Mobilenerd Bike Review: BMW R1150GS Rider's Review

BMW R1150GS Rider's Review

Picture taken at SBF Anniversary 2013 event

This is the bike that began my journey into biking. The holy grail of my motorcycle ownership conquest.

The unique thumping twin cylinder boxer engine which purrs like a mad old cat. It goes where no man has gone before and even further. Sales of this machine took off after the series "Long Way Round" and it seems every one wants one. Myself included. It is a lifestyle machine for us city folk who dream about heading up north at a drop of a hat. Although many of my biker mates have made numerous trips north of Malaysia, I am sadly at this time still hoping. But that said, I was on a lookout for a bike to use daily as a commute to work and powerful enough to carry over 250kgs of weight around when I came across this R1150GS. Without much hesitation, I grabbed it.

Picture taken at SBF Anniversary 2013 event

First word of advice, if you have never experienced riding on a bike heavier than a Honda CB400, please handle your first moments with this bike with extra care. The GS1150 is extremely HEAVY. I repeat, HEAVY. Handling on the standstill with the tall handlebars is tough even for my height.

I am 6ft and over 90kgs, and I found this a little challenging. Maneuvering from tight parking spaces takes patience and a lot of care.

The front headlamps resembles a raised eyebrow has now been copied by numerous bikes.

The cockpit seems a little distant from the rider and is situated a little higher than regular bikes. The VDO meter shows oil temperature, a fuel gauge and clock. There is a large knurled roller which is used for resetting the trip meter. No digital readings are present. All simple and easily identifiable. My bike was purchased used with over 200,000kms on the odometer. This is a bulletproof engine design. Made to go places and see things.

Once you get on the saddle, you will realise how grand the view is. You are perched high. Almost alike riding an elephant. The handlebars are wide with hand guards. Once you stick the key into the ignition and turn over the twin cylinder boxer engine, you will hear the low growl from the single exhaust.

The seats are firm and you should not get belt buckle scuffs on the tank as the seat wrap is quite high. Get the bike into first gear and slowly release the clutch, you will feel how low the torque on this bike is. It will pull right along to 60km/h before shifting into second gear. I

This beast will pull right up to 100km/h at 4th gear. Once on the move, I am quite surprised how confident I am on the road with this. It is made for road touring. Taking corners on this is a breeze. It leans fairly deep and goes where it is pointed. There were a couple of instances where I experienced oversteer but I think that is due to my riding skills.

With local traffic conditions, you will rarely shift up to sixth gear. This machine will sit happily at fifth gear with ample torque to overtake when required.

I was initially quite apprehensive about the power to weight issue as the GS1150 only had 85hp and weighed over 250kgs. It felt very top heavy during my first moments with her. I suggest you take her out for a few spins before you get all gung ho with her.

The twin front Brembo brakes coupled with ABS is adequate but I would have liked to have a little more bite from my brakes.

I added a windshield extension by Touratech to deflect wind from my helmet has the stock windshield is a little short. I can now rider with the visor up and not feel affected.

My GS1150 came with original BMW side cases. They are huge and the extrusion is massive. The bike is wide and no lane splitting is recommended unless you want to give drivers a heart attack with your arrival.

This bike is shaft driven and days of messy chain lubes are gone. However, that said, when riding and changing gears, one must remember to grab on to the tank as there is some jerk due to the shaft. But once you get used to it, it rides like a breeze.

Riders wanting a vibration-free rider should stay away from this as this bike has a fair bit of vibrations during standstill. On the move, the vibrations aren't as pronounced but still a little uncomfortable if you are not used to it. Took me a day to get used to it. Now I enjoy the ride more and not bother too much about it.

Being my first BMW bike, I was initially worried that the bike may be over powering and unwieldy. But after a couple of days with her, I am honestly happy.

Final Thoughts

My wish to own an Adventure Touring bike has come true. It was a toss up between the new Honda NC700X, which incidentally is sold out in Singapore, and the newer R1200GS. After some mental calculations and extensive reading up on the 1150cc variant, I decided on the 1150cc instead of 1200cc powerplant. Fewer electronics means hopefully less costly maintenance. The GS1150 is used widely by bikers worldwide and spares should not be an issue.

Initial experiences from this machine range from sheer joy on the highway to near crapping my pants when doing slow maneuvering.

BMW bikes, like Harleys and KTM are truly lifestyle machines. Bringing hope and dreams to those who wish to travel to faraway places. Now, I am not saying other bikes can't do it, they can. But these bikes do it in true style.

Does it put a smile on my face? Yes, definitely. Is it a keeper? I leave that to you to decide. This is my 41st bike in 36 months.

All in all, it is a bike I think everyone should ride in their biking lifetime.

PROS

- Bulletproof and bomb proof engine

- Low torque but not too overpowering like Suzuki GSXR400

- Everything works for 13year old bike

- Good saddle height for tall riders, truly comfortable.

- Can cruise at over 100kmh even when seated upright

- Pillion seat is comfortable

- Boxer engine purrs and makes you want to ride

CONS

- Heaviest bike I have owned at over 250kgs