World's most loved R1150GS ?

[Euro2018]

While visiting bike friendly Melbourne (the only Australian capital city to allow motorcycle parking on the footpath) I came across this BMW R1150GS ?

I suspect the owner is a trans-continental bike courier or he just loves riding his bike.

It's clocked up over 280,000km and the owner has worn through the handgrips.
Full marks, champ !

[AllanB]

It's bloody easy to replace a pair of hand grips. Is wearing them out some wanky rite of passage for long distance riders?

[Voltaire]

It's bloody easy to replace a pair of hand grips. Is wearing them out some wanky rite of passage for long distance riders?

must be like having a complex valve closer that hasn't been needed since Honda did over 10 000 revs about 50 years ago

[sidecar bob]

It has a dry clutch, one that doesn't sound like it's totally rooted even when it's brand new too!

[pritch]

When the GS series first came out it seemed to me to be the ideal bike for Oz. Not to Australians though, sprotbikes seem to rule with Harleys making a move in recent years.

A while back when in Sydney I saw a then current GS parked and was admiring it, thinking at least one Aussie has caught on. When the rider returned he was a South African, the bike was a rental. Ah well...

[rastuscat]

The 1150GS is the last Bimmer to not have a Canbus electrical system. As as a result it's easier to look after yourself than the later models.

I had a 1999 1150GS for maybe a year and a half. I sold it a few years back, and I've missed it since. It's a real hooligan bike, especially with Ohlins fitted.

[Euro2018]

I had a 1999 1150GS for maybe a year and a half. I sold it a few years back, and I've missed it since. It's a real hooligan bike, especially with Ohlins fitted.

I'm keen on an R1100R 1995 to replace my 1994 F650. Won't be going off road, except perhaps a gravel road. More interested in long distance than carving up corners.
What would your thoughts be on the R1100R ?

[rastuscat]

It's all about servicing. If it's got a good service history, it'll be a strong bike.

I'm a bit keen on the toys the new ones come with. I like RTs. I see the R1100R as a bit of a let down.

I could easily be talked into a tidy R1100RS. There are some beautiful ones of those around. I'm especially keen on the grey and yellow one.

[awayatc]

Got a low mileage r1150 r ....panniers etc.
Price was right.
Bike handles and behaves impeccable.
But is a bit cramped for tallish people.
Wind protection non existent , and it somehow burns a bit more oil then any other bike I ever owned.

[Scubbo]

Rad --- almost as much as some of the honda cubs in vietnam

[BMWST?]

Got a low mileage r1150 r ....panniers etc.
Price was right.
Bike handles and behaves impeccable.
But is a bit cramped for tallish people.
Wind protection non existent , and it somehow burns a bit more oil then any other bike I ever owned.

i think this will happen if they never get a thrashing in early life

[AllanB]

i think this will happen if they never get a thrashing in early life

I agree. Those big twins tend to get lugged around too early in their life. Let them spin.

[rastuscat]

I agree. Those big twins tend to get lugged around too early in their life. Let them spin.

I had a lecture from my mechanic a few months back. For being to gentle with the RT.

He had me traverse the motorway at 100 in second gear. 6750 revs. Bike loved it.

[FlangMasterJ]

It's bloody easy to replace a pair of hand grips. Is wearing them out some wanky rite of passage for long distance riders?

Well I'd assume that it now fits his hand perfectly.