BMW R1150GS Adventure

It's a bit basic off the line; lights are handy to add if using at night, as is better weather protection if you are going year-round, but there is a whole world of bolt-on bling out there for this machine. Cheap to run, easy to service, superb to ride in all-day comfort (unless you are short and do town traffic a lot), great tank range (250-300 miles). Not sports bike fast, but not slow either, especially given the real-world handling ability, and R1s are generally useless on BOATs. Take it to the South of France, take it to the Scottish Islands, take it for a tear around your local tank training area; whichever you do, you'll have fun and be comfortable.

I came to own a R1150GS after riding a sports bike,basically as I have crook back and need to sit more upright. I came home one day after 3 hrs on the sports bike and said to my wife, that I had to sell my Suzuki because the first hours ride is great after that sore neck shoulder and bum, it was just not pleasant experience after an hour. I looked around at many bikes, took all sorts for a ride, then checked the internet too see what bike most people would ride if they were to travel 1000km in one day on all roads, one answer came back a BMW GS. I couldn't afford a 1200 so took also took a R1150GS 2003 for a demo ride, I was surprised at how well it handled, the twisty corners gave me great reassurance at any speed, Power was adequate (not sportsbike stuff), but in 6th gear can cruise at 120kmhr at just over 3000rpm , just ticking over. Gearbox was a little clunky compared to the Japanese bike I had come from, but it gave no problems, weight was apparent when at a standstill but you soon loose that feeling at speed in fact it feels solid and very well planted at any speed.

I have since rode over 1100km in one day on my GS and it was a breeze, I could have kept going. (this the only bike I have owned that I could say that about)I have also done quite a bit of off sealed road riding with buddies on other GS's, I have to say that the Anakee 2 "front" tyres are great on packed metalled tracks but are no good for the loose metal roads. TKC80s front tyres appear to work much better in the loose stuff. Anakee's are good on the back though and give good wear, which rear TKC80s dont.

So TKC80 front Anakee Rear will be my preferred set up

My bike had done 70,000kms when purchased and is in excellent condition, I have had no problems at all in the 7000 kms I have ridden it. I have ridden 1200GS's, they have better gearbox, lower sixth gear, but felt better when I jumped back onto my 1150,they have a more solid , go anywhere / take on the world feel about them. I would recommend one to anyone that wanted a comfortable solid reliable bike that on the right tyre's will go almost anywhere, in any conditions. The reply from most people on the net was you will not regret buying a 1150GS , and I dont.

I have a 1150GS 2003 and I have to say that is the best bike I ever owned.

It starts every time, rides like a dream and probably the best bike to ride in the wet.Great road presence extremely safe, comparing to what I've previously owned.

I haven't ridden the bike a lot off road but on the road it feels like you are under control at all times and the brakes are phenomenal, you barely move when you brake hard.

It is heavy, bulky and tall but has the power and torque to back it up.

And what can I say about reliability, the only thing I've done is normal service. These bikes feel that will run forever and high mileage is not a concern.

To conclude I don't really think I will replace the bike even if I'm constantly tempted by new models and other makes, but don't take my word for it, you have got to try it to love it. I know I did.

This is the most user friendly motorcycle I have owned. Travel two-up through deserts, tour along mountain roads or chase down a superbike on your favourite back road ... it will do it all. The older ones look fantastic. Build from stone. Hold their value very well. Stories about BMW ownership being expensive are overrated.

Once you get used to the height and weight, they become comforts and offer a sence of security. But you need to live with this bike to appreciate it's value. Most owners (including me) swear that they will never part with this bike.

The BMW R1150GS Adventure is a very well engineered bike with masses of power and built like a tank. very comfortable ride easy to take vertually anywhere with a modest amount of skill.

The BMW R1150GS Adventure bike is made for all kinds of driving, gravel-/asfaltroads with og without passenger. It's made solid and have a great torque:) A little bit heavy if you are a lightweighter yourself ;). The original aluminium cases is of poor qualitey. Had one myself and was very satisfied.

Imposing , durable and reliable. Quality bike (ADV) but value for money- R1100GS better tourer.

Too heavy laden, seat height issues, too many 'I've seen the long way round video' wannabees (spot them by the tall stories)... although many genuine motorcyclists too.

The bike to me is the best all rounder on the road. bumpy back roads have no real effect on the handling. Touring on the continent no probelm. load it to the hilt and it makes no difference. Blue and white models seem to command the better prices and mileage seems not to matter, if proof of servicing is available. if you have been used to the jap bikes you will say it is a tractor rough and horrid. I did when I first rode a boxer twin. a guy in the bike shop overheard my moaning. His advise was ride it for a thousand miles and I bet you'll love it this guy was right . It takes a little time to adapt . The jorno"s love to winge about the indicators, they make sense to me a big at eachside instead of that piffling little switch found on most manufactures machines. There is no perfect motorcyle it is all about compromise. as the old saying goes one mans meat is another man poison. I love boxer twins you may if you are preparedto try one if not well that's your choice stay safe pals.

My dad has a BMW R1150gs Adventure and he's happy with it. Perfomance is brilliant the pulling power is awesome when you have the need for speed it gose but as well as being nice to ride at higher speed I have been the guinea pig on the back many times and the comfort is like a big cuddle. But if you don't have a custom can it will sound like a hair dryer and many BMW shops a Remus can comes standard and it sounds lovely. This bike is a great bike for long distance but a menace when it comes to back roads