R1100s owner interested in a R1200R

[HellFishTat]

I'm a member over on PelicanParts R1100s/R1200s forum and I own a 99 R1100s that I just put a set of Ohlïn on. Problem is even with moving the bars above the top clamp, I'm getting some elbow pain. I even tried the the Rapid Dog Barbacks, but thought it took away too much from the original configuration of the bike. Ended up deciding that I just need a more "standard" bike.

What can you guys tell me about your bikes?

[dbrick]

Fit is a pretty subjective experience...just find one and try it.

As to the bikes, the common lessons are:
1. They're fabulous: fast enough, comfy, reasonable mileage. You can play dodgem in the city and you can tour. Some even tour a la GS.
2. Lots of riders don't like the stock seats.
3. The horn sucks.

and...that's about it. Hang around here enough, and you'll also learn

4. Test-riding an R1200R is dangerous to your bank balance. We call it the "Test Ride Victims' Club."

[AncientMariner]

I loved my 2010 Beautiful Blue Roadster (BBR) but after about a year and 6,300 miles, it met an untimely demise due to an edge trap in VT. (Read more and see pix elsewhere in the Forum)

As soon as the insurance company paid the claim, I bought another, a 2010 Classic Black Roadster (CBR). I can't imagine a better all around bike. Comfort, power, handling, and braking are all superb. After a year, I had 6,600 miles on the CBR.

The first bike was a standard chassis with a low seat which had a great ride and was really comfortable. The new bike is a factory lowered chassis. The ride is a little harsh and seat and is not as comfy. If you have the legs for it, get the standard height model. I have a 29" inseam and some knee and hip issues so I do appreciate the lowered height.

For some inexplicable reason the new motor is smoother than the first one which was actually fine.

By the way, the BBR ended up lying in a stream with a valve cover stripped off and the head fins bent but still running.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should add that I haven't ridden it since Friday.

Bruce

[websterize]

What can you guys tell me about your bikes?

The idiom "wolf in sheep's clothing" comes to mind.

[qfman]

I guess you're wondering if the R1200R is easier on your posture than an R1100S? The R12R allows a much more upright posture which takes a lot of weight off the wrists and strain out of the core muscles. I've never had any soreness or stiffness after long days in the stock saddle.

I first made that decision back in '03 when I chose a R1150R over the R1100S. It was a tough call because I think the R1100S is the most beautiful BMW ever made. I made the same decision in 08 - R1200S vs R1200R. Comfort and pillion practicality won me over both times.

Tom

[hjsbmw]

I didn't like the old ABS or riding position but thought the R1100S was one good looking bike. It's the model that made me take note of BMWs in the first place. I tested a few, but had to admit it's not the right bike for me and my needs.

The R1200R looks more conservative but the engine is more responsive and stronger. The Roadster is for me a better bike, but I am not a sport rider. It is comfortable and good for trips and commuting alike. I got a Rick Mayer saddle and the BMW touring shield. The windshields are an endless topic here. My wife is comfortable enough as a passenger to doze off, in case two up riding is of importance to you. You'll have to try an R1200R and see if it gives you what you are looking for. I don't think it is the bike for everyone, not that such a thing exists or even should, but you sound like you might be a candidate. I've had mine for almost three years and I am not looking for my next bike. That's new to me.

I had some seals replaced under warranty, and there were a few recalls (EWS and brake lines). Maintenance is typical BMW stuff and cost, but DIY is fully doable. I never had unpleasant surprises on a road trip. Fuel mileage depends on ambient temperature and riding style. I can get 53mpg on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 42mpg in the city, or variations in between. Several members here have had problems with the fuel level sensor. On and off there is talk about fuel pump and final drive failures with Hexheads, but it's usually RTs and GSs (of which there are also more on the road). Some of us have had rust under the tank filler. One can (and should) install a gasket from the S1000RR to prevent water from getting in there. Factory accessories and aftermarket farkles are available with different degrees of utility and appeal.

Hope that helps and you find what you're after. If you have more concrete questions, just ask.

[HellFishTat]

Harold,

I live in Raleigh. Every once in a while I head out to Carolina Brewery on Sunday mornings and meet my brother and a few of his friends. If you haven't been there, a bunch of guys get together out there and shoot the $hit. Some even go riding. Fair number of BMW's (even seen the owner of BombarsBeemer there once), Ducati, Triumph, etc.

I've only had my R11s for 2yrs and every time I ride it I think there couldn't be a better bike. If you ever see a (slightly fat) guy on a Mandarin R11s with a silver modular helmet, stop me and say hello.

I might venture out to Capital BMW and see if they have one on the floor.

[NakedRider]

I'm on Pelican Parts too.

I've had two of the R1100S models.

Under 80 MPH the R1200R is a better bike. It is easier to throw around. Above 80 MPH the R1100S is better due to having more weight over the front.

The R1200R is smoother both engine wise and tranny wise.

Gas range wise it's not even close - the R1200R comes out way ahead.

You can also get much more information while riding if you have the on-board computer package with the R1200R.

To me, it depends on how you plan to ride. Both are great bikes.

[sandycruz]

I have a 99 R1100S and a 2007 R1200R. For me its all about riding position. I too moved the bars above the triple clamp looking for better ergonomics, then I added Rapid Dog's barbacks. Still not anywhere as good for my body as the R. I'm 5'9" in my boots and 65 years old.

I bought the S in the spring of 2002, rode it from Santa Cruz to Port Angeles, WA in late summer. Climbed Mt. Olympus, and rode back to Santa Cruz. On the slab above 80 the wind resistance made life nice for my wrists and back. Below 80 the S feels slow to respond to steering input compared to the R. In general I find the R so much easier to ride I just don't find my self riding the S much. On the other hand I haven't done much touring on the R. I've got bags for both bikes and both have the short (sport) versions of their respective wind screens.

Both bikes are fine examples of BMW engineering. The R is, as you would expect, more advanced technologically speaking. No enrichment lever for cold starting, for example. Just push the start button.

I bought the R after a "test ride". I simply could not believe how much better the bike fit me, and how incredibly easy it was to ride. Fun is immediate, low speed handling is so much better than the S. Everything else is incrementally better.

You can get to the battery without removing the Tupperware and tank. Oh, the battery is smaller and the stock battery sucks. I found a replacement right away. No problem since.

The R is a joy to ride, easy to own and service. Good luck with your decision and if you go for a test ride, well bring your checkbook.

SantaCruzDave

[HellFishTat]

Wow. There's a lot harder to find that I thought. When I was looking for my R1100s, I did a crazedlist.org search of bordering states and that turned up several that were low mileage and in my price range. I'm not having the same luck now.

Oh well. All good things to those who wait.

Becker

edited!

Holy crap. there's one EXACTLY like I want in Chapel Hill.

[hjsbmw]

Good luck with finding a suitable bike. The one on CL is extremely low mileage but out of warranty. While that doesn't have to be an instantaneous deterrent I'd be extra careful about asking how long the stretches were it has been standing unused and the kind of maintenance that has been performed. Give it a good ride out to Jordan Lake and see what you think. Check the same points you'd look at on your S regarding leaks and so on. BTW, I have seen other Roadsters on Craigslist from time to time, but it's not a frequent thing. There is also one in Charlotte in the for sale section on this forum. I don't know the seller or the bike.

[fastdogs2]

HellFishTat,

I have a 2009 R1200R and I live south of Chapel Hill. I occasionally make it to the Sunday morning get-together at the Carolina Brewery coffee shop.

R1200R's can be hard to find because most of us hold onto ours. I have seen them on CraigsList, but they tend to sell quickly.

Bill

[HellFishTat]

This weekend looks like a bust, plus I have a two new tires I need to install. If I think I can make it out in the next two weeks, I'll drop you a line and see if you're interested in going. Do you know the guy in CH that has the Black R1200R on CL right now?

[jkhomes]

The difference in the engine between the 1100 and 1200 is significant. I am pretty sure you would like the change just for that reason. I can't ride with the handlebars way down low, just don't like it. Tried a Triumph with cafe racer clip-ons recently. Really neat bike, uncomfortable riding position.

The 1200 R is a little rough being upright because the seat isn't comfortable. I had my seat customized and changed my handlebar to one from an F800 ST with a riser. The ST handlebars with the riser are not as low as you would think, and it really seemed to increase the ergo's. Although I really covet an S, I think you would be happy with the change.

[seanx820]

I am the guy in Chapel Hill with the black R1200R I was kind of chuckling to myself when I reading through this. I was just coming to the forum to look at the pics thread (as usual). Welcome to come test drive whenever you are ready, I am not in a rush.

[HellFishTat]

Sean,

Thanks. My mom is still in Rex. Hopefully she will be released tomorrow. Everything is good, just at 90, we're always worried. I work four 9's and a 4. I'd love to come up Friday and check it out. I really don't need a test ride, from what I've read here, I'm a little worried! I remember the day I rode my '77 CB750F to Capital BMW and got on a '03 R1100SA. I rode it down Atlantic Avenue into downtown Raleigh and stopped at Krispy Kreme and called my wife and told her to start the divorce papers! I took the bike back and told them I needed the weekend to think about it. When I called Tuesday morning they told me it was already sold, I knew my mission had just started.

Becker

[deilenberger]

Sean,

Thanks. My mom is still in Rex. Hopefully she will be released tomorrow. Everything is good, just at 90, we're always worried. I work four 9's and a 4. I'd love to come up Friday and check it out. I really don't need a test ride, from what I've read here, I'm a little worried! I remember the day I rode my '77 CB750F to Capital BMW and got on a '03 R1100SA. I rode it down Atlantic Avenue into downtown Raleigh and stopped at Krispy Kreme and called my wife and told her to start the divorce papers! I took the bike back and told them I needed the weekend to think about it. When I called Tuesday morning they told me it was already sold, I knew my mission had just started.

Becker

Well - since you're now divorced (or did you rethink that?) no need to ask permission. I gave up on asking permission several decades ago. You know you're in for a ROS (Raft-O-Shat) if you ask permission. Then you're in for a 2nd ROS after you buy it anyway. I figure to minimize the ROS frequency, it's better to not ask permission for something I'm gonna do anyway.

Conservation of energy or something like that..

[HellFishTat]

Well - since you're now divorced (or did you rethink that?) no need to ask permission. I gave up on asking permission several decades ago. You know you're in for a ROS (Raft-O-Shat) if you ask permission. Then you're in for a 2nd ROS after you buy it anyway. I figure to minimize the ROS frequency, it's better to not ask permission for something I'm gonna do anyway.

Conservation of energy or something like that..

Ha! I couldn't agree more. But in my situation, I was referring to her starting divorce papers because I wasn't not going to buy the bike. Fortunately for me, when I missed the opportunity on that one, it bought me enough time to sell the 750F, a '68 Karmann Ghia and a butt load of 912E parts I had acquired over years. Managed to get more than I thought (less than I wanted though) and also gave me time to find a Mandarin R1100s that already had; exhaust, shorten torque arm, system cases with large and city lids and a couple of other things.

I quickly did a complete service, replaced all the brake lines with SS and rode it a good bit for being a very doutin father to a beautiful 2 yr old daughter. In the past 20 months I purchase a Corbin saddle and a set of Ohlins and had them set up to my weight (aka fat a$$). As I wrote earlier, I experimented with moving the bars about the top triple tree and trying RapidDogs BarBacks. I even thought about moving to a R1200s because it's drop dead sexy, but my advancing years and actual riding style lends itself to a standard bike I'm afraid.

I didn't even meet my wife until I was 37. I had owned several bikes by then, and as I told her when I drug the first one home post marriage "I've put over 70k on several bike before I met you. I won't cheat, lie or steal, but I'm damn sure buying whatever I want." Fart in church comes to mind, but she slowly has learned that I'm pretty much going to do "it" and it's better to pick other battles.