R1100R vs R1100RS pros/cons

[Loomis]

I am looking at both models and have found 2 bikes. One of each.
But what are the pros and cons of one vs the other. The R seems to have better low end (better around town) the RS seems to need more rpms to start out (higher gearing?) I would like input from someone that has ridden both. I am as you can tell new to BMW.

[lorazepam]

If you want something more along the lines of the GS, go with the R. It will go 95 percent of the places most folks take them. It will go anywhere and do anything.

If you want more of a touring style bike that can eat miles, go with the RS.

You are right about the gearing, and the engines are tuned for a different type of riding.

It is up to you, what you want out of the bike. I would buy the one that makes me smile the widest.

[Loomis]

Thanks for the response.
I felt that the R was more fun to ride and I liked the power band more but the RS has flowed heads and a chip as well as staintune exhaust and ohlins. The R is stock and the prices are only $1,000 apart.

[macman320]

I have had an RS for over 50,000 miles and think it's still pretty versatile all around, especially if you are thinking about a passenger.
I installed the intake air tubes from the GS and the pink chip(I think) years ago to change the low end grunt even those you're supposed to lose 5hp on the top end. It will pull the front wheel off the ground pretty easily when I want it to and has alot more torgue at 4k rpm, right where you cruise at 72mph.
There is a thread here in the Oilheads tech section.

[cat0020]

It really depends on why you want a BMW motorcycle.. for me I wanted a dead reliable machine that can cruise all day at 80+mph in comfort and take off all the luggage it can still do some spirited riding.

I test rode every Oilhead model prior to my purchase of a brand new BMW motorcycle, including the R1200C cruiser.

I've always liked the looks of the "naked" R11xxR bike, but just wouldn't be practical for long distance at fast pace. I couldn't find comfort riding hours on in sitting straight up, like the RT, GS riding position.
The day that I picked up my R1150RS, I rode it from Ann Arbor, MI back to my home in PA. 700 some miles, it sais alot about the riding comfort of the bike, now at 22600 some miles later it sure suits me.
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v237/cat0020/DSC01283.jpg:D

[macman320]

Holy Street Payment Batman! To the Bat Bike for a quick outta here!