2nd BMW in the garage (r1100s)?

Fishtales · Post by **Fishtales** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:59 pm

I currently own a 2004 R1150R which I really enjoy. I am considering buying a second bike and am seriously looking at a 2004 R1100S in Manderine/Grey with about 10k miles on it. It is at a dealer and my guess is it would cost me somewhere in the mid $8k's. As an alternative to buying the R1100S, I am looking at buying a new Ducati Monsert S2R 1000. Thoughts, comments, opinions as to the R1100S and, if you have any info, how it compares to the Ducati in terms of quality, etc... Thanks.

Fishtales

big papa · Post by **big papa** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 12:30 am

I'm a 2 bike guy, but wouldn't have 2 bikes that were that alike. I think the monster would be cool!!!

Nakigara · Post by **Nakigara** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 3:46 am

Depending on how big you are, the Monster is really small. It has the acceleration and power of a small bike with lots of displacement but it also feels like it. I'm 6"1 with a 34" inseam and the Monster is WAY too small for me. I really love the looks and styling of the bike, but I can never own one if I want to remain pain free. Also, I have heard that the cost of maintaining a Ducati is considerable compared to a regular bike. Not that the BMW's aren't.

The R1100S is better fitted to a larger rider, but the forward riding stance is something to get used to. On the 45 minute test ride I had, my hands went numb because all of my weight was supported on them. I feel that this is something that is subjective on how each person rides the bike. I am used to an upward riding stance. A "sit up and beg" stance if you will. The riding postures of Jap bikes is incomprehensible to me. I don't understand how resting your sternum on the tank can be confortable.

Alas, I have gone on a rant. The Monster is cooler but will require expensive shop maintenence, and the R1100S is a bit more pratical AND obscure enough to be different.

Good luck,

Dan

1150929 · Post by **1150929** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:12 am

I'm not sure a R1100S is that different a bike than a R1150R. The new 1200s may be different enough, but still...

I have a Fireblade with my R1150R, and its the perfect duo for me. The R is my everyday tool and distance bike, the Fireblade is for the occasional track day and a quick blast in the country. There is nothing like "oh my god" big power when your in the mood, or something that disappears underneath you and has the reflexes of a cat.

In other words, if your gonna get a 2nd bike, get something really different, something that your existing bike can't satisfy.

1150929 · Post by **1150929** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:15 am

big papa wrote:I'm a 2 bike guy, but wouldn't have 2 bikes that were that alike. I think the monster would be cool!!!

big papa, you own a rockster and a roadster. Not to be a smartass, aren't they kinda alike?

Slipstream · Post by **Slipstream** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 9:30 am

1150929 wrote:
big papa wrote:I'm a 2 bike guy, but wouldn't have 2 bikes that were that alike. I think the monster would be cool!!!
big papa, you own a rockster and a roadster. Not to be a smartass, aren't they kinda alike?

I believe it says Rockster and Roadstar (sic) which means the "Road Star" cruiser...am I correct?

Post by **hotzuk** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 11:56 am

Congrats on going for two bikes. I think the 1100s is pretty close to the R. If you want a little speed I would suggest a Suzuki SV650s. They are a blast to ride, tons of aftermarket parts and are ideal for track days if you desire.

If you want to stay BMW and have some fun, check out the BMW F650GS or F650 Adventure model. They are truly "do all" bikes and from what I can tell the prices on new and pre-owned models are coming down with the new F800 scheduled to hit the dealer floors this year.

Whatever you buy, safe riding!

GeoffJ · Post by **GeoffJ** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 1:26 pm

I own two bikes. My R1100R is for solo rides on twisty roads and day trips. My Harley Electra Glide is for two-up travel and week long trips.

MIXR · Post by **MIXR** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:43 am

I'll vote the other way - Go for the 1100s!

There are huge benefits in having mechanically similar bikes in the shed, plus I do not believe they are similar as far as performance and riding go. I have often considered an 1100s to go alongside my R. One for the commute and long trips away with luggage, whistles and bells, one for the quick Sunday blast up the mountains or down the coast with nothing loaded and that great sport riding position the S offers.

I love the S for its grunty performance. Not rapid like a Blackbird, but poised and stable and smooth. Perfect for real roads with real bumps and dips wher the BMW suspension and low horsepower torque can be used to good effect.

Sure, there are other equally desirable machines around, but I vote for an S alongside the R.

MartyWadd · Post by **MartyWadd** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:35 am

That's a good question. I'd love to have that kind of decision to make. I'd probably go full-on sportbike. RC51. Even get a used one, it's still going to be a good bike. That's what I plan to get in about a year. Anyway, I'm off the point.

-Ducati S2R Monster 1000: It will scoot. It will turn. Quickly. Wheelies in second gear are fun, too. Small bike. If you're over 6', comfort will be an issue after an hour. Maintenence will be even MORE expensive than a BMW. (It's still my pick, and I'm 6'2")

-BMW R1100S: All around fun bike. Tours, sports, and takes abuse as well as any bike on the market. Not the fastest, not the most comfortable, but it gives you a ton of both comfort and performance. Boxer Cup ring a bell? Ergonomically, a fantastic bike for a tall rider. So if you're tall, you simply cannot go wrong with this bike.

If you want an impressive powerband, buy the Ducati.
If you want everything else, Buy the BMW.

I say go for the PoWeR! The Ducati will impress you! If they let you test ride one, you'll buy it on the spot.

By the way, have you HEARD the Ducati?
You are so lucky. Keep us posted!

big papa · Post by **big papa** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 7:01 am

I believe it says Rockster and Roadstar (sic) which means the "Road Star" cruiser...am I correct?

Yep!

alokbmws · Post by **alokbmws** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:52 pm

I own both bikes today but am selling them for the ultimate BMW K1200s
I'll be happy to talk about both these & other exciting bikes i have owned in both europe & the US.

You can contact me at [email protected] because I do not always have the oportunity to check this web page as often as i would like.
Cheers
alok

geogridshorthair · Post by **geogridshorthair** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 2:30 am

I agree that the R1150R and the R1100S are too similar a ride for me.

I also agree that having the 650GS is a nice contrast. For me I take the 650GS when I'm just running a few errands around town. I limit my freeway use with that bike.

Of course, the off road ride is great on the GS.

I keep the R1150RT for those long distance rides in the mountains where twisty's are the main ride.

Day rides in the mountains are perfect for the R1150R.

Good luck with your choice, keep the rubber side down.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 6:59 am

I would have an R1150R and an R1100S...both very different IMO....and both great bikes.

DJ

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:00 am

I can not justify the two-bike garage right now but if I did, the 2nd one would probably be a Kawasaki KLR or the Suzuki equal to do some gravel and fire road riding. I am terrified of gravel from a lack of dirt bike experience and would like to join some of my friends that have BMWs, or Ducs and also have small dual sport bikes for a different type of riding.

The R1000S is a great bike but too close the the Roadster for me.

Fishtales · Post by **Fishtales** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 5:54 pm

Thanks to all for the input. I decided to buy a 2006 Duc S2R 1000 (silver/black). I bought into the comments that the R1150R and the R1100S are too similar. The Ducati is a very different ride and should be a blast for shorter rides. The R1150R is head and shoulders above the Duc in terms of longer range comfort, but I'm betting the Duc will give me more of an adrenaline rush in short bursts. The one negative is that I now probably own the two most expensive brands of motorcycles to maintain. Oh well.....

Fishtales

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 11:09 am

The R1100S is a great sport bike. But diverge a little and try something new. I test rode the Monster S2R 1000 and I was very impressed with it. It's small and light. Handling is not too hard edged like the S4R. Torquey engine. It's the definitive Monster.

Fishtales · Post by **Fishtales** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:02 pm

I put the new Monster in my garage, but won't really have a chance to ride it and start the break in until this weekend. Pretty excited though. I think I will enjoy having two bikes that are fairly different. By the way, as I rode my Roadster to work this morning I reminded myself of how much I enjoy the BMW.

1150929 · Post by **1150929** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:27 pm

Congrats Fishtales. Great new bike!

Now open those pipes, a well piped Duc sounds like nothing else!

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2nd BMW in the garage (r1100s)?

2nd BMW in the garage (r1100s)?

Advice to fishtales

hmmm

I have both bikes today

two bikes