BMW R 1150 R versus Yamaha Niken GT

BMW R 1150 R

Naked

Yamaha Niken GT

Sporttourer

Is it still worth buying a BMW R 1150 R today?

The BMW R 1150 R was built from 2000 to 2006 and is therefore anything but a modern motorcycle. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at this beautiful machine - especially since there is hardly any other boxer model from BMW that is available used at a similarly low price.... weiter

BMW R 1150 R im Test

Gallery

Driving report of the new Yamaha Niken GT in Sardinia.

The new Yamaha Niken GT claims to have eliminated the disadvantages of its predecessor and now presents itself as an even more valuable touring machine. What has remained is the fascinating tilting technology, which allows even less experienced drivers hair-raising lean angles. We were at the... weiter

Yamaha Niken GT 2023 im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006

Built von 2020 bis 2024~

RRP

RRP 18.399 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

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

Pros:

Leaning angle feeling
Comfort
Suitability for travel
Pillion comfort
Operation and cockpit

Cons:

vulnerable ABS system
fiddly battery removal

Cons:

Appearance is a matter of taste
Weight

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.510 mm
Length : 2.150 mm Height : 1.250 mm
Seat : 825 mm
Weight : 270 kg

Engine

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

Motor design: In-line motor four-stroke 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 890 ccm
Hub: 62 mm
Hole: 78 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

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

Maximum speed: 190 km/h
Performance: 115 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 91 NM bei 7.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 310 km

Chassis

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

Frame type:
Bridge tube frame (aluminum)

Front suspension:
Double USD fork 41 mm (travel 110 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut, hinged via lever system (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 15 inches
Rear tyres: 190/55 17 inches

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)

Front brake
Double disc brake (∅ 298 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 282 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.

Conclusion - what sticks

The new Niken GT is above all a great touring motorcycle! Thanks to the tilting technology, it is extremely safe to drive and where you give up with a normal motorcycle in the rain in winding areas and head for the next café, the fun really starts with the GT! No curve is too tight with the GT, no lean angle too risky. Even not so experienced bikers can really enjoy it - at least that's how I felt!

Many thanks to Yamaha for inviting us to the presentation of the Niken GT in Sardinia. Flights, accommodation and meals were paid for by Yamaha, but no influence was made on our reporting. In other words, I would have written the report in the same way if we had done the GT at a dealership, as is usually the case with us.

>>> Used Yamaha Niken GT <<<