BMW R 1150 R versus Honda VFR 800

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1150 R

Naked
Honda

Honda VFR 800

Sporttourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 1998 bis 2010
RRP
RRP 12.240 €
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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:
  • Sporty engine
  • Good comfort
  • Gripping brakes
  • Value for money
  • Reliable model
Cons:
  • vulnerable ABS system
  • fiddly battery removal
Cons:
  • Rear view
  • Vibration
  • Exhausting manoeuvring

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
800 mm
Weight :
238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.130 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat :
820 mm
Weight :
249 (max: 444 ) 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: V4 90 degree four-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 782 ccm
Hub: 48 mm
Hole: 72 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring 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: 244 km/h
Performance: 109 HP at 10.500 U/Min
Torque: 80 NM bei 8.800 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
350 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 frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyres: 180/55-ZR17

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Three-piston caliper ( 296 mm) Rear brake
Three-piston caliper ( 256 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.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price new (2003): 9,000€
  • Used (15 years old): 4,500€
  • Years built: 2000 - 2006
  • Colours: black, blue, silver

Expensive, but always back

What remains? Without sponsors, this would have been a rather expensive affair, as there are cheaper offers on the net. And yet we are glad to have dared this experiment: the Honda is too good not to try it. Our advice to all those who can make friends with a sports tourer: Definitely shortlist!

This was the emotional section of our brain, but the truth is that these costs cannot be recovered from a sale. But no matter what we do with the VFR, we have not yet decided. We just enjoy :)

That cost the fun, all the numbers in Euros:
Motorcycle: 1,600
TÜV: 80
Battery: 100
Brake pads and air filters: 230
Oil and oil filters: 40
Front blinkers: 62
Spark plugs: 146
Halogen lamp 40
Tank ceilings: 20

In total, that's 2,318 euros. To this end, we have received services from sponsors. For new Michelin tyres, LSL levers and mirrors as well as the paintwork a further 2,377 euros would have been due, so summasumarum 4,695 euros.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 12.240€ (2002)
  • Used from about 1,500 €
  • Years built: Model RC46II 2002-2010
  • Availability: good