How do the riding characteristics of the two bikes differ?
ken k
r1150r vs. r1100r
Moderator: Moderators
r1150r vs. r1100r
Red 2003 R1150R
Having owned both models, I have to say the handling characteristics are pretty similar. I had a 2000 R1100R and now have an 05 R1150R, both shod with Metzeler Z6 tires (which I highly recommend) and both bikes handle very well, wet or dry.
The major differences are in the power delivery and ergonomics. I way prefer the way the 1150 puts down power, with virtually none of the "surging" I had with the 1100 (and the tranny is a lot smoother too!). But I have to say I always liked the saddle and those high cast handlebars of the 1100. I now have barbacks on the 1150, which help give a bit more upright seating position (which I prefer).
Both solid motorcycles capable of doing pretty much whatever you want to do. And I think they both have their aesthetic quirks!
The major differences are in the power delivery and ergonomics. I way prefer the way the 1150 puts down power, with virtually none of the "surging" I had with the 1100 (and the tranny is a lot smoother too!). But I have to say I always liked the saddle and those high cast handlebars of the 1100. I now have barbacks on the 1150, which help give a bit more upright seating position (which I prefer).
Both solid motorcycles capable of doing pretty much whatever you want to do. And I think they both have their aesthetic quirks!
The R1100R definitely has a superior seat for rider & pillion take a look
its like a western cowboy saddle.
The ugliness of the Oil coolers will always be a problem for BMW
neither the 1150 or the 1100 really know where to put them the 1200
has placed them in the firing line of stones from the front wheel once again unsure of placement for them, the older models dont have oil coolers at all perhaps this is why, they havent evolved but hatched.
its like a western cowboy saddle.
The ugliness of the Oil coolers will always be a problem for BMW
neither the 1150 or the 1100 really know where to put them the 1200
has placed them in the firing line of stones from the front wheel once again unsure of placement for them, the older models dont have oil coolers at all perhaps this is why, they havent evolved but hatched.
-
DJ Downunder
- Honorary Lifer
- Posts: 4776
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:26 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Realistically one should not buy a bike on looks alone, there are a lot of
other factors.
Reliabilty, Endurance, ABS, Fuel Injection, Shaft Drive, Good Panniers
Personally i dont like the single sided swing arm but for me looks was only a partial attribute on the R bike.
I am a high Km rider so for me a BMW will outlast i hope... any jap bike,
i have two of those also which i felt guilty about wearing out 20000kms
per year japanese bike are usually good for between 60-100kkm before major expense kicks in, hopefully i can get 150-200kkm from the BMW
The new R1200R has just introduced chip coded ignition security keys which is something my 2002 R6 already has as standard so it would seem BMW are around 5 years behind the japanese manufacturers.
BMW's are like volkswagons you either love them or hate them
they have the esoteric looks but have 100 percent functionality
and resemble something that an alien from mars might choose as a
vehicle.
other factors.
Reliabilty, Endurance, ABS, Fuel Injection, Shaft Drive, Good Panniers
Personally i dont like the single sided swing arm but for me looks was only a partial attribute on the R bike.
I am a high Km rider so for me a BMW will outlast i hope... any jap bike,
i have two of those also which i felt guilty about wearing out 20000kms
per year japanese bike are usually good for between 60-100kkm before major expense kicks in, hopefully i can get 150-200kkm from the BMW
The new R1200R has just introduced chip coded ignition security keys which is something my 2002 R6 already has as standard so it would seem BMW are around 5 years behind the japanese manufacturers.
BMW's are like volkswagons you either love them or hate them
they have the esoteric looks but have 100 percent functionality
and resemble something that an alien from mars might choose as a
vehicle.
I could not bear the oil coolers hanging out the front of an R1100R aesthetically or practically. I looked at a few and the fins were damaged.
I love the stylish integration into the tank that the R1150R has. I only get a few flies and very little muck in my coolers.
The R1200R is a step backwards with the dirty , exposed and easily damaged set up. Should have hidden the cooler like on the GS.
I love the stylish integration into the tank that the R1150R has. I only get a few flies and very little muck in my coolers.
The R1200R is a step backwards with the dirty , exposed and easily damaged set up. Should have hidden the cooler like on the GS.
2002 black 180 degree single spark V twin
Agree about the dual oil coolers -- their graceful and functional integration is a high point of the 50R styling. IMO the R1200R is handsome, but kind of generic, a step down from the 50R. The telelever A arms are also much nicer on the 50R, and those plastic master cylinder and clutch reservoir on the 1200, what were they thinking?
The R1100R is also less susceptable to clutch spline failure, possibly due to the fact that the transmission input shaft is completely engaged in the clutch plate. The R1150 series is engaged for all but 4mm, which is suspect in causing this most expensive of failures. Anton Largiader did a great writeup on this in the most recent issue of BMWRA's "On The Level".
Although I understand that, for whatever reason, R1150RT's are the most likely model to suffer this failure.
As far as the aesthetic of the oil coolers go...I'm a function over form kind of guy when it comes to cooling my engine. When I'm stuck in traffic those ugly things lose a lot more heat to the atmosphere than they otherwise would stuck up in a fairing under the tank. Wonder why BMW chose to stick the oil cooler back out for the world to see on the R12R?
Other than that, I think my classic black w/ white pinstripes R1100R is just gorgeous. And with Metzeler Z6's and Wilbers shocks it handles like the best of them.
Just my $0.02
Although I understand that, for whatever reason, R1150RT's are the most likely model to suffer this failure.
As far as the aesthetic of the oil coolers go...I'm a function over form kind of guy when it comes to cooling my engine. When I'm stuck in traffic those ugly things lose a lot more heat to the atmosphere than they otherwise would stuck up in a fairing under the tank. Wonder why BMW chose to stick the oil cooler back out for the world to see on the R12R?
Other than that, I think my classic black w/ white pinstripes R1100R is just gorgeous. And with Metzeler Z6's and Wilbers shocks it handles like the best of them.
Just my $0.02
Last edited by TX2Step on Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
Ron Jenson
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
R1150 and R1100R
We've owned '96 R850R, '01 R1100R, '02 R1150R Roadster, and '03 R1150R Rockster; 10K+ miles on each.
The older 850/1100 Roadsters possess a different riding feel when compared with the 1150 bikes. Depends of course on how you set up the handlbars, seat, pegs... weighting the front wheel in attempt to get front end feedback fron the Telelever.
I would characterize the 1100 types as feeling more top heavy, with more pronounced tip-in to initiate turns; the ride is "on rails" when tires are good and rear shock is fresh. Those bikes feel great with appropriate windshield, that classic saddle shape, sitting straight up and dignified and relaxed.
The 1150 Roadster has better balance: hands-off handlebars, the bike steers straight as an arrow (unlike our 850/1100 bikes), and it's very stable during slow speed maneuvers.
1150 Rockster is much like its Roadster cousin, but tricks you into thinking you have some front tire feedback during high speed sweepers. But same good manners on the road, and during survival training at the Costco parking lot (insert local shopping center here).
Differences in motor and transmission should also be considerations if looking at the 1100s and 1150s.
The older 850/1100 Roadsters possess a different riding feel when compared with the 1150 bikes. Depends of course on how you set up the handlbars, seat, pegs... weighting the front wheel in attempt to get front end feedback fron the Telelever.
I would characterize the 1100 types as feeling more top heavy, with more pronounced tip-in to initiate turns; the ride is "on rails" when tires are good and rear shock is fresh. Those bikes feel great with appropriate windshield, that classic saddle shape, sitting straight up and dignified and relaxed.
The 1150 Roadster has better balance: hands-off handlebars, the bike steers straight as an arrow (unlike our 850/1100 bikes), and it's very stable during slow speed maneuvers.
1150 Rockster is much like its Roadster cousin, but tricks you into thinking you have some front tire feedback during high speed sweepers. But same good manners on the road, and during survival training at the Costco parking lot (insert local shopping center here).
Differences in motor and transmission should also be considerations if looking at the 1100s and 1150s.
I just don't know.....
Horses for courses I guess - I like the oil coolers, but it'd be better still if they were hidden altogether. Don't get me started on beaks ... 
Two guys at work saw me out of a window wheeling my bike into a parking space the other week & one of them said afterwards "I just saw Dan pushing a motorbike, I don't think it can be, but it looks really old ..." Best compliment I've had for ages!
I rode a new 1150R, a used 1100R and my ex-demo 850R Classic (which has a lot of earlier 850/1100R parts like the seat, oil coolers etc but with bars, gearbox, exhaust etc from later 1150R) & didn't find any major differences between them.
Experience, bigger miles & long-term ownership would show up the nuances as posted above, but I didn't see any massive distinctions at the same level of 1150 to 1200 scale. They're all good, so it's probably a personal budget / aesthetics discussion IMO.
Two guys at work saw me out of a window wheeling my bike into a parking space the other week & one of them said afterwards "I just saw Dan pushing a motorbike, I don't think it can be, but it looks really old ..." Best compliment I've had for ages!
I rode a new 1150R, a used 1100R and my ex-demo 850R Classic (which has a lot of earlier 850/1100R parts like the seat, oil coolers etc but with bars, gearbox, exhaust etc from later 1150R) & didn't find any major differences between them.
Experience, bigger miles & long-term ownership would show up the nuances as posted above, but I didn't see any massive distinctions at the same level of 1150 to 1200 scale. They're all good, so it's probably a personal budget / aesthetics discussion IMO.
Hi,
I have a 2000 R1100R, it's a wonderful bike. When I purchased it (used) it had the cat eliminator and a Two Brothers Ti can on it. LOUD. So, I sold that can and bought a custom Two Brothers carbon fiber can because it came with a optional baffle and was supposed to be a bit quiter. It sounds great, but after a year, I am ready for something even quieter. Suggestions please.
I have a 2000 R1100R, it's a wonderful bike. When I purchased it (used) it had the cat eliminator and a Two Brothers Ti can on it. LOUD. So, I sold that can and bought a custom Two Brothers carbon fiber can because it came with a optional baffle and was supposed to be a bit quiter. It sounds great, but after a year, I am ready for something even quieter. Suggestions please.
-
iowabeakster
- Quadruple Lifer
- Posts: 1962
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 5:43 am
- Location: iowa city, ia