BMW R 1100 R - ABS reviews

This is the most comfortable seat on a bike that I've ever owned...and I owned a 1987 Suzuki Cavalcade 1400 LE. Highway miles just flow under the tires with ease and it handles the back roads with precision. At 65 bhp., you will need to downshift a couple of gears to crank up rpm. during passing. But the six speed tranny makes for easy riding up and down hills. Show less

I traded a great 2003 R1150RT for a new 2012 R1200RT. It's much the same but also much different. I know that sounds strange, but after one has ridden both, it will be understood. The new RT still feels like a traditional BMW Boxer twin, but is smoother, accelerates better and has a much torqueier feel. The new windshield provides a different still air pocket for the rider, and the ESA II adjustable suspension provides the rider with three different bikes to ride in one. The comfort mode allows for a smooth feeling almost luxo touring bike. Normal mode makes the bike feel almost like the 1150's feel, but with the above improvements. The sport mode is great. It tightens up the suspension and makes the bike handle very similar to a sport bike. Turn in is a little harder to accomplish, but once set, the bike tracks turn with precision which is not expected from a bike of this size and weight. Overall, I believe the improvements are worth the extra expense required for its purchase. Anyone wanting a bike that will take you quickly through twisties, but can also be used for daily commuting, and traveling from coast to coast, can do much worse than to choose the latest Boxer from BMW. Show less

I bought my R1100RT brand new in Oct., 2000. i rode her daily back and forth on Los Angeles freeways for a year. I put 31,000 on her during first year. She handled very well in rough traffic: stops on a dime and has the ability to power you out of tight spots like a rocket if need be. I rode her recreationally over the next couple of years, and due to knee surgery, I had to park her in my garage over the 2003-2004 time period. Occasional starts during 2005 ended with a dead battery, and her sitting quietly in my garage until the spring of 2012 (yes 7 years). I FINALLY put a new battery in her and she started up with a chug, until I put fresh gas in her. She rode like a champ and I had her serviced within a week. I've put almost 800 miles on her in the first two weeks of bringing her back to life and she hasn't missed a beat. I was thinking about trading her in for a new R1200RT, but after riding her and enjoying the looks of onlookers, I don't think I could ever get rid of her. This is one great machine built by one great company. If you have one; keep it. Show less

My 2001 black with white pin stripe, as of March 2012, has 50,553 miles on it and has never had a problem. It has been a fantastic motorcycle for daily commuting, twisty road Sunday rides, touring and even seen a track days (yes, I said track day). I have ridden this bike over 5,500 miles from Chicago to the most Southern point in Mexico and Yucatan and back. I've done a few cross country trips all without problems. With all the miles my stock rear shocks were getting soft and saggy. A few weeks ago I did replace the front and rear with Ohlins shocks at $1,300. Shocks are a wear and tear item. I read a review here where the rider said the exhaust was too quiet for him. The stock exhaust is almost silent, yery stealthy! But I did miss a little rumble and wanted to make a few performance changes. I decided to drop 28 lbs. and gain better Bhp by changing the exhaust to a full Two Brothers Racing ($289) setup. I also added a Techlusion Tfi ($169) fuel/air tuner like a power commander. Right away the exhaust note blew me away. This bike rumbles like a Ducati with Termigonis! The weight loss and hp make a huge difference in "get up and go". I will say I love the increase in performance but when on long distance rides, I wish I had the stock silencer on it purely for the peace and quiet. The RL handled twisty curves with grace and now with Ohlin suspension, it feels surgically precise and I feel very, very confident in corners. The R1100RL can be a great all-around bike. It has the museum quality in it's throw back classic BMW styling with new technology performance. It's a great bike for shorter height riders as the seat has three height settings from 29.6-31. 5 inches. You do feel like rider and bike become one. I think everyone who truly rides should own 2-3 bikes. It's a fun bike, a commuter and long distance tourer. This bike is fun, but not as fun as a Ducati sport bike. Although, it will still have your heart pounding and put an ear to ear smile on your face! It is a fantastic city commuter. I have even ridden a suit and tie to work on this stylish machine. I added the Parabellum Scout faring so with side cases, tank bag and large BMW bag on the optional luggage rack, it will get the job done riding long distance tour bike, but not as comfortable as the new K1600GTL on long trips. This why I say you always need the right bike for the job. Some are more versatile than others. BMW does a great job at making a bikes that can have multiple uses. The R1100RL really does this well! This is one bike I don't think I will ever sell. Show less

I'm 59 and a Chopper man since the beginning, until, I had to accept the fact it was time to go for a GT bike. I bought the 1200RT second-hand (20,000 miles) and I can say just one thing: fantastic! It's like a bicycle with the engine of a formula one car. It's easy to pilot, has an unbelievable engine, total comfort and is totally reliable. I regret one thing: I should have bought one earlier. Minus point? Well, when bought new, the options are pretty expensive. Show less

A V-Star cruiser has been my ride for the past 11-1/2 years. I grew up riding dirt and eventually street motorcycles. It was mostly the on/off style of bike and riding for me. Ever since I first became aware of the GS line of BMW's, in the mid 1980's, I've been amazed by the go anywhere/anytime attitude and culture it inspired. Well I finally rejoined the on/off party yesterday afternoon thanks to Rick and all the kind folks at the dealership. I'm currently the overjoyed owner of a black 2011 R1200GS, with ESA, ABS, heated grips, hand protectors, on board computer and a top box. It's a great beginning to what eventually will become my very own set-up on an ultimate go anywhere/anytime machine. Show less

This is my first BMW. What a difference in ridability. This bike is so smooth, feels so comfortable and solid. It will not be my only BMW. Show less

The decision to buy a bike wasn't hard; which bike to buy was tough. It took me a year of reading, test driving, and asking around to narrow it down. Lastly, I made a list of everything that I wanted to do on a bike, and one item was that I wanted to ride in the dirt, which meant "Sorry, Harley". don't get me wrong, Harley's are nice bikes, I wanted to play in the dirt and explore. There are so many dirt roads in every state that to ignore them just wouldn't be right. First the negative; the seat is uncomfortable, so plan on stopping and walking around every 150 miles. Now for the positive; it drives as well on the pavement as it does on the dirt. There is an almost endless reservoir of power, great torque, agile, light, and shaft driven (low maintenance). The gas mileage is awesome as is the eight gallon tank. On the interstate, I was passing cars and trucks with ease; on the dirt, the handling was amazing. If you have a little extra cash, get a top case. I bought mine from the dealer in Longmont Colorado and was really impressed. They treated me well, were professional, and wouldn't let me leave until they showed me the essentials (how to check the oil, where to hang my helmet, how to remove the side and top cases, etc.). They also worked with me on the price. In closing, if you want to ride on the streets, that's fine, but real men play in the dirt. And this bike will get you where you need to go and to those places where you wish you could go. Show less

I have been very unhappy with my third Wing - a 2007 18000. I test rode this bike twice. The first time was when the BMW demo trailer came to Portland - and loved it! It had both the low seat and low suspension, which was too low for me. My local dealer has a 2010 demo that he let me ride for over an hour on freeway, curvy back roads and in some heavy traffic, too. The difference between this and my wing was WOW! It is smooth, light to flix into corners and I love the adj. suspension and windscreen. As soon as I sell my Wing, I will be buying this. I have had Goldwings since my first new one in 1984 - now it's on to BMW! Show less

Bought the 2002 new in 2005 at a very steep discount. The first owner bought it and only put 38 miles on the machine. The 2002 RT has been very predictable after reading all the materiel available. It is more touring than sport. The problems were the rear seals & front shocks needing to be replaced at 18,000 miles. It had minor surging initially. My dealer suggested injector cleaner and it worked. They do a solid job with scheduled maintenance which eliminates any hint of surging that may have arisen. I am a confident rider and find the motorcycle inspires willingness to ride in less than ideal circumstances. Rain, cold, bugs on summer nights are not an issue. The bike is very smooth at speed. The ABS brakes work great, but power assist is very touchy until you become accustom to the sensitivity. I have kept the bike well maintained and stock. I am finally going to purchase an aftermarket windshield, as the stock does not protect wide shoulders. The seat is not that comfortable, but I do not do over 250 miles/day. I still would like a Russell Daylong Seat. Changing the oil is snap, even for the mechanically handicapped. The silver paint has held up very well and I do not constantly clean or wax. Still the best part is the riding: deep corners, decent acceleration and the ability for my wife to ride comfortably and to carry plenty of stuff when necessary. There is more emphasis on tour than sport. I have a 28 inch inseam and have little difficulty, but have learned to pick my parking spots wisely. I hope this helps you if you are considering purchasing a used one. I plan on keeping mine, the comparable new versions (K1300 GT, R1200 RT, Concours 14) are not worth the extra dollars to me at this time. Show less