R1100S Advice to newbie

[theman]

Hi all, great site! After 25 years on bikes I am seriously considering my first BMW. Have predominately been on sports bikes. Then I had a Rocket 111 followed by a Sprint ST which have just sold.

I was considering a 1200S but feel it may be too one sided. Never had the chance to throw a leg over an 1100S but I like the look, character and break from all the other clones on the market.

My main concerns/questions are:

Comfort-I am 5'10" and just under 14 stone
Reliabilty (I know the boxer engine is strong)
Pillion comfort
How they ride one/two up with luggage
Range on a full tank

Any advice on the above greatly appreciated. I may well buy over the winter if I can pick up a bargain. Also, can anyone give some comparisons if they have owned an 1100s and the 1200s.

Thanks in anticipation.

[Harry]

The only one of those that is usually of any concern is the Fuel tank range. There are modifications around.

But so what? If you ride with a mate on (ahem, say) a Ducati you're always gonna be stopping before the reserve light comes on anyway!

Otherwise you should be Ok for comfort reliability etc. (subject to the usual disclaimers incase you go out and buy a shed...)
Harry

[BockingBandit]

Hi 'TheMan', .. welcome to Boxertrix

1. Comfort: Never heard any complaints. The bars are quite easy to raise and you size is sort of average really.
2. Reliability: No worse than other modern bikes and a lot better than most, provided you/previous owners look after them properly. (which is actually quit easy). A lot of bikes on this forum have covered a good few miles.
3. Pillion Comfort: Apparently a lot better than the 1200S though I've never st on the rear of either.
4. Tank Range. Not good for a BMW, but better than most bikes. Depending on your riding,.. 160 to 180 miles full to dry. Mods can be made to get the full 18L capacity and a 24L tank can be fitted (Possibly only to non-abs versions???)

Geoff

[theman]

Thanks mate, thats' a good guide for starters. I was getting 240 miles per tank on the sprint when touring France, fully laden with luggage. Can't have it all I suppose. I will def. miss the fuel computer, suppose if I had half a brain it would help.

[cc mac]

They can handle passengers really well. You will still be able to chuck it around and it's easy to crank up the preload to keep the bike level.

[Blackal]

Range is invariably 180miles on a tank (10 miles/ltr).

Most on this site will tell you that it is a comfortable all-day tourer, and one thing that BMW do really well is Luggage. It is a really neat pannier system for the 1100s and you can really load it up.

You can fit any of the proprietory SatNavs (Garmin Quest , 2610 , TTR ) with a variety of mounting options.

Take the luggage off it, and it is a great-handling bike, and once you get used to the suspension (that doesn't dive under braking, or stand the bike up if you brake mid-bend) - you might wonder why more manufacturers don't adopt it.

They use the cheapest mineral oil you can get (synthetic is a complete waste), and you don't need to worry about anti-freeze.

Biggest gripe? The 'box is agricultural and the clutch (single plate - dry) is rough as a badger's wotzit (compared to good oil-filled multi-plate)

To sum up............ I don't think anyone has bought one, given it a fair period of appraisal................... and got rid of it! They love them!

If you have the cash - go for a Mamola series BCR. Beautiful bike and has good street cred.

Al

[theman]

Thanks Al, all info helps make an informed choice. Best I start looking round the forum to find out what mods and additions can be made. Maybe I should buy a bike first!!