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After 40 years of daily motorcycling, on Thursday I'm going to pick up my first ever BMW, a 2003 R1100S with 16,000 miles on the clock and a full dealer service history. I've wanted one of these for 12 years so I'm in that phase of excited and also self-doubt that I have 'done the right thing'!

The bike looks in very good condition, with just a little 'furring' around some of the engine and suspension fasteners and minor paint flaking on the bottom yoke and lower fork castings.

My questions are:

• Is there anything in particular to worry about with these bikes - I've heard clutches/drive shafts can be a weak point(?). Can I do anything to help with this (apart from not dropping the clutch at 7,000 rpm presumably)?
  
  Are there any areas that benefit from any particular additional maintenance or care above and beyond the standard service items?

Basically any recommendations that anyone has to help make our new life together as happy and as trouble free as possible would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi

With 16000 mls on the clock it should be mechanically in good condition. If the appearance might benefit from some cosmetic attention it is easy to work on apart from taking the panels off. The bits can be repainted to look like new. The air cooling fins can be a bastard to clean but I use a washing up brush to scrub between the fins and underneath. I'm a bit anal regarding the appearance of my bike so from time to time I polish the whole exhaust, scrub the engine, assemble the bits especially the brakes and exhaust with a lick of copper grease and clean it without the panels fitted. It makes life easier when you don't have rusted bits to undo. Take care with the Muckoff as it is serious stuff, wet the bike before spraying it on and don't let it dry on the bike. So far no real problems with mine. It needs a service and a bit of fettling with the throttle bodies. The drive train is pretty solid, clutch splines needs a molycote lube from time to time but you'll need to triple the mileage first. The clutch doesn't like drag racer starts. Some like to use a bit of oil and a bottle of the finest in the garage is needed to top up when the level drops to the bottom mark. Coils go with out warning firing on one cylinder. Sometimes they are hard to start, the battery terminals vibrate loose so needs a check every so often. Keep the battery in good condition. The suspension is basic but ok for the road. It should be time for new bits or a rebuild by 30000 mls. Ohlins and WP are very expensive but there are adequate offerings from Wilbers, Hagon and Hyperpro. Comfort for road riding benefits from a taller screen, getting the seat reworked and moving the handle bars higher. On the track it is a different matter but ridden properly it can hold its own given the limits of the suspension but the brakes is awesomely powerful unlike the engine with a measly 98 bhp but there is hope. There is loads of useful info on here and pelican and a search will reveal a wealth of info. Some useful mods and how to's. Welcome to the forum.

Neilski wrote:

• Is there anything in particular to worry about with these bikes - I've heard clutches/drive shafts can be a weak point(?). Can I do anything to help with this (apart from not dropping the clutch at 7,000 rpm presumably)?
  Thanks.

No need to worry about anything until it actually happens..
Major transmission failures seem to be quite random. Over 100 k miles is possible with no replacements. But it can be a major expense /hassle .
I think a seized two piece drive shaft was a possible cause of failure for some on here , ( the shaft wasn't sliding on the centre splines) others had difficult to repair transmission oil leaks.
Change and inspect the transmission oils regularly to get advance warning.

Balancing the throttle bodies regularly keeps everything smooth , and check the paralever bearings regularly .

Hi,

My bikes on 111,000 miles (bought with 24,000 showing 3 1/2 years ago). I'm still running with the same clutch and drive shaft. A few bearings have been changed in that time. Gets used every day which I think is the key to a reliable bike..... ride it and enjoy it,you wont be disappointed.

mark

The economy's in tatters, half the worlds fighting one another and the football season doesn't start till August 3rd, apart from that, everything's fine
I'm sure you'll enjoy it, they're great bikes.

Welcome to the forum, and as above given the normal servicing everything should be fine. On the servicing, well its all there in front of you and is pretty straight forward. I,d say they are the most underrated bike of the BMW family especially given the prices they can be picked up for. Given a little time to adjust to the BMW quirks they really do get under your skin best wishes with yours.

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to reply - much appreciated. Your comments have made me feel much happier with my purchase and I'm looking forward to picking the bike up tomorrow and getting better acquainted on the ride home. In fact, I might just manage to get lost...

Thanks again.

I just bought one about a month ago. Felt a bit odd at first, but I LOVE IT! Fabulous bike, really capable, and brilliant fun to ride. I'm quite sure you won't regret it.

I should also add, that having come from a (unusually for me) troublesome Ducati, this forum seems veryquiet in comparison to some I've been on, which I think must bode very well for the overall reliability of these bikes. That said, there are some very knowledgeable and helpful people here, should you need them.

Nik

I bought my BCR cos I liked the look of it!! didn't have a test ride or read a road test and I love it. had a twin many years ago and a K100 and used an R80 - never regretted it for a moment, in fact if I had the money I would have another 11 as a spare. And I don't think you will ever find a problem that someone here can't help you with - some very knowledgeable chaps here (not me - I'm as thick as pig $hit)