K11 Owners Group

[john laban]

Looking for a tourer that has some sport to it, in the 1100 class for $5-6K. Got a '94RS that is great, but at 66yrs. the bent over position on long trips (5000 mi +) is wearing, even w/bar backs. I'd like to hear some comparisons between the K1100LT and the R1100RT, in the 1998 - 2000 yrs.
Generalities and specifics accepted.

It'll give you a chance to trash the R's. You can even swear if the Admins will permit. Shit do it anyway.

John
_________________
John
94 K1100RS

[BlackHoof]

Hi John,

I'll take a stab at your question although my R1100RT was a '97 &
my K11LT is a '93.

My reason for trading horses was based on foolishly thinking that
my SO & I could possibly travel together better on the LT vs the RT.
There was just not enough room for either of us to be comfortable
for extended hours on the RT even though I had installed numerous
farkles to enhance the task. I added floor boards, passenger lowering
peg devices, bar backs, taller windshield, throttle lock, & on & on.
So, if you are riding alone, the RT will probably be just fine, or if your
SO is petit it may work also.

Once I decided to upgrade to the dark side a whole 'nother chapter began.
This summer we found out about the heater. While my SO is more
comfortable ergonomically, with the hard bags installed she roasted on
even short rides when the temps were above 80 deg f. The HP on the K
makes it feel like I'm riding alone, no passenger felt. The added bulk
of the K makes slow speed parking lot manuvers interesting, & I'm not
sure what I'll do if I ever drop the K. Probably set it on fire, & report it
stolen.

I'm sure others have had different experiences, but those are the ones
that come to mind. Good luck in you search.
_________________
Kent

'93 K1100LT- Blurple Colored
Lucky # 887
'27 Bugatti Replica/Kit Car-Dark Purple
'05 Suzuki Brugman/Russell Seat...

[john laban]

Thanks, Kent. Nice to hear from the city on the hill, that's the type of info I'm after. Came thru your town on the way west this fall. I'm a big fan of the upper mid west.

John
_________________
John
94 K1100RS

[Marti]

Perhaps I can add my tu'penny worth. I've added my history to my signature. Oh, missed the 1100 Pan European. Probably just as well; over weight over rated tug without a rudder that it was. I haven't ridden an LT and only got rid of the K1100RS because it was getting expensive.

My current R1150RT is fantastic to ride. Light & balanced, ace handling with some nice touches like the screen and adjustable seat BUT…When you've got used to K-Series build quality the sad state of affairs with oil-heads will make you cry. Most 30,000 Mile oil heads are loosing their paint and the exhaust is going rotten. Rode mine in the rain yesterday so it's bye-bye temp gauge and fog lights. The speedo still fogs up like a proper Beemer though. The 1200's are reported to be even worse according to a couple of dealer /spares outlets I've spoken to. Quick though. Bulbous fairing is protective but not much better than my K-RS
_________________
Cheers,

Marti
Ex K1 Ex- K100RS Ex- K1100RS Ex R1150RS
Ex Wife
Ex Pan European
R1150RT Ex-R1100RS
R1150RS Miss the K11RS

[will3hawks]

The R1100RT is an excellent machine and handles better than the K1100LT. It is not as fast in a straight line and usually doesn't get quite as good mileage as the LT. If you are a tall rider, go for the R bike as you will have much more room. My LT was a great bike but I sold it because of the fact that I am long from the hip to the knee and my knees were jammed up into the fairing of the LT. The real world resale value of the Oilhead is much better than that of the LT. The Oilhead also has none of the heat issues of the LT which is a big consideration. The LT uses cheaper tires (non radial) while the Oilhead tends to eat tires, especially fronts. Chances are you can get a good LT cheaper. Some Oilheads have a surging problem which can be fixed with the R259 box which richens the mixture in the 3-4000 rpm range. you can also increase the torque of the Oilhead by switching to GS intake runners and a GS relay.All other things being equal, ride them both and buy the one that speaks to you.

Will
_________________
The truth is 100 miles east of Memphis
BMWMOA# 70125
94 K 1100RS (Speedwagon)
"Even if I should die on the road, this would be the will of heaven"
Matsuo Basho, 1644-1694

[Jim Brotherton]

A thought to stir it up even more. Also been looking at a second bike (notice that I didn't sat anything about K1100RS going away) for touring purposes. Been thinking about the R1150RT. Notice there was a significent price difference between the R1100RT and the R1150RT, sources tell me that the 1150 is by far the better bike, 6e gear better brakeing etc. May be something to look at. On my K1100RS previous owner installed different bars, don't know which type, but you don't sit as far bent over, don't think I could handle it on long rides, with the higher bars no problem.
_________________
1995 K1100RS
2004 R1150RT

[will3hawks]

I have a friend with the 1150RT and he is very happy with the bike. The only thing I have heard from some owners is that the 1150 is even more prone to surging. That having been said, the Techlusion 259 box can fix that. Overall, the 1150 is a good bike.

Will
_________________
The truth is 100 miles east of Memphis
BMWMOA# 70125
94 K 1100RS (Speedwagon)
"Even if I should die on the road, this would be the will of heaven"
Matsuo Basho, 1644-1694

[Sidmariner]

I am fortunate to have both a K1100LT and an R1150RT and love them both equally. The LT engine is smoother and the gas consumption much lower than the RT. I think the centre of gravity on the LT is lower, which makes it a little more stable at crawl speed. The stock windshield on the LT is as effective as my Cee Bailey +7 on the RT, but both are great in foul weather.

The RT is a more nimble bike with lots of bottom end grunt. I love mountain riding with it, especially opening up the throttle when rolling out of a tight turn. It is a great bike to load up, especially since I have oversize cases on it. The most significant and positive difference is the absence of engine heat coming off the twin pots. In the summer, the LT fries my legs, especially when commuting. Also, I dread having to pull the fairing off the LT, with its half dozen different fastener sizes and types. On the RT, everything is mounted with a common 5mm hex-head machine screw. I can pull off the complete side of my bike in less than five minutes and re-attach in the same amount of time.

Both bikes are gorgeous in their own way. Whenever I think about selling the LT I spot one on the road and quickly change my mind. It is still a head-turner and a fantastically practical machine in my mind.
_________________
Thunderbird 1: '93 K1100LT
Thunderbird 2: '86 K100RS
Thunderbird 3: '02 R1150RT
Thunderbird 4: '77 R100/7
Thunderbird 5: '86 K75C

[Off the grid]

[Marti]

Maybe it helps to remember what the competition was when each was new. The K-Series was the starship Enterprise. Build quality, ABS, single swing arm, injection, intergrated luggage and fairing. There was NOTHING to touch it. Everything else was either a compromise or needed bits bolted on to complete the spec

In the year of the R1100/1150RT Beemer's build quality is, at-best average, and there are a number of interesting options from Honda, Guzzi, Kwak, Yamaha. Not to mention some stunning super scooters that do everything an RT does lighter and slightly slower.

The day that last-of-the-line K1100RS with 4,000 miles shows up I'll sell the kids. Untill then, the 1150RT with all the toys fitted will do nicely
_________________
Cheers,

Marti
Ex K1 Ex- K100RS Ex- K1100RS Ex R1150RS
Ex Wife
Ex Pan European
R1150RT Ex-R1100RS
R1150RS Miss the K11RS

[mnb]