BMW R 1150 GS - ABS reviews

I bought this baby in late April of '09 and haven't stopped riding it. I use it everyday for commuting into Manhattan from Brooklyn and the motorcycle handles like a dream. Potholes not a problem, tight squeezes thru traffic not a problem. It is very responsive and just right amount of power for my needs (de-tuned 798 cc). I have also tested it on the NJ Turnpike at high speeds and pulls like a demon, it is no race bike but it will make you smile and keep up with other bikes. It is very well designed machine. The gas tank is under the seat for a low C.o.G. I got the package with heated hand grips, center stand, on board computer with tire pressure monitor and alarm. They are all very very useful. In my honest opinion I think it is a much better engine that the single cylinder of the previous generation. Absolutely the best. 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

Love the bike. Handles very well. Great communter bike. Looking forward to a long relationship. Show less

I have owned my rt since almost new. It is rock solid, left me stranded only once. A flat tire, to tell the truth. The paint has held up well. The hand controls are starting to show some wear but I have 68,000 on it and it will be over 69 when I return from a trip to my brothers middle childs high school graduation. I know. What an excuse to get away and do the Skyline Drive again. The 60,000 mile service was well worth the cost. Tires and oil changes are about all I've done. It is due for shocks front and rear. Show less

I've had my used 2003 R1150R for over a year now and ridden it all over the roads of VA, WV, and MD and also roundtrip to Fl and have enjoyed all 12,000 miles I've put on it. Handles the twisty's fabulously and with a Sargent seat and a an Alaska sheepskin butt pad burning 2hrs of highway before a break is not a problem. Been 100% reliable so far, not a single issue, just required normal maintenance. Buy it - you'll like it! Show less

Strong Bike. Massive storage. Great weather protection and amenities. Heated grips and seat are a life saver on cold days. Smooth power and tall 6th gear allow this bike to ease on down the road. Comfort and protection are unsurpassed. Bike turns on a rail and tours like a caddy. Luggage pops right off and is super convenient. Like it so much I sold my truck and ride year round! Show less

I just started riding, test rode and fell in love with the 2009 RT. Going from a Yamaha V-star to this bike was an amazing change. The RT is so comfortable, I put 527 miles on it in one weekend. I could have easily hoped back on it and done another 500. I got caught in the rain and the adjustable windshield came in real handy, it is nice to slide it out of the way when the weather cleared. At 20mph or 80mph the bike feels steady. I got blasted by some powerful crosswinds (from a semi) and the RT did not budge. Show less

Rode dirt bikes as a kid, bought my G650GS three weeks ago. Not a lot of power, but that is good for now. Keeps everything in perspective. If you do any amount of off-road riding, even on fire roads, get a good enduro tire. The stock tires are really for asphalt roads only. 5 or 6 pounds less psi in both tires helps a little off road, but not much. On the road it is fantastic. Riding through the mountains is where this bike comes to life. If 90% or more of your riding is on the street, check this bike out. If you can afford it you will buy it. Show less

I bought this in April 2008 with 18,000 on it, as a 40 mile each way commuter, and with the Corbin seat and BMW bags already on it. I love it right from the start. It has massive torque, gobs of acceleration and is fast enough for me (I haven't had it flat out, but I've had an indicated 120 mph out of it without trying hard). I found it a little too buzzy for comfort around 4500 rpm. The Manic Salamander bar end weights (18.5 ounces instead of the stock 9.5 ounces) completely cured that. I found it very windy over 70 mph; Parabellum windshield, adjusted as high as it can go cured that. My other add-ons were for personal preference, not necessity. The bike is as reliable as a stone, comfortable all day, a joy to drive and magic through the twisties. At first I felt like I wasn't getting much feedback from the front suspension, then I realized it just was not having any problems, so there was nothing for it to tell me. It just goes around bends on any surface at any speed I've asked of it without fuss. Show less