Maybe I want a K Bike

[John832]

I am thinking about buying a 1995 K1100RS. I currently own a 78R100 and a '02 1150R. Actually the 1150 is my wifes bike but I like the extra horses and ABS. Some say after I drive the K for a while I will probably won't put many miles on the other bikes because all I will want it the K's hp and handling. Can anyone testify to that?

[Mudbug]

The 95 K1100RS is a great bike. Lots of fun. The K1200RS/GT from 1998 to 2004 are better. The new K bikes are fantastic.

I ride my 91 K100RS every day. It's great, but for the long haul and when I want to ride a smoother bike with better handling, I ride my 04 K1200GT.

[SweetT]

I really like the K bikes. And you probably wont ride the boxers much after you get one. But if you're considering a K1100RS, you should really really really spend the extra $1500 or so and buy a 1998-2001 K1200RS. There is a huge difference between those two bikes.

[John832]

I really like the K bikes. And you probably wont ride the boxers much after you get one. But if you're considering a K1100RS, you should really really really spend the extra $1500 or so and buy a 1998-2001 K1200RS. There is a huge difference between those two bikes.

What is the biggest difference? The overall body style is easy to see, but what about the way it handles...power...

[knary]

The oilheads handle better. The K-bikes are rocket ships. Two very different species of bike. Ride them and you'll know.

[Mudbug]

What is the biggest difference? The overall body style is easy to see, but what about the way it handles...power...

The K bikes have gops of power and torque. They pull like a tractor. The 1998-2004 are much faster and handle better than the 1984-1997. However, some people, I'm not one of them, say K bikes are top heavy.

If I were in the market for a older K bike, the K1100RS would be it. Great engine.

[osbornk]

I really like the K bikes. And you probably wont ride the boxers much after you get one.

I think it is a personal thing. I did the opposite. My K bikes did everything better than my boxers but I would rather ride the much slower boxers. Just something about those cylinders sticking out I guess.

[hcmiller52]

I really like the K bikes. And you probably wont ride the boxers much after you get one. But if you're considering a K1100RS, you should really really really spend the extra $1500 or so and buy a 1998-2001 K1200RS. There is a huge difference between those two bikes.I absolutely, unequivocally disagree with this comment :nyah :-)

I own an '06 K1200R, which was preceded by an '04 K1200GT (the older style, not the new one), which was preceded by a '98 K1200RS. I absolutely love the smoothness and the power delivery of these bikes. Nothing like them, particularly the new KR. OTOH, I also own three boxers, including an '03 R1100S-BCR, which I bought last week. I love the boxers for their pure pleasure and the thrum of the engine. They also seem nimbler than my K-bikes. I think you might ride an R-bike just as much as a K...at least I do and I own both.

[swbell]

How many people make a snap decision w/ just a test ride? I would say you have to spend some time and put some miles in the saddle before you can make say you like or don't like something.

[bikerfish1100]

When i last lived in CT, i owned a '94K11RS, after having been on a K75 for 10 years. I needed the extra power of the bigger K as I was doing lots of 2up riding. Loved the bike, but it was a real roaster on the hot days of summer. Wearing full gear helped. I modded the bike a fair amount (pretty much always do)- Progresive springs up front, Works performance shock in rear, Remus exhaust, Corbin seat, Motolights, etc.
Rode my g/f's R1100S for an hour or so, and tho "nice", I wasn't overly impressed. Rode it again, for a full day this time, a few months later. WOW! This time out I got it! Outhandles, outbrakes, about equal acceleration (not as "electric smooth" as the K, but torque felt more pronounced), just as comfy- and NO burning of my flesh!
Found a pristine 2001 "Light", sold the K, and now have 62,000+ on my '01 R11S.
Moral of the story- some prefer the K bikes, some prefer the R bikes. Me, I like big twins. And an R11S outhandles any of the earlier K bikes, period. Don't have enough saddle time on any newer K models, so will reserve comparison against those.
I might still find myself owning another K11RS, as a 2-up bike. But for solo work, my R11S is as perfect a bike as I have ever found:heart

[Mudbug]

Here is the K1100 forum. http://www.k11og.org/

[smilingcouple]

Basic issue is what bike to purchase. If you only spend 3K on a great running 85 or 86 K100 you will have fun, fast as hell, excellent handling (OH did I mention bullett proof), low cost insurance and for only 3K enjoy both bikes.

I have raced and ridden Harley to BSA's. I have never had so much fun as now with an OLD 85 K100. No depreciating asset in my garage.

[will3hawks]

The bike is a speedwagon and has the Bullet Train Autobahn Stability that will have you running much faster than you thought. Almost instantaneous starting, power and torque. Traded an R 1100 R for the K and am quite pleased with that move. I have had 3 K bikes prior (2 K75's and a K 1100 LT) and the KRS is the best of both worlds. Set my personal best (750 miles in one day) on the KRS. In my experience, the oilhead R bikes are more agile while the K bikes are more planted at high speed though they do not embarass themselves in the twisties.

Regards,

Will

[lancew]

My K bikes did everything better than my boxers but I would rather ride the much slower boxers. Just something about those cylinders sticking out I guess.

Me too. Went to an R1150GS from a 99K1200RS a couple of months ago, and I love everything about it - it fits me better, I enjoy the upright position more, and there's something organic about those big old finned cylinder heads sticking out that appeals to me. I do admit to missing the oomph, though- I miss being able to walk away from Corvettes.... :burnout

You can't go wrong with the old K's though- in a lot of ways my '85 was a better bike than the '99 - roomier, more comfortable, and (i think) better looking...