What is the difference?

[Funduro]

I am looking at different BMW models and can someone tell me the difference between a RT, RS and a RSL? I am looking to buy a 1100 oilhead and can't figure out the RT, RS and RSL notation. Did it differ for different years or is there a simple explanation? I am new to BMW's but I own a F650 and now that is now called the G model.

[PGlaves]

I am looking at different BMW models and can someone tell me the difference between a RT, RS and a RSL? I am looking to buy a 1100 oilhead and can't figure out the RT, RS and RSL notation. Did it differ for different years or is there a simple explanation? I am new to BMW's but I own a F650 and now that is now called the G model.

The R1100 RT is a fully faired touring model with a "sit-up-and-beg" seating position.

The R1100 RS is a semi faired sport touring model with slight forward lean to the sitting position. It has excellent fairing coverage but not as full as on the RT. Wind on the face but not so much on the chest.

The R1100 RSL is mechanically and ergonomically the same as the R1100 RS. It has different fairing side panels that include lower coverage that wraps around the cylinders. It was only imported into the United States for a year or so - until an average American male started his bike, went into the house to allow it to warm up, got a cup of coffee, answered a phone call, and returned to the garage to find his lower fairing on fire due to heat from the exhaust. The fire burned the motorcycle, his garage, and part of the house - leading his insurance company's attorneys to get excited, which led BMW to conclude they shouldn't sell that particular model in the United States any more.

Depending on the model year, all three are very similar R1100 "Oilhead" "Boxer" two-cylinder air/oil cooled 1100cc motorcycles. There are also dual purpose R1100GS motorcycles; and bare "Roadster" R1100R motorcycles.

The the RS, RT, GS, and R all were made as 1150cc motorcycles, and eventually as 1200cc motorcycles. But no more RSLs at all over here.

[Funduro]

Pglaves,
Thanks for the quick and very complete explanation of the differences. I was considering a RSL model but maybe I should rethink that. The price was very good and the fire hazard might be the reason why.

[MotorradMike]

Pglaves,
Thanks for the quick and very complete explanation of the differences. I was considering a RSL model but maybe I should rethink that. The price was very good and the fire hazard might be the reason why.

Paul was far too kind with his description of the F**kwit who burned down his garage. It's not a fire hazard if you have brains, and I'm sure you do.

[GSfornow]

Pglaves,
Thanks for the quick and very complete explanation of the differences. I was considering a RSL model but maybe I should rethink that. The price was very good and the fire hazard might be the reason why.

Evidently the previous owner figured out the "don't leave it idling" issue. Just for the record you should not do that with any boxer, they all will catch fire eventually if left idling. Oh and the RSL really looks good.

[airhead78]

The RSL model was available in 94, 95 and 96. Much more pleasing to the eye, IMHO but I have a 95 RSL. Better to try to find a 97 and up RS model: the M97 transmission is much better and does not have the same tendecy to self-destruct as the prior ones, unles the prior tranny has been 'fixed". If you are short and like to look over the screen do not get the RT. I do not like the 2001-2004 models in any variation with the "power" brakes. It is possible to convert an RS to RSL via ebay and other vendors for a reasonable (relatively) cost if you must have the RSL. I had an RS also and experienced no difference with the RSL, just "looks" and slight better protection on the lower legs.
A pity BMW stopped bringing them because of moronic behavior.

Eduardo.

[Funduro]

Thanks for all the good information. I just got off the phone with the owner of the R1100RSL and I made an appointment to go look at it. My other concern is the riding position. I like an upright ridding position but this seems to be more like a sport bike leaning forward position. The owner says it is sort of a mild sport ridding position and not all bent over. Can this be changed by moving the pegs forward (along with the controls) and the bars back? Looking at the pictures of the bike I don't think it would be so easy to change it to a more upright position. Anyone have any comments on this?

[MCMXCIVRS]

Thanks for all the good information. I just got off the phone with the owner of the R1100RSL and I made an appointment to go look at it. My other concern is the riding position. I like an upright ridding position but this seems to be more like a sport bike leaning forward position. The owner says it is sort of a mild sport ridding position and not all bent over. Can this be changed by moving the pegs forward (along with the controls) and the bars back? Looking at the pictures of the bike I don't think it would be so easy to change it to a more upright position. Anyone have any comments on this?


There are bar back sets and peg relocation kits available for the RS. The bar backs are fairly popular and many find it is all that is needed to make the bike a better ergonomical fit. I've had my RSL for 12 years and still like the bars about half way forward in the adjustment range without barbacks.

If you really want to change the bars, there was a kit that would convert the bars to tubular bars allowing you to choose whatever you wanted.

[PGlaves]

Pglaves,
Thanks for the quick and very complete explanation of the differences. I was considering a RSL model but maybe I should rethink that. The price was very good and the fire hazard might be the reason why.

I would not hesitate to buy an RSL due to the fire hazard issue. BMW advises to start the bike and ride it away. Prolonged sitting at fast idle is hard on lots of things, least of which may be the fairing.

You could encounter the same issue to only a slighly lesser degree on the RT which also has lowers - and there are hundreds of them running around without burning the house down.

When you look at the handlebars and seating position on the RS or RSL note:

1. There are three different seat height positions, easily picked when you put the seat on.

2. The handlebar stubs can be adjusted forward and backward.

Between the seat adjustment and the handlebar adjustment you can obtain a lot of different positions. Seat in the low position and bars back will give the most upright position.

Disclaimer: I like RSs and RSLs. Voni's RS now has 345,000 miles on it. She still rides it. She sold her RSL which she bought to "replace" the RS when the RSL had 175,000 miles on it.

[Funduro]

I am short (5' 7") and have a 30" inseam so I am hoping that with the seat in the low position and the bars back the fit would be good. I will see tomorrow when I get to actually sit on the bike and try it on. I hope it is good because the bike seems to be in very good condition and is very clean. The owner was a BMW mechanic and seems to have made all the proper improvements. Thanks again for all the good information.

[alien_hitchhiker]

Funduro,
With the RS and RSL getting all the buzz here, let me put in a plug for the RT, especially as you mentioned a preference for more upright ergos.

While I love the distinctive style of both RS models, for me, the RT is a far superior bike. The RT's combination of all day comfort and absolutely excellent weather protection - with the added bonus of an adjustable windshield - win out if you are looking for a year round bike or a long legged tourer.

The downsides of the RT include more weight (almost 100 pounds more with a full tank), the need to remove some plastic to do a valve adjust & throttle body synch, and it invites the young riders to call you a geezer
:gerg .
(But I still outrun most of them in the twisties)

If the RS turns out to be not quite right for you, track down an RT - there are plenty of them out there.

[Bussp]

I am short (5' 7") and have a 30" inseam so I am hoping that with the seat in the low position and the bars back the fit would be good.

Sounds like me - 5'8" 30" inseam I keep my seat in the middle height adjustment and can flat foot the bike at stops.

Good luck, you won't regret getting an RS.

[DarrylRi]

Funduro, I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam. You will probably need more adjustment than the stock handlebars have to get reasonably upright. Look for the barbacks or the tubular bar conversion (along with longer brake line and clutch cable).

I ride my '94 RS with the seat -- a Rick Mayer custom seat -- in the high position. I don't find the bike difficult to flat foot, even with the seat up. (The bike also has Ohlins shocks, so it's not sagged out.)

Good luck!

[masonke]

... R1100 RT is a fully faired touring model with a "sit-up-and-beg" seating position.
.....
Wow, finally the secret decoder ring for the model codes! This should be a sticky in one of the forum categories for others to find.

Kevin

[Hoorenga]

I remember a time prior to having the different designations figured out. There was an RS advertised in a town about 325 miles away that looked to be a great deal. The fellow had taken the photo from an odd angle that didn't reveal the true configuraion of the bike. It looked to me like an RT. I'm 62, a casual rider and am not comfortable leaning forward for long periods of time due to a neck injury. When I saw the bike I was not sure if it would work for me but when I sat on it and took the handle bars I noticed that the gas cap was planted squarely in my chest. I had to lift my head to even see the spedometer. Not good for someone like myself with restricted neck moveoment. I thanked the owner and drove the 325 miles back home. That's when I sat down and learned the difference between the models. The English call the upright position "dog style" as it looks like a begging dog.

[osbornk]

I'm about 5'7" with a 29" inseam and a bad back. I can't handle the riding position of the RS either in an oilhead or K bike. The riding position puts to much weight on my hands and my back hurts. I have or have had 3 RTs and a CLC. Their upright riding position works for me. It's an individual thing and what works for one doesn't work for another. Years ago, I wanted a Kawasaki Concours badly due to the performance and reasonable price. I rode a friend's bike and I knew it wasn't for me before I rode it a mile. It had a RS type of riding position.

Ken

[guitardad]

Funduro, I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam, and I find the RS with a set of barbacks fits me very well. On long trips, I will shift the seat between positions when I stop for gas, and that helps to keep my legs from getting too tired and cramped.

[nhbmw]

I would not hesitate to buy an RSL due to the fire hazard issue. BMW advises to start the bike and ride it away. Prolonged sitting at fast idle is hard on lots of things, least of which may be the fairing.

You could encounter the same issue to only a slighly lesser degree on the RT which also has lowers - and there are hundreds of them running around without burning the house down.

When you look at the handlebars and seating position on the RS or RSL note:

1. There are three different seat height positions, easily picked when you put the seat on.

2. The handlebar stubs can be adjusted forward and backward.

Between the seat adjustment and the handlebar adjustment you can obtain a lot of different positions. Seat in the low position and bars back will give the most upright position.

Disclaimer: I like RSs and RSLs. Voni's RS now has 345,000 miles on it. She still rides it. She sold her RSL which she bought to "replace" the RS when the RSL had 175,000 miles on it.



You and Voni are not alone, Paul. My '04 R1150RS is my all time favorite. I bought it 18 months ago with bar-backs, and thought my 65 year old 6'3" frame could use lowered pegs. Put them on, then removed the bar-backs and next weekend I'll go back to standard pegs. I managed to stretch the body to fit the bike.

The handling just amazes me: countersteering is built-in. Look left, think left, go left.

Did I say it is a pretty bike with the ivory/grey colors?

[PGlaves]

Sounds like me - 5'8" 30" inseam I keep my seat in the middle height adjustment and can flat foot the bike at stops.

Good luck, you won't regret getting an RS.

Voni is 5'6" with about a 29" inseam and she has put about 490,000 miles on an RS and RSL without difficulty. She normally runs with the seat in the middle position.

[rinty]

The handling just amazes me...nhbmw

+1.

Funduro:

As others have said above, the lower fairing piece on the RSL is a non issue. My only suggestion would be that if you are going to commute with the bike in heavy traffic, and subject it to long periods of idling, it would be best to remove the lower piece.

Apart from the fire hazard, the heat from the headers may distort the plastic around the header entry points.

And, as Peter Egan says, the RS looks better without the lower piece, because the engine is so pretty.