“Love to ride it. The ABS took a while to get used to from the old R100RT. Its a bit top heavy at times, and if going very slow, ie walking pace, use rear brake to stop. The electric tilt windscreen needed attention at purchase, and a relay cured it. Brakes/tyres are easy to do thanks to the centre stand, and oil changes, tho infrequent, are easy too. Holds loads of gear and carries it well. Starts well in cold temps, and restart hot is fine. There are Hella power sockets for electric suits that are standard, and has wiring for an AM/FM if you wish. Overall, an excellent touring bike wheather solo or tandem. You can go long distances before a rest stop, and the adjustable screen allows ventilation and keeps the inclement weather bearable. Mine is a 2001 model, and its great.”
“These 1150 "noughties" oilhead engines are famously reliable, often doing more than 100k miles before any attention is required. I've got two at the moment, and I'm happy to point either of these middle-aged bikes at a 3000 mile continental trip without worries. The RT is exceptionally comfortable, and has great weather protection with it's fairing, electrically adjustable screen and heated grips. Not Hayabusa-fast, but it'll trundle all day at 80, two up with 3 weeks of luggage. If you step on to this from something more modern it'll feel a bit gutless though.
All that protection from the elements comes at a cost, weight. It's 40kg heavier than my R1150 GS, which is no lightweight itself. That's like permanently carrying that 3 weeks of luggage BEFORE you load it. This is no problem on the move, it's solid as a rock at speed but manoeuvring with a pillion can have it's tippy moments. Setting the seat at it's lowest will give you more chance of saving it but once it's going, it's going.
The ABS system on some of these 1150's will actually leave you with NO brakes if it fails, which is why it has been professionally removed on many of them. If it still has ABS and it's functioning well though, that's not necessarily going to be an issue at this stage.
In summary, these old 1150's have a cult following for a reason. The design and build quality make them a really cost-effective long distance tool, and hold their value well. I know of one long-distance M4 commuter who gets through one a year, as they're almost depreciation-free, ultra-reliable and easy to service at home.”
“The bad points. Agricultural gearbox that clunks up and down the changes. Low speed / rev engine surging. ABS / Servo black box failed so had it removed and haven't noticed any difference to braking efficiency. Battery a nightmare to get to. The good points. Great long distance tourer that can be ridden at speed all day without any wrist, knee or butt ache. Excellent protection from the elements thanks to wrap around fairing, adjustable screen and heated grips. Large fuel tank capacity gives good range between fill ups.”
“Pros: Very comfortable bike, steering geometry and turn-in is surprisingly quick which makes this bike quite nimble through the twisties. Carries masses of luggage and still pulls well two-up fully laden. Lots of space under the seat for bits and bobs (Autocom etc). 2 power sockets are great on long trips, supplying power for phone charging and a trailing lead for tent light. Brakes, if well serviced are really very, very good. Riding position is good to very good. I am tall in the body so I look over the screen even when it's fully up but am able to sit in a protected bubble. I usually get 50 mpg on a long run, obviously less if I'm hammering it fully loaded. Oil and filter changes are simple, balancing the throttle bodies requires a degree in advanced physics !
Cons: Noisy when starting up, sounds a bit like a tractor. Engine could do with another 20bhp for high speed cruising. Annoying flat-spot (hunting) at low revs especially annoying in traffic. I have fitted an electric device to counteract this, but BMW should never let it on the market with that fault. (not present in the twin-spark models) Headlight is poor, I usually ride with the fog lights on at night to supplement the poor headlight.
Overall, it's a great characterful bike that handles far better than a big tourer should.”
“The BMW R1150RT although a very heavy bike is an absolute dream for those long trips from London up to Scotland and I try and go at least twice a year. Ive always loved my car (BMW 530D Estate) but since buying my bike I would rather ride that in any weathers. Not ideal for smaller guys/girls because of the weight and height but you can always buy a lowers seat without compromising on the comfort. Electric windscreen makes it a joy over 70mph and reduces the noise so you can still hear the stereo or ipod. In all a pleasure to ride and so dependable. Wish I had bought mine years before I did.”
