Advice between '99 r1100rt and '02 r1150rt?

[brhartw]

Hi. I have sold the K75S and am now looking at r1100/1150 rt.
Who has experience with either/both and can I get advice on which is better, worse, different. Things to look for .
The choices: r1100rt 1999 with 25K miles, $7999 at the dealer here in SoCal.
The opponent: 2002 r1150 rt with 43K miles at $7300 private seller who wants a Lava Red k1300gt!

All comments greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[kgadley01]

Too bad you didn't post this before you sold the K75. I have a very nice 99 RT, and am looking for a nice K75. But to answer your question... there are a few differances between the 99 and 02 RT. looks for one, the headlight is different. some like the older style, and some like the newer style. the 02 has a hydrolic clutch, that I don't like. the 99 has the good old dependable cable clutch. the 99 has an outlet for charging or acc. on the left dash. the 02 does not. the 99 has an adjustable shift lever. the 02 does not. most everything else is the same. good luck with which ever one you choose... Kenny

[JimMoore]

If I was looking for an RT, I'd be looking for a '98-'00. All the old problems were solved by then and onne of the new problems had cropped up. That price is a little high though.

[scjack]

The 02 has the infamous, "power assisted brakes". I had an 02RT and hated the brakes so I sold it after riding it for six months. The brakes are also very labor intensive and difficult to bleed as they are not bled from the calipers like the 99 model. Dealers charge a pretty penny to bleed them.

Re. price: The dealer is asking a pretty high price for the 99. You can find a better deal on another bike if the dealer doesn't knock at least $1300-$1600 off of their asking price.

[brhartw]

Good comments.
Yeah, I thought the price was also high. The 99 has the top box, the 02 has Reynolds back rest with small luggage rack. The 02 is silver and the the 99 dark gray/anthracite? What about this surging issue?

I rode the K12GT last year and thought the ride and power was outstanding. Very smooth. Only problem is they are a bit more pricey than the r bikes. Also the exhaust pipe runs through the left luggage box.

Thanks

[dbrick]

The 1150 also has the newer, easier-shifting transmission (6 speeds, but often criticized for poor ratio choice), different FI, and I think has the two-plug heads for (allegedly) less surging.

[bikerfish1100]

'02 still has single spark heads, and they are prone to surging. (i never really understood what surging was until i rode my buddy's '02 RT).
much better lights on the 1150! more power too.

[kgadley01]

Good comments.
Yeah, I thought the price was also high. The 99 has the top box, the 02 has Reynolds back rest with small luggage rack. The 02 is silver and the the 99 dark gray/anthracite? What about this surging issue?

I rode the K12GT last year and thought the ride and power was outstanding. Very smooth. Only problem is they are a bit more pricey than the r bikes. Also the exhaust pipe runs through the left luggage box.

Thanks

I can help you with the surging issue. when you get the bike you want and it surges, PM or E-Mail me and I'll walk you threw the cure. Kenny...

[ultracyclist]

The price on the '99RT is way too high.
Whatever aftermarket farkels are on the bike are 10 years old -or at least "used," too.
Do your homework on this one. Check out MCN, fall edition for average used prices.

[abe456]

I've ridden both and for my $$ the 99 makes more sense. A few things to watch for:

- abnormally loud transmission whine in 2-3. I cant define "abnormal" but you just know it when you hear it.

- high spots on front rotors, or loose bobbins that click when you apply brakes at low speed.. Those rotors cant be turned, and cost more than Pamela Anderson's last boob job.

- worn out/sacked rear shock. I'd say the rear shock on the 99 you are looking at is likely due for replacement. Replacement shock adds significantly to true cost of the bike.

- surging. I wont even get into that. Mine is now surge free; That took a lot of reading, help on this site, and practicing with the Twin max.

On the other hand, once you get the 99 sorted out, there aint a better bike on the planet. Many just as good, none better. Miles and miles with a big stoopid grin on your face!

[brhartw]

Thanks everone!
I rode the '99 yesterday. Very nice. More "motorcycle personality" than my silky smooth K75, in the way of vibration at certain rpms and no vibration at others. I did'nt notice any extra trans noise that sounded out of whack. It had a few extra noises that I am not familiar with but again that was my first ride ever on an r bike. The seat pushed me forward to the tank. I had good leg room and perfect reach for the bars. It has new tires, 28K miles, touring bags and top box.
Whats average gas mileage for one of these?

Thanks, Brad

[bikerfish1100]

mpg should be around what you see on the K75; mid 40's + or -.

[kgadley01]

Thanks everone!
I rode the '99 yesterday. Very nice. More "motorcycle personality" than my silky smooth K75, in the way of vibration at certain rpms and no vibration at others. I did'nt notice any extra trans noise that sounded out of whack. It had a few extra noises that I am not familiar with but again that was my first ride ever on an r bike. The seat pushed me forward to the tank. I had good leg room and perfect reach for the bars. It has new tires, 28K miles, touring bags and top box.
Whats average gas mileage for one of these?

Thanks, Brad

Don't worry about the seat, they all suck!!! but not far from where you live is the Russell Daylong Seat Company. they will build you a seat you will love....

[LCBIKEMAN]

I ride a 2000 1100 RT and offer: 1. price on the 99 is at least 1K too high. 2. Standard lighting is only fair. I'm saving for Motolights. 3. The shape will draw everyone near you to comment upon it, drivers to roll down their windows to talk, kids to stare, etc. 4. The 5 speed is geared such that you'll spend lots of time in 4th or even third around town, traffic, etc.
5. I've a Bill Mayer custom saddle which is very comfortable even after hundreds of miles. Am thinking of a backrest due to spine wear.
6. Mileage: 44 mpg almost routinely in traffic / short trips with some 100mile or more rides on the tank of fuel. I don't stop for gas until 200 miles driven- the low fuel light comes on shortly thereafter.
I think you'd be happy with either, but lean toward the 1150 if after you ride it, it pleases you.
Suggest adding a headlight cover, oversized shift lever, cylinder head guards. Watch out for the weight when you're not moving. You cannot stiff leg this beauty if you lean it over at a standstill too far.
good riding!

[Zygmund]

You should be able to find an '02 with more goodies on it, keep looking!
:brow