Test rode a BMW R1100S today

Been thinking about my next bike, want a little more power, and being a mechanical numpty the R1100S with it's shaft drive seems like a good choice, & just got back from test riding one, so here is my 2p's worth.

Firstly, it's a big bike, much bigger than my curvy SV. And those cylinders stick out a long way. It's pretty heavy too, you really feel it when manouvering it when off the bike. It does look good though, the one I tested was in black, and the underseat exhausts look the part.

The riding position is much more upright (even though it is billed as the sporty BMW), but my legs felt more cramped (I'm 6'2") and my heels seemed to get pushed out much further, I just wasn't comfortable on it at all. The mirrors are massive though, could see plenty behind and barely an elbow in sight!

The ride itself - it does shift, the acceleration seemed to match the SV, probably as it has more power but is heavier, and the suspension is very good. I just didn't feel confident chucking it into bends as I would my bike. And sat in traffic, blipping the throttle, the bike shifts left to right (torque steer??), which is a bit unnerving.

Finally - those indicator switches.....just couldn't get on with them at all, I am sure with time you'd get used to it though.

In the end, it just didn't feel right, so gonna stick with the SV for a little while longer (& will probably have to learn to adjust chains!

GregK2
(still proud owner of blue & curvy S)

BMW's, you love them or loathe 'em... I couldn't get on with the stupid indicator controls; the indicators are on the left for a reason... They don't get in the way of the throttle !!! And the way the bike moves when you rev it, Hmmm...... It's a because of the horizonally opposed engine that it does it.

The R1100S is probably one of the better Beamers though, and when you get used to them you can through them about quite a bit.

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I agree it is one of the better BMs, and for a 6 year old bike the finish was almost as good as new.

Just didn't put a grin on my face in the same way as the SV.

I doubt BMWs will put a grin on your face after you are used to an SV; they are sensible bikes. My Dad had an R100R for 10 years, with few problems. He thought it was fine, but nothing exciting I thought when I tried it, seemed almost slow!

Now here is the good part, he sold the bike eventually, and got a new Moto Guzzi Breva 1100. Its a big twin, shaft drive, but has style and plenty of grunt. He has a big grin now. I think the only bad thing is the price, so it depends if you are rich or not. Not sure about quality, as he only just bought it.

Or you could get a SV1000 which I think wold be a cool alternative for when I upgrade.

The new 1200S is out soon and will be the one to go for - lots more power.


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Originally Posted by Warthog

I doubt BMWs will put a grin on your face after you are used to an SV; they are sensible bikes.

Yeah, real sensible

sorry but i cant get on with any BMW good bikes i just dont like them.

I was lucky enough to own one of the 1100S's a few years ago. Very capable bike. But not reliable in my experience. The shaft drive is quite unforgiving and the telelever front feels remote. Brilliant lights, good tank range, good indicator switches once you get used to them. Very comfortable, but no underseat storage or bungee points.Quite rapid but you are always aware that it's a relatively heavy and long bike. good brakes too, with of course, no diving front end.

Prefer my curvy any day. Try an Aprillia Tuono or Falco.

Try a Honda VFR800. Had a '99 and also a '04 V-Tec model. The V-Tec one was the one I'd go for if I was to buy one now. Amazing bikes and will do 160mph! Only thing with the vtec model is at 16'000 miles the engine has to be removed to do the valve clearances wich means servicing can cost upto £700 for that one. Failing that how about a Triumph Sprint ST, some say it's better than the VFR.

Had a long test ride on a pre vtec VFR800. Very bland engine, and didn't like the linked brakes. Bought a Falco instead. And owned a Triumph Sprint RS after the 1100S. Admitedly only the 100 bhp first model, but the engine was crap. Lovely noise though and good brakes.