Interested in buying myself a used r1100r and never having owned a BMW bike before wondered what the access to parts, servicing etc is also self servicing tips please?
I have an 03 1150gs. Servicing is a piece of cake. All accessible. Parts are readily available from either a main dealer or more likely for a 16yr old bike...somewhere like Motorworks.
The 1100 were the last of the properly build BMWs before they reduced quality to reduce price to combat the grey imports of the late 90s. Buy it, you'll enjoy it
Had the rs version great bikes, comfortable and could be hustled along a bit. Don't remember it being expensive to run
quick thread hijack, anywhere else worth look for 2nd hand m/c's other than the normal ebay/mcn/autotrader?
I've currently got a an '05 1150GSA and previously owned an 1150 Rockster and an 1100RT.
The build quality on the 1100 is better, mainly because BMW used decent paint (not water based) and applied several coats. If you look at the fork legs and telelever swingarm of a Rockster/GSA you'll see lots of corrosion and that's allegedly because of environmentally friendly paint.
As has been mentioned, major servicing is very easy. You will need a special oil filter removal tool because the filter is recessed into the sump. The valves are a doddle to do as well.
The main PITA is possibly getting to the battery which is under the tank. On the GSA it's simple, three bolts, uncouple fuel pipes and lift tank off. On the Rockster it was about 20 bolts and several pieces of bodywork. The RT was nearly 40 bolts and quite a lot of bodywork. Just to get to the battery.
Again as mentioned, parts are plentiful through Motorworks but you're a captive audience so they're not as cheap comparatively speaking against say a TDM850.
There's a good chance the suspension is FUBAR'd now and because it's a shock at either end it's likely to be more expensive than a bike with a regular fork. Having said that, all things being equal in the real world, the telelever system is outstanding and once you get used to the lack of fork dive it really makes sense. I'm definitely quicker on a telelever system.
Worth paying extra for one with heated grips.
Though the engines are only 50cc apart, the 1150 is a much smoother (for a Boxer) engine, probably helped by the extra 6th gear.
Loved my Rockster, sadly it was stolen. Was very meh about my RT but, with hindsight, that's because the shocks were shite and it didn't handle well. The GSA has rekindled my love of biking.
🙂
This..
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Or this..
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The r1100s has always been a favourite of mine, if I wasn't so scared to ride one on the road.. I'd get one.
bikebouy - MemberThe r1100s has always been a favourite of mine, if I wasn't so scared to ride one on the road.. I'd get one.
The 1100S is one of the best looking bikes ever in that colourway, even better than the Boxer Cup versions.
How come scared to ride on the road?