Bmw R1100s

[elementalg20]

This is a bike I'm sort of considering for a future purchase. I'm coming from a 99' VFR800(owned a 96' 750 too) and would like something different on the next go around. I like the idea of the low maintence shaft drive, and the benefit of the anti-dive front end(especially for 2up riding). I'm wondering how the ergo's compare as I'd like something that is equally or more so comfy as my VFR was, it had heli-bars and a sargent seat with an ST windscreen and overall was a comfy solo ride that would make do for 2up riding. I hope with perhaps similiar changes and the addition of a trunk or backrest the R1100s would be a slight improvement, and the additional low end grunt I'd expect from the boxer would be nice, I would have gladly traded a little of the upper rpm power of the vfr for a little low end for my 2up travels. Any input one way or the other would be great, thanks!

[shovelstrokeed]

I have owned both bikes, a 2000 VFR and a 2002 R1100S. You will like the S. The ergos are nearly the same on both bikes but the S is a bit more visceral a bike. No where near as smooth as the VFR and down a bit on power although top speed, given enough room, is not all that different. Either will top 140 but the VFR might have 8-10 mph on the S. Not a big deal in the overall scheme of things.

Both bikes respond very well to suspension upgrades. Ohlins in the case of the BMW. A worthwhile investment albeit an expensive one. Try, if you can, to get a 'prep' model of the S. It comes with better shocks and a bit more ground clearance.

I never really had any issues with low end grunt on the VFR, even two up. The S is geared pretty tall so there really isn't all that much difference.

When it comes to riding the twisties, it will be much more about the rider than the bike as to who winds up in front after a few miles. The S may be a tad lighter and with the bars atop the triple a bit more comfortable although I always prefereed the low bar configuration.

Two BMW bags and a set of city lids should provide all the luggage capacity you need. The city lids for solo, regular or even large lids for 2 up. I never though about a top case and probably wouldn't mount one on the S. BMW doesn't make one and a big Givi would look fugly on the thing.

[sfarson]

elemental, Good thoughts from shovelstroke. Owned an R1100S for many fine years, and it delivered many great rides without a single reliability issue. It's a great bike. Recently picked up an '01 VFR. It's a great bike. Coincidently thought to myself today, how power-wise the VFR reminds me of the 11S. You will be able to make the 11S comfy. You will like its anti-dive telelever, the shaft drive, the possible BMW amenities like heated grips, ABS, gear indicator, etc... and appearance wise, that drop dead gorgeous single sided deep dish rear wheel with the underseat exhaust. But there are reasons the VFR is legendary. Dang is it a great bike. What a carefully thought out and refined bike. And that V-4 engine. My oh my. Net, the R1100S will give you something different, the anti-dive, the shaft drive, air-cooled simplicity, etc... and quite probably, this is the slight improvement you're looking for.

[advNZer?]

how do they compare for mileage/range

[sfarson]

The 11S would have the consumption edge, but the tank is not large and the VFR would have the range edge.

[sideshow]

Originally Posted by sfarson

The 11S would have the consumption edge, but the tank is not large and the VFR would have the range edge.

In stock shape, I've regularly gotten 44 mpg hauling the mail or flower sniffing on the R11S. Had a few tankfulls avg above 50. My range rule is to watch for stations after 175 miles, probably have one by 190, and if lucky, can roll in on fumes at as much as 200 safely. Some days I find that's pushing it, other days not.

For ergos you can buy peg-lowering kits and Rapid Dog's (ADVer!) barbacks. They do the most for you. Variety of windshields are available and there is a general preference that the lower sport windshield seems to keep the clean air from buffetting the helmet better than the touring shield.

Somewhat quirky, but great machines. The sportier yellow shocks and steering dampers found on Prep and Replika's are over-rated, IMO, but the shorter torque arms on them are not if you like sport-riding. Torque arms can be scored for pretty cheap, since they were a stock part for the GS and the S preps. They provide the ground-clearance, though unless you are a regular knee-dragger, you won't be dragging hard parts often with standard model components. If you really favor ride quality, shock upgrades can be made, like any bike. But searching down a prep model isn't necessary when you can just drop $50 on torque arm and spend bigger money on suspension that actually makes a significant difference.

I would recommnend heated grips and BMW luggage. If you want ABS you can get it. The early version (ABS II) sucks, IMO. And the later ('03-on) Evo-style are quirky in their own way, but work bettter. I like my non-ABS bike more than the ABS II that I have. Finding a good tankbag to hug the off-center tank is tough. The BMW tankbag is overpriced and has a poor design.

It's not sportbike-fast and they don't top 135 without mods or gravity-assist. They can move through tight and bumpy corners very well and the telelever lets me brake later than most bikes, allowing me to get away with a lot more than I should. Deep down I want a faster bike, but it's hard for me to give up the comfort it provides.

[elementalg20]

I really like the half nekkid look it has going on as well. I'm not sure if this would be 'thee' bike for me but I think it deserves to be in the running for sure. I'd sort of like to find something slightly less comprismised in the comfort department, would love to keep the shaft drive, but not jump up to the FJR range of bikes. Not to knock them, I sort of want an FJR but its such a departure from what I'm used to in addition to the wife thinking it looks like a 55yr olds bike(I'm 26). I've looked into the K1200rs/gt's but hell they are heavier(around the 98-03's) than an FJR. If I decide to stick with chain drive I have to admit that new bandit 1250 seems like a hell of a bargain on the used market, as does the aprilia futura........

[rauchman]

Originally Posted by sfarson

elemental, Good thoughts from shovelstroke. Owned an R1100S for many fine years, and it delivered many great rides without a single reliability issue. It's a great bike. Recently picked up an '01 VFR. It's a great bike. Coincidently thought to myself today, how power-wise the VFR reminds me of the 11S. You will be able to make the 11S comfy. You will like its anti-dive telelever, the shaft drive, the possible BMW amenities like heated grips, ABS, gear indicator, etc... and appearance wise, that drop dead gorgeous single sided deep dish rear wheel with the underseat exhaust. But there are reasons the VFR is legendary. Dang is it a great bike. What a carefully thought out and refined bike. And that V-4 engine. My oh my. Net, the R1100S will give you something different, the anti-dive, the shaft drive, air-cooled simplicity, etc... and quite probably, this is the slight improvement you're looking for.

Quite possibly the best looking bike ever made. Great shot of a gorgeous bike!!!!

[drnova]

Used to have a Ducati ST2 .... still have a GT1000 and a Suzuki DR650. Have been missing the ST2 for two up use ..... my wife liked the ST and is less keen on the GT and does not like the DR. We used the ST for anything from short day trips to 10 day trips in New England and Eastern Canada... it was a good bike for us.... need to replace it.
Never had a BMW ... but .... Have been thinking about a BMW R1100S for the two up, slightly sporty, touring we did on the ST. This thread has been interesting.
How much does a good condition low mileage 03 R1100S (non ABS & without bags) go for in the US and or Canada?

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by drnova

Never had a BMW ... but .... Have been thinking about a BMW R1100S for two up, slightly sporty, touring. This thread has been interesting.
How much does a good condition low mileage 03 R1100S (non ABS & without bags) go for in the US and or Canada?

Dunno about Canada, but the low-end of the R1100S market is typically in the $4K-$5K range. $6K will typically get you a later model and $7K a very very nice one.

I'd rate it a pretty lousy two-up bike though.

- Mark

[Rad]

Originally Posted by elementalg20

Any input one way or the other would be great, thanks!

As for VFR's and S's I have owned a 94 VFR, a 99 R1100S and a 2005 VFR. The VFR and the S are similar yet very different bikes. The Boxer motor is an acquired taste, I owned three different versions of the boxers. The 1100s series has a number of well known big mechanical issues. Many bikes don't have these issues, some do, my S had them all. Go to the Pelican Parts forum and you can learn a lot from a group of folks who really love the S series.

It is a fun bike for big sweepers; it is slow and cumbersome in tight stuff and slow speeds. Its looks are to die for. It has very very limited fuel range. The hard bags are nice but monster wide in the S series due to the under seat cans. General maintenance is a snap compared to any version VFR. Every S needs front and rear shock upgrades within 20K miles if you plan on any real cornering with it. It has a great bunch of after market support.

[Nick Makwell]

Originally Posted by Rad

The 1100s series has a number of well known big mechanical issues. Many bikes don't have these issues, some do, my S had them all. Go to the Pelican Parts forum and you can learn a lot from a group of folks who really love the S series.

It is a fun bike for big sweepers; it is slow and cumbersome in tight stuff and slow speeds.

Interesting - I had an 99 S - yellow, the fastest color, with Staintunes.

What big mech issues - I had no dramas....maybe clutch main seal leak and Paralever rear bearing? (prevalent on all R11*0 series really)

As for slow and cumbersome? I would frequently catch up to my mates on 600's (who were and are not slow) in the tight stuff (signposted 60-80kph, but with "Recommended" 30-40kph), who would then walk away on the straights.

Most confident sportsbike I have ever ridden.

Will get another, absolutely, in a few years time - I have two boxers now and the S is my fave "sports" version of all boxers made so far .

[krispy1]

Originally Posted by Nick Makwell

Interesting - I had an 99 S - yellow, the fastest color, with Staintunes.

What big mech issues - I had no dramas....maybe clutch main seal leak and Paralever rear bearing? (prevalent on all R11*0 series really)

As for slow and cumbersome? I would frequently catch up to my mates on 600's (who were and are not slow) in the tight stuff (signposted 60-80kph, but with "Recommended" 30-40kph), who would then walk away on the straights.

Most confident sportsbike I have ever ridden.

Will get another, absolutely, in a few years time - I have two boxers now and the S is my fave "sports" version of all boxers made so far .

Have to agree I could drive my 05 BCR into corners harder than any other bike I have owned.

[sideshow]

Problems with the S aren't common. Many have small issues, but nothing to really avoid buying the bike for. It's not like they need a spare Reg/Rect to be along at all times.

Surging. Basically a sign that you need to adjust the valves and/or synch the throttle bodies.

Well there's a clutch spline issue that seems to be a small but well-inflicted rash of '00 and '01 models, with a few here and there of other years. Basically the clutch spline on the trans is not hardened well enough from the factory or not enough lube was added to the input shaft(Monday bikes?) and they are known to strip without relubing them properly.

Quite uncommon for any of them, but the issue does exist.

Main bearing seals do leak, but rarely are they a threat other than aesthetics.

Final drive failures, again, happen, but aren't common. I had one fail on me 800 miles from home. I think the previous owner lied about changing the oil in it, or didn't top it off. If they aren't full, the main bearing isn't getting proper lube. When you roll for hours on end and that bearing doesn't get cooled, it doesn't stay happy. I found an Ebay replacement of similar mileage for under $200 and plugged it on.

A couple issues with crashability:
The tubular aluminum weldment that is the front subframe. It holds the plastic, headlight, turnsignals, windshield, and most of the electronics in place. A masterful feat for one part. You pay the price if it gets bent in a crash. Most lowsides aren't enough to over-tip past the heads. But when that nose gets bent, you're likely looking at a total as far as insurance is concerned. Granted, this is true of a lot of large touring bikes. It just sort of sucks in comparison to something with a more rigid or more cheaply manufactured part.

The rear subframe tabs, both upper and lower, are really susceptible to cracking off in the event of a lowside with the saddlebags mounted. There are ways to fix these, but they aren't simple DIY jobs, unless you have a TIG in your shop.

The front fenders are also brittle and I doubt many still around are without spider cracks.

[Bigem]

Just imagine having those little problems on an ugly bike?
Luckily the R1100S is such a beautiful motorcycle that a few gremlins won't distract from it!!