Difference between K100Lt & K1100LT

[dzimbric]

What are the differences between the K100LT and the K1100LT?
Thanks
Dan

[barryg]

The 1100LT carried overfrom the 100 LT the upper fairing, gas tank, engine block, and saddle bags. Engine size increased and 4 valve head added. Updated from L-jetronic to Motronic fuel management system. Monolever to Paralever. Just a start.

[jobee58]

So is the 1100 enough of a step forward, in terms of power, handling, etc. that it's worth moving from the 100 to the 1100?

[barryg]

I'm not a good mechanic or electronics person, so It helps me when things are relatively simple. The K100 is more complex than an airhead , but the K1100 really adds a lot of complexity. More complex fuel control, 4 valve heads, ABS, brakes, etc.. When new, this stuff is great. It seems when this stuff reaches 10 years plus in age, they start needing to be replaced and these units and parts are expensive to replace. They can also be expensive to have a BMW tech trouble shoot. The K1100LT also gained quite a bit of weight over the K100. Both are good bikes. I generally buy bikes that I want or bikes that are a steal. The K1100LT would fit into the category of having to be a steal.

[Ridealot]

So is the 1100 enough of a step forward, in terms of power, handling, etc. that it's worth moving from the 100 to the 1100?

I put 130,000K miles on a K100 and 50K so far on my K1100. In my opinion the answer to your question is yes! The difference in power was very noticeable and welcome. And if you ride with a passenger the K1100 seat has a couple of extra inches of room. On the K100 the wife and I were always jammed together. On the K11 we both have plenty of room and don't get in the others space.

The handling between the two is a wash. I love my old K bikes and have no idea what I will replace it with when the time comes. My K11 only has 66K miles on it so I won't have to worry about replacing it for several years.

[GregFeeler]

I'm not a good mechanic or electronics person, so It helps me when things are relatively simple. The K100 is more complex than an airhead , but the K1100 really adds a lot of complexity. More complex fuel control, 4 valve heads, ABS, brakes, etc.. When new, this stuff is great. It seems when this stuff reaches 10 years plus in age, they start needing to be replaced and these units and parts are expensive to replace. They can also be expensive to have a BMW tech trouble shoot. The K1100LT also gained quite a bit of weight over the K100. Both are good bikes. I generally buy bikes that I want or bikes that are a steal. The K1100LT would fit into the category of having to be a steal.

I'll offer a different opinion on the these two bikes. BMW lists the K1100LT as 15.5lbs heavier than the K100LT (283Kg vs 290Kg w/full tank). The change to the Motronic fuel injection actually reduces complexity because it eliminates the mass air flow sensor of the old L-Jetronic, plus greatly increase throttle response. K-bikes have never needed frequent valve adjustments, with many going 50,000 miles or more between adjustment. The K100/75 "shim over bucket" design of the valve lifters was easier to change than the bucket-only of the 4-valve motors (K1100 and 1200) but the later design is almost as easy to check (just 2x check points) and has the reputation of going even further between adjustments.

Beyond that, you still have the same frame, engine, and transmission design. The Paralever swing arm has more moving parts, but also does a better job of keep the bike level under hard acceleration and deceleration. Oil, filters, electrics, battery, lubes, etc. are all the same.

On the plus side, the K1100's have better front forks, and *much* better 4-piston caliper front disk brakes with semi-floating rotors. They will take radial tires, which are a MAJOR upgrade in handling and stability. The engine heat management of the K1100LT is much better than the K100LT, even though both will qualify as hot in the summer. And, some people say the 1100 engine is smoother (read: less buzz).

For my money, buy the bike that's the better deal, or that speaks to you more. The small maintenance differences between them wouldn't make the decision for me.

[dzimbric]

Let's not forget the electric windshield. I had one on my '04 1150Rt and really liked it.
Well thanks for everyone's input, this is coming home this weekend. :bikes

http://dzimbric.smugmug.com/photos/521610599_53ayb-M.jpg

[Paul_F]

Let's not forget the electric windshield. I had one on my '04 1150Rt and really liked it.
Well thanks for everyone's input, this is coming home this weekend. :bikes

http://dzimbric.smugmug.com/photos/521610599_53ayb-M.jpg

Congratulations! I had been looking at that ad for sometime, trying to make up my mind whether or not to go to Ohio and buy that bike. It seems like you got a good deal.

[dzimbric]

Actually it is in Southern Indiana. There is another one posted that is in KY or TN. I will probally sell my '90K100LT to make room.