R1100RP? SP Police Bike

[vicco27]

I'm in the process of buying a 1998 R1100SP bike with 38470 miles on it from a friend. He said he just put a new clutch and new front brake pads on it. He has all the service records, a factory service manual and all the receipts since new. I'm confused about something he said. The wheels on the bike have wire spokes and he says they are very rare and special. Is this true? The next thing is weight, I have looked up weights that run from 524 Lbs to 609 Lbs wet. Does anyone know the weight of this bike? He calls it an R1100SP but all I have found is R1100R/P which is correct? All I know is it is the title says 1998 and it's an ex Oregon State Police bike.

Thanks for any help you can give.

vicco27
Paladin -- Have Trike Will Travel

[ICBMguy]

It's likely an R1100RT-P, the police version of the sport-touring R bike. From all accounts of other owners a very solid machine, and they are quite happy with them. They usually have 2 batteries to help power all the extra lights and radios, so you may want to make sure they've both been replaced recently. I'm not sure on the wet weight, but those figures sound on target, and yes, the wire wheels are rare. Most of these bikes have cast wheels, which on road supposedly give better handling because they don't flex in the corners, whereas wire wheels flex a bit, so they're better for dual-sports. In reality though, for road use it usually comes down to a matter of preference on the wire/cast. Get pictures! I've got a 2000 R11R (the naked version) witha little over 37K on the clock and it's got years more life left in it.

[bimmerguy]

I got 2001 RTP 1100, oklahoma cop bike.
64k on the clock when i got it. I took all the cop stuff off and it is now 2 seater.
Absolutly a blast to ride.
Remember wire spoke wheels require tubes and cast wheels don't.
Some cop bikes have been abused beyond help, I just got lucky.
I ride mine all the time and it handles corners like a dream.
If you are not mechanically inclined, I would shy away from it.
Cop bikes have lots of extra wiring you have to deal with.
The good news is the alt is hi output, rear end ratio is higher, more torque.
I love mine and bought it for $3k less than civilian model.
And since it is cop bike with cop colors, cage drivers pay alot more attention.

[The Meromorph]

The wire spoke wheel on the R1100's DO NOT require tubes They work just fine, and require Tubeless tires.
The BMW spoked wheels are 'cross laced' from the hubs to the outer edges of the rim