R1150RT vs R1100RT

[BILLK75]

I am looking to get a R1150RT or a R1100Rt in the near future. Any pros or cons for eather one?
Thanks

[flars]

I have a '98 R1100RS and a '02 R1150RT, so I can only speak to the operational differences:
The 1150 has linked servo brakes on the '02, but I think they dropped the linking in the 2004. I like the stopping power, but don't like the linking. At low speeds, where I am using the rear brake only, there can be a HUGE difference in stopping power with just a little additional foot pressure. Makes me very uncomfortable sometimes.
The 1150 has an hydraulic clutch. The slave cylinder PROBABLY will go bad at some time. Not a biggie to replace (and costs about $85 for the part), but if not caught in time, the fluid can ruin the friction plate in the clutch. I like the feel of the cable actuated clutch on the 1100 better. I have adjusted it only once in the last 50,000 miles, after replacing it around 40,000 and 85,000 miles.
The 1150 is a 6 speed transmission. I find the gears too close together, and prefer the 5 speed in the 1100. Whenever I downshift, I always find myself one gear too high on the 1150, and have to downshift again.
Headlights are far better on the 1150.
I think the 1150RT is prettier than the 1100RT.

[ALIENHITCHHIKER]

Bill, type R1100RT vs R1150RT into the search box and you'll come up with several previous threads discussing this issue - lots of opinions. I think they largely boil down to owner loyalty - 1100 riders prefer the 1100, 1150 riders prefer the 1150.

I've put 70,000 miles on my 1100 and 20 miles on an 1150. I prefer the 1100.

Flars does a good job summing up the differences. I would add that the purchase & long term maintenance costs are less for the 1100 series.

[Oldhway]

I have an 1100R and had an 1150RT (04).

I like the 5 speed gear ratios better than the 6 speed but the 6 speed shifted a little nicer.

I don't feel a power difference but I went from a full dress 1150(RT) to a naked 1100.

My 97 1100 surges badly but I will take care of that in the next couple of days with a Techlusion EFI box I just need to install.

1150RT has better lighting than the 1100.

1150RT is the best looking motorcycle ever built (awright, that is somewhat subjective but I stand by my opinion).

If I were back in the market for an RT, I would buy a 2004 1150 (4 spark plug head, minimal or no surge). If I couldn't find a 2004 RT I would find a 1100 RT and put the money saved into upgrading the lighting, a techlusion, and a custom seat (which all the 11XXRT's need).

[selyab]

Two bits of trivia. 2003 was the last 1150RT to offer the speakers and harness as stock. Also the last year that accepts the european headlight switch. Sexy huh?