1100 or 1150 RT

[hintzir09]

My dad just sold his K1100RS, bought an old 82' Honda, is selling the Honda, and now wants to get back to BMW. He enjoys riding my GS, but wants an RT.

What would you recommend as a better buy, the 1100 or 1150 RT?

I am interested in hearing all reasons why you think one is better than the other.

[redkats]

Can't comment on the1150, but I traded my 96K1100rs on a new 2000 R11000rt.Still have it , and have been very happy with it. Good power and handling, very comfortable, after a seat and windscreen change. Its been very reliable,with the exception of a final drive failure at 40k. Rebuilt at my BMW dealer, and no more problems.

[alien_hitchhiker]

My opinion is that both are excellent bikes with only slight differences in their character (based on many miles on an 1100 and a few on an 1150).

If your Dad goes with an 1100 I suggest one of the later ones, 99 through '01. I say this for the simple reason that those were the end of the model run and they benefited from a few small tweaks. Down side of the 1100s is a greater tendency to surge (a fixable problem) and an 18" rear wheel (can be exchanged for a 17).

The down side of most of the 1150s are the servo assisted brakes. I've not spent a lot of time with them, but have not liked them on the 1150 and 1200 bikes I've ridden. I understand they are a PITA to bleed.

If your Dad is looking for a good value and a bike that is still easy to wrench on at home then he should think 1100.

[kgadley01]

My opinion is that both are excellent bikes with only slight differences in their character (based on many miles on an 1100 and a few on an 1150).

If your Dad goes with an 1100 I suggest one of the later ones, 99 through '01. I say this for the simple reason that those were the end of the model run and they benefited from a few small tweaks. Down side of the 1100s is a greater tendency to surge (a fixable problem) and an 18" rear wheel (can be exchanged for a 17).

The down side of most of the 1150s are the servo assisted brakes. I've not spent a lot of time with them, but have not liked them on the 1150 and 1200 bikes I've ridden. I understand they are a PITA to bleed.

If your Dad is looking for a good value and a bike that is still easy to wrench on at home then he should think 1100.

+1 also the 1100RT has an adjustable shift lever that I find handy. and the clutch is cable operated, not hydrolic...