R1150r

R1150R

BMW's new nude

OUR FAVORITE OILHEAD BEEMER? SIMPLE. THAT would be the big GS, affable galoot of a dual-purpose bike that refuses to be hemmed in by the usual sales categories. As such, it’s not a bike that everyone “gets.” Even we can be confused, naming the 1994 R1100GS as Best Standard in our annual Ten Best Bikes issue, then slapping saddle-bags on and proclaiming the R1150GS as 2000’s Best Sport-Touring Bike. Clearly, this is a bike that does many things well.

Except look stylish and sexy, that is, which is where the 2002 RI 150R Roadster comes in.

In place of the GS’s earthy funkability comes nicely sculpted bodywork from the pen of BMW’s Americanborn chief stylist David Robb. The beak-like front fender serves both form and function, setting the tone for the fuel tank’s distinctive beveled edges while splitting the wind and directing airstream to twin oil-coolers housed beneath the Roadster’s “spinning propeller” roundels. The taillight’s wraparound lens, in particular, is a tasty piece. The plot gets more complicated below the beltline, what with the usual array of injector lines, brake hoses and various cables, tubes, etc. on haphazard display, but overall this is a cleanly executed, attention-getting interpretation of the naked-bike theme.

Basis for the 1150R is our old friend the GS, which contributes its motor-punched out to 1130cc last year, making 75 bhp and mated to a six-speed tranny-and the majority of its chassis, including mid-rise left-side muffler and single-sided swingarm. Suspension has been suitably shortened and 17-inch wheels were lifted from the 1100S, the company’s sportiest Twin. Specific to the R-model are its cutaway Telelever A-arm and a retrolooking instrument cluster topped by that rare timekeeping piece of the ancients, an honest-to-analog clock (“Big hand on the 12, little hand...”). U.S. models come stock with an electrical accessory outlet and two-stage heated handgrips.

Brakes. Standard issue are the company’s new EVO stoppers, with larger rotors and upgraded calipers. Optional is the new Integral ABS system, this time the “partial” variant in that the foot pedal works just the rear caliper, while the linked front lever brings all three brakes into play. Already naked-bike pricey at $9999, the Roadster’s base price jumps to $12,190 with the ABS system installed.

Our advice, sir? Opt out of the linked brakes and spend the money instead on BMW’s excellent System hard bags and small Speedster windshield. Enter the Naked Sport-Tourer? -David Edwards