'99 R1100S questions

[txmxrider]

I'm considering buying a '99 R1100S and was reading some earlier posts on this forum to get a feel for what issues people are having. One post about handlebar position caught my eye. Someone indicated that the handlebars can be placed either above or below the top triple clamp. I have not yet seen this bike in person but from the photos there appear to be nothing above the top triple clamp to attach the bars to...unless you run the fork tubes way up through the triple clamp. It seems to me that would have a drastic effect on handling and ground clearance. Am I missing something here?

My informal review of old posts indicates that, in general, most of the issues with the 'S are no different from other BMW models, ie leaky rear main seals and/or gearbox seals. But I read with considerable interest a lot of posts about 'oilhead surge' and came away with the impression that the 'S model is not affected, only the 1100RS and the 1150R. Is that true or is it simply there are more RS's and R's out there than S-bikes? I can't imagine that there is any significant difference between the models in engine, FI, and engine management system.

This last question is so terribly subjective that I almost hate to bring it up but what the heck, it should prompt some good responses. How many of you do long distance touring on an 'S? Would you rank it as 1) pure torture, 2) not-so-bad or 3) pretty darn good? I'm 52 years old and live in flat country so I don't need a sport bike but I just love the clean looks of the 'S. Annually I expect 90% of my riding will be daily communting (50 miles round trip), about 8% will be 100-200 mile day trips and the remaining 2% will be a couple of long trips and maybe a track day. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts about this and any other issues related to the 'S.

Thanks!

[PGlaves]

I'm considering buying a '99 R1100S and was reading some earlier posts on this forum to get a feel for what issues people are having. One post about handlebar position caught my eye. Someone indicated that the handlebars can be placed either above or below the top triple clamp. I have not yet seen this bike in person but from the photos there appear to be nothing above the top triple clamp to attach the bars to...unless you run the fork tubes way up through the triple clamp. It seems to me that would have a drastic effect on handling and ground clearance. Am I missing something here?

My informal review of old posts indicates that, in general, most of the issues with the 'S are no different from other BMW models, ie leaky rear main seals and/or gearbox seals. But I read with considerable interest a lot of posts about 'oilhead surge' and came away with the impression that the 'S model is not affected, only the 1100RS and the 1150R. Is that true or is it simply there are more RS's and R's out there than S-bikes? I can't imagine that there is any significant difference between the models in engine, FI, and engine management system.

This last question is so terribly subjective that I almost hate to bring it up but what the heck, it should prompt some good responses. How many of you do long distance touring on an 'S? Would you rank it as 1) pure torture, 2) not-so-bad or 3) pretty darn good? I'm 52 years old and live in flat country so I don't need a sport bike but I just love the clean looks of the 'S. Annually I expect 90% of my riding will be daily communting (50 miles round trip), about 8% will be 100-200 mile day trips and the remaining 2% will be a couple of long trips and maybe a track day. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts about this and any other issues related to the 'S.

Thanks!

To put the handlebars above the clamps you loosen the clamps, slide the fork tubes up, and attach the bars. Since the tubes only essentially attach the bars to the wheel for steering - the strut (shock) carries the load, no change in suspension is occasioned.

The S bikes probably surge no more nor less than the other models. While there have been some cases of absolute uncorrectable surging, for the most part a proper state of tune will make the surging either gone or not noticed.

Finally, with the bars in the upper position the S position is very similar to the RS position - and the bike is lighter. Voni (my wife) has both an RS with 345,000 miles she has ridden it and an S with 70,000 or so. She has done 1,000 mile days, and completed the Iron Butt Rally on her RS. It just depends how you like the riding position, and how well developed your back muscles are.

[bikerfish1100]

lots more S information at http://forums.pelicanparts.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24
toatlly fine bike for touring- i've done 1K days on mine, but typical is 500+. i'm 53, ride with low bars, position is just fine.
ditto on Paul's comments about changing bars from low to hi- but i'd recommend you try it as is- you might like it.
i avoided looking at the S for several years, due to writeups that said it was a cramped seating position, too tough on the knees, etc. don't believe all that you read- some fit the bike fine, some don't. by far, this is the best BMW i've ever owned!
my g/f ran 2 Iron Butt Rallys (the "11K miles in 11 days" versions that Paul mentioned) on her '99 11S. we both have in excess of 70K miles on our bikes, with very few problems.
i'll disagree with Paul on one thing- from all indications, the S is the least likely to surge, due to (i believe) the exhaust tuning- which is the primary method that BMW engineers used to extract additional HP out of this motor, as compared to the R or RT models.
mine does duty as daily commuter (60+/day), canyon carver (yeah, we got 'em!), weekend tourer, weeklong tourer. it's even okay in the dirt- just not great.

[Peter_Krynicki]

With the stock seat I keep sliding forward until I'm stopped by the tank. I am constantly pushing myself backwards. I only do short trips so it's not much of a hassle. There was a popular package for the early R1100s's which included heated grips and ABS. I've got 7,000 miles on it and have had no problems.

[billpierce]

This last question is so terribly subjective that I almost hate to bring it up but what the heck, it should prompt some good responses. How many of you do long distance touring on an 'S? Would you rank it as 1) pure torture, 2) not-so-bad or 3) pretty darn good? I'm 52 years old and live in flat country so I don't need a sport bike but I just love the clean looks of the 'S.

Hey,

I commute 140 miles a day round trip on my R1100 s. I find the riding position ideal for me. Mine has the bars above the triple clamp a Sargent seat and Ohlins suspension. All these things help to make the bike more comfortable.

I have done over 1000 miles in a day before with no problems. I would highly recommended this bike as it is a blast to ride.

Check out this website as the best resource for S related information http://forums.pelicanparts.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=24

PS I'm no spring chicken either

[BubbaZanetti]

ditto to what the rest have said

my 6'5" frame CAN do 1000 mile days, but they're not the most comfortable, i've done 3 of them now.

i think being 28 has a lot to do with it.

[gordonbrice]

I bought a 99 R1100S on eBay a month ago. It has the handlebars mounted high and a Corbin seat. I'm 5'8", 48 years old, with occational back problems, and the seating position is comfortable for me. I flew up to Atlanta and rode it home to Ft. Lauderdale (about 800 mi I think) with no discomfort. It's a great bike.

-g

[SergioK]

The R1100S rocks! :dance

[txmxrider]

Thanks to all who replied. I think the S will work out just fine.

[JimMoore]

With the stock seat I keep sliding forward until I'm stopped by the tank. I am constantly pushing myself backwards. I only do short trips so it's not much of a hassle.
Look up a company called Tech Spec. They sell tank pads for the sides of your tank. You can squeeze the tank with your knees to hold yourself in place. very trick!