Adjustable air vents (1100 vs 1150)

Aurelius · 12-10-2002, 05:15 AM

I've been trying to interest one of my riding friends in trading up to the 1150RT. One of his petty objections is that the 1150RT's air vents (located in the front fairing, next to the speakers) aren't adjustable on the 1150, like they are on his 1100. Anyone know why? I suspect they may have eliminated this feature because its useless with all the wind circulating around the fairing. Also, does the 1150 have better gas mileage than its predecessor? Karl claims that he's getting only 36 mpg highway with his 1100RT-- pathetic compared to the 50 mpg I routinely get on my 1150GS. I would hope that the 1150RT would do even better than the 1150GS because of its superior aerodynamics.

Arch · 12-10-2002, 07:17 AM

The area is now filled with speaker enclosures. Click here if ya wanna see pics. Oh and if he'll be looking at used ones, make sure he knows what's what regarding TSBs and VINs. In fact, if he leans towards the sport side of the sport-tour equation, a thorough test ride over familiar twisty routes at a famliar elevated pace would be a good idea. It ain't for everyone...

fish · 12-10-2002, 09:19 AM

The adjustable vents on the 1100 were useless. Interesting idea, but useless. With the speakers removed, they work as well or better on the 1150 (which is to say, they are useless). Also, with the vents closed on the 1100, airflow through the cooler could be reduced. Simpler, better on the new bike imho.

Aurelius · 12-10-2002, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Arch
In fact, if he leans towards the sport side of the sport-tour equation, a thorough test ride over familiar twisty routes at a famliar elevated pace would be a good idea. It ain't for everyone...

Karl rides his RT pretty hard (for an old German guy). I suspect this is part of the reason for his dismal gas mileage. I've ridden his bike as well as the new '03 RT. Aside from the power brakes on the 1150, I couldn't see much difference. What exactly are your objections to the 1150RT?

freaking RT · 12-10-2002, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andrew Ward
Karl rides his RT pretty hard (for an old German guy). I suspect this is part of the reason for his dismal gas mileage. I've ridden his bike as well as the new '03 RT. Aside from the power brakes on the 1150, I couldn't see much difference. What exactly are your objections to the 1150RT?

let me guess what Arch is going to say

the brakes

Arch · 12-10-2002, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andrew Ward
Karl rides his RT pretty hard (for an old German guy). I suspect this is part of the reason for his dismal gas mileage. I've ridden his bike as well as the new '03 RT. Aside from the power brakes on the 1150, I couldn't see much difference. What exactly are your objections to the 1150RT?

The links in my first post answer all of the above, and then some. As your friend already knows, Andrew, RTs are wonderful contraptions. I loved all but one thing about my 1150RT. Unfortunately, that one thing is an etched in stone deal breaker for me. Meanwhile, in the past I've carried on endlessly when asked about my '97 and '99 models. Still stare longingly at 'em on occasion.

Anyways, I get asked about this topic all the time, mostly from site visitors, but also from friends of friends, etc. Sick of the do motorcycles actually need linked & power boosted brakes debate, I just tell folks to give it very healthy sampling and decide for themselves. 'Course, being such a hot topic on the Net and in all the print rags, even that common sense advice is usually enough to instigate the system's die-hard supporters. But it ain't worth discussing anymore 'cause it is what it is, it ain't going away, and either you like it or you don't.

There may be a dedicated sports-tourer in our stable again someday - and it may very well be another R1100RT. Or an FJR. Time will tell. In the meantime, I'm getting along pretty well with an '02 GS for sport-touring. It does everything I ask of it. Quite well.

Arch

Aurelius · 12-10-2002, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Arch
The links in my first post answer all of the above, and then some. As your friend already knows, Andrew, RTs are wonderful contraptions. I loved all but one thing about my 1150RT. Unfortunately, that one thing is an etched in stone deal breaker for me. Arch

I read the info on your website, but I thought there was a substantial difference between the servo assist brakes your RT got and the revised design they come with now. I'm not sure how Karl will react to power brakes, but I believe he's something of a purist, so these won't be much of an enticement. Don't know if it will be a deal breaker in his case, though.

fish · 12-10-2002, 12:29 PM

Yes, the revised brakes are much better.

twinrider · 12-21-2002, 06:37 PM

Why don't you talk him into a KRS. Then you'll get to ride it from time to time once you start to get bored of having only 80hp between your legs.

Rod · 12-22-2002, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by twinrider
Why don't you talk him into a KRS. Then you'll get to ride it from time to time once you start to get bored of having only 80hp between your legs.

twinrider · 12-22-2002, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rod

Shhhh..... I'm trolling for shark.....

12-10-2002, 05:15 AM	#1
Aurelius ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2002 Location: Altamonte Springs, Florida Oddometer: 20,755	Adjustable air vents (1100 vs 1150) I've been trying to interest one of my riding friends in trading up to the 1150RT. One of his petty objections is that the 1150RT's air vents (located in the front fairing, next to the speakers) aren't adjustable on the 1150, like they are on his 1100. Anyone know why? I suspect they may have eliminated this feature because its useless with all the wind circulating around the fairing. Also, does the 1150 have better gas mileage than its predecessor? Karl claims that he's getting only 36 mpg highway with his 1100RT-- pathetic compared to the 50 mpg I routinely get on my 1150GS. I would hope that the 1150RT would do even better than the 1150GS because of its superior aerodynamics.

12-10-2002, 07:17 AM	#2
Arch Incurable Gearhead Joined: Dec 2001 Location: Katy, TX Oddometer: 11,689	The area is now filled with speaker enclosures. Click here if ya wanna see pics. Oh and if he'll be looking at used ones, make sure he knows what's what regarding TSBs and VINs. In fact, if he leans towards the sport side of the sport-tour equation, a thorough test ride over familiar twisty routes at a famliar elevated pace would be a good idea. It ain't for everyone... __________________ Arch

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12-10-2002, 09:19 AM	#3
fish Banned Joined: Jul 2001 Location: Gold Country Oddometer: 47,709	The adjustable vents on the 1100 were useless. Interesting idea, but useless. With the speakers removed, they work as well or better on the 1150 (which is to say, they are useless). Also, with the vents closed on the 1100, airflow through the cooler could be reduced. Simpler, better on the new bike imho.

12-10-2002, 12:29 PM	#8
fish Banned Joined: Jul 2001 Location: Gold Country Oddometer: 47,709	Yes, the revised brakes are much better.

12-21-2002, 06:37 PM	#9
twinrider pass the catnip Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Earth Oddometer: 7,686	Why don't you talk him into a KRS. Then you'll get to ride it from time to time once you start to get bored of having only 80hp between your legs.