BMW R1150GS (1999 - 2005) Review

My GS is non-ABS but the brakes are very strong and controllable, even in the wet, which is probably attributable to the excellent suspension geometry as much as the Brembo brakes. Comfort is excellent, allowing long stints between breaks.

Not the most horses from an 1150 engine but so what! It pulls like a train from low revs and continues through the rev-range, although there is no need to take it to even near the limit as short-shifting is the way to 'make good progress' as our boys in blue would say.

Great quality. Yes, there are one or two areas where corrosion will appear if not kept in check but then I've not seen another brand that's any different in that respect. It has never broken down but I was aware that the original camchain tensioner was weak and if left unchanged it could result in expensive damage. So, a bit of work but not a lot of cash and the left cylinder no longer rattles at startup with the modified tensioner installed!

As an old fart now, my insurance is favourable, so my biggest outlay is road tax and rear tyres!

As standard, I found the original exhaust a bit too quiet! As an oldie, I'm well past needing to anger the neighbours with a raucous exhaust but I did want to hear a wee bit more of what the engine was telling me. So, I now have a Black Widow system which has not only a crisp (but legal) sound but the bike is now many kilos lighter, having dispensed with the catalytic converter. Tyres are Metzeler Tourance and seem to work well with the rest of the bike.

I enjoy riding solo best, but 2 up touring has plenty of space and the ride is great if you up the rear preload accordingly. I ride up to 190 miles between stops for fuel and take a comfort break. When out with friends, it is usually them that makes the "I need a stretch break" calls.

I am used to more powerful bikes but on the GS I never feel that I should wind up the revs in lower gears. There is plenty of torque so I use that to enjoy sweeping lanes. The only weird bit is the choke ... on a fuel injected bike?... To say that BMW do their own thing is an understatement sometimes.

BMW quality but the alloy castings can corrode if you don't use ACF50 regularly. It has never failed me or the previous owner but be aware of the ABS valve springs wearing out, this could prove expensive at a BMW dealer. Mine is none ABS. Always buy genuine BMW parts if you can. They fit first time and tend to be very cost effective in the long run.

Use the very best oil. Change it more often than dealer visits, if you can do some yourself. They (or a BMW specialist) might find something you missed. Rear tyre tends to flatten off before it wears out if you do lots of touring.

It is basically a naked bike with a decent screen. The BMW panniers do not take my Schuberth flip front helmet so it is a bit inconvenient having to carry it into the office. I need to hint to the wife that a rack and top box are in order for my birthday. With hand guards and heated grips, regular usage for about 9 months of the year my commute is quite comfortable.

Quite a heavy bike but the brakes are up to the task. Very little dive due to the design of the front forks. I rarely travel more than a couple of hours between cups of tea. My wife has not taken the pillion on this BMW but others do say that there is plenty of space and good cushioning

For some reason the bike always takes 2 presses of the starter from cold. It has a choke which is unusual for fuel injection. I prefer to keep the revs low and use the plentiful torque. It seems to run better on super unleaded.

Nothing falls off and outside of servicing my costs are minimal. Slight signs of corrosion on the edges of some magnesium parts but ACF50 should stop that from now on. Booking into the local BMW service department is sometimes a lengthy process BMWs success means 3 - 4 weeks wait.

Heated grips is a must. Don't put knobblies on unless you are going to use a lot of rough track riding, road biased ones are much smoother and better grip.

The seat is a bit harsh ( bad back) but a air hawk helps a lot. Wind blast is noticeable in a head wind but working on that. Brakes are soft on the front and harsh on the rear. Steel brake lines on order.

I’ve been told that it’s slow and heavy. To be honest I don’t care. It gets me to 70 easy. Keeps the speed easy and overtakes are simple. Twist and go.

Be aware of the engine paint but aftermarket items do help. Spoke wheels need TLC every few months, and keep a eye on the welding joints. Like most older bikes keep on top of the cleaning. Totally reliable and easy to work on.

Most jobs are done at home but once a year I will take it to Barrie Robson in York. Excellent service.

Top box and panniers. What more do you need.

If it needs filling up, time for a break 180 - 200 miles? I commute 70 miles round trip so no chance for aches and pains to develop

If plugs, TB balance, valve clearances or fuel system cleaning required, fuel consumption and vibration might be noticeable. Do this at least every 6000 miles and the problem doesn't materialise. Use the correct oil and keep it at the right level. Some riders get over 100,000 miles without major repairs

After 20 years of use there is a tiny bit of paint flaking on the cylinders. ACF50 keeps this at bay. Otherwise everything looks like a 3 year old.

Most jobs can be done by an experienced bike DIYer

For me panniers are a must. Depending on your height, you might get better wind protection from a higher screen. Add heated grips if yours doesn't have them. Standard panniers will not take my helmet so I needed a top case.

All round brilliance, great handling and performance. No, it’s not a sports bike, but it does everything really well.

Total reliability, could use a few more hp, but all you need for most occasions.

Seems to be bombproof.

Do my own servicing, only needed consumables.

Best road holding in the wet of any bike I’ve ever had, Metzeler Tourance tyres are great. Seat is a bit hard, and even on “low” setting is a bit on the high side, I’m average height.

I can only afford one bike. I have had a couple of FJRs and Pans but the ergos with the GS beats them all. I really love the seating position. I can ride 7-800km/day and when I wake up the next morning I want to get right up an ride again.

The quality is great. When you are in the saddle with heavy rain, you're freezing, it's getting dark, I look down on the tank and see the BMW-emblem. It's a good feeling...

It's expensive to buy but cheap to own.

I love the boxer, but I miss about 30-40 horsepower for it to be perfect, to be honest. I think that's why I've tried the FJRs a couple of times. But after some months I long for the big GS again....