R1150RT

[MOVFR]

I am considering trading my VFR800 for a new-to-me bike, a 2004 R1150RT in this case. I have only general knowledge of these bikes and can use any and all input that current owners might be able to share. Specifically I am interested in wind/weather protection and seating position. I am 6'3" and my VFR is too cramped for my legs, I hate the stock seat and the Sargent seat that replaced the stock seat and I dislike the weight on my hands.
I sat on a V-Strom 1000 a few days ago and those ergos felt PERFECT. I would also like almost complete weather protection for extended winter touring.

So ...

How is the seating position?

How complete is the weather protection?

How is the handling?

How is the stock seat? How is the replacement sargent seat?

What kind of fuel mileage can I expect to get?

How many miles are tires generally good for?

Is there enough alternator output for a full set of heated gear, extra lights, heated grips and a GPS?

Are you tired of my questions yet?  

Thank you for your time, it is MUCH appreciated, since there is nothing like 1st hand experience!!

[vitaminC]

Most BMW dealers will allow you take a test ride, so if there's one in your area that's your best bet!

While I've not owned one of these...

How is the handling?

Depends on the rider, but I think they can be fairly agile considering the overall mass. USA MEDIC was able to make his haul a$$.

Is there enough alternator output for a full set of heated gear, extra lights, heated grips and a GPS?

Of course- it's a BMW!  

Have fun shopping.

[Yankee Dog]

I am considering trading my VFR800 for a new-to-me bike, ...................

you will find the 1150 down on power.  However it has a three position adjustable seat so your long legs should find it to their liking.  It can carry a ton of stuff.  Some bike are said to suffer from surging.  Mine is a 02, supposely the worse for this but I dont have the problem.  The linked brakes are going to take some getting used to.  I hated them when I first got the bike.  Now I dont notice the difference.  

How is the seating position?

almost completely upright.  The only people I have head complain came off cruisers.  Coming from the VFR you will like them.  I came off a Triumph Trophy and I find them quite comfy.  

How complete is the weather protection?

excellent.  If you need more protection from the elements buy a car or maybe even a Wing.

How is the handling?

again excellent

How is the stock seat? How is the replacement sargent seat?

I bought mine used with a Sargeant.  I love it.  I have heard the stock seat is a torture device.  

What kind of fuel mileage can I expect to get?

I get around 40mpg

How many miles are tires generally good for?

really depends on tire and how you ride.  I have a set of Metz 880 and I think I might get 8-10k.

Is there enough alternator output for a full set of heated gear, extra lights, heated grips and a GPS?

I run two Gerbing jacket liners and 1 Gerbing heated gloves set.  No issues so far.  

Yankee Dog

[Mr. Average]

I own an 04 R1150RT and have put 25,000 miles on it.  It is perfect for what it was designed for...touring with gear and a passenger.  Some think motorcycles need more horsepower, but the RT will cruise at 90 all day long with gear and a passenger with no problem.  It has lots of torque and handles surprisingly well.  One of the best reviews I have read on the 1150 was in a british magazine called BIKE.  I don't remember which issue, but is was a comparison between four or five sport touring bikes and was well written with the flaws and assets of each bike well described.  Like with any bike, it depends on what you want to use it for.  I own mine for long distance and day trips with my wife on the back.  If I were going to own just one bike, not sure that would be the one however.  If you do a lot of two-up riding, it is hard to beat.  

[info]

I had an 04 RT and thought it was one of the nicest bikes I had ever ridden. I test rode the new 07 RT and didn't like it. The 04 RT was the perfect touring bike and one of the few bikes I've had that I actually miss.

[bikerfish1100]

have ridden my buddy's- he loves it, i'm not a great fan. but i really want the forward lean, and the RT doesn't allow it at all. i also prefer the lighter weight of my 11S. but- he gets over 50 mpg consistently, and if he rides it a near-legal speeds, he's pulled nearly 400 miles from a tank.
as said before- if used for it's intended purpose of eating mega-miles 2-up, while being able to run well in the twisties- it's a bike that is hard to beat.

[R1150RTMark]

How is the seating position?

I'm almost 6'3" - 34" inseam.  I invested in two adapters that have made the seating position perfect.  From Suburban-Machinery.com I bought their driver peg lowering adapter (1.5") and their handlebar riser spacers (1").  I keep my seat in the highest postion and I'm totally comfy.

How complete is the weather protection?

If you're moving, it's hard to get wet.  The standard windscreen is electrically-adjustable.  It does a good job of keeping cold winter weather off you (I ride down to about 30 degsF) and can be lowered with the touch of a button if you want cool fresh air directed at your upper torso.  The stream of air is especially clean with the windshield in its lowest position.

How is the handling?

Slightly cumbersome at ultra-low speed maneuvers, but not bad.  Very 'flickable' at anything over 10 mph.  If you really want to push the limits, I'd recommend removing the centerstand.  It can scrape if you encounter a dip mid-turn.  The rear shock pre-load is adjustable for sport/heavy load or comfort.  Mine is pretty much in the middle and frankly, my RT is the best riding and best handling vehicle we own.  The two cages can't compare (and the Mazda P5 handles pretty darn well)

How is the stock seat? How is the replacement sargent seat?

Most deride the stock seat but I have no problems with it.  I've no experience with any aftermarket seat on this bike.

What kind of fuel mileage can I expect to get?

I WAS getting 50 mpg - shifting like a granny (cruiser rider, actually).  Low rpm shift points.  3000-3500 cruising rpms.  Then I spoke with a BMW mechanic who told me the bikes like to rev.  He said if you shift higher and cruise higher, you'll encounter less mechanical hiccups down the road.  I think he mentioned shifting too low in the rpm band can be taxing on the clutch slave, and the bikes will do just about everything better - run, shift, etc. if you keep the revs up.  So now I delay my shifts a good bit more - probably between 5K and 6K and regularly cruise around 4K.  That's dropped my mpg down to low 40s.  But the bike really does seem happier.

How many miles are tires generally good for?

Couldn't tell you.  My RT is new to me, and the Metzeler Z6 Roadtecs on it only have about 3K miles on them.  They ARE excellent tires.  I can't praise them enough.

Is there enough alternator output for a full set of heated gear, extra lights, heated grips and a GPS?

I only have heated grips on mine - 'running' lights are standard and I have them on all the time.  Battery/electrical issues are non-existent for me.

Hope this helps!  

[Against The Wind]

BMW alternator output has been one of their strong points as well as their load ratings. They carry a lot of weight well. That bike is an outstanding mileage eater. My buddy just bought a used one and put 14,000 kms on it in 3 weeks and had a grin on his face the whole time.

[bikerfish1100]

yeah, my buddy bought his '02 on a Saturday in Atlanta, and had the 600 (+) mile service done in Phoenix on Tuesday- 3 days later. he was back a week later for the 6,000 mile check up.

[K100David]

Ride before you buy.  The RT is a great bike but like all new bikes it takes a "little getting used to".
I will probably never own anything else but that is not to say they are perfect in every respect.  They appear to be geared high and 80 and above is what they do best. At 100 you hardly know you are on a motorcycle and it feels as if you are running 50.  The fairing is the best in the business and cuts all wind noise. The transmission is clunky but very strong . You have to give it a little gas to get it to move.       My "K" has an abundance of power at all speeds and the motor and transmission is much smoother but it is not as comfortable and does not handle as well as the RT.  I'm not real crazy about the seat. The Corbin Seat I have on the "K" is like sitting on the recliner and the RT's seat seems to tilt forward a bit.  I have to adjust the boys to keep from sitting on them but it is just one of those things. Over all The RT is the best mortorcycle I've ever owned.

[atypical1]

I used to own an '04 R1150RT. I am 6'2" and 220lbs. Here are some of my notes:

1. The seating position was very comfortable for me. Perfect for long distances.
2. I found the seat comfortable but I might be the sole person in the world who thought that.
3. The weather protection is perfect for cooler areas. The reason I sold the bike was because the weather protection was simply too good for me. I am quite a glutton for punishment but I like having the wind on me. The RT does an amazing job of keeping you out of the elements.
4. Handling was great. It is not a sport bike and I believe the bike to be more on the sport TOURING end of the spectrum.
5. I had only one trouble with the bike and that was the CPU that had to be replaced under warranty (my local BMW dealer is great). If the bike is broken in well then it should not burn oil at all.
6. My wife and I did a lot of two-up riding on her and she was fantastic (neither of us is small).
7. Power is adequate. Not earth shattering but not yugo slow either. I like the feel of the twin (I own two twins now).

I really loved the bike and am now looking for a BMW to add to my stable (as soon as we buy our house...gotta sneak it into the garage).