BMW R1150R (2001 - 2006) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £190
Power: 76 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.5 in / 800 mm)
Weight: Medium (481 lbs / 218 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The BMW R1150R is an honest-to-goodness Boxer twin that will provide years of faithful commuting service while not exactly setting pulses racing. Once you’ve overcome the idiosyncratic indicator switchgear arrangement (one per bar, plus another to cancel), the lumpy motor and poor gearbox, it’s actually quite endearing.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The BMW R1150R is comfortable for shorter journeys, but without a screen (available as an official aftermarket item) speeds over 85mph are a chore. It handles well and once you’ve built up confidence in the Telelever front end it can be thrown about quite briskly. Vibration through the bars can be intrusive on longer, higher speed journeys.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The R1150R's tried and tested BMW air/oil cooled motor isn’t exactly over-generous with either revs or power, but it is very torquey and flexible enough to make either genteel touring or cross-town commuting a pleasure. The gearbox is somewhat agricultural and lacking in positivity. You’ll need to keep an eye on oil consumption, too.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

BMWs enjoy a reputation for high reliability, which is well deserved. The simple engine alloyed to a practical shaft drive makes six-digit mileages a reality. The finish on the BMW R1150R's  ‘fork’ legs and engine cases is poor, however.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Although the R1150R was expensive new the great news is that BMWs hold their values much better than comparable motorcycles from other manufacturers, almost regardless of mileage. Avoid anything without a full dealer service history as this hammers re-sale worth. Find a BMW R1150R for sale.

 

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

ABS was a £750 option and R1150Rs that are so-equipped are much more desirable secondhand, as are motorcycles with an official flyscreen, which really does make a difference. BMW luggage is excellent quality and very well designed. Compare and buy parts for the BMW R1150R in the MCN Shop.

Specs

Engine size 1130cc
Engine type 8v Boxer twin, 6 gears
Frame type Tubular space frame
Fuel capacity 20.5 litres
Seat height 800mm
Bike weight 218kg
Front suspension Rebound
Rear suspension Rebound, preload
Front brake Twin 305mm discs
Rear brake 276mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 170/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 54 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £190
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 12 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 76 bhp
Max torque 69 ft-lb
Top speed 120 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 13.35 secs
Tank range 240 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2001: BMW R1150R introduced as bigger engined version of old R1100R.
2006: BMW R1150R replaced by R1200R.

Other versions

BMW Rockster: Funky paintschemes and styling camoflage an otherwise mechanically identical machine. In production from 2003-2005.

Owners' reviews for the BMW R1150R (2001 - 2006)

16 owners have reviewed their BMW R1150R (2001 - 2006) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BMW R1150R (2001 - 2006)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Equipment: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £190
4 out of 5 An excellent machine, the transmission is the only flaw.
12 June 2023 by Bob Caygeon

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £500

I recently bought this bike as a pristine, lightly used example. It's in perfect, like- new condition despite having 46,000 km. Always dealer- serviced, it has all factory options, servo brakes, ABS, panniers, luggage rack, back rest, heated grips, windscreen, upgraded "M" style seat, and upgraded fuel line connectors. I love the excellent fit, finish, quality, and logical, functional engineering, although the styling is odd, the bike is a jumble of discordant angles and shapes, with unnecessary , clashing visual detail. Its a far cry from the gorgeous BMWs of the 1970s. The suspension design and function is superior to many other bikes. Long travel and highly adjustable, especially in the rear, the suspension absorbs rough roads like a dirt bike. The front Telelever anti dive geometry is magnificent. That combined with the powerful brakes provides tremendous stopping ability. The handlebar brake lever activates both front and rear brakes. The brake pedal actives the rear brake only, handy in certain situations. The engine is smooth and powerful, with a broad power curve and excellent, immediate throttle response. It almost doesn't matter what gear you're in, excellent performance is at hand, almost any rpm. The steering is a bit heavy and numb. It's intended for high speed touring, where its stable. It's a big, heavy bike, and strong arms are needed at low speeds. Highway speed cross winds buffet the bike, especially with the windscreen and panniers, requiring care and correction. I think the center of gravity is quite tall exacerbating this occasional instability. The transmission is horrible. Sorry. It's clunky, slow shifting , sloppy and occasionally gets hung up in gear. It's by far the worst motorcycle transmission I've encountered. Possibly mine is a bit worn, but it's a common complaint. The transmission gear ratios are too closely spaced. First gear is too tall for low speed city traffic, and 6th gear isn't tall enough for truly relaxed high speed use. With an engine this versatile, wider spaced gear ratios would be helpful. The transmission almost ruins what is otherwise a delightful motorcycle. Other features are perfect. A smooth, progressive clutch, quiet exhaust, great controls, instruments and mirrors. It would be nice to have a fuel gage. It's odd that one is missing, and the bike has a elaborate analog clock instead. Still, this is a great versatile, reliable, do-all bike, with an eye towards great highway performance.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Excellent.

Engine 5 out of 5

Smooth, powerful, flexible.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Perfect reliability and excellent, high quality construction. No problems to date.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

These are expensive bikes to service. Fortunately BMW maintains excellent parts availability, so unlike other older bikes, one is never stuck for parts. Unfortunately those BMW factory parts are crushingly expensive. For example, three new brake calipers would cost me more than my purchase price of the entire bike. Some aftermarket parts are available at much lower prices.

Equipment 5 out of 5

BMW accessories are excellent. Try to buy a bike which includes all the accessories, like panniers, windscreen etc. The servo ABS brakes are also worth buying.

Buying experience: Private sale, I got an excellent deal, considering the fine condition of the machine. I'm in Canada, and older BMWs are not popular. Used prices are low.

4 out of 5 Excellent roadster with the best brakes.
21 February 2023 by Hanoidave

Version: servo assisted brakes

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £100

I live and work in Hanoi Vietnam (for the last 18 years). I ride both the BMW and a Triumph Bonneville T100 (2013). The Triumph is quite "agriculrtural" when compared to he BMW. I appreciate the BMW's heated grips, sensors (for everything, including blown globes), the seating position (in the bike rather than on it), and of course the engine and drive train. I needed to replace the starter motor and fly wheel, and I blew out the oil level spy glass, but apart from that it has been a pleasure. I now have 52,000 kms and it runs very strongly despite the extreme weather and traffic conditions we experience in Hanoi.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

cornering is great, brakes - servo assisted ABS - the "Hand of God"

Engine 4 out of 5

reliable, strong enough

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

starter motor, and oil spy glass failures.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

heated grips are great, I recommend engine protection bars, and a backrest for pillion.

Buying experience: In Vietnam I paid $3500 USD privately, but needed new starter motor and fly wheel.

4 out of 5 BMW R1150R Retro?/Modernish? Roadster
24 October 2022 by Cheets Old Boy Newby

Version: None ABS

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £80

Oil head engine in roadster/naked package gives a lovely relaxed ride. Weighty but can be hustled effortlessly using low down torque in the Spanish countryside where I spend my time riding. All in aĺl, an individual styled for its time (twin oil coolers, para lever suspension, and weird mudgaurd) which kind of grows on you. As a biker from the 80's who would never have looked at a BMW I'm a convert enjoying my left field retro bike.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

There's no hiding that weight at walking pace but fine when moving and can do most jobs with ease. Great platform for touring 2 up. Breaks are strong. (can't imagine what they are like with the optional servo?) Only notice the suspension set up is different/para lever when someone mentions it. Tend to use engine breaking much of the time so anti dive configuration goes largely unnoticed.

Engine 4 out of 5

4 valve oil head definately a step forward from the older air heads. Lovely lazy lump with low down torque push throughout the rev range. Seen different quoted power outputs and believe 85hp is correct. If that's a criteria then look to a later model. Rarely have an issue with the gearbox. Upshifts take time but match the engine and bikes characteristics. Slight blip of the throttle smooths and speeds up down changes greatly.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Almost 20 year old so those years in the UK can be seen.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Home serviced. Simple accessible valves. Shaft drive. Filters and fluids so couldn't be simpler. Had to replace HALL sensor at 60,000 miles as warned on tech forums so buy one in advance along with a diagnostic sensor (I went for a cheap GS-911 and just make sure not connected to internet when using).

Equipment 3 out of 5

As standars it's a basic analogue bike. Extras common at this age and worth looking for. Heated grips and GS hand guards are nice extras to have included. BMW hard panniers are excellent along with Givi top box. Gave up waiting for Metzeler Roadtec tyre and tried Maxxis which have impressed so far. Screen for touring helps if there are boring motorways to cover. Some good quality German aftermarket brands. Standard seat doesn't suit everyone.

Buying experience: Bought privately in 2019 as my return to biking after (too) many years. Local BMW specialist (Huddersfield) gives good support.

4 out of 5 Excellent all around motorcycle
11 May 2018 by jeff j

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £130

I really like this bike. I have logged 3000 miles in 3 months of ownership after decades on Hondas (mostly VFR); it has been a joy to ride and easy to work on. Best features: the engine has plenty of torque and adequate horsepower. The servo assist ABS brakes are the best of any bike I have ever ridden. The suspension is adjustable for damping front and rear, and preload on the rear. Shaft drive is a plus. Worst features: Mechanical odometer/trip meter, lack of fuel gauge. At nearly 550 lbs fully fueled, you feel the weight when pushing it hard on a twisty road. On the other hand, you appreciate the mass on the freeway, or when riding in a crosswind. It's not a sport bike, but sporty enough to keep a smile on my face.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

People say the transmission is clunky, and it is if you fully close the throttle between shifts. However, if you back off the throttle just enough to unload the drive train, fast, smooth shifts are possible. I thoroughly enjoy mine, even on more demanding twisty roads. The servo assist ABS brakes are awesome. Bleeding the brake system is more involved than normal, and the ABS unit requires fresh fluid at two year intervals. It is a very competent all around bike. I have logged one 300 mile day, and can easily ride 2 hours before needing a break.

Engine 4 out of 5

Smooth power delivery, lots of low-end torque. The bike pulls hard out of corners like nobody's business. Engine pulls from 3000 RPM to 7500 RPM redline. No burst at the top end like a 4 cylinder bike, but a good, tractable, linear powerband. Kind of like a Harley but without the vibration. Fun. Service interval is 6000 miles for oil change and valve check.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Fit and finish are superb. When I purchased the motorcycle it was 16 years old and had 20665 miles. I replaced all fluids and both tyres. Fuel line quick disconnects were upgraded from plastic to steel, and the cam chain tensioner was upgraded to eliminate slap on start up. Since then, no failure of any sort.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

My bike averages 42.5 mpg. I think 48mpg is more appropriate for an engine of this displacement and in this state of tune. Pretty much all maintenance can be performed by an owner with basic mechanic skills. Everything is easily accessible, service manuals are still in print, and there is an active internet community of enthusiastic support.

Equipment 4 out of 5

This machine really is a jack-of-all-trades. A good, solid all-arounder. Style is not for everyone. Instrumentation is on the primitive side; no fuel gauge or trip computer. It has turn signal indicators L & R, high beam light, low fuel light, neutral light, low oil pressure and no charge lights, a check engine light and ABS failure light. BMW hard luggage is very high quality, and attaches without tools using the ignition key. Metzler Roadtec 01 tyres inspire confidence at steep lean angles.

3 out of 5
04 July 2015 by red123

Year: 2004

This bike has good performance but I found the vibs through the bars number my hands. The seat is terrible sore bum after 50 miles had to stop. I v been riding bikes for 30 years this is not the best

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Snatchy brakes hard seat.

Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Roadster with Attitude
14 June 2015 by Tarzan150

Version: R1150R ABS

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £150

Best feature is the riding position. I am short but once on the move have complete confidence in the bike. Worst is the lack of braking when engine is not running. Manoevering on slopes can be tricky.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Excellent brakes with ABS. Can ride for hours without a break. Bought it in Bristol and rode to Mid France in one go. No problem. Pillion is way happy too and this from a girl who had to perch on the pillion of a ZX-7R.

Engine 4 out of 5

A bit clunky but it's s flat twin. Twin spark model is smoother than the earlier ones. Uses a little oil but does not smoke. This ensures that the oil is always fresh. No serious problems. Has character.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Excellent build quality as one would expect with a BMW. Little corrosion on the fixings low down. But hey this is England and we have salt. Never let me down except when I ran out of fuel!

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap to run and easy to self service. No complaints here at all

Equipment 3 out of 5

Low fuel light, good. ABS is good. Pannier options a must.

4 out of 5 It's a well kept secret
20 May 2014 by Adrian71

Firstly let's clear up the fuss over the indicators switches , they're actually very intuitive to use particularly when riding with thick gloves on no fiddling trying to return the selector to the middle here The engine , if kept tuned and serviced will last forever , the torque is fantastic some reviewers bemoan the 8k redline but change up at about 6.5 and keep the throttle open and you'll soon be doing 120mph , that is providing you've got the screen to deflect the wind roar. Handling is fine no diving or flaws apparent and the ABS brakes are a godsend . Heated grips are a welcome addition and when turned onto max soon warm your hands up nicely. Build quality is typical BMW ie very good indeed , keep it cleaned and polished and it will retain it's showroom look , mines done 16k and still looks mint . If you're thinking of buying one of these go for it , the negative press reviews are totally unjustified , try it , love it , ride it , everywhere

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 It just keeps on growing on you!
23 September 2012 by DutchDiver

So I bought a 2001 R1150R in 2004 changing from a Honda Shadow! What a change. At the beginning I couldn't get used to the indicators, then the low down power or the boxer engine shake when stopped at the lights but I loved the controlable acceleration and the endless torque. So why write this review now? I've been thinking about swapping it for a GS1200 but can't seem to make the plunge. 8 years after buying, having toured across 10 countries, she's never missed a beat or given me any expense. She is serviced at CW BMW in Dorchester annually and that's it. I have fitted loads of stuff including the really needs BMW screen, a Remus titanium exhaust, starcom unit, Garmin sat nav, goodridge braided brake lines and had the seat rebuild to include a gell pad and none slip material (never got used to the standard material which left me slipping all over). So all I can say to anyone thinking about if this is a good bike, it's not good it's excellent and it's also not that common so loads of people come up and look over it asking if it's really a BMW. Mine is black which I think is the best colour. So I think whilst writing this review, I've also decided to forget the GS and stick with the R!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Wolf in sheeps clothing
26 February 2012 by

This bike is a real surprise once you get used to quirky things like the front end does not dive when braking hard and the brakes need a real good squeeze when the engine is not running because of the servo assistance. It is a heavy old lump but is better controlled by using the back brake when moving slow. Once you have the bike fully serviced and tuned up, when you open it up and snatch a handfull it really picks up its skirts and runs. Change gear when you get to 6000 cos there is not much past that. It will cruise at 80mph and only show 4000rpm it is economical and the finish on the bike is fantastic. The engine is smooth and only a tiny bit of vibes nothing at 70mph plus. I have had the bike almost 3 years use it for commuting, touring and just blasting round. It needs to have all the schedules adhered to i.e change clutch fluid very year (how do I know this? my slave cylinder failed and destroyed the clutch!) and oils I use synthetic 15w50 it uses very little oil and does not need topping between yearly service but check anyway! This bike grows on you! I have had Japanese fours and twins but nothing that gets under my skin like this bike. My next bike will be a KTM 990SMT but I will keep this one.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Commuter
14 January 2012 by classkawa

I bought a 2004 R1150R after my ancient but reliable VFR suffered terminal loom failure due to road salt. First impressions are that it is a damn good commuter. The power is good low down but not available higher up the rev range and I am still recalibrating my riding style to cope. First tank full only got me 45mpg, worse than my 18 year old old Honda! Build quality seems excellent with just a couple of issues to sort that reflect the previous owner rather than the bike. I have a 30 year old Moto Guzzi that is faster, lighter and returns better mpg but this is a better commuter when all said and done. Mine is the non ABS model so normal brakes which are great and low maintenance. If you are coming from a Jap background you need to give this bike a long time to grow on you, don't judge it on a weeks riding or you will likely hate it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 It ought to be great, but...
24 October 2008 by tflinders

I moved up from the R1100R and the 1150 should have been an improvement - six gears instead of five, more power, servo brakes. However, the gears are badly spaced, the riding position isn't as comfy and the servo brakes are a nightmare. Try touching the front brake as you're turning at low speed and you find it grabs hard - not good! It always seemed to give me a headache, so after a few thousand miles I sold it and bought an R850R. If you just want a hooligan-ish bike though, it might be for you.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
5 out of 5 R1150r rockster give it a go might surprise you
24 July 2008 by

R1150r these are great bikes with good build quility very reliable nice and easy to ride in and out of town,very good on the twisties,ive had crusiers and sports bikes this is a bit in between,you can easely clock up a few hundred miles a day in comfort and do it the following day,there easy to do basic servicing on,the abs is outstanding,and they hold there value,so give one a go,comfort,fun,touring,what more do you want

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 R850R / R1150R - great!
10 March 2008 by hirsty2

No listing for an R850R Classic, the run-out model before all the Boxer bikes moved up to the 1200cc hexhead engine. I used mine for a daily commute, weekend runouts and week-long tours of Scotland, Ireland and France. 14,000 miles & didn't miss a beat other than a weeping gearbox oil seal which was replaced under warranty without quibble. The Boxer motor is an acquired taste, but these bikes deserve a better run in the press/reviews - nobody whines about the Bonneville being underpowered, yet the BM will run rings around it. If you're not after out & out pace, then you should try one - great bikes.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 don't knock it til you try it
18 January 2008 by jenko1

This is my first BMW, and I reckon it's one of the best bikes I've ever owned in 24 years. The Vmax was more manic, the Armstrong was cheaper, the SV was lighter, the 1200 Bandit was faster, lighter, more manic AND cheaper, but has a chain! Everything on the R1150R is good quality. It doesn't corrode, (unlike Ducatis), it doesn't give up the ghost at a whiff of moisture, (unlike Ducatis) it's good for touring, and I can scratch on it because it actually lasts longer than 50 miles before breaking down, (unlike Ducatis)! The engine has plenty of character and torque, sending it to speeds high enough for everyday use by mortals. I've never used it on a track, I doubt it would be well suited to that. I have used it for a 3000mile one-week-long trip in October to France, Andorra and Spain. The BMW luggage is excellent, the ABS brakes are outstanding, the reliability is fantastic, and the servicing is so easy I do it all. The only niggle, and it is only nitpicking, is the rear suspension. I have it set almost fully hard for normal riding otherwise it wallows. It can still cope with pillion and luggage though. It's comfy, handles very well, never gets left behind. And it still looks like a new bike, even after 30k miles. Mine had a Y-piece on the exhaust, but I've removed it and refitted the cat. It's smoother and runs better. The heated grips and charging/accessory point are bonuses. Ignore what the bike press say about the weight, if you know how to ride, this bike really excels at slow speed manouevres and town riding, while devouring distances like any BMW. It doesn't feel heavy at all. I'd rate it 9.99/10. The only criticism is the rear suspension. That's just a personal thing. Plus BMW back up is great, really professional. What more do you want from a bike?

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 2004 R1150r - Give it a break!
13 April 2007 by Jackspratt

Never really saw myself on one but due to the fact no other manufacturer then made a reasonably practical high distance machine, I've had the bike from new! Why an R? Less weight than the others. It handles excellently it really does, and it is at home on the twisty's. It tours brilliantly and with the addition of a slightly modified National Cycles F16 Tour Shield, and GS1150 handguards, it is comfortable and practical. It works best with Metzeler R6 tyres, maybe a pound up on suggested pressures if you are over about 13 to 14 stone. I have firmed the front up by 1.5 clicks and the rear by about 2 clicks and the pre-load is up two turns as standard and about 3.5 turns with luggage or pillion. The real revelation is the replacement of the cat with a y piece and a Remus silencer. You really can feel the difference. Fuelling is of course taken care of by the lambda sensor. It also loses 22lbs in weight! I really don't understand why the bike mags and papers are so anti-R1150r, and probably the new r1200 r as well. These are very good machines, and if you want to you can just about keep up with your mates, but when you are in the mood on the tight twistys - can they keep up with you? No really!! Great bike, very underated as it is neither glamorous nor Italain, well it can't be it's really well engineered...

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Had it 5 years and still as good as day one.
20 May 2006 by bmwr1150r

Had my R1150R for 5 years now. 40,000 miles and its still as good as on day one. Not the fastest bike on the road, but one of the best. Great looks. Stand back and just take a look at its flowing lines and curves and you'll have to agree. Strengths: The ease at which you can play ping pong with cars. Easy to ride, restfull even. Will give any other bike a good run for its money up to 120mph, due to its easy and predictable handling. Weaknesses: No BMW top Box. Just a floppy bag. So had to buy top box from other producer.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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