Want to buy a R1100R

[JohanOtten]

Hi there everyone. I'm just new here on the forum. I'm 27, from the Netherlands, and I'm going to buy my first motorcycle. I'm thinking about a R1100R (with abs if I can find one). First, I'm quite tall (6'9" or 2.03m) so does anyone have some experience driving this while being quite tall? Also when looking for a 2nd hand bike can you guys give me some tips I should look at? Common things that might be wrong with the bike or that should be done. I'm aiming at a bike from around 97 with some 60000km.

Thanks for the help!

[omg1010]

Hello Johan,

the R1100R is a rock solid bike. You should by all means go for a late 97 version (facelift) where some kinks of the previous version were corrected. With regards to yourself being tall you will find the bike rather uncomfortable. You would definitely need a different "saddle" in order to relax the angle of your knees.

Brgds
Oliver

[JohanOtten]

Thanks man!
First I looked into a cruiser (like a Shadow ACE) but I found that many bikes due to the curved handlebars wouldn't fit (never nice to be unable to corner because your knees are int he way). I then decided I also want to tour more with the bike so switched my expectations to a naked bike (I just can't stand too much plastic and bodywork). And BMW has a great reputation. Does someone know of any naked bikes that are great for tall people?

Oliver, do you know of any after market of bmw saddle's that would help? And do you know which things changed with the '97 facelift (I just saw I actually was talking with a seller that has a 96 not a 97) Thanks!

[ICBMguy]

Though I personally have no experience being that tall and trying to fit a moto, I think you may want to look at a GS model. You still get all the benefits of an R-bike, but the GS tends to sit higher and still be plenty comfortable for touring without all the plastics of an RT. It also has more ground clearance so may allow later mods such as peg lowering kits without compromising cornering. I love my R11R, but I'd be hard pressed to turn down a GS if the opportunity arose. Of course, prices will be higher since BMW has sold more GS bikes than any other!

[omg1010]

Johan,

I agree, the GS would probably the better buy for you. With regards to the saddle you could try this http://www.topsellerie.com/nl-fr/BMW-R- ... _2_33.html A very good address is German company Kahedo (www.kahedo.de). Alternatively I would recommend any upholstery shop in the Netherlands.

What has been changed after the facelift? The instrument cluster is the most visible change. The gearbox has changed (most important). And many other little details - I do not have them all ...

I personally would by all means go for the facelift version or even better go for the 1150 model as again many improvements were made over the 1100 models. It all depends on your wallet at the end of the day.

Good luck an best regards
Oliver

[JohanOtten]

If I'd go for the RS is there a nice and conventional way to get rid of the beak and get a more appealing fender? (Sorry to anyone that's a lover of the GS and offended by that )
Thanks for the great feedback so far all!

[captaincable]

I would look at the adventure series or gs with adventure suspension it sets quite a bit taller . I have a friend with a 1995 gs and he complains about his knees after a couple of hours says the pegs are to high He is about 5'9" - 10". dont think the suspension will help there but you could lower the pegs. Another friend owns several Bmws Usually rides a GS (2010-2011)because of scraping things on the R series in the corners . I did scrape my boot a couple of days ago, but my toe was under the shifter (1997 R850R). Having said that my neighbor rides a 2002 R1150R and he is around 6'3" and says it is the most comfortable bike he rides. Have fun picking out a new ride .If I was taller I would have already been riding a GS. MIke

[bookman]

Hello Johan

I agree about the cramped leg position due to relationship of seat & pegs. But you can get accustomed to it ( and the seat is adjustable to some degree). However, as you are tall then the GS model seems the obvious choice. With extra ground clearance and more accessory options, you should be able to tailor it for your needs easier than an R. You will also be able to get a 6 speed gearbox that was not available on the R until the 1150. If you intend to do home maintenance then the older models are easier to work on i think. I have heard grumbles about the Canbus ? electrical system on newer bikes meaning dealer servicing is needed, BUT i think wiser members than me can offer better advice on this.
Good luck and enjoy your Boxer.

[JohanOtten]

I do hope to get my hands dirty on it a little. More complex things I can't do myself just yet, but I'm quite handy and pickup on things fast. The best thing will just be to test them I guess. First get the licence (well underway) and just go and drive them. I am a bit of a looks person too that's why I really hope the R, maybe with a custom seat, will fit because I find it 10 times better looking then the GS. But we'll see, I might just sober up and go for a GS anyway. Is there any point btw in going for the 850R instead of the 1100R? I think this has been discussed a million times before here but I couldnt find a real answer just yet.

[omg1010]

Hello Johan,

the 850 model has slightly less HP and much less torque. But at the same time the engine is known to run smoother than its 1100 sibling. If you are not concerned about power/torque you might also go for the 850.

Brgds
Oliver

[Boxerpunk]

Hi Johan,
I don't think the R1100R is the right bike for you.
With your length, the riding position will be very upright, maybe even leaning backwards, due to those stupid handlebars which are not adjustable.
Handlebar-conversionkits are available; I fitted mine with LSL-adapters and an LSL superbike bar, but still not satisfied (and I'm only 5'9" (1.8 m) and I want to ride a Rockster again)
I think you'd better look for a R1150R/R850R (late model, with oilcoolers beside the tank)
Where do you live?
I know a guy in Enkhuizen, who sells a lot of (affordabale) different BMW's: Ruud de Jong Motoren - Enkhuizen
Or you could come along and try mine; it's for sale (1995 pre-facelift model, 112.00 km), because I WANT A ROCKSTER!