2004 BMW reviews

This motorcycle turns heads! It is absolutely breathtaking to see going down the road. And...It doesn't stop there -- to feel it is like nothing you can explain. It will do whatever you want it to: cruise around -- slow and easy -- or take it to the limit...it floats and glides and goes into another dimension like nothing you have or will ever experience on any other motorcycle. Extremely smooth and comfortable...especially for those who are inseam-challenged since it has lowered shocks! This is an awesome motorcycle. Show less

I have been riding for more than 35 years and have owned all kinds of motorcycles from a Honda CL 160 all the way up to my 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic to which I added many extras to try and make it a touring bike. Now that I have the BMW R 1200 CL, it cannot hold a candle in comparison. The Vulcan is not nearly as comfortable even with a $400 custom Bill Mayer touring seat, and suspension wise, forget about it. I prefer the Vulcan for around town cruising and the R 1200 LC for longer trips and it really shines on twisty curvy roads, a delight to drive. The Vulcan cannot handle twisties like the BMW. There are so many finely engineered mechanical features on this model BMW, they are really too numerous to try and mention them all. I really appreciate the nice layout of the dash with attention to details like two tripometers, tachometer, and that classic looking analog clock (a nice old school touch.) The cruise control is easy to use and helps on longer trips. I haven't had a chance to use the heated grips or heated seat yet because I live in So. California where it will seldom be needed. I like the easy adjustment of the suspension system with just a twist of the knob you are ready for two up riding and another twist to go back to single riding. There is ample room for any junk you just have to carry around. I use the the top trunk for registration/insurance papers, leathers, jacket and would still have room for a few small grocery items (i.e. a 6 pack). I like the slighly less than roomy saddle bags and how they easily lock. Even with the CD stereo unit built into the right side bag there is still room to hold a helmet, gloves and small clothing items. The stereo system is not audiophile quality, but OK and I enjoy having the weather station at my fingertips. The controls are easy to use and accessible while riding and not becoming distracted. I can hear the system OK even at 70 mph, especially when playing CDs. Parked I can give a concert at tailgate parties! I was happy to find my R 1200 CL and purchase it as a pre-owned bike. The previous owner must have been a dedicated rider as the bike was very well maintained and I plan to keep her that way. I get a lot of compliments on the bike and that wild looking metallic blue really stands out in a crowd. I am very happy with this motorcycle. Show less

This is my first big bike. I got accustomed to the handling right away. Smooth and easy to handle except for low speed parking lot manuvers. Speedo is approximately 10% off. I like the low seat, it fits like a glove. Show less

Been riding dirt and street bikes for years but this is my first BMW. Wanted a high quality, nice handling, reliable bike for longer rides with 'two-up' and I didn't want one of those ubiquitous Japanese models. Got my wish! My only complaint is the saddle. For a bike that is supposed to be good for the long distance my butt goes numb after 60 miles! A Sargent saddle is definitely in the future. Standard saddle height low enough for my 29 inch inseam. Get about 40 miles per gallon though a larger gas tank would have been nice. Weird looking bike and that's why I like it. Not commonly seen - lots of stares and comments from the two and four wheel group. Show less

My last bike was a Suzuki V-Strom, so with the new bike I wanted something that wasn't a full blown sport bike- but something that was sportier than the V-Strom. I rode a lot of bikes before buying the Rockster- and I'm happy I got it. It is comfortable on longer rides, and you still get a sporty and fun ride. With no windscreen you can get blown around pretty good, and it definitely isn't as fast as some of the other bikes I was comparing it to (Aprilia Tuono, Ducati Monster), but all around it's a great bike. I think I will be happy with this one for a long time. Show less

I primarily commute on the bike but also get out for longer runs occasionally when I can. Never thought I'd be wishing for a longer commute but once you get on this bike you don't want to get off it. That is of course until your butt starts screaming at you. At 5'9", I have the seat at its lowest setting. This leads to the famous BMW slide toward the gas tank and makes longer trips less than ideal. On a bike where everything is so incredibly well thought out, it amazes me that the saddle (central to a decent riding experience) can be so bad. Even on short trips I find myself continually squirming and repositioning myself in the saddle. Sure I can buy an aftermarket saddle for $500 - $600 but when you spend the kind of money that you do for this bike, I don't think I should have to. Only other gripe is that I occasionally get some funky feedback from the handlebars for no apparent reason. This tends to happen at lower speeds or when taking tight corners but it's never been a major issue and overall the stability of the bike is incredible. When I first started to ride it I was a bit overawed by the size and weight but no matter how hard I push it into corners it never budges and I've never felt anything other than in complete control. It's also amazing how a huge bike can shrink the longer you have it. When I look at it now it doesn't seem in any way large compared to when I bought it. I've heard and read some complaints about the servo assist brakes but personally I have no problem with them. When you ride a bike anything that will help you stop quicker while maintaining control can only be a good thing. Despite the above moaning, I absolutely love my RT. I fell in love with the styling the first time I saw it and was completely smitten after I finally got to test ride it. Everything about the bike inspires confidence, and the reliability is second to none. I've ridden it almost every day since I drove it off the showroom floor and have not had a single issue. Scheduled services have been done despite the feeling that she would keep running without them. On longer trips this reliability along with a 6 gallon tank means you can just sit back and enjoy with no worries about leaking fluids, bits falling off or how long to the next gas station. No bike is perfect and everybody is looking for something different. This is not a sports bike but will keep up with most of them if asked to, it's not an all out tourer in the ilk of a Wing or an LT but it'll take you from one end of the continent to the other no problem, and it's not a cruiser but will allow you to cruise all day (and with fewer gas breaks) with a little help in the saddle department. My RT is not perfect but she is like an old friend now, completely reliable, confidence inspiring and always fun to hang out with. Show less

This bike was purchased in April 2003 and is the 44th motorcycle I own. Obviously, serious trail riding isn't something that can be done with a machine this size, but then that wasn't the intention. It does very well on an occasional dirt road but this bike is one of the best all around touring motorcycles avaiable. It is nimble in the curves and handles an interstate with no sweat. The more you load it with luggage and gear, the better it handles and the smoother the ride. I am 5'7 and I have no trouble at all with the GS. It's great for an afternoon ride or a 4,000 mile vacation. Heated grips are wonderful and the mileage range is good too. The only alteration that is a must is the stock seat! Much too soft and it is literally a pain in the butt. Overall, the R1150GS is a fantastic machine. Show less

The 04 Adventure has been a great bike. I like it's adaptibility. It is a decent off road bike and can take you on the those long distance rides in fairly good comfort. For those looking to off road more, you might want to consider that the bike feels extremely top heavy, is hard to handle in deep sand or gravel without maintaining a dangerous speed, and the lowest gear is not low enough to engine brake on trails where you need to lower your speed to 25 MPH or slower. So, going down steep dirt hills with no engine braking and nothing but your brakes on a 500+ lb bike equals difficulty. This may be different for some but I found the bars to be too low to stand for extended periods of time. I also found the footpegs too narrow and uncomfortable while standing. For touring the bike is great, it keeps a straight line on the highway and can handle high wind and gusts with its weight and power. You can load a lot of gear onto the bike with room to spare. The windshield is a little shorter than I needed (I'm 6'4). The seat is incredibly uncomfortable... way too soft and limitis long distance riding without an aftermarket seat or seat pad of some kind. Dispite a few short comings, I still love the bike over others and can easily fine tune the bike to fit me just right with a few aftermarket products. Show less

I bought my '04 R1100S in Jan.'05 while still riding two other hot performance bikes. Couldn't help but fall in love with it at first sight. Today, she is the only one in my stable because simply put, the S is all the bike I'll ever need. She's fast, nimble, reliable, and a great traveler. Took it from OR to MI this past summer and literally had the speedo pegged at 100+ thru Mont. and N.Dakota. Same on the return thru S. Dakota and Wyoming. The cops don't care as long as you are careful! It never used any oil after break-in and never missed a beat. The bike was designed for the autobahn and it did not disappoint. There's plenty of room for solo riding with hard bags and a tail bag. I look forward to many more rewarding trips around the U.S. Unfortunately, they don't make this bike anymore. '04 was the last year for this incredible machine. Show less

The R1150R is very close to doing every thing right. It handled a 700 mile trip in constant rain with no problem. Power assist servo's are still touchie...but it does work. Overall, a great ride. Show less