the garage. So when i bought it it seemed that the brakes were a little sticky. Especially the rear brake. I would start it and pull away from the garage and the rear brake would engage and not release! I had to turn off the bike to get the brake to release. I found that after i started to ride the bike more, the servo control seemed to loosen up and not freeze on at a stop. Since then they have behaved well.
I will do the yearly required servo brake service that requires you to flush out the servo reservoir and flush out the brakes from the servo system. That is a yearly requirement called out by BMW on servo brake bikes.
I also own a 2009 1200RT without the wizzy brakes and it is a much better system.
I still have my 2004 R1150rt. 42k miles. Like new. Love her. Her name is Ursla.
Just bought a 2002 yesterday. I was unlucky and it cut-out on the way home and wouldn't restart. Had a good go-through it today and the battery terminals were loose. Tightened those and it started straight away so I'm hoping that was the only issue. Subscribed to see where you get on yours... Just ordered some mirror base plates as mine has the dodgy petal clips that are a bit worse for wear and a few new mirror glasses too. So, all being well, I'm hoping to get out on it soon...
Hi, I put a new battery on mine a couple of weeks ago, the only other issue I have had with it was the fuel pump packed in just after I filled the bike up. I had to take the tank off, empty it out, (not easy) and fitted a new pump and gaskets from MotorWorks.
Ride safe, Dave
@@thatblokeonamotorbike Weirdly it was only after about 3 miles after filling-up that mine packed-in. And it may need a new battery too. Been neglected really. Lots of things to do to make it look right. I'll stick a video up in a bit and you'll see what I mean... 🙂
Did 70k on my 2001 RT in 3 years traded it for a 2014 WC RT... Nearly perfect bike ..just lacked power and oomph that the WC engines totally cured. I have now had 2 WC RTs and a GSA and new GSA coming this week ... My 2001 is easily the best built and best quality controlled out of all of them. Traded it for £500 more than I paid for it and never had any issues mechanically during my ownership (it was bought with 26k on the clock) these are great if you can deal with the lack of power.
What's a WC RT?
@@f5mando Water Cooled rather than oil cooled...
Great review thank you. Currently have a GS and am looking at an RT. I love these boxer engines. I drive it like my Diesel car. Use the torque. Change at between 2000-3000 rpm and it just pulls effortlessly. Love the fact that it doesn't have to be revved up. And plenty fast enough for the riding I do. Occasionally around town on errands when the wife has the car, but have to drive about 150km for work occasionally and it saves a fortune in petrol! while having some fun! Looking at the RT as I donlt really go offroad. An occasional gravel road but not more than that and I think the bigger fairing provides better long distance comfort specially in the case of an unexpected downpour.
Hi,
Thanks for the compliment on the review.
I ride mine the same, use the torque and let the bike do the work.
The fairing is superb at keeping most of the weather off.
Let me know what you think if you get a test ride or purchase one.
Ride safe
Dave
Excellent bike for downpours . Ask me how I know 😀
Great video, really useful. I’m actually in the market for a winter / commuter 2nd bike. This is on my list including the ST1100. Which would you say is better given the fact you’ve owned both? I’ve owned the ST1300 in the past and loved but it kind of wants me to experience something different (Hence me looking into the RT).
Thanks Andrew for the really nice comment.
Which bike is the best? That’s a hard one. I’ve had ST100’s for the last 20 years, 4 of them, one thing you really need to watch for is the swing arm rots at the pivot. It’s a mad designed with a box section In front of the pivot that collects all the road muck. The other weak point is exhaust. It has a stainless down tube and silencer but a mild steel collector box that rots.
If you intend doing your own services, the BMW is the better bike. Valve adjustment is easy, pop of the cover and 2 valve are there with standard locknut adjusters. The ST1100 uses bucket shims and is a pig to do.
Weather protection is about the same, as is carrying luggage. Riding position wise the BM is more upright, but I have filtered in heavy traffic with no problems on either bike.
I still have my ST1100, I keep thinking of selling it as its sate in storage and I haven’t ridden it in a couple of years, but I get attached to bikes lol, it does have to go soon though as I need the room. Treated myself to a new Royal Enfield 350 Classic.
Hope this helps, ride safe
Dave
@@thatblokeonamotorbike That’s great, thanks again Dave. You really can’t buy that kind of experience!
Yes I thought they’d be similar in many ways. I think it might just be case of trying them both. Ive always been a Honda man, especially a V4 Honda man! Owned 5 VFRs across the generations and my St1300. Loved the ST but it had to make way for a car. Only had a couple of hang ups about the 1300, the sound and the fuelling. Felt it was a little too quiet for a motorcycle, I know that you could consider that excellent engineering but i do like you know I’m on a bike rather than a in a car! I did find the throttle snatchy at times, Ive read the 1100 is far smoother (Cams) and from the videos Ive watched, does have a slight V4 howl. It’s no VFR 750 but I don’t think its the kind of bike you’d want howling at you on a 300 mile plus day! Performance and handling will understandably down but I’m sure both would only be minimal drops.
Ive always wanted to say Ive owned a boxer engine and for me Sports Tourers are the pinnacle of motorcycling. Ive ridden a 1200 R/S and TBH I didn’t get on with it. It felt like the engine wasn’t suited to the sportier chassis (progressional acceleration). What I did think though was that it would suit a bigger bike closer on the touring spectrum.
Funnily enough I was looking at Enfield a couple of years ago!!! We have very similar tastes!
Thanks Dave,
Andrew
@@thatblokeonamotorbike Which bike would you rather be on the back of?
I'm debating on a BMW, ST1100, OR Concours 1000 for a winter commuter, and something to enjoy with my wife
@@2wheelcobra I've thought long and hard about this question. Both bikes are good but I think the BMW just has the edge, especially for winter us.
I'm basing this on the riding position being more upright giving a good command view.
it has the edge as well with the pillion rider, the seat is more comfortable.
With the panniers the Honda has the advantage. The mounting point on the Honda panniers extends out from the back meaning the luggage space isn't compromised.
The BMW take space up inside them with the mount moulding.
I hadn't realised this until I packed the official BMW internal panniers only to find I couldn't close the lids with them in the pannier.
The Honda inner bags fit with no problem at all.
Hope this helps, Ride safe
I prefer the pan 1100 having had both. They are a legend for a reason.
except clutch/shaft failure, great bikes.
i brought my 1150rt 3 years ago and i thought the electronic screen was a gimmick . that i would set it and leave it there ,but man i use it all the time.
Hi, I thought that when I got mine, but find I use it all the time. Midges are a classic example, out the other day I could see a cloud of them, put screen up and not on my visor. Screen is covered though lol
I had a one of these, nice bike but hated the Servo Brakes. Could I respectfully suggest some improvement in your Down Change technique..
Nice
How would you say it compares to the honda pan European. Value for money , riding and maintenance.
Thanks for the review. Very interesting. I'm considering this bike as an upgrade to a Honda NT700 (yeah, yeah, I know!) that I've been riding for almost a year now. That bike has been my first "big" bike after passing my MOD 2 last year. I guess my question is, would this bike feel like a big upgrade? Is it worth considering? And what are the biggest differences I would encounter if I did switch? I'm really happy with the Deauville (great bike for a novice rider like me) but I'm also getting itchy feet. Thanks.
Hi, there is quite a bit more power from the BM. I think the 2 biggest things would be the size and weight of the bike, and the brakes. they are servo assisted. At high speed they are fantastic, but at low speed they are very grabby. At control speed, walking pace they can stop the bike dead and if feels like its going over.
you need to be VERY gentle with them at low speed.
Having said that it's a brilliant bike.
Hope this helps, ride safe, Dave
@@thatblokeonamotorbike massive help, thanks. I think the weight is similar - NT700 is 571 Ibs vs. 566 for BMW so same. But I do NOT like the sound of those grabby brakes at low speed. Not at all.
I had the 1100RT and the only problem was town running where the fuelling was very rough
The 1200RT was pretty much the same, I had it remapped to try and sort the rough slow speed/town running. After mapping the engine would rev like a turbine and it had so much more torque that I would be in one to even two gears lower than my mate riding his 1200RT. But it didn’t help town running one scrap.
Great machine on the open road, not nice in town.
I rode a Pan for a few days, it's a way better engine and fueled to perfection. but the BMW package as a tourer is much better.
4:05 you rode straight past Fimber biker cafe! 😯
I agree with the fuelling, it's not good at all in town or slow control situations. Couple that with the crabby servo brakes and it's a bit of a handful.
I have the Pan as well and overall prefer that to the 'BM.
I did pass Fimber, But I had been there about half hour before for a pasty and a cuppa, and was back there later for another one.
Ride safe, Dave
@@thatblokeonamotorbike Yep, the power brakes on my 1200 were awful, just breath on them and they grabbed.
I had to replace the engine crank seal just out of warranty (the one at the front was weeping too if you ask me), that was fun splitting the bike in half!
I got rid of it when it needed three new discs (and pads), a new battery and a pair of tires 🤑🥺
My 2004 RT lags when I hit the throttle. Throttle body adjustment? Spark plugs? 🧐
Hi I just want to know I’m 5.6 I don’t have or even seen it from closely bmw rt does it feel like too heavy riding?? Looked many but they were all in far distance to purchase
Ik heb een bmw r1150rttwinspark 2004 84000km beste motor ever heb alle Japanse motoren gereden zelf harley davidson maar bmw r1150rttwinspark heeft mijn ❤ gekregen wat een prachtige machine gr Jan Hendrik
Noticed you mentioned buffering inside the helmet. I'm looking for a tourer with minimal windnoise off the screen/fairing which on some bikes have made longer stretches pretty unbearable to ride at times. What's the noise like with this one.. can you adjust the windshield to get rid of it?
Hi Andy, you can adjust the screen, I find I can adjust it so there is no buffeting or wind noise. Ride safe, Dave
it still has a torque of 100.00 Nm, that's really not bad. compared to a car.
Opel Corsa D 1.0i 12V ECOTEC has 88 Nm, weigth 1145 kg.
Where did u get the extension mirrors.
BMW's are the best, they are such competent machines
they are very good
I Love Rt 1150 to
The only think i not like is the abs noise and the way that works in low speeds .
Somethimes i really want to take off all unit
But im not shure if the brakes works fine with no abs ….
👍👍
Hi, I know exactly what you mean, the buzzing when holding it on the brake is annoying.
The grabbing is terrible at low speed. It's almost caught me out a few times.
I thought about taking it off but not sure how it would stand with insurance
Just purchased bmw bike handle bars to close to bike more like sport how do I get handle bars same as this
This may seem weird, but I NEVER could get used to BMW's fashion of turn signal activation. It just seemed weird to me having each on it's own grip and only one doing the cancelling. My brain prefers it on the left like metric bikes are. Or, like Harley, one on each bar with a simple reactivation to cancel each. I had a 2002 RT and just couldn't get along with it. I sold it before the splines crapped out and cost me a fortune.
They do take some getting used to.
But now I don't even think about them. I ride bikes with conventional indicator switching and muscle memory just takes over.
The thing I find awkward is the horn, pressing UP does feel strange in comparison with standard press forward switching
@@thatblokeonamotorbike I agree. I often found myself blowing the horn when intending to use the signal. Arrrgh!
The turn signal buttons, I’m so used to BMW’s buttons that I think every other bike is a step backwards. It’s intuitive and reliable. How long have you had your BMW?
I love these bikes but I am just too big for them at 6'6" and 275, feels like a scooter. The windshield is very nice feature, although I would have worn it out changing the screen.
I'm 5ft 7 and find it a tad too tall 😂
One plus about this era of BMW is the finish of the bikes,,I v had my bike seven yrs and honestly I,m not one for keeping bikes clean (perhaps once a year) ,,last week was that time and without too much effort my bike came up looking really good considering its got 83ooo on the clock...Regarding new models ,,I test rode one and honestly I do not think the quality is not as good as my bike,,plus do I really want to have all that money invested in a motorcycle..I think not..
The 1150 had matching hydralic clutch and brake lever assemblies, very smart
@@bsimpson6204 My bike has assit servo brakes (wizzey brakes) they have a bad reputation,but I like them ,,main thing about these older models is the engines are so easy to fix ,thats if they ever do go wrong,,, in 83000 mine never has!!!!
I'm the owner of a rather pristine '85 K 100 RT.
My heart balances between keeping her, or buying a 1150 RT..
Problem is , i am living in Rouen, Normandy, and the city is ruled by the new ecological rules stating that no bikes ( nor cars too)built before 2003, are allowed on the roads.
Exception made for the collectible ones(the more than 30 yo models)...
So no problem for my K 100 since it's 38 yo, but the 1150 RT, when was the last year model produced ? It seems to me that she was last produced in 2006 ?
Thanks for your advices.
Hi, thanks for your comment, it's very harsh that they impose a rule like that. I'm not totally sure when the last year of production was for the 1150RT but think 2006 rings a bell with me.
Does the rule apply to residents or would a tourist driving a pre 2003 also be banned from entering the area.
Ride safe, Dave
@@thatblokeonamotorbike thanks for your reply, much appreciated.
To my knowledge, this restriction only applies to the inhabitants, hopefully 😁 You should be able to crossing my city freely😉
I understand this is an old video, but I'm want to learn how to ride a bike this year. Would anyone recommend starting out on this bike? Thanks!
where you get that auxiliary mirrors? On your left handle bar there is a small device with a display. What is that?
Hi the mirrors are from Amazon this number should get you to the description B07T9LYV7Y
The device on the left bar is the remote control for the GoPro hero 10
@@thatblokeonamotorbike Thanks, just bought a 2001 after years not driving. Have to get used when standing still at the balance of the bike as if the centre weight is h highand you cant go too fat to left or right otherwise it feeel you will tip over. Never had that with my harley Softail. Than have problem when driving and coming to a stand too take my feet off the pegs for the fairings is in the way. Have ordered adjustable pegs. Anyway the bike looks awesome better than the latest model i.m.o..
Have you replaced the suspension yet. At 60k+ the suspension is completely shot on that bike and the OEM shock cant be rebuilt
Hi, not had to replace it yet, but I am keeping an eye on it, Ride safe Dave
i am filipino but i like that RT
Just one ? When you're at 90 mph where is the rpm ?
i was once in aufdemblocksberg germany and had a time riding that bike..@ 195kph,on autobahn,its terible stabled run nd speed
We need an update for this video now you have the Classic 350. 🤔
Is it still the best bike you have ridden ?
I had an RT1250 and on touring days/weeks I found it not very comfortable at all.
Hi, I find it more comfortable than my Honda ST1100 on long trips. It's all down to the individual I guess. Ride safe, Dave
hallo , wath abouth oil en full contsumption ?
Hi, not sure what the MPG was, but it did about 250 miles before getting to reserve tank. It hasn't used much oil at all, I change the oil on all my bikes every 3000 miles so didnt really have to fill it between. Ride safe
The cront isnt paralever its telelever. Rear is paralever
Cruise control?
Hi, not sure if you mean does it have cruise control?
No it hasn't got it. To be honest even if it did I would never use it. I prefer to have manual control rather than electronic gadgets doing it for me.
Ride safe, Dave
I found one just like your but ABS is not working. Would like to remove it honestly but not sure. Rest of bike is lovely.
Hi, my ABS is ok for now, I have thought about removing it but not sure how it would impact the insurance cover if I did.
With it working the brakes are very grabby at low speeds
I had one . I hated it. I gave nice German names to certain functions or disfunctions. der shiftenclunkin der clutchengrabben and the side stand....der bikenfloppen ! Not to mention remote steering and the invisible buffalo the climbs on the front at slow speeds.
Hoeveel kun op volle tank rijden aan km
Het is ongeveer 330 km, rij veilig, Dave
@@thatblokeonamotorbike bedankt
If you were to critisize a control, the servo (Wizzy) brakes are crap and over sensitive. They give a bad feel because they are a bit grabby with that servo power unit being overly aggressive.
Hi I agree that the brakes are grabby and over powerful at low speed. They come into their own at higher speeds when you need to scrub speed.
There is a danger though that if the servo fails you have minimal braking.
I wish they had left it with conventional breaks.
Lots of people take the servo out but this can invalidate your insurance depending on the company.
Ride safe, Dave
My 1200RT had the power brakes, buzzing and grabbing, they were pretty bad and just not needed, I have no idea why BMW fitted them, they were dropped later on.
Hey, Honda didn’t create motorcycles, so their method of turn signal control is not the law of motorcycling. Honda practiced the rule of cheap controls. BMW human factored the controls and shaped them properly. Sorry you were raised on cheap junk bikes and have made yourself an expert on cheap bikes. The BMW and Harley turn signal controls were the best idea and method we ever had in biking. Shame all the Jap trained bikers made such a noise that they changed it to cheap Japanese style control.
Hi, I have ridden many bikes in the 48 years I have been on 2 wheels, never had a break from bikes and ridden in all weather conditions. I have ridden for a living when the option of not going out in snow and ice, driving rain and wind was just not an option. All bikes from all manufacturers have their good and not so good points. They all take development from each other, some have gone on to produce bikes to this day, Others have not.
Its not just BMW and Harley that came up with innovation. The first ever bike to have a swing arm suspension with spring damping was Royal Enfield, at a time others still have ridged rear ends and springs on the saddle to stop the rider suffering.
I had one of the first BMW R65’s then traded it in for a BMW R80RT. It was the original twins shock model, I bought it on the first day it was released. I had that bike for 20 years and rode 270K miles on it.
After that it was back to Honda with the ST1100. I used that as a bike whilst couriering and covered 122,000 miles, yes 122K, in 10 months.
My training school ran from 2003 to about 3 years ago and trained hundreds of riders. I had bikes on the fleet from many manufacturers, whoever made the best bike for the job it had to do, and yes that included Chinese mopeds that didn’t give me any issues at all in the 6 years I ran them.
Other bikes have come and gone, now in my collection I have another ST1100, BMW R1150RT and Royal Enfield Classic 350. Some have criticised the Classic 350 as being a crap bike, invariably they have not ridden one!
So, I was not brought up on “cheap junk bikes” I buy a bike if it does the job I want it to do, I don’t care who makes it or the badge on it. I get a bike to ride, not look at.
Everyone buys a bike for different reasons and like different things. THAT is what make biking the fantastic lifestyle it is.
Ride safe, Dave
@@thatblokeonamotorbike I stopped counting after 35 bikes. Been on two wheels since 1972. Currently have 4 bikes in the garage. Looking for number 5 and 6. Dont know how many miles but ive ridden in 48 of the 50 states, including Hawaii. As an engineer and a biker, i find BMW to be the leading innovator and motorcycling improver. Honda is still the copy company. Innovation is not in the psyche of the Japanese for some reason. I think BMW, Ducati, Triumph are the best brands to buy from. They push the envelope of design, reliability and human factoring in their designs. I find that BMW caving to moto-journalists negative press reports on the turn signal switching to be disappointing. Pushing BMW to be like Japanese designs is a bad idea.
WHen Honda bike development is discussed and promoted it is for a misguided purpose. Show me how the NR500 has improved biking? Show me how Honda refined the Turbo motorcycle engine and its place in todays bikes? Japanese bikes fill motorcycle junk yards. I guess we can say that Japanese bikes have been good for the dirtbike development, racing development, inexpensive ownership. However, ever since i purchased my first BMW (1976 R90/6) i can say that all Japanese bikes have been placed in the back seat, except for dirt bikes and my race bikes have moved to Ducati’s.
The only Honda I consider innovative and a positive influence would be the CX line of bikes Honda made. The CX650t was the hi point of the design and placed significant usable tech features for the first time in a truly forward thinking bike. Its a shame Honda misread / failed to market it properly. It was truly and awesome motorcycle, even with its flaws. Giving up on it was a mistake, it just needed to be refined and properly marketed.
@@mybikegarage1040 I agree that BMW are good bikes. My view is that like most manufacturers they are trying to come up with the latest gadget to put on the bike. Why do we need traction control, ABS, different riding modes….. we don’t. We have them on EVERY bike, it’s called the rider, assessing and riding according to conditions. It only adds to cost and complexity.
Here in the UK BMW have taken the stance of the elitist, they have showrooms built like their car brand. I used to walk round BMW dealers and look at the bikes, chat with salespeople and enjoy the interaction. Now it feels like unless you are about to part with lots of cash you’re not that welcome. Service and repair costs are through the roof as well, not everyone can or wants to service their own bike so this is a limiting factor.
I suppose that if Japanese bikes have been made relatively inexpensive, they open the door for more people to ride, and that can only be a good thing.
Back in the 80’s there was a cartoon in Bike magazine called Ogry. I had a T-shirt that said … an old nail is better than no bike at all….. to me 2 wheels beat a car any day.
Naw, turns out it was the cheapo tires. Put some new Dunlops on her and she rode much better.
Nice bike ! Cut your fingernails !