Good day:
I'm a almost 69 year old returning rider trying to decide which motorcycle to get. Previously rode a Honda VT500.
When describing my riding I usually say "I ride solo, I ride slow, and I ride close to home" and that is rather accurate.
I have just about decided on a Suzuki TU250 as I feel a 250 would meet most of my needs but I then learned of a 1998 R1100R for sale. It has about 39,000 miles on it and looks to be in very nice condition although I have only seen photos.
My main concern is the "close to home" aspect of my rides; for me a 100 to 150 mile day would be rare and when I think of BMW I think of multi day and thousands of miles rides.
Wondering if most of you have a smaller machine for short rides while keeping your BMW for longer tours? Other than perhaps more frequent oil changes would you expect much in the way of added maintenance concerns for a R1100R used almost exclusively for short trips?
I know the ideal situation would be "one of each" but that's not really a viable option for me.
Would welcome your opinions.
Thank you.
Ned
R1100R as local/everyday ride?
Moderator: Moderators
Re: R1100R as local/everyday ride?
Hi Ned, welcome!
I have the R1100R's newer brother, the R1150R, and the riding position is pretty much the same.
Very Comfortable.
These bikes are designed to do everything well enough, and they do.
They load up for the long haul, and strip down for neighborhood riding.
Hard to find a bike that has this much flexibility.
I am a 80-20 Short to long haul rider, when the weather is nice, my BMW often becomes therapy when it's time to unplug from the culture.
It's heavier than a Suzuki 250, but the suspension and brakes are far superior.
IMHO, brakes and suspension set BMW's apart from all other makes.
If the R1110R comes with locking bags, you will find yourself doing your shopping with it.
The risk is the "power bug" after riding a 250 for a few months. A 250 cc bike is fine for city use, but if you had to merge onto a freeway you would notice a 250's shortcomings.
39k miles on a BMW vs 39k miles on a Asian bike are different things.
Always check service records and owner history on a used bike purchase, you will find often that the BMW owners are diligent about service and upkeep, and have the records to prove it.
I have never met a person that bought a 250, and kept a 250, after one riding season.
Great beginner bikes, but that's where it ends.
When I meet people that are inquisitive about my BMW choice, I tell them:
"BMW bikes are engineered to compensate for my lack of riding skills."
Good luck in whatever choice you make, welcome back after your hiatus, and remember, 2 wheels trumps 4.
herb
I have the R1100R's newer brother, the R1150R, and the riding position is pretty much the same.
Very Comfortable.
These bikes are designed to do everything well enough, and they do.
They load up for the long haul, and strip down for neighborhood riding.
Hard to find a bike that has this much flexibility.
I am a 80-20 Short to long haul rider, when the weather is nice, my BMW often becomes therapy when it's time to unplug from the culture.
It's heavier than a Suzuki 250, but the suspension and brakes are far superior.
IMHO, brakes and suspension set BMW's apart from all other makes.
If the R1110R comes with locking bags, you will find yourself doing your shopping with it.
The risk is the "power bug" after riding a 250 for a few months. A 250 cc bike is fine for city use, but if you had to merge onto a freeway you would notice a 250's shortcomings.
39k miles on a BMW vs 39k miles on a Asian bike are different things.
Always check service records and owner history on a used bike purchase, you will find often that the BMW owners are diligent about service and upkeep, and have the records to prove it.
I have never met a person that bought a 250, and kept a 250, after one riding season.
Great beginner bikes, but that's where it ends.
When I meet people that are inquisitive about my BMW choice, I tell them:
"BMW bikes are engineered to compensate for my lack of riding skills."
Good luck in whatever choice you make, welcome back after your hiatus, and remember, 2 wheels trumps 4.
herb
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
Re: R1100R as local/everyday ride?
G'day Ned.
Good to hear you are getting back into motorbiking.
A lot depends.....
I dunno how fit and strong you are.
I am 64, and my body has suffered from all sorts of abuse over the years, so I really notice that my R850R (identical to an R1100R) is a heavy beast.
Fortunately, the weight is fairly low down, and I can (so far) manage it.
However, I still have to be careful where I park my BM. Putting it at the wrong angle, onto the side stand can present a bit of a problem, getting the bike back upright.
The BMW will obviously handle freeway type speeds more comfortably than the Suzi 250.
Having said that, I actually use my BMW as my shopping bike, because of its carrying capacity.
I have a lighter, faster bike, which I use for more "spirited" riding, then I go back to the BM for long trips.
The R1100R would be absolutely fine as a local runabout, the only real caveat being the weight for parking and unparking.
regards, CrazyCam
Good to hear you are getting back into motorbiking.
A lot depends.....
I dunno how fit and strong you are.
I am 64, and my body has suffered from all sorts of abuse over the years, so I really notice that my R850R (identical to an R1100R) is a heavy beast.
Fortunately, the weight is fairly low down, and I can (so far) manage it.
However, I still have to be careful where I park my BM. Putting it at the wrong angle, onto the side stand can present a bit of a problem, getting the bike back upright.
The BMW will obviously handle freeway type speeds more comfortably than the Suzi 250.
Having said that, I actually use my BMW as my shopping bike, because of its carrying capacity.
I have a lighter, faster bike, which I use for more "spirited" riding, then I go back to the BM for long trips.
The R1100R would be absolutely fine as a local runabout, the only real caveat being the weight for parking and unparking.
regards, CrazyCam