BMW R 1150 RS reviews

Here are the results after 17,000 miles. The R1150RS has done very well after many hard miles of riding year around, touring, two-up, commuting, and scratching with sport-bikes. I've added a Corbin seat, Baily's windscreen and R259 chip. It takes a while to break in the rock hard BMW components, so don't pass judgment on transmission and 'surging' until at least 6K miles! In short, I've had no problems. This machine is as reliable as and Japanese machines I've had and I've had 4. This is an exceptional bike for all around use - including long distance touring. If pressed, it will carve a seriously fast pace in the twisty Carolina mountain roads - and leave you comfortable enough for more at days end. The R-RS is legendary amongst serious riders for a reason, as its STILL the most balanced sport-tourer of the line-up, and one of the best in the market. Several new bikes are more powerful- but the low weight (560 lbs wet) and fantastic torque curve allows it to easily keep up with all other bikes in its class in real road conditions. If you want a do-it-all sports-tourer its hard to do better then the R1150RS! Add the stone-solid reliability and great dealership support - and this bike is worth every cent. I've had many Japanese and American bikes - I'll stick with German for the next many years - thank you. Show less

This bike can do just about anything really, really well (except for off-road, of course). I've been looking at the BMW line of sport tourers for about a year...I've test driven every one, and last month I finally got to test drive the R1150RS. Some substantial improvements were made over the R1100RS...bigger engine (obviously) and an extra 6th economy gear. The riding position is extremely comfortable...and the passenger portion is ample (no fat girlfriend jokes please!) The ride is flawless: great pull in all gears, nice low center of gravity for great maneuverability on the sweepers in the Texas hill country...an adjustable windscreen for cranking up the glass for long haul highway drives, an adjustable seat to hunker down or stretch out, heated handgrips (yes it does get chilly in TX in the winter), electrical sockets for GPS, heated clothing, adjustable suspension for sport, and 1/2-up,...the list goes on and on. In case you were wondering, I bought the bike I test drove...Going for a ride after the Thanksgiving meal today! If you see this bike at your dealer do yourself a favor and give it a test drive...You really won't be sorry. (previous motorcycles: Katana, H.D. Road King, Vulcan, Maxim) Show less

I have a 2002 BMW R1150 RS. I've owned 5 other BMW's across their product line. In my opinion, this is the best BMW made if you are looking for an all-round bike. It can tour with great comfort and can handle the twisties nearly as well as their "S" model. I don't care much for the rubber mounted handle bars. If the bike only vibrated as much as the S without them I would opt for no rubber mounts. The windshield makes a lot of wind noise. I'm looking for a "smaller" screen. I don't mind wind that is not turbulent. I've cured the surging problem by adding a chip. Add a snorkel and a Remus and you will be surprized at the power. Overall a terrific bike. My favorite ever!! Show less

Traded in my F650GS for the r1150rs and have been very pleased. The bike is much smoother and has far better wind protection. I did not like the BMW turn signal swithes at first but now find them very easy and intuitive to use. With the system cases and a tank bag one can carry lots of stuff. I have not had much surging at all, less than my F650. I got a good deal and BMW has excellent financing and the best warranty. Show less

This is an update to the 1/23 review. The 2002 R1150RS continues to impress. After 3500 miles the bike is starting to 'break-in'. Slight surging detectable at slow speeds in 1st & 2nd - not bad - but there. Trans was very notchy at first- but smoothing out nicely - likes to be shifted without clutch. Take the bags off - and it has serious sporting prowess - brakes are so good - its fun to stop! Suspension is real nice - even when coming off a jump! (yes I've had the bike in the air a couple of times - so stable its easy). Windscreen creates a fair amount of wind-noise - but nothing earplugs won't cure. Easily cruises at 90mph - striding along at 4500 rpm. In summary, put on a top-box (GIVI) and you have a small GoldWing that handles - take the bags off - you have a bike easily able to do reckless speeds on public roads. (put on a Corbin Seat and your ready for trans-continental blasting). Only bike out there that makes me flinch is the FJR1300.......... Show less

We knew that BMW would do it , we just didn't know when ! The new 1150 motor and the 6 speed with overdrive made a great bike even better.Lots of media saying its the same old bike with the new power train. Thats not completly accurate, but if it were, so what. This bike is quick enough, handles well , and is a great touring bike.Here in the pacific northwest we don't get in a lot of riding this time of year, so my mileage is low. What I don't like is the surging that everyone complains about, it's there but my dealer says they can all but eliminate it at the 600 mile checkup. That is the only complaint I have. The comfort of the bike with the adjustable seat, not to mention the adjustable windscreen is good.This is my third BMW, and the best one yet. Show less

2002 BMW R1150RS. A do it all bike, that has enough sporting prowess to keep up with bike that rather you didn't. All day riding comfort for two. I just purchased one of these with the system cases for $14,800. There are deals out there. I haven't logged too many miles, but so far I can say that the heated grips work well and the new windscreen is very nice at keeping wind off the chest. The brakes are so good they could be dangerous - especially if you just got off a Harley (I'm selling my H-D).... The new motor has significant grunt in the mid-range - and gas mileage is impressive - even new I'm getting over 43 mpg. I've been looking for this bike for years - a bike that can go two-up comfortably, scratch through the twisties when I want - and carry enough stuff to be happy at the day's end. This bike can do it all - and does it with a ride that is amazingly smooth, quiet and refined. All it took was a test ride to convince me - give it a try - this old design still has some serious appeal. One note: the American version of the 1150RS has NO LOWER FAIRING. ABS is standard. Only about 500 will be brought to the U.S. for 2002, so get in line now. (previous bikes: Vulcan 750, V-Max, 996 Superhawk, Harley 96ci Custom). Show less