Turning the R1150R into an all-out tourer?

I tried doing a search. If there's a similar thread, I apologize and would appreciate being pointed in its direction. thanks in advance. I know this has been done, and someone here undoubtedly has the experience of turning a roadster into a LD tourer.

The back story: My dad turned 65 in December. To celebrate, he's decided he wants to his first coast to coast with a buddy of his. His original intention was to do it on an R12RT, but later decided it just wasn't the bike for him after he rented one for a week. Instead, he's doing it on my (our) R1150R.

I admire his spirit and determination, and would like to do all I can to help him.

This is what it looks like right now:


The only aftermarket part on the entire bike is a peg lowering kit. I don't own a GPS. I'm so busy with school and work I don't take enough long trips to justify it or a lot of other farkles. The only accessories this bike has right now is the BMW screen, saddlebags and liners. I still have the stock seat. It only has 21,000 miles, and the only thing to break on it since I bought it new was the quick disconnect fuel line.

I realize this is a very broad topic, so let me be a little bit more specific:

I'm curious about what screens you guys like (aeroflow vs parabellum vs vtechnik?)

anybody have bar risers they would not recommend? I'm guessing they pretty much all work the same.

do the aeroflow tank wings actually do anything?

has anybody actually broken an oil cooler on the highway? if so, would an oil cooler guard have protected it?

Are there accessory lights you guys prefer?

What are the corbin and sargeant saddles like for the 1150r?

anybody use a throttle lock or some other type of cruise control besides a throttle locker?

only one of my hand warmers works right now. Is there any way to fix it besides replacing the entire unit?

Does anybody know if the BMW 51 liter tail bag fits well on the 1150r? he seems to want to buy it.

Anybody have a tank bag they'd recommend?



What other tips do you guys have? As always, I appreciate all the help.

oh, and he's a lifelong marathon runner, so you can imagine what shape his knees are in. I think he'd like the option of stretching his legs.

anyone use highway pegs that don't look cheesy?

Hi Matt,
I will turn 65 in March and have an '04 R1150R. When I ride it's usually 300-500 mile days. I bought a Russell seat which has served me very well. The sitting position on the standard bike works for me as it gives a forward lean (arthritis and back surgery are my problems). I'm getting rid of an '04 Victory Tour Cruiser because the lean back position turns a road bump into a straight spine compression. I'm using a small windshield (I'm now 5'7 used to be 5'11) that works great. I love the bike for trips. You asked a lot of great questions that I can't address but I see some good people on this forum who can probably help. Hope your dad has a great trip and thanks for being the kind of son that cares and helps.
Larry

I'm interested in how that works.

If you want touring quality aero that rivals the best factory fairings I would recommend the Aeroflow package for the 1150R. It was better aero than anyting I have ever ridden except an airhead RT. Be sure and get the lowers too.

Have you checked out GIVI E41 bags/mounts?

thanks. he's a good guy.

I really haven't, but I should bring it up with him. thanks.

You can learn everything you need to know over at www.R1150R.net

Be prepared to spend hours, if not days, perusing all the threads about mods and farkles and windscreens and seats and ....

Going from 5'11" tp 5'7" would not be difficult for someone with osteoporosis.

I have looked long and hard at the R1150R and the R1200R as a mainstay tourer, the Parabellem fairing offers good protection and looks great, if Rox Risers work on this bike it give some flexibility to act as bar backs as well as risers.

As for the seat....a Corbin may be to firm, would be nice if you could get a loaner so he can put some test miles on it. Nice practical choice for a touring bike I'd say.

I turned my 1100r into a full tourer.

aeroflow with lowers for cold weather. f-15 or f-16 screen for warmer weather. I think the aeroflow was too much screen.

replaced the muffler with an rt low muffler so I could use a full size bag and a givi trunk.

Not sure if that would work on an 1150

did you get:


and



?????

I have a corbin on my airhead, and hate it. I guess I'll ask what he thinks of it.

thanks.

yes, I had the lowers too. Great for cold weather and came on and off quickly.

Digging back in the ol' memory banks, which don't work too good I might add. I had an 03 1150R which I put 36,000 miles on. If KTM hadn't imported that 950SM, I'd probably have 100k on the Big Mexican Woman now. Anyway, a set of PIAA lights, a wunderlich case saver/crash bar, GS handguards, yes they do fit with just a bit of fiddling, a BMW, aka big mexican woman touring windshield, GIVI 3 bag set-up, Siebring y-pipe/cat eliminator, Remus CF slip on, a set of Pirate footpeg lowering brackets, and MOST IMPORTANT A RUSSELL DAY-LONG SEAT. With these mods my 1150 R was a perfect touring rig. It's currently 4 sale, I just might buy it back. The R is BMW's most under-rated bike IMHO.

I put a Laminar Lip on the BMW sport screen (same as you have). Worked great for me. I am 5'8" but have a shorter torso that most men (being a woman). The tank bag was a BMW one and fit the bike perfect. Would highly reccomend. Kaoko throttle lock for cruise control. BMW GS handguards with the heated grips were lifesavers on cold mornings. Best money spent on the bike was the Sargent saddle. Beautifully comfortable and lighter than the Corbin from what I recall. I had the Corbin prior to the Sargent and sold it. I didn't like it at all, but that's me. Givi top case rack and case. Oh, and Alaskan wooly seat pad.

I never used any lower wings or fairings and never regretted it. The jugs make for some nice wind protection and a place to prop your feet for a periodic stretch. Hope this helps.

I can put a lot of miles on my Corbin in a day despite it's firm foam, but I know people either love them or hate them.

Click the link for several pictures of my 2004 R1150R with and without bags. I've ridden it about 6,000 of the 39,000 miles on the odometer in the 1 1/2 years I've had it. I don't get to stretch it's legs too often so my longest day in the saddle was only about 310 miles. It's mostly used for local "utility" usage. FWIW....it's for sale since it doesn't get enough use. My bride wanted another another Gold Wing.

Pictures.... http://s637.photobucket.com/home/Winfab_photo/index

What is your dad's intended route for curiosity's sake?