Over the years I've owned every Japanese brand, a KTM, and two Harleys. Most of my miles have been on a Harley Sportster 1200 (for about 8 years) and a Harley Electra Glide (for about 9 years). An 18 month child and another on the way caused me to sell my Electra Glide (and 2 other dirt bikes) and "downgrade" to a less expensive bike.
I always loved Harley Sportsters, but a used 1200 in decent condition costs upwards of $4500. I was trying to limit myself to $3500. I looked at a lot of sport bikes, some dual sports, and others in the $3500 range, but couldn't ever find anything to get excited about. The wife told me I could only own one motorcycle so I should make it a good one. I had to have something that I could hop on and take long rides for work/pleasure.
I found a R1100R in the classifieds and looked up the HP and Torque numbers. I also looked at a 2004 R1150R, but couldn't get used to the styling and it was $5,900. I thought I'd give the R1100R a try and if I didn't like it I could always sell the bike in a while for another.
First test ride... When I first test rode the bike (around the corner from the owner) I admit that I gave it all she had. I've been riding an Electra Glide for the past 9 years and I was surprised when the front wheel came off the ground. Riding the R1100R reminds me of my old Sportster (hopped up and modified) up to about 4500 RPM, then it feels like the turbo kicks in and it keeps on climbing. Where the Sportster would quit accelerating the Beamer just keeps going. Nice....
I've read stories about the "clunky" transmissions of these bikes, surging, and the vibration. But, after riding Harleys for so long this bike feels great. I actually like a little bit of clunk in my transmission and a little bit of character in my ride. As far as the vibrations they are barely noticeable to me. Especially at a stop sign where my Harley used to rumble and vibrate. I now feel like the motor isn't even running when I'm stopped at a light. The foot peg rubber and the grips are the softest nicest feel I've ever seen on a motorcycle. With the quality rubber padding all vibrations just slip away.
Wrenching the bike... You can't live without a metric allen socket set. Other than that, the bike is extremely easy to work on. Parts are kinda expensive. I was surprised that plastic engine guards are $85 a piece. With some JB Weld, some heavy sanding, and some Krylon spray paint I was able to remove the road rash from my engine guards for $8. They look like new. I was also shocked that a tail light lens is $35 (mine has a small crack). Anybody got one for sale?
I couldn't be more happy with the R1100R right now. This has to be one of the most under rated used motorcycles on the market right now. For $3500 I don't know how much more fun I could have! Fit, finish, power, reliability, handling, wow...
I can't wait to see how many miles I can rack up this summer!
A couple other things... I never realized how often I blipped the throttle on my Harley to let other traffic know I'm in their blind spot (or approaching them). I keep finding myself pulling beside someone and revving up the Beamer... I HATE that I have to manually cancel the blinkers on the Beamer. Why can't they steal an idea from Harley and come up with some self canceling blinkers?
I look like a total dork with my blinker flashing.
. But... I was riding the bike to its highest potential at the time high revs, popping the clutch, etc.
A few nights of wrenching on the bike and she performs like new. I'm still chasing a lumpy idle issue, but overall, the bike is a pure joy to ride. I've put almost 2,000 miles on this bike since I bought it 3 weeks ago...I just can't get enough! Anyhoo, I can relate to your excitement.