almost strayed

[WayneDW]

Noticed a local BMW dealer had a R1150RT in my price range (after trade in).  Went and took it for test ride.
Here's what I liked:
The adjustable windshield.  The room behind the fairing for my knees. The fact that it didn't dump heat onto my legs.

Here's what I didn't like:
The color.  The clunky transmission.  The drive train lash.  The less-nimbleness.  The vibration.  The fact that rolling on the throttle brought rattling and growling before it brought any speed.

After turning in the keys and thanking the salesman for the opportunity I noticed the nimbleness, speed, smoothness and quiet of my ride home.   I now have a new appreciation for my K75RT.



Now it may be I had a bad example of the R1150 which is why it was priced so low.  But overall, I was not impressed.

[johnny]

i would rather push a motobrick than ride a motoboxer...

j o

[Elipten]

Second that

[F14CRAZY]

I had an R1100RTP loaner for a few hours while my K was getting a valve adjustment. But yeah, the vibration would keep me from ever going for an R (except maybe a GS someday for off reading)

[Bokobob]

I was considering a R1100R a few weeks ago and didn't ride it as I did not have cash in hand, but decided to keep looking elsewhere and meanwhile am enjoying my "five footer" K75 with a new awarenss of its excellence...

[pdg]

Here's what I didn't like:
The color.  The clunky transmission.  The drive train lash.  The less-nimbleness.  The vibration.  The fact that rolling on the throttle brought rattling and growling before it brought any speed.

The colour isn't really the bike's fault ;)

The transmission is essentially the same as on the K, if it's more clunky and backlashy then it's worn or broken...

Less nimble? Well, it is bigger.

Vibration is going to happen, in fact the K is unusual with it's lack of vibration...

The 1150 should pick up quite quickly - see drivetrain.


Overall, it's a different machine. A good one can be good, but even then it's maybe bad for you. I still want an airhead boxer, but not a standard one...

[Chaos]

That color is puke.  Hence the bike is also puke. 

[WayneDW]

PDG:  good points...
The colour isn't really the bike's fault ;)
   but if it were red I would have tried a lot harder to ignore the problems

The transmission is essentially the same as on the K, if it's more clunky and backlashy then it's worn or broken...
   probably so, the salesman was very surprised when I mentioned clunks

Less nimble? Well, it is bigger.
   yep

Vibration is going to happen, in fact the K is unusual with it's lack of vibration...
     true enough

The 1150 should pick up quite quickly - see drivetrain.
     Yes, I think this one was probably "run hard and put away wet" which is why the price is so low


Overall, it's a different machine. A good one can be good, but even then it's maybe bad for you. I still want an airhead boxer, but not a standard one...
    With all the R bike aficionados I have to assume that this R was not representative of most.  The test drive yesterday was the first time I ever rode one.  Will look forward to another chance to try another

[pdg]

I've not actually ridden an oilhead like that one, but a friend (the one I bought my 75 off) recently had an unplanned trip under a car on one and up to that point said he liked it  :hehehe

But, he's said he's going K again now, a K13 admittedly, but still - read into that what you will...

[ackgs]

Be glad you didn't stray. I just got rid of a '99 R1100 GS and the transmission was clunky or tractor like if you will. Actually I have driven a tractor and tractor was better. The other Rs I have ridden, all about the same vintage, have all shifted in a similar manner. My K was non running when I got it and I had never been on a K before. When I got it going I was very surprised at how smooth the K was. The R engines make stupid noises too. Once I get this one sorted out I may look for another.