My views...
Why I love my BMW R1150GS
Name:
Glen Bagnall
Age:
37
Occupation:
Business Improvement Manager
Years riding:
5
Why do you love it? Be as gushing, honest or funny as you like, this is your chance to tell the world why your bike is the best.
Its different from any other bike, you look at an 1150GS and you see substance, a big lump of metal that will take you most places. Far away places which you simply do not get from other bikes.
What kind of rider do you consider yourself? Sporty rider/sports-touring rider/tourer/commuter/Sunday rider
All of the above, the bike is only limited by my ability.
How long have you owned your bike?
14mths
What’s your average annual mileage?
20000+ miles
What other bikes do you own, if any?
Honda CB750 Custom
Suzuki Bandit 600GSF
What accessories have you fitted to you bike? Roughly how much have you spent on them?
Panniers £400ish
If you’ve been on a trackday, how did your bike perform?
Never done one
If you’ve travelled or toured on your bike how far have you been?
Germany & France
What issues, if any, have you had with your bike? How much have they cost to sort?
Broken headlight (stone damage) £160
Accident damage £600ish (new mudguard, top box and mirror)
How would you rate your bike at the following (feel free to explain your reasons or experiences)?
10 is brilliant, 0 is utter rubbish
Performance 0-10 8
Comment: For a big heavy lump not designed for top end speed it goes well enough to put a smile on my face every time I ride it
Practicality 0-10 10
Comment: It does everything, commute, sporty rides, tours, lanes, what more can I say
Reliability 0-10 9
Comment: No big issues, what’s gone wrong is limited to fair wear & tear
Fun/Involvement 0-10 9
Comment: Would be nice to have a little more top end
Long distance comfort 0-10 8
Comment: Very good from both a rider and pillion perspective with the standard seat
Pillion provision 0-10 8
Comment: Much better than the Bandit and due to height of bike gives the wife plenty of opportunity to see surroundings and direction of travel
Build Quality 0-10 9
Comment: No issues that wouldn’t expect from a bike of its age ‘03’
Dealer service 0-10 7
Comment: Park Lane good but price of parts/labour are silly
Value 0-10 9
Comment: Does the lot so you get a lot of bike for your money
Running costs 0-10 7
Comment: Within warranty and whilst using BMW dealer its expensive due to labour and parts costs. Now out of warranty and using local mechanic it’s much more affordable for servicing.
Given the opportunity, what would you change about your bike?
Not much really, just like a little more top end speed
What was your best experience on/involving your bike?
Touring in Germany, fantastic roads, great company and tolerant car drivers topped off by taking the bike around the Nurburgring with my wife on the back!
What was your worst experience on/involving your bike?
The two idiots in cars who despite it being one of the biggest bikes on the road still seemed unable to see it or me stationary in front of them!
but let me know if this is still a requirement. 
