BMW R 1100 R - ABS reviews

Well, after 20K miles, I am happy to say that I am still very satisfied with my R1200R. I haven't found any other motorcycle I would even consider trading mine in on yet (yes, the wife still loves hers too).
As expected, the BMW has been flawless in the reliability department.
Whether you want to take a leisurely ride in the country, or a spirited ride on the twistiest roads you can find, this bike is more than equal to the challenge. Although the R1200R did not seem to get some of the press of the other performance motorcycles out there, I would have to say for real world, everyday riding, it's hard to beat.
The only negative thing I can say is the wind protection is a bit lacking. But hey, it's a naked bike, what do you expect, get the hand warmers.
What do you have to lose? Go take one for a test ride. Go on the twistiest road you can find and don't be afraid to push it past 4500 RPM coming out of the corners. It will pleasantly surprise you with more than enough torque. Show less

I am 53 and finally was able to own the bike I always wanted. I was visiting dealers for about 1 year sitting on the bikes and leaving the stores depressed because I was not confident on a bike tip toeing. One night it dawned on me that when added my bags and gears the bike would sag a bit and it may actually lower it, so that was the key to my problem, with inseam 29/30 I was able to find a stock low seat right away on the craigslist and it kind solved the problem. Took a 6 day tour from Central CA to Portland Or, and was amazed by the comfort and performance. The seat is not perfect but every 2-3hrs a stop made the trip confortable enough. I had a foam pad underneath my behind and it made a world of a difference. I ride it for short rides 2-4hrs and it is a fun bike, because it has plenty of clearance for cornering despite, that I scraped my boot on the pavement a few times, I am not a hard rider but enjoy the twisties. I have owned a hondas 360-750's, hd sportster and I currently own an 05 MV F4-1000 witch is the performance bike but, mile per mile, the bmw R 1150 Rockster I think surpasses the fun factor. Show less

I picked up a GS in February 2009 after trading in an RT. I was hit head on in March by a driver who was interested in texting more than driving. I suffered a minor concussion and the bike was totaled (you should have seen the car!). Thought I would try out a different brand. I lasted about two weeks on that bike before I realized what I had done. I sold that bike and went back to the R1200GS. It truly is the best in its class and better than bikes in most other classes. It is a jack of all trades, and depending on how you look at it, a master of quite a few. I got the new bike on April 30 and already have 5500 miles logged. I will log another 3K this week, heading up the coast and taking a few forest roads along the way. It is one of the most well-balanced bikes I have ever ridden. I can keep up with most sportbike riders on Palomar Mt. and the bike rips up the track (I didn't even have stickies on)! The bike seems to glide over gravel and sand alike. The suspension when off road has to be experienced to be believed. I teach a sportbike riders course on this bike and you should see the faces of all those squids when I demo the course with all cases on. I would shill for this company for no money. Wait, I AM shilling for no money! Great company and a truly amazing riding experience. Next stop: Baja and then Latin America. Show less

I am the second owner of this bike. I have had it 3 mo. So far it has been better than I hoped. Good smooth power, nice ride. I have had many bikes this is the first BMW should have bought one a lot sooner. I think anyone will be pleased with this motorcycle.... Show less

I have put 10k miles on this bike in 4 months. Weekend mountains and canyon twisties, San Diego to LA slabbing, San Diego cruising, and a recent 1200 mile weekend. Rider comfort is superb and this is a smooth machine. I had some initial issues with the seat, but after changing to a high seat I can ride for hours with no discomfort. This bike has all the get up and go a body could want and handles the tightest corners like a dream. The suspension was obviously not designed for someone as fat as I am but it does a remarkable job. Have I mentioned I love my R1200R? Show less

This is the second review I've posted for this bike. First one was July 2007, called Worth the Wait! I've owned this bike for 3 1/2 years and have put around 8,000 miles on it. I know that's not much, and I wish I could ride more, but I have a family and a demanding job. Like the title says, I'm STILL LOVIN' IT! How can you not enjoy riding such a superb machine as this? It's a beautiful machine, too. It's red and I keep it immaculate, so it gets a lot of looks. I'm in the middle of replacing the battery - wow, talk about open heart surgery! You damn near gotta take the whole bike apart to get to the battery. I hope the replacement battery lasts five years like the original lasted. And I pray I get it all put back together the right way! ;) I can't say enough good things about this bike. I feel lucky to own it. Will write again in a couple more years. Show less

Great bike! Handles any type of riding conditions. Does anything it is asked to do. Show less

Kinda fun on the twisties but it ain't no touring bike. Commmuter or weekend warrior just fine, but don't try to go for a long highway trip. Show less

Ditto to the previous reviewer's comments. But if I have just one negative; it's also the SEAT. Those Germans obviously have cast-iron BUTTS--the seating position pushed me too far forward. After an hour or so, I'd end up with two lumps in my neck---they were my testacles! SO here's the solution (found on U.S. web-sites)--one AIR HAWK seat-cover (you sit on a cushion of air) it WORKS! AND a kit to raise the handle-bars. I have recently returned from a (VERY) quick 2,000 mile ride to the Out-Back after fitting these accessories. It's a different bike. My fourth BMW. Why change when the product delivers ?! Show less

My 2009 R1200RT was love at first sight. I had owned three different Japanese made bikes that were all very good machines, but none larger than a 500CC. I racked up a total of 100,000 miles on the three, but not one of those miles were as much fun as the first few I put on the R1200RT. I tried the bike out with only 1 mile showing on the odometer. I rode about four blocks and came back. The salesman, asked my wife if there was something wrong because I was back so soon. When he saw me flip up the face shield with an ear to ear grin, he told me to go RIDE that thing! I was already sold, but did as he said. Needless to say, it followed me home that night, or my wife followed in the car as I drove this beautiful machine home. I have covered over 9000 miles from mid-October to Mid-July. Other than two flat tires and a faulty heated hand grip, this bike has been an absolute joy to own. My Tundra sits and wonders when I will come back and use it. I do ride solo to work, but most of the time, I drive with my wife behind me as a passenger. It doesn't matter what we throw at it as far as road conditions, this motorcycle can handle it. We live on the coastal plain, so it is flat as can be, but also visit the Texas Hill Country frequently, with twisting curves and sizable elevation changes. The bike never complains and is only becoming more fun to drive as it breaks in. The engine and transmission are just now becoming free enough to smooth out and really offer its full capability. The brakes are very powerful and will stop even a heavily loaded bike quickly and easily. Now if I can just get my wife to remember to grab hold of the grips instead of just fall into my back in a quick stop... I orginally wanted a Gold Wing, but the weight and the complexity of the engine was more than I wanted to deal with. I made a great choice for me. The handling, the power, and the luxury of the ride make it a joy to ride all day. I have covered a bit over 350 miles in a single day, and covered just over 1500 miles in a one week trip. All I need is a week free and I am ready to go again. The sooner the better!!! Show less