BMW K75 RT -1994 or R1100 RS -1998

[Gullible]

The bike gear has arrived from the UK. :D

I've taken a refresher course because I have not sat on a bike for 10 years. :angel:
I'm glad I did, they do things a bit differently now and I can see the advantages in the new methods.

So for my daily commute of 40 Km do I go for an old heavy K75 or a more moden lighter R1100RS?

Any tips?

Also are there any companies that offer mechanical reports for motorbikes like the ones you can get for cars?

[Hay Ewe]

1100S

I have an 1150GS and if I was to add to the stable, this would be one of them (the other would be an XR650R) I love the lines and styling, they got i right with that one.

Contact Steve Wood at Slacks Creek (south side of Brisbane) and order some Wilbers shocks, you tell him your weight (in riding kit) your pillion (if you have one) the type of riding you do and he will get Wilbers shocks customised to that spec. I did and they are great

the above would also work for the K bike but I prefer the 1100s

Hay Ewe

[Redback]

R1100RS no contest really;)

Baz.

[Jojo]

I do prefer the Boxer-engined ones, although my preference is towards the older 2-valve design. I have not really much experience with the newer ones I have to admit.
The K-series is still a good bike, reliable, well handled, easy to ride, you will arrive in style and relaxed. Simply a great touring bike. It has never caught up on me, though, as its Boxer-engined sibling did. In terms of DIY-maintenance I believe in this case, given your choices, the K75 still has the edge.
Cheers

[crispy]

I would go with the boxer. Love those bikes. I put 275000 on my 1999 RT1100 before the gearbox went. Word of warning on the newer BMW bikes though. I bought a new 1200 GSA in 2006. Ive got 160000 kilometers on it now and I have gone through 3 final drives. They fixed the first 2 under warranty. I now have a bill for $4200, but Im still waiting for the part from Germany.

[VladTepes]

Everything German is over-rated. Specially the forum members from ther...

Nah just kidding jojo - long time no see.

As an Italian Bike lover and UJM owner (as of this week) I have nothing useful to contribute to this thread :)

[TerryO]

Everything German is over-rated. Specially the forum members from ther...

Nah just kidding jojo - long time no see.

As an Italian Bike lover and UJM owner (as of this week) I have nothing useful to contribute to this thread :)



I bit like comparing a Merc and a Ferrari, the Ferrari/Ducati usually looks good and sounds nice but cost more to keep on the road reliably then a B-double. Where as the Merc just keeps on going and does it in style and comfort.

cheers,
Terry

[gusthedog]

I would go with the boxer. Love those bikes. I put 275000 on my 1999 RT1100 before the gearbox went. Word of warning on the newer BMW bikes though. I bought a new 1200 GSA in 2006. Ive got 160000 kilometers on it now and I have gone through 3 final drives. They fixed the first 2 under warranty. I now have a bill for $4200, but Im still waiting for the part from Germany.


Ive had two of the r1200gs's (one 04 and one 09) and would have to say the same for the newer bikes. The 04 didn't have as many electronics - the ESA (electronic suspension) failed on the 09 model after 3500 kms and I saw the repair bill (under warranty so ok) which was $3500 for parts!:o For some front forks and a little electric motor!?! Not bad for $1 a kilometre on parts!!! So got rid of it and now have an fjr 1300. Great bike. Still not as good as an RT for comfort though. I'd go for an RT over the RS as they're more comfy and you can still punt them along nicely. I'll be stuck with the FJR until I kill it though (SWMBO orders!) but will go back to the Beemer fold with an RT then. Early 2000's models were great.;)

[camel_landy]

I'd probably go fo the 'R' as a commuter. The power delivery is a lot lazier and generally it'll be an easier ride in the long run.

My current bike is also an R1200GS (my second one - The first one only managed 75,000km before I threw it under a car). This one is currently on 105,000km and the only thing to have failed is the fuel pump relay! ;)

M

[Chucaro]

Go for the R series, they are great.
If you like the K series go for a K100 or K1100 but not the K75
My best tourer was the R1150GS and the R850R is very smooth bike for the city.
I did not enjoyed my K100 as much as the R100s that I have before it.
BMW are the best if you like reliability.
I love the sound of the Italian bikes :cool:

[crispy]

Guys check out another forum that I go on. ukgser.com

Not just BMW bikes.

[camel_landy]

Guys check out another forum that I go on. ukgser.com

Not just BMW bikes.

Hahaha... Another of my regular haunts. ;)

M

[Jojo]

Everything German is over-rated. Specially the forum members from ther...

Nah just kidding jojo - long time no see.

As an Italian Bike lover and UJM owner (as of this week) I have nothing useful to contribute to this thread :)

Cheers Vlad! Would be great to catch up with you again soon. Bloody long distance it is...
Yep, I agree, Italian bikes have their charme, but when it comes to reliability they usually are a bit behind. A few mates of mine are die-hard Ducati aficionados and I can quite understand their feelings. It's an emotional thing. Though I remember the days when I had my Moto Guzzi (850 Le Mans), great bike ...when it was running. It was a beast to get it running when it was wet. Not a big problem in SE QLD I agree, but in our neck of the woods it inferred a major handicap.
Never had any of those issues with any of my BMWs, they always would start up, even at -20 degrees. The ride then was not quite as enjoyable, though (but that's a different story altogether).