R1150R touring

[VanIslandMan]

Hi, looking at taking an R1150R on a tour to Alaska. Anyone make that or similar trip? I understand the roads can be "under repair" quite a lot. Should I bring a tire repair kit and learn to fix a tire? Also, I am upgrading from an R65, does anyone find the R1150R center of gravity to be high? Can you recommend a windshield? I find the footpegs are set back further than on the R65, making the seating position more leaned forward. How does this feel after 6-8 hours? So many questions!

Thanks for your comments, concerns,

Steve

Vancouver Island

[Morrie]

Steve,

 

I have an R1150R which I have managed to turn into a pretty darn good touring bike. The biggest improvement was an Aeroflow touring fairing and the accompanying tank wings which divert the dirty air from behind the shield and virtually eliminate buffeting. I have owned two RTs, and the R as set up offers as good or better weather protection. I wish it carried one more gallon of fuel. I find I can get about 165-180 miles before the light comes on indicating that I have 1.5 gallons left. The R does not feel nearly as top heavy as the RT to me.

 

You have identified the real shortcoming in the way the pegs are positioned. I originally had a peg lowering kit but removed it because they were dragging all the time and I was getting gun shy about leaning. I understand that it's possible to fit GS pegs and shift/brake levers to the R which moves them forward. I haven't seen this done but am very interested in it. Yesterday, in fact, I bought an Airhawk air seat which will get me about an inch higher above the Sargent seat I have on it currently. I haven't had a chance yet to make a lengthy ride to see what difference this makes. I'm not sure if Elf pegs are made for the twin spark but that might be another good addition if possible.

 

In summary, I think the R that I have is a very adequate sport touring bike. It will carry as much as an RT and is about 100 pounds lighter, which really appeals to me. This bike has taken me over much of California and North Carolina and performed quite well in that role. It wouldn't be too difficult to strap on a couple of half-gallon containers to extend the range if that was really needed. I saw a Goldwing rider do it the other day.

 

[VanIslandMan]

Morrie, thanks for the info. The additional gas is a consideration, as gas stations might be few on the Alaskan highway. Got to check that out. Ever drop your R1150R? Hard to get back up? Do you find the center of gravity higher than other similar bikes?

Thanks again,

Steve

[Morrie]

Ever drop your R1150R? Hard to get back up? Do you find the center of gravity higher than other similar bikes?

Thanks again,

Steve

 

Steve,

 

It definitely feels like it has a lower center of gravity than my previous RTs. One big reason I bought it was because at the time it was the lightest Beemer I could get. I lived in a motorhome for six years and trailered my car and bike behind. The R was so much lighter than the RTs that it was far easier for me to get in and out of the trailer by myself.

 

One time I put the side stand down and leaned it over in a Florida parking lot. What looked like solid ground was just soft sand. The stand didn't even slow the bike down and it ended on its side. No harm done and I was able to lift it. It's easier if you remove the bags first.

 

 

 

[awagnon]

Steve,

 

Check on the R1150R website, http://www.r1150r.net/ , and I'm sure you will get all the advice you want. Many have used the 1150R as a touring bike. I just wish I still had mine.

[moshe_levy]

The R1150R is a fine touring machine. My wife rode hers across the country on our month-long tour in 2007 - see http://www.mklsportster.com/Articles/bmwmoautah.pdf for BMW-ON story about the trip with pix.

 

As suggested, an Aeroflow windshield is necessary for real long distance touring, along with some cases obviously, but otherwise it is a treat to ride, with a far lower center of gravity vs. the RT. The bike is an absolute pleasure. Here it is in the Badlands, as equipped for touring with the cases, Givi 52L topcase, and Aeroflow. A gigantic waterproof camping bag from Cabella's is strapped to the seat to hold a month's worth of clothes, etc.

 

 

-MKL

[peterbulgar]

Hi Steve,

My '04 R1150RA has 84k miles on it and that includes two trips from San Francisco to AK and back - three if you count a trip several years ago through beautiful BC to Hyder, AK. I have the tall seat, which gives my old knees a little more room. I have the BMW touring windscreen, which does an adequate job of keeping the weather at bay with the downside of some buffeting noise. The bike sank into soft gravel outside of Sally's cafe (near Watson Lake where the Cassiar Highway joins the Alcan). I was able to get it upright by putting my back to the bike and pushing and lifting with my legs. I find the seating position to be comfortable enough, but then that depends a lot on your size, arm length, etc.

 

The BMW sport screen uses the same mounts as the touring screen, and I also have a CEE Bailey sport screen (more square at the top vs. the BMW pointy sport screen) that I use for warm weather touring. Last summer it rained only part of two days. The previous AK trip it rained every day but one north of the US border.

 

With BMW side cases (lowered muffler so I can use the fullsize RT left case) and a BMW tankbag, plus a small duffle, there is plenty of room for luggage. In fact on the trip to Hyder I had my son as passenger.

 

We didn't ride any dirt/gravel roads (Top of the World, Prudhoe Bay, Dawson City, , but with all the construction areas plus the Cassiar Highway, I can say that the R handles bad roads fairly well. Just don't expect to average 65 mph everywhere you ride.

 

Last year there were four riders on the AK trip - two R1200RTs, an R1200GS Adventure, and my R1150R. We all had electric pumps and tire repair kits and didn't need them. I wouldn't take a trip without a repair kit.

 

What is your planned route? Last year we rode up Vancouver Island to Port Hardy and took a ferry to Prince Rupert, then the Cassiar to Watson Lake, then left into AK.

peter '75 R75/5, '04 R1150RA