Which K bike should I choose?

[SweetT]

I've got some money saved up that I'm wanting to spend on a motorcycle. I've been really happy with my K75 and would like to "upgrade." My budget is such that I can buy a late 90s K1200RS or I could buy a K1100RS and have money left over for accessories, gear etc.
What should I do?
Is the K1200 THAT much better than the K1100 that its worth the extra couple thousand?

[jdiaz]

I've got some money saved up that I'm wanting to spend on a motorcycle. I've been really happy with my K75 and would like to "upgrade." My budget is such that I can buy a late 90s K1200RS or I could buy a K1100RS and have money left over for accessories, gear etc.
What should I do?
Is the K1200 THAT much better than the K1100 that its worth the extra couple thousand?
The K1100 is basically a really fast K75. I don't think they handle as nicely. Some are buzzy. And they are hot in the summer.

The K1200 is a whole 'nother thing entirely. An actual BMW hyperdriven rocketship.

[Bobmws]

Take a test ride on a K12RS, you won't look back. :thumb

[SweetT]

I've ridden a K12RS a couple of times and it was quite impressive. I've never ridden a K1100RS though so I wouldn't know if there was that much difference.

[RedBeem]

The smooooooothness of the K12 is smile-inducing and the power has a bit of an effect on you too.

[Mudbug]

Is the K1200 THAT much better than the K1100 that its worth the extra couple thousand?

Yes it is that much better. Only you can decide if it is worth it. It was for me.

:clap

[GeoffMiller]

Tarren....welcome to the Dark Side....The K1200RS is, is, is, well, pretty much undescribable. One ride and you will be a believer!! :thumb

[jgr451]

I was a dedicated twin guy until...my friend introduced me the to the dark side...the red 2000 K1200RS...one ride and I was done for...now I run on the K1200GT,no regrets.

Don't know the K1100 so have no opinion...but the K1200 IS all that.

Good luck whatever you choose. :D

[n1hnr941]

Hi Tarren, I have had my 96 K1100rs for a year now. With no complaints. I had it all apart this winter for some maintenance and fairing repairs. seems pretty straight forward. My only concern is the spline lube issue. I don't know the history of this bike too much (bought used with 89k on it), so I am not sure what shape the drive section is in. That is the only drawback of buying used. Unknowns. To do it again? I would probably not bought used. IMHO, Bob

[dlearl476]

I've got some money saved up that I'm wanting to spend on a motorcycle. I've been really happy with my K75 and would like to "upgrade." My budget is such that I can buy a late 90s K1200RS or I could buy a K1100RS and have money left over for accessories, gear etc.
What should I do?
Is the K1200 THAT much better than the K1100 that its worth the extra couple thousand?

And now for something completely different: For the same money you will spend on a K1100, you could buy a brand new Triumph Sprint ST. IMHO, every bit the equal of a K1200 without BMW Spline BS.
And secondly, don't sell the K75. I've never talked to anyone who sold theirs and wasn't didn't regret it.

[Bob_M]

IMHO the prettiest K bike ever was the 1996 K1100RS SE in Black and silver.
I can't say how they ride, but they look sweet.

[n1hnr941]

Hey what are you doing with a picture of my bike....!? Oh wait a minute.....oh I see. Yours is painted.....All kidding aside, that is what mine will look like after it is painted. (I hope) Nice bike. Has plenty of get up and go for me. But like the man said the spline lube BS worries me. Mine doesn't have the K1100rs printed across the side. Was that from the factory or an after market thing.?

[MCohen]

I had a '91 K100RS and own an '01 K1200RS. The K12 is better in every performance category--much more powerful engine, much better handling, *no* annoying vibration, etc. The K100RS has a classic look that will never go out of style, better saddlebags, and more space for storage under the fairing (including a useful tail cone). I think the balance is clearly in favor or the K1200RS, so yes, I think it is worth it.

Michael

[K12RS]

K12RS gets my vote. :drink

You can't compare the smooth ride, handling, and power you get with the K12RS.

[Terpster]

The only K is a K1, unique styling, lower seat height than K11. The few the proud. :D

[Visian]

Take a test ride on a K12RS, you won't look back. :thumb

Very much agreed.... a completely better motorcycle in all aspects.

The 02 year brought cruise control, which is perfect for the bike (serves to keep you from creeping up over 100mph....)

There are some really good bikes available out there right now. I just *happen* to know of one for sale at a very good price..... :D

http://www.visian.nu/images/k12rs.jpg

Ian

[SheRidesABeemer]

The K1100 is basically a really fast K75. I don't think they handle as nicely. Some are buzzy. And they are hot in the summer.

The K1200 is a whole 'nother thing entirely. An actual BMW hyperdriven rocketship.

The K11 is not a really fast K75...they are distinctively different and fun to ride for different reasons. Get a K12GT, and don't ever sell your K75. You have been warned.
Gail ;)

[SweetT]

Get a K12GT, and don't ever sell your K75. You have been warned.


So if I do this, what am I supposed to do with TWO bikes? :dunno

Ive ridden my buddies K12RS and it is quite a bike, its power is corrupting. When he had an R1200C he didn't take near the risks that he does now with that K12. I dont know if I'm ready for the "dark side" :evil

Whats the deal with the "spline lube issue" that some of you are reffering to? I lube the splines on my K75 every 10K mi and haven't had problems. Do you not need to lube the splines on paralever rears as often? Or at all?

[n1hnr941]

I am just shivering with excitiment and anticipation. Which way are you leaning Tarren. This is as good as watching a horse race. I think somebody is going to win by tire nubble! robert 1996, K1100RS

[PGlaves]

Whats the deal with the "spline lube issue" that some of you are reffering to? I lube the splines on my K75 every 10K mi and haven't had problems. Do you not need to lube the splines on paralever rears as often? Or at all?

Driveshaft spline lubrication is a non-issue on the paralever K and R bikes. The splines will outlast the universal joints.

[n1hnr941]

Well now maybe that is some ignorance on my part. I have owned my 96 k11rs for less then a year. Maybe I don't understand paralever Would you please explain? My tech said keep an eye on the spline lube issue with my bike. :dunno

[bikerfish1100]

i had a Mystic Red (such a sweet color!) '94 K11RS for 4 yrs, 50K miles. very few problems (thermo sensor blew, fork seals blew- that's it). 2 valve adjustments in all that time, and the usual maintenance issues of any bike. liked it a lot, especially for 2-up fast touring. upgraded suspension helped mucho (Ohlins in rear, Works Performance springs in front).
Eventually, the weight and the heat got to me. And when it became apparent that i didn't need the 2-up capacity (son got too old to ride on back, and GF has her own scoot)- i opted for a R1100S. love it!
My experience with the K11 was good, and would not hesitate to go back to one if i was in the position of needing/wanting a larger touring designed bike. (of course, if i was seriously looking for a newer ride, i'd be hot onto the new K12S. that thing is amazing!) The only knock i've really heard on the K12RS is the weight, and the crummy left saddle bag.

[K12RS]

Bikerfish now that you mentioned it I heard that fork seals were a real problem on that model. My buddy replaced them twice on a bike with about 35K on it. :drink

[IndyGT]

I had a '91 K100RS and own an '01 K1200RS. The K12 is better in every performance category--much more powerful engine, much better handling, *no* annoying vibration, etc. The K100RS has a classic look that will never go out of style, better saddlebags, and more space for storage under the fairing (including a useful tail cone). I think the balance is clearly in favor or the K1200RS, so yes, I think it is worth it.

Michael
I had a similar experience, transitioning from an '01 K100RS to an '03 K1200GT. It was a quantum jump. The ergonomics are virtually identical, but the improvement in performance and handling is astonishing. Spend the extra bucks. You'll never regret it.
Until you ride the K1200S...
But that's yet another story.
:thumb :thumb :thumb

[davel]

I guess everyone likes their own bike or have their own preference on which RS looks the best. I know that at my dealer the other week the new K12S, K1200RS and my bike were parked together, and I got lots of questions about my 15 year old bike, and the non BMW experts thought it was a new model. Its a (very very clean) pearl white 91K100RS...


Thats my story and I'm sticking to it... :thumb

[IndyGT]

I guess everyone likes their own bike or have their own preference on which RS looks the best. I know that at my dealer the other week the new K12S, K1200RS and my bike were parked together, and I got lots of questions about my 15 year old bike, and the non BMW experts thought it was a new model. Its a (very very clean) pearl white 91K100RS...


I know exactly what you mean. I had the same bike - '91 pearl silver K100RS and I'd still be riding it had it not developed a terminally expensive engine problem at 160,000 miles.
I remember seeing it parked with pretty much the entire spectrum of BMWs at a rally in '02 and thinking I wouldn't trade it for any of them. I'm working to develop a similar relationship with my '03 GT, but that '91 was one beautiful motorcycle.
It's enjoying a continued life all of the country - I'm parting it out on Ebay and its fairing and some other parts are scattered from Washington to the Florida Keys and from Massachusetts to Southern California. It belongs in the wind, if not as one piece, then as part of a hundred other BMWs.