I have been unhappy with my 2002 BMW K 1200 LTE ever since my trip to Georgia in the spring. The bike is too big and top heavy for riding around town (or in a traffic jam), and has such a big aerodynamic profile that a side-wind makes the bike feel very unstable. I also think the bike was a little too advanced for me to ride in substandard conditions, and if there was any hint of poor weather I’d opt for my FZ6 instead.

So, I put Raptor up for sale on Craig’s List. I got a lowball offer and declined it. Then I heard from a fellow in North Carolina, offering to trade me his K 1200 RS, the sportier version of my bike. I replied, stating that I wanted something smaller and more street-friendly. I didn’t expect to hear back from him, but he replied a few hours later offering his 2004 R1150R plus some cash. I bit.

Normally I’d post pictures of my own, but it’s been raining off and on ever since I traded Raptor in. So I’m going to use the previous owner’s photos.

The R1150R has a lot of the niceties of the K1200LTE, like factory heated hand grips and anti-lock brakes. It is also lacking a lot, too: electric windshield, heated seat, high-capacity hardcases, and almost 350 pounds. That’s right, my new bike is almost two DrFaulken’s lighter than Raptor. Crazy!! I think the extra plastic and shit weighs a fair amount, as does the hard cases and the electric reverse motor. I traded in a 6-disc CD changer for a more nimble steed. I think I did the right thing.

Unfortunately the weather has been absolute balls since I got the bike, and I’ve only been able to really ride it twice. However, initial reports are mostly positive. The bike is much easier to manage at speeds under 40MPH, and while the windscreen is much smaller than the K1200’s it does the job. I am happy with the factory side cases, but the GIVI top case is a little too small for my desires. Apparently there is a special adapter plate I have to buy to mount anything larger, so that will have to wait.

Throttle response is very smooth, and the bike is an absolute stallion on the highway. The seat may need some work, or perhaps my ass needs to toughen up a little bit. I think my modified FZ6 seat has spoiled me. The R1150R motored along at a miserly 50MPG on my first tank. I think the bike is absolutely beautiful.

So, welcome Raider to my garage. Named after the sleek hunter-killer fightercraft from Battlestar Galactica, I hope he carries me efficiently into the front lines of commuter traffic.