BMW R 1150 GS reviews

This is my first BMW. What a difference in ridability. This bike is so smooth, feels so comfortable and solid. It will not be my only BMW. Show less

The decision to buy a bike wasn't hard; which bike to buy was tough. It took me a year of reading, test driving, and asking around to narrow it down. Lastly, I made a list of everything that I wanted to do on a bike, and one item was that I wanted to ride in the dirt, which meant "Sorry, Harley". don't get me wrong, Harley's are nice bikes, I wanted to play in the dirt and explore. There are so many dirt roads in every state that to ignore them just wouldn't be right. First the negative; the seat is uncomfortable, so plan on stopping and walking around every 150 miles. Now for the positive; it drives as well on the pavement as it does on the dirt. There is an almost endless reservoir of power, great torque, agile, light, and shaft driven (low maintenance). The gas mileage is awesome as is the eight gallon tank. On the interstate, I was passing cars and trucks with ease; on the dirt, the handling was amazing. If you have a little extra cash, get a top case. I bought mine from the dealer in Longmont Colorado and was really impressed. They treated me well, were professional, and wouldn't let me leave until they showed me the essentials (how to check the oil, where to hang my helmet, how to remove the side and top cases, etc.). They also worked with me on the price. In closing, if you want to ride on the streets, that's fine, but real men play in the dirt. And this bike will get you where you need to go and to those places where you wish you could go. Show less

I just got this 2007 F650GS a week ago. I've been riding every day and taken some short trips. I averaged 69.2 mpg the first tank. (WOW). I added a taller windshield, and a trunk for now. I also have a 2008 650 Suzuki Brugman, and have had many other bikes in the past. This BMW is way too much fun, with great mileage. Show less

This bike is excellent but single cylinder bikes are not as popular here as in Europe. If you buy one as many people have bought and traded in the past, give the bike a chance and put some miles on it before you decide. I hated mine at first but after a few thousand miles of getting to know it, it's awesome. It's a great all-around bike that can do it all. The only thing is that on this bike I didn't like was the headlight when there are not street lights. It also should have come with fork tube gaitors and a rear shock gaitor. Keep your chain lubed a lot. Show less

I have been very unhappy with my third Wing - a 2007 18000. I test rode this bike twice. The first time was when the BMW demo trailer came to Portland - and loved it! It had both the low seat and low suspension, which was too low for me. My local dealer has a 2010 demo that he let me ride for over an hour on freeway, curvy back roads and in some heavy traffic, too. The difference between this and my wing was WOW! It is smooth, light to flix into corners and I love the adj. suspension and windscreen. As soon as I sell my Wing, I will be buying this. I have had Goldwings since my first new one in 1984 - now it's on to BMW! Show less

I recently bought an F800GS and love it. I had intended to sell my faithful thumper but every time I clean it up and take if for a ride I decide to keep it. It is a wonderful all around bike that will take you anywhere in the world on either tarmac or dirt roads. I especially love it on the roads of Baja. The 60 to 70 MPG it gets isn't bad either. Unless a really good friend comes along that will appreciate and love this bike like I do, I think I'll just keep it and use it for city runs in traffic.... I can't part with it! Show less

I had done all my research on this bike before purchase and still couldn't believe its abilities. I live in the big city and love the country aspect so I decided on the enduro and I couldn't have been happier. The suspension system is pure excellence with the ease of adjustment on the right side within seconds. The power is more than one needs for your average to experienced rider. It's been a while since I rode the "dirt bike" style but I've been on bikes all my life from dirt bikes as a kid, rockets in my twenties, custom choppers, to my last harley streetglide and I can honestly say this is most FUN bike I ever owned. Comfortable to ride-the only downfall is being so light and tall profiled you really feel the wind on windy days but that's to be expected. I constantly get looks and compliments. The only WARNING I have is don't underestimate the power of this machine expecially with its light weight. As my buddies say "that's not a birt bike-that's a dirt bike on STEROIDS!!" All in all, I've already put a couple of scratches on it after two days and my other half said you could've waited a month or two. But how else do you test a dirt bike if you never take it off road? I STRONGLY SUGGEST getting it with the knobbies since you never know when you might find that adventure; besides they handle pretty good on the road as well. Good safe riding---ED P.S. Center stand worth it for maintenance and winter storage Show less

Bought the 2002 new in 2005 at a very steep discount. The first owner bought it and only put 38 miles on the machine. The 2002 RT has been very predictable after reading all the materiel available. It is more touring than sport. The problems were the rear seals & front shocks needing to be replaced at 18,000 miles. It had minor surging initially. My dealer suggested injector cleaner and it worked. They do a solid job with scheduled maintenance which eliminates any hint of surging that may have arisen. I am a confident rider and find the motorcycle inspires willingness to ride in less than ideal circumstances. Rain, cold, bugs on summer nights are not an issue. The bike is very smooth at speed. The ABS brakes work great, but power assist is very touchy until you become accustom to the sensitivity. I have kept the bike well maintained and stock. I am finally going to purchase an aftermarket windshield, as the stock does not protect wide shoulders. The seat is not that comfortable, but I do not do over 250 miles/day. I still would like a Russell Daylong Seat. Changing the oil is snap, even for the mechanically handicapped. The silver paint has held up very well and I do not constantly clean or wax. Still the best part is the riding: deep corners, decent acceleration and the ability for my wife to ride comfortably and to carry plenty of stuff when necessary. There is more emphasis on tour than sport. I have a 28 inch inseam and have little difficulty, but have learned to pick my parking spots wisely. I hope this helps you if you are considering purchasing a used one. I plan on keeping mine, the comparable new versions (K1300 GT, R1200 RT, Concours 14) are not worth the extra dollars to me at this time. Show less

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