I keep a search running on craigslist for interesting bikes less than $4k. A week or two ago, I saw a 2001 BMW R1150GS pop into the list. I’ve always liked those bikes, but never had the chance to ride the 1150. I rode the F800GS, F650GS, G650GS earlier this year and didn’t like them.
The pic above is me waiting down the road at a park for the guy to show me the BMW. He lives on a nice gravel road in Shakopee.
The correct time had arrived, and I rode up his long gravel driveway. I was a bit concerned about being able to handle a 500lb bike I’ve never ridden on gravel for the first time.
The bike is a 2001 and has been well used. It has 104,000 miles on the odo! It’s in decent shape and just needs two new turn signals and a new tire. It also had quite a pile of farkles. (more on that later)
I liked enough to take it for a ride. I left my Ural there, and took off. My first stop was an empty parking lot. I wanted to get some practice with it before I encountered too many cars. The bike is surprisingly easy to ride for it’s size. It is also confidence inspiring on the gravel. I think I put in about ten miles buzzing around the local area before returning it. The speedo cable is currently broken and will be replaced today/tomorrow.
Here is a shot on one of the roads.
I am seriously thinking of buying the bike to add to the collection. No plans to sell anything yet either. :)
And, so a stable grows. Sounds like it would fit in nicely. I'm eager to hear about the farkles.
ReplyDeleteChris
ReplyDeleteI rode an 1150RT, a bit bulkier than the GS and they are very nice to ride. Think of it this way, it'd make a great tug for your sidecar should the sad day arrive when the Ural tug gives up the ghost....that's my long range plan anyways.
dom
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Chris:
ReplyDeleteI so envy the lower prices of bikes "down there" as opposed to purchasing one here in Canada where prices are more than double what you are able to find. I tried to sit on a GS but found them much higher to what I am accustomed. I hope you buy it for then you will have a "guest" bike
bob
Wet Coast Scootin
OMG!! This is too cool. That's a nice one and definitely is a Chris kind of bike--you know what I mean! I once sat on a R1150R and thought I'd get it, but then the F800st won out. I can't wait to hear more about this bike!!
ReplyDeleteKeith: Yes, I think it will too. Some slight overlap, but it fits a niche.
ReplyDeleteDom: I've never ridden the RT, and only seen one or two. A friend of a friend has a R1150GS with a sidecar. It also has VW tires and a bunch of other performance mods. Nice rig.
Bob: MN has high prices on bikes; CO is where the cheap ones are! The GS is taller, but that's because it's a dualsport. Not counting the BMW, there are six bikes in our garage... I think we have the "guest" bike area sorted. ;)
Sharon: The R1150R never spoke to me either. I think the F800st > R1150R. Yes, I need to write about it more, but been so silly busy this past few days.