I'm considering an R bike [Archive]

scootrp125x

10-03-2007, 12:04 PM

I'm looking to buy a different bike in the next year. I have been riding a 92 K75RT for 3 years. Had a 86 K100RT before that. I'm ready for newer technology and want something a little bigger for riding and touring. With my 17 year old son on the back it is a bit cramped. The K75 is ok and I like the full fairing but the engine heat is overwhelming. I'm not really interested in the LT style bikes and the newest bikes are not in my price range.

The local dealer has a few bikes that appeal to me: 2000 R1100RT, 2003 R1200CLC, 2004 R1150GS and a 2004 R1150RT.

I have read about surging engines and final drive failures. Are there any models or years in particular that are to be avoided for mechanical reasons? I have ridden a R1100RT several years ago and really like this bike. Would the R1150RT be a better choice over the R1100RT due to technological advances? I'm reading Neil Peart's book "Ghost Rider" and the GS sounds interesting too. The R1200CLC looks like a nice bike but it seems a bit lacking on horsepower, not that I'm a speed freak though. Thanks for any suggestions. I have all winter to ponder and decide....

Mark

OfficerImpersonator

10-03-2007, 12:14 PM

I had a '92 K75S and loved it, but I wanted something bigger, more visible, with better protection from the elements, and anti-lock brakes as I commute year-round.

I ended up with an '02 RT-P. I don't notice the surging issue, but it's enough of a complaint from others to suggest you go with the '04 RT, as it has the dual sparkplug cylinder heads. I think the brakes are also fine-tuned a bit over the prior years of 1150 RTs.

Your big decision is whether to do with the '04 RT or the GS. The only reason to not get the GS would be to have the larger fairing and better protection from the weather of the RT. If you're riding highways long distances two-up, get the RT. If you think you'll just be puttering around town and enjoying the occasional dirt road, your decision is easy - go with the GS.

Either way, I hope you'll be happy with your decision.

17butler

10-03-2007, 12:21 PM

It sounds exciting to be in the buying mood.
I bought a pre-owned 2004 R1150RS a year ago to keep the cost down. A very good idea, because my wife still rides with me. It is a little tight two up. I have not had any problems at all with it in 24K miles. The power assisted brakes make for some helmet knocking every once in awhile. If it is your sweetie, its fine!
I wanted something that I could ride touring, two up, and still take the luggage off and scoot around a little quicker. The power is way more than I really need. It fit the bill. I would buy a pre-owned BMW again in a minute.
The only surging I get is when I twist the throttle for the thrill. Oh My!!!
Have a great time shopping! I am envious. Mike

YELLOW_S

10-03-2007, 04:15 PM

Come to the dark side, Scoot...

BradfordBenn

10-03-2007, 05:24 PM

Get whatever puts the bigger smile :D on your face.

BMW_Rogue

10-03-2007, 06:20 PM

You're gonna have fun this winter! And such a field of choices!

I chose a '99 R1200C and have no regrets. It's strong enough and beefy enough and comfortable enough to cruise the streets or the open road ... and I do a good bit of both. She's got sexy good looks and lots of appeal ... the best ride I've ever had. Lack of horsepower? Dunno ... hasn't been a problem during this first 2,500 miles ... but then I've only had her just short of a month. Tweaking and maintenance? No more than any other bike I've had and a good deal less than some ... but it's easy and not excessive DIY maintenance and you can tweak or not, your choice ... but I'll bet you do ...

Good luck with your choosing ... in any case, get back on the road!

Plainsscout

10-03-2007, 08:36 PM

I traded my 2003 R1150R in this year for the 1200 GS A.

I love my new bike, but that R was a flawless runner with plenty of guts and more fun in the corners than a box of kittens and puppies! I loved the way in handled in the twisties!

:bikes

dbOnIce

10-03-2007, 09:18 PM

I love my 1150 RS. :heart
People have all different opinions but ... the partially integrated, Power, ABS brake system tickles my fancy!

Another plus is that this vintage has had a wide variety of mechanical and electrical mods. developed for it, so you can fine tune it to your body type and riding style.

Good luck and happy hunting!

handsome

10-03-2007, 09:53 PM

I went from an 88 K75C to an 97 R1100RT. Like you my K75 was getting small for 2-up touring and was very uncomfortable for two in the weather. I went looking for larger displacement and better weather protection.

Trust me, go for the RT. Excellent weather protection, surprisingly nimble, and pleasant creature comforts. I can honestly say the RT has made me a better rider because it does everything well. It is extremely spacious, comfortable and has a huge list of accessories made specifically for it. Best of all, it is not hard to find a low milage model for really cheap considering how much bike you get.

Now I will admit, it is odd adjusting from the smooth triple to the punchy boxer, but it was well worth it, especially since I was able to keep the K75 as well.

As a testament to the bike, I'd normally average about 12,000 miles a year on the K75. Between May and August of this year I put on over 13,600 miles on the RT.

Fun, fun, fun 'til my fiance takes my RT away...but she likes it too much for that to happen! :thumb

breyfogle

10-04-2007, 08:42 AM

....Now I will admit, it is odd adjusting from the smooth triple to the punchy boxer, but it was well worth it, especially since I was able to keep the K75 as well.

Interesting how many who have made the same "upgrade" chose to keep both the K75 and the R . K100 owners don't seem to be similarly affected.

bobs98

10-04-2007, 09:03 AM

Mark,

I've got a '98 R1200C and absolutely love it. Over 33K since purchase in 2002, 41K total. I've got it set up for touring with bags, windshield, etc and take a week long trip every year as well as commuting daily.

If you plan to do a lot of 2 up riding, the comfort of the CLC is top notch. Plus it's got all the goodies for long distance touring. Big side cases, top case, floor boards, radio..... 61 hp and gobs of tourque, low end power and and a very impressive power curve makes it a great machine. You can also check out chromeheads.org for more info and discussion on this great family of bikes!

Take them all out, I have. You can't make a bad choice from your options. Find the one that fits you best.

Enjoy the ride(s).

osbornk

10-04-2007, 10:22 AM

I think a little differently. I started with a K100RT and replaced it with a K75RT because it was much smoother (not buzzy). The K75RT was a great touring bike after I put a Russell seat and top case on it (I ride alone). I then added a R80RT because I wanted a black airhead since 1970. When I decided to go back to one bike again, I didn't hesitate and sold the K75RT. It does absolutely everything better than the R80RT except have a distinct personality. After about a year being a single bike owner, I stumbled upon a R1200CLC in the middle of the winter at an excellent price. Based on the test rides, comments and opinions of motorcycle "experts", I figured I would be selling it in the spring. I was very wrong. After riding the CLC long enough to get accustomed to it, I find it to be a great touring bike with almost every accessory one would want as standard equipment. My black airhead gets compliments from "old" men but the CLC gets many compliments from both "old" and young women.

Both the bikes have a distinct personality and I plan on keeping them both for a long time (since both have been discontinued).

beeryboats

10-04-2007, 11:12 AM

I've only had my '01 R1100RT a couple months, but I still can't stop raving about it. Truth be know my buddy has had a couple BMW's that interested me, but I took the hook while watching Alton Brown on FoodTV ride one. I test rode a '96 model and fell in love with the model, but not that bike. It wouldn't even idle. I found the perfect bike in CA and had it shipped home after I sold the Sportster.

My first impression was that it was a huge bike. But after I installed an older model front seat I could get my feet on the ground. And once you get it rolling you would never know you had bags on the back. Compared to my Sportster this thing is pure sport bike. I've read all the horror stories about the final drive too. I just keep changing the final drive oil and keep a sharp eye out for leaks. From what I've read, most people notice a leak before the failure. And gear oil is cheaper than getting stuck somewhere. So I'm keeping a sharp eye out for metal in the oil.

If you want a bike that will handle like a sport bike, carry a LOT of stuff, and won't break the budget, then an RT is for you.

grossjohann

10-04-2007, 11:39 AM

I'm looking to buy a different bike in the next year... The local dealer has a few bikes that appeal to me: 2000 R1100RT, 2003 R1200CLC, 2004 R1150GS and a 2004 R1150RT... I have read about surging engines...

Would the R1150RT be a better choice over the R1100RT due to technological advances?

If you are at all worried about surging, then I would say the dual-spark R1150 is far better than the R1100. From what I understand the R1150 has virtually eliminated the surging issue.

I love the Boxer engine, and I am convinced the success of the GS models is directly related to the Boxer design. Only one consideration is the valve adjustment which will need to be done at least every 5K – 6k miles. Not too bad once you have gotten the hang of it, but I have heard the K models require even less maintenance.

I ride a 2004 R1150RS, and I really like this bike.

TomBarnhart

10-04-2007, 05:41 PM

I have a 2003 R 1150R. I LOVE my bike, it does everything I want it to do. Never had a surge problem. it is a single spark, I would recommend the dual spark which came out in the 2004 models. I also recommend the ABS, but the servo system takes a few more bucks to service. If you have any Luddite tendencies, beware.

My choice would be to look for a good R 1200 series. Better engine, better brakes, newer electric technology. Well worth the price for the improvements. The style is strictly your call, naked R can be set up for touring, the RT has all the creature comforts for 2 up touring, the GS is for the truly serious tourer (and long of leg). The S series is for the young and aggressive. Riding posture is not the best for those of us with age issues.

scootrp125x

10-05-2007, 07:33 AM

OfficerImpersonator

10-05-2007, 10:22 AM

Thanks for all the messages. It sounds like the 2004 1150 engine is the one to look at if I go for the RT or GS. I'll have to decide for myself if I want the RT, GS or Custom model. Hopefully by next spring I'll be able to test drive these bikes and narrow it down for good. I'll keep you posted on the results. :thumb

Mark

I think that's the best approach. If I wasn't as concerned about conspicuity, I'd have a '04 GS instead of the RT-P for my boxer, and a new K-GT for my K-bike. But I can't have everything I want whenever I want it, so I'll "deal" with my '02 RT-P :)

mrbreeze

10-08-2007, 08:08 PM

scootrp125x

02-21-2008, 08:40 AM

After researching and shopping most of the winter I have made my decision. This afternoon I'll be riding home my new (to me) 2004 R1150RT. The local dealer had taken it in on a trade. The weather is cold and clear but the roads are drying out from yesterdays snow. Tonight we are expecting more snow. The planets must have been in the right alignment for me to be able to ride it home today. I'll put a picture on when I get it home.

Thanks for all the suggestions and input.:dance

bikerfish1100

02-21-2008, 09:02 AM

congrats on the oilhead. hope it does all that you want it to!

bikerfish1100

02-21-2008, 09:09 AM

I bought my R1100 RL 3 weeks ago, so not much experience really but I have put 2300 miles on it already. I really like riding it. It does surge, and I don't know what the "official" cure for that is, but I found that I can usually reduce the surge just by upshifting one time. It pulls well down to 2000 rpm. The surge shows up when going slow (under 40?) in lower gears. I just got back from Panama City Beach, where I cruised the Front Beach scene a few times with the wife or the daughter on board. Neither of them mentioned the surge, so I assume they didn't notice it.

do a throttle body sync (TBS)- that is the usual cause/cure for a surging oilhead. depending upon mileage, a valve adjustment and even a BBS (big brass screw) cleaning could be beneficial.
passengers don't notice surging becuase they are not in control of the throttle- so they have no idea that you are not doing something intentional to make it happen (unless they are also oilhead riders themselves, then they might figure it out).

nrhodes1971

02-21-2008, 05:41 PM

I've had my '02 1150 RT about a year and a half now--best bike I ever owned. I bought it used with 28K miles from a BMW dealer and got it for half the price of a new one. If it surges, I haven't noticed it. It pulls great 2-up and my wife and I have gotten groceries with it since it has ample storare with the trunk and saddle bags. My favorite feature is the ABS brakes--I never touch the foot pedal anymore and this means that I land at each stop sign/red light with both feet out and firmly on the ground so leaning is not a problem, nor is take off.

I change the oil(s) every 2000 miles, because I am comfortable with that and let the dealer do the 6K services. I had over 11K miles on it for the year of 2007 and never had a problem with it, including a 2.7K mile, 7 day tour from KC to Montana and back. My biggest expense with it so far has been a set of tires and I got almost 14K miles out of a set of Metzler Z6's. It is actually a lot more nimble than it looks and it handles way better than my old bike, a Honda VLX that was smaller and lighter than the 1150 RT. I don't ride dirt roads so I can't speak to the GS factor, but the RT is great for touring or just "toolin" around town and running errands.

With the choices you have already mentioned, I don't think you can go too far wrong. I also have a riding buddy who owns a R1200 CLC and he absolutely swears by his bike. Good luck with your shopping--rock

nrhodes1971

02-21-2008, 06:01 PM

Congrats, Dude:

You will love the 2004 1150 RT--put a half million safe and enjoyable miles on it. -- rock

r11rs94

02-21-2008, 06:23 PM

scootrp125x

02-21-2008, 06:29 PM

2004 R1150RT.

Less than 10K miles.

Riding home on a clear, cold day between snow storms........priceless!

stpete

02-21-2008, 07:51 PM

You'll love it. I also have an '04 RT, as a matter affect same color as well. Got it last year and put 7k miles, it is great.

Rpbump

03-03-2008, 07:55 PM

I have been riding a 2004 R1200CLC for about 2 weeks now and really like this bike. I had a HD Sportster 1200cc and did like the acceleration but appreciate the handling and room that the CLC has for the rider/s. The heated seats, grips, ABS, and cruise control are big pluses. I could do without the CD/AM/FM prefering a CB instead. The bike had 932 original miles on it and now has over 2,000. The original seat will probably be replaced by an all-day seat as the bike was bought for longer trips. There is more than enough power to cruise at illegal speeds but I prefer the back roads and the ability to enjoy the scenery. I would buy what feels best to your MC preferences. Good Luck )3-31-08 Purchased an Airhawk seat "cover" by ROHO Industries several weeks ago and really like this add-on. The only thing it might need is an Sheepskin cover to deal with the FL summer heat/humidity.

osbornk

03-04-2008, 10:06 AM

I have been riding a 2004 R1200CLC for about 2 weeks now and really like this bike. I had a HD Sportster 1200cc and did like the acceleration but appreciate the handling and room that the CLC has for the rider/s. The heated seats, grips, ABS, and cruise control are big pluses. I could do without the CD/AM/FM prefering a CB instead. The bike had 932 original miles on it and now has over 2,000. The original seat will probably be replaced by an all-day seat as the bike was bought for longer trips. There is more than enough power to cruise at illegal speeds but I prefer the back roads and the ability to enjoy the scenery. I would buy what feels best to your MC preferences. Good Luck

I have had my CLC for a little over a year and I like it much better now than when I first got it. I think you will find the same thing. I have found the seat to be the best stock seat I have ever had on a bike. It is better than 2 Corbins I had and not as good as a Russell I had made for me. I don't plan on upgrading the seat as I don't plan on riding over about 500 miles in any one day.

Drdv654

03-31-2008, 01:56 AM

I have both a 2003 R1150RT and a 1995 R1100GS and both bikes are fantastic. The RT is great for extended long drives on freeways due to the fairings and ajustable windscreen, so when ayou do a long drive you do nto feel so beat up. However for tripe around town or short trips or the occasion dirt backroad or trail the GS is the way to go I have a Aeroflow windscreen ( top and bottom) which takes quite a bit of the wind off of you but not as much as the RT does. Both bikes are a good bet it just depends on what you will be using them for. I commute on the GS as you sit higher up so you can see traffic up ahead of you. Dr Dave

maxscycle

03-31-2008, 06:41 AM

bikerfish1100

03-31-2008, 12:45 PM

I have a 96 BMW R1100RTL for sale, ABS, Bar Backs, Throttle lock, Heated grips, All maintenance records, 40,700 miles, Includes BMW service manual, Includes 2 new tires, not yet installed, $5,000 OBO
max

the OP has owned his RT for a bit over a month now. if you really want to sell your bike, you'll have better success posting it in the Flea Market ads, rather than this "dead" thread.

timay

05-07-2008, 03:35 PM

I'm an '04 R1150RT owner. I got the bike real hot recently and it started to run poorly after that: "Bumpy" idle, surging on accelerate, and "gargling" in the exhaust on deceleration. I synchronized my throttle bodies and it runs better now than it ever did (even after the dealer services it).

The '04 version of the R engine surges. Based on this recent experience, it seems that how badly it surges depends on throttle body sync.

Surging can be easily reproduced/identified on any bike by holding the throttle open at a standstill at various RPM's. On my now-perfectly-tuned RT, at around 2500-3000 with a steady hand, I can watch the RPMs walking up and down around the 3K mark. I've been test riding some other bikes and used this as a test to measure surging at various RPM's. (Example: The '07 ST1300 has a little blip of surging right at the 2000 RPM mark.)

Regarding the GS versus RT, one thing I realized is that the GS (and R) have no side panels, so working on the engine is EASY compared to taking the panels off the RT. Taking the panels off the RT isn't that big of a deal - I can get mine off in about 15 minutes - it can be a psychological barrier that encourages me to procrastinate! ;o) This is especially important if the throttle body sync has to be done frequently, because getting to the throttle bodies on the GS is quick and easy.

The last item of note is heat. I find the water cooled bikes keep the engine cool and the rider hot, while the air-cooled RT is the opposite. I've done *thorough* reading on the ST1300 and FJR, and was initially surprised to learn of the heat issues because I'm so used to being completely comfortable on my RT. Engine heat from the rider comfort perspective has never even crossed my mind - that's how insignificant the heat making it to the rider is on the RT. I'm window shopping (GT, ST, FJR) because I don't want to have to spend an hour or so re-tuning my RT every time I get it hot riding in stop and go traffic (inner-city Washington, DC).

As for the surging, I ordered a Power Commander that I'll be installing tonight. I've read in a bunch of places that it will put the surging issue to bed, and the technological implementation really makes a lot of sense. I have high hopes - we'll see!

Cheers

timay

05-07-2008, 03:42 PM

I love my RT. I bought it March of '07 - my first bike purchase ever - and put 10K miles on it.

I also ride the Titan Grey.

Congratulations on your purchase!

cjack

05-07-2008, 03:52 PM

The last item of note is heat. I find the water cooled bikes keep the engine cool and the rider hot, while the air-cooled RT is the opposite. I've done *thorough* reading on the ST1300 and FJR, and was initially surprised to learn of the heat issues because I'm so used to being completely comfortable on my RT. Engine heat from the rider comfort perspective has never even crossed my mind - that's how insignificant the heat making it to the rider is on the RT. I'm window shopping (GT, ST, FJR) because I don't want to have to spend an hour or so re-tuning my RT every time I get it hot riding in stop and go traffic (inner-city Washington, DC).

Cheers

BMW's K bikes are cool starting with the K1200 bikes...'98 or so. Before that, they were hot.