K1200RS or R1100RS

I would like any thoughts you BMWsperts have on the differences in these
bikes as far as handling, performance, particularly touring and twisty
roads. I have not riden either, but have a hankering for a BM of this style
and I have noticed that they are available (97 models) from under 10K. I
currently ride a BMW R65 and am ready to move up.

Some other comments on servicing costs, fuel consumption, and reliability
would be of interest too.

Thanks in anticipation

Peter

 

No contest the R1100RS is far superior as an all round bike. The K1200RS is
too heavy. Both are reliable as long as you don't use them as a hoon bike.
Servicing costs are about the same as the K series really don't need valve
clearance checks more than once every 50,000 kilometres. Both engines will
run to over 200,000 kilometres without problem (my K1100RS has 158,000 on it
and it runs just fine, the K100RT has 165,000 and has hauled a sidecar for
the last 80,000 of its life.)

I have owned a 1998 R1100S and ridden it 50,000 kilometres, I have owned a
1990 K1 and 1991 R100RS, and currently own a 1993 K1100RS, 1994 K1100LT,
1984 K100RT and a 1994 R100GSPD.

I have ridden the K1200RS for a day in Melbourne this year and find its
riding position to be uncomfortable. The R1100RS is a bike you could easily
ride for 1,000 days with no problems. Both bikes will average 18-20 kpl on
tour.

Major maintenance items on both bikes will be shafts, and clutches if the
bike has had a had life. Do not attempt wheelstands on BMW's.

Boxer

 

No question the K1200RS is the far superior all round bike, the R1100RS
has truly awful rubber steering that weaves independantly of the way
wheels are pointing. The R1100RS also feels like a trail bike... those
bars are seriously wrong for a road bike... the last time I sat on
anything with that silly a riding position it was one of those silly ex
us Kawasaki 4 cylinder pseudo cruisers. Shame really... the earlier R80
had just about the worlds best riding position!


G-S

 

Dont get an R1100RS pre-97 either, the gearboxes will drive you mad and are
more likely to cost you money.

Al

 

Ugh, no, can't stand 'em. Horrible little roller-skate things
with teeny little narrow bars.

Even the GS isn't really "roomy" like the XLV ... and for some
reason everything about the bike conspires to make it impossible
to ride it standing up ...

-----sharks

 

Those teeny little narrow bars are the reason the riding position just
works! And the bike itself is just fun (YMMV applies here

The XLV? That piece of overweight, fugly dog poo?!?!


G-S

 

My K1200S does a very nice wheelstand..thankyou!!!!!

 

thanks G-S you have been the only one who has said anything nice about the
K1200RS - I guess you have owned one or still do.

Steering and predictable handling are pretty important to me as well as
general stability when in comes to Cruising speed over irregular surfaces -
I hate the wobbles - been doing that on my R65 for the last 8,000k and have
had a taste of a Ducati 900SS and a Buel Firebolt and they don't do it at
all.

I like the idea that you don't have to service the bike every 5000k and it
just keeps going with out worrying that you are eating up its lifespan every
time you go for a ride.

Peter

 

Thanks Boxer - particularly for the detailed response and qualification on
models you have owned and ridden.

A few people I have spoken to who own K1200RS's and similar (LT's) say that
they are really well balanced bikes - and the early K1200RS's on paper seem
to be about the same weight as the R1100's give or take 10kgs - the later
K1200RS's got heavier by nearly 30kgs (again on paper).

Is there much of a difference between the K1100RS and the 1200 from your
memory?

If you prefer the R1100RS or S, why don't you own one at present? Are you
between purchases or don't you do the kind of riding that justifies one at
present

Thanks again for your detail - very much appreciated.

Peter

 

Fine, just tell a buyer that when you go to sell it with a stuffed shaft.

Boxer

 

The K1200RS locks you into a single riding position and makes it very
difficult to move about (I borrowed one from BMW Australia fro a run down
the Mornington Peninsula a few months ago). The K1100RS to me has a better
riding position (I own this bike because I purchased it very recently at a
great price and will be on-selling it soon). The 1200 has a great engine and
brakes etc and after about 160 kilometres I was getting used to it but
unless I could buy a very good one cheap it would not be my choice.

Thr R1100RS is a very versatile bike and I would own one if one came along
at the right price, I sold the R1100S because the riding position was not as
comfortable for 1,000 kilometre days as my K1100LT, and I find that most of
my riding is long distance touring rather than short day rides (last trip
6,000 kilometres in 6 days).

My bikes are generally long termers such as the R100GSPD (good for long
distance "Adventure Touring), K1100LT Rallies, Touring (particularly winter
as K bikes tend to be hot in the summer) and the K100RT and Sidecar (family
tourer as I have twin 7 year old boys). Or short term bikes purchased for
profit.

Try both out by getting a good test ride (at least 100 kilometres each if
possible) and make up your own mind.

Boxer

 

The missing "R" in "K1200S" might just make a difference. I'd be more
concerned about the condition of the front of the bike. How well doea a
Hossack front end stand up to abuse?

Moike

 

~
****; that's a long trip!
I thought 1,000ks was bad enough!

 

Not really... 999 of them are waiting for the gearbox parts to arrive!


G-S

 

Now *twist* the knife, Geoff...

 

Who're you calling twisted!

G-S

 

Hi Tim,

if you don't mind, would you say which year and model you owned and the no.
K's you did on it.

Peter

 

I think Tim is still in recovery from owning it actually

Speaking of which... have they put that hill back in the correct spot
yet Tim?


G-S

 

I tell you what, when I win the lottery, you can have my R65 (no one will buy
it, that's for sure).

Very keepable bike... I've had it 10 1/2 years...

Dream on. 90Ss are classic now

Gary (lucky I rode one when it was new(ish))

 

Then, I think most will agree, you should do so...

I have had an R65 for some years, also an R100RS. Perhaps strangely, riding
the larger bike has made me appreciate the smaller bike even more. After an
R65, I think you will find both of these more modern Beemers will seem large,
heavy, and ponderous (as I have done on my few rides of R11s and K1000s).

Sorry, NFI... but either of the litre-plus bikes you mentioned will cost a
lot more than an R65 for consumables (and probably servicing).

My advice: whatever you get, keep the R65

Gary