2004 BMW reviews

What a great bike. Had an '02 RT and it too was fine except for the surging motor. The Twin Spark '04 totally eliminates that problem and lets the flat twin run like a BMW should. Smooth with torque every where in the power band. Have done multiple trips to Alabama, Florida Panhandle, and northern Georgia in the past year. Bike is a mile eater. 6th gear lets you cruise at 80mph all day long and the motor feels like it's barely idling. You can knock off 300 miles before you realize it's 10am. Comfort is amazing and the electric windshield works as advertised, keeping wind blast off your face. I am most impressed with the handling and brakes. Can keep up with almost anyone on a twisty road, and absolutely outbrake anything out there except another BMW. Nice to have ABS with all the deer running around Michigan. I ride to work 9 months a year and 25 degree weather isn't even an issue. There are other bikes that are faster, handle better, etc., but this BMW (like most) excels at all of those attributes to become an excellent all-around bike. Show less

I bought this bike used after renting one in Arizona. It had 12k on it and got it for a very good price. I like the bike but wish it had a larger peg for the rear brake pedal will buy a after market extension. I do get some cycling vibe thru the handle bar's more so then the rental and I do get the surging in the 3k range from time to time. I was told the 4 plug model does not do that well mine does. I wanted the 1150 over the 1100 for the six speed box gear box for the most part it is pretty good and the that 6th gear is nice. I do have trouble @ times where it does not want to go into 1st and have to rev it a little then it seem's to work okay. I really need to add cruise control as the throttle return is a bit on the heavy side. Hope to correct the surging with a valve adjustment and sync the F.I. Hope to learn how to do this and do most of the maint. myself. Show less

I HAVE OWNED MY 1150RT FOR ABOUT 18MONTHS. I LOVE THE BIKE, FLUID LINES (NO HARD EDGES LIKE THE '05), EXCELLENT HANDLING, GREAT ABS (MAYBE TOO GOOD-GRAB A HANDFULL AND HOLD ON), HEATED GRIPS, ACCESSORY PORTS AND PLENTY OF STORAGE. HOWEVER, I AM STILL BURNING OIL (BREAK IN CAN LAST TO 10K MILES IM TOLD) AND THE SEAT WAS DESIGNED BY THE DEVIL HIMSELF! (EXTREME FORWARD LEAN AND WIDE). ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL AND A RADIO SHOULD BE BASIC OPTIONS ON A BIKE SUCH AS THIS. Show less

The 1150 GS Adventure is the perfect machine for a quick European tour. Two weeks across England, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy & Germany; no issues at all and purring beautifully on its return. Show less

Been riding this bike from March 2005-new. I've ridden this fabulous bike across Canada, down to CA through WA, ID, NV [ during March of this year-2006]. A very satisfying smily ride. Wish I had cruise, they didn't bring the CL into Canada with cruise otherwise it's a "ride all day" and still be pleasant to your riding mates when the day is over. Only gripe is that it's an "oddball" so acccessories like a Throttle Meister aren't available. But for the in seam challenge with a desire for a cruiser with some real handling ability nothing else is like it. Show less

Had Harley's before I shipped out for Iraq. Thought I would buy another one, but I just didn't find one that turned my head and am I glad because it lead me to this great bike. Bought this used 2004 with 10,000 miles in great shape and at a great price. I have put almost 3,000 miles and it makes me smile everytime I hop on and twist the throttle. Great response and handling, smooth and consistant power. Shifting a bit clunky but overall fairly good. The seat is a bit unconfortable and I am looking for a new wind screen, but overall I could not be happier! Show less

After 24 years of responsibilities raising a family, I told my wife that I would be returning to motorcycling. My last bike in 1981 was a souped up Suzuki GS450. The way it was setup it was a killer bike for riding the curves of Skyline Blvd between SF and Santa Cruz. But within ten minutes of riding my new Green Rockster I was rocketed back to 1982! It is everything that I have always wished for in a bike. Fast, good looks (in a guy kind of way), and a true road performer. Each time I get on the Rockster I return to that mystical world of GP races, Laguan Seca, Sears Point, and the life I missed for 24 years. Thank you Rockster. Show less

I've been off bikes in general for about 10yrs. This past January I went to the CycleShow in NYC bought a riding jacket & that darn riding bug bit me & I knew that I had to get back on, I had a chance to test ride a few bikes & after test riding the BMW r1100s I knew this was it. Amazing balance, very good comfort, handeling was just right for my size. The fairing is really cool too. Overall you can't go wrong with this beautiful machine. PS low mantaince is key when it comes to spending your time riding, as opposed to being in the shop like a few other bikes.... trust me! Show less

Have ridden from Chicago to West Coast and back and from Chicago to Gulf Coast without any problems. Handles well, totally reliable. The tires that came with the bike wore out very quickly, so if you do a lot of riding, you might want to consider "street" tires when the originals wear out. Show less

I bought new at the end of June 2004, and have been tickled senseless with this bike. The bike is generally ridden double, and loaded as often as not. After the initial break-in period every 500-1000 miles the motor performance has improved and now with 20k miles it still just keeps getting better. The handling in the twisties is absolutely phenomenal, especially two-up. Show less