BMW F 850 GS versus BMW R 1150 R

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW F 850 GS

Adventure
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2005 bis 2006
RRP 13.000 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • raised seating position
  • good handling on and off-road
  • Wide range of extras and accessories
  • successful appearance
Pros:
  • easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
  • used relatively cheap
  • is also suitable as a tourer
  • wonderful boxer with sound
  • sufficient power, powerful torque
Cons:
  • Windscreen could be slightly larger
  • Price skyrockets with extras
  • not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length :
2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat :
860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight :
229 (max: 445 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
341 km
Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
446 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver