BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Firstly I apologize if I have upset anyone with even the comparison in the same heading of this post. I have been a BMW fan for a long time, rides being 1985 K100RT and 2002 K1200RS. I am looking for a new bike that will be fun to ride, simple or low cost maintenance and will do the daily duty as well as some touring in the New England area.

I have honed in on three bikes, the R1100R, Honda Interceptor and Duc ST2.

At 6ft 3in, 220lbs, I am a little concerned that the riding position of the R1100R may be too upright, and even though I am test riding one at the weekend, I won't get long enough to find out if that is really fatiguing or not.

I am also in the process of becoming a certified motorcycle instructor this season, so will be looking for a bike that will handle the range work associated with that for the next several years.

Anyone care to comment on any of the above bikes or suggestions?

thanks in advance.

Parts and reliability will be cheapest for the Honda (in my humble opinion).

The Honda and the Ducati both have chain final drives. I hate running chains. Even with the reported problems with the BMW final drive I would much rather avoid dealing with chains stretching, flinging oil everywhere, etc.

If your doing motorcycle instruction the R1100R might be nice with the low center of gravity. They are very easy to maneuver at low speeds.

Bottom line... someone told me once, "Buy the one that makes you smile". Sounds a little silly, but I actually think its good advice.

Generally I would agree with combatcarry! However besides the emotional element (whether you like a particular model or not) there is also a rational element. Generally speaking the R1100R is a very durable bike, Yes there is some reports about problems (most of these had been fixed in the updated version from 1998 onwards) but you always have to compare these to the sheer number of bikes being sold. And the R1100R and its sibling the R850R as well as the models sharing the same make such as the GS/RT/RS models have been sold big time around the world. For example in Germany the GS is the best selling bike for many consecutive years.

I own a R1100R since 1998 and have driven this fine thing for the last 70 000 kms - without any technical problems. And there are many riders who share this experience. The riding position for the average rider is very comfortable (a little too comfortable for some - which is why some people change the handlebar - like me). The final drive makes a ride a no-brainer whilst people riding a bike with a chain-drive will always have to look after the chain (or install a scott-oiler or similar).

If you are looking for a bike suitable for driving instruction I would probably look for the R850R version as the engine runs much smoother and does not lack power at all.

Best regards
Oliver