BMW R1150RT

BMW R1150RT Motorbike Editor's Summary gives you one of the best run downs on the internet on this popular motorbike. The Review Centre Editor provides a summary of reviews plus other vital information and opinions to help you make an informed choice about this product. Written December 2006.

Summary

BMW is a brand better known for the quality, prestige and reliability of its cars but its bikes are no no different to any of BMW's four wheeled machines in this respect and the R1150RT is a superb example. This excellent tourer has found fans everywhere among professional road testers and leisure riders alike. This superbly engineered, super piece of German bike technology was first launched in 1995 as the R1100RT and has been revamped subsequently to create an even better piece of touring technology. In 2001 it received new fairing and better aerodynamics, new headlight, plus an extra ccs creating considerable power for a flat twin in the form of the R1150RT. The bike is generally considered to be a dream at mid speeds while some have pointed out it is slightly sluggish at slow manoeuvres and a possibility of a vibration at high speeds. Still this superb looking bike garners massive support amongst tourer fans who rate its comfort and reliability combined with whopping power as second to none.

Review Centre Reviews

Review Centre reviewers regard The R1150RT as a winner, claiming a solidly built, well designed cruiser and overwhelming recommend it as excellent for long distances. Reviewers also love the stylish look of this classic tourer. Reviewers also confirm that BMWs are easy to maintain and repair and superbly reliable. Good riding position with ergonomic throttle, clutch, brakes and superb over all control response are other typical features highlighted. One reviewer compares it favourably to the Goldwing and other classy tourers and claims it is the best in terms of comfort and a luxury experience by far on a range of well known tourers.

2004 Model General Specification

Standard equipment includes BMW EVO with full Integral ABS, closed loop 3-way catalytic converter, 2 BMW system cases, 5-position mechanical front spring preload adjuster, twin tone horn, stainless steel exhaust system, magnesium cylinder head covers, prob stand with starter inhibit and diagnostic interface.

Detailed Spec

  • Engine Air-cooled/oli-cooled twin-cylinder
  • Displacement: 1130cc
  • Bore and Stroke: 101.0 mm x 70.5 mm
  • Fuel System: Motronic MA 2.4 fuel management system with two spark secondary
  • Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
  • MPG: NA
  • Drivetrain: Transmission: 6-speed
  • Final Drive: Enclosed drive shaft with two universal joints
  • Brakes: Front: Two, four-piston fixed calipers; 12.6 inch dual floating rotors; optional ABS Rear: Single, two-piston floating caliper; 10.9 inch single fixed rotor; optional ABS
  • Suspension: Front: BMW Telelever Rear: BMW Paralever
  • Wheels and Tires: Front: 120/70 x 17 tubeless tire
  • Rear: 170/60 x 17 tubeless tire
  • Dimensions - Length: 87.8 in. Seat Height: 31.7 in./32.5/33.3 Steering Angle and Trail: 62.9 degrees / 4.8 in. Wheelbase: 58.5 in. Weight: 592 lbs. dry
  • Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gals.
  • Colors - Sliver, Titan Gray, Biarritz Blue Metallic, Piedmont Red Metallic

About BMW Motorcycles

BMW introduced its first motorcycle in 1923. Since then the German firm has become one of the world's most successful manufacturers of refined high quality motorcycles.

Two of BMW's patented technologies include the paralever and the telelever. The paralever's rear suspension technology lets the drive shaft pivot along the same axis as the sprung rear frame. The telelever's three-tube front fork eliminates brake drive and offers superb traction during hard-braking.

BMW offers high quality cruisers, sports, tourers and street motorcycles.

BMW are especially known for durability. Well maintained BMW bikes will last seemingly for ever. An amazing 50 per cent of all the motorcycles BMW has ever manufactured are still on the road today.