2001 R1100RL vs 2002 R1150R - How different are they?

[tracye34]

I got to ride a 2002 RR this weekend (thanks Carlos) and definately liked it. However I have come across a 2001 R1100RL w/ low mileage and tons of accessories. Has anyone ridden both of these and can tell me what are the differences?

I know the 2001 has 5 speed vs 6 speed, a little less power. Do they ride/handle about the same? Maintenance issues? Are the brakes on the 01 linked like the 02? Fuel economy? Anything I should ask about when purchasing?

Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

Tracy
97 F650ST (for now)
XX R11X0R soon

[DJ Downunder]

It's only my opinion..but..why buy the ugly sister when you can have Cinderella...

Re the brakes..mine's an 02 and not linked. (no ABS on mine)

The seat is adjustable on the 1100...three settings...nice...although it looks a bit like a horse saddle.

The bars are different...I like the 1150's...there's more options with the 1150.

One piece exhaust on the1100...so it's harder to de-can or put an after market can on..or even lower it.

The 1100 was and still is an excellent bike..but for me the difference is like chalk and cheese..btw..the headlight is the only thing that's the same on both bikes.

DJ

[Oilhead]

It's only my opinion..but..why buy the ugly sister when you can have Cinderella...

I was all set to buy a 1998 R1100R in Dolphin Blue. I loved everything about the bike including the looks. Then basically everyone around me talked me out of it saying how ugly it was....
Anyway, I hestiated, saw the then new brand new Honda VFR800F and decided that would be the bike to replace my K75A/3. When the 2002 R1150R came out, obvioulsy there was no issues with the looks and I bought one of the first ones that my dealer got in.
Now I love my 2002 R1150R, and I know designwise, it's a beautiful bike but I don't think I ever totally fell in love with the looks of it. I actually like the looks of the R1100R better! I know I know, the R1100R designwise is a failure but someting about it's frumpy quirky looks attracts me. I still lust for a Dolphin Blue R1100R. I know I will never ever get one because that would be stepping down from my R1150R and make no sense whatsoever.

[Arbreacames]

..why buy the ugly sister when you can have Cinderella...

[jon pierce]

I have a Rockster..............which I think is a good looker................but I too like the look of the R1100R, especially when it has the wire wheels fitted. The riding position is more upright and the seat very comfy.

[R4R&R]

Hey - beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? I think the 1100R has a more classic look than the 1150R, but some things are better looking (IMO) on the 1150R. Example: Oil coolers. They look like an afterthought on the 1100, while they are neatly integrated on the 1150. I almost bought an 1100 back in 2000 but those oil coolers..... Also the wheels, those 5-spoke wheels that resemble the 5-series car - loooove those wheels! The three spoke wheels look dated, but serve the purpose. Then the exhaust, like DJ stated, one piece which is fine if you kept it, but an aftermarket exhaust may cost more and you may have less options.

I always like the naked bike look and was really interested in the 1100R, but not enough to buy one. Then the 1150 came out and I took notice. The rest is history.

You should buy the bike that makes you feel good, not what others think.

[jon pierce]

You are right about the ol coolers and the three spoke wheels.............I really do like the spoke wheel look. Not so sure about the seemingly recent need to change the exhaust, these are not high performance sports bikes - more like a gentlemen's (or gentlelady) steed.

[rph802]

I think you nailed the major differences. I have a 95 R1100R. I feel like this bike has plenty of power for my needs. Unless you are going to be doing a lot of highway riding, I dont think you miss the 6th gear that much.

Are all these extras coming with the 2001 stuff that you are actually going to use?? What good is the skid plate if you never go off road? The big question is what VALUE is this stuff to you.

[leno]

I've had both bikes and they both have differant but good points.

The 1100 was a smooth easy going relaxed bike. I liked the position, big and roomy, comfitable. The engine is a bit limp, the gear box okay because the spread is good. Hated the switch gear because I could not reach the indicators with my small hands.

The 1150 is a more agresive bike, there is the feeling that you can chuck it around. I don't find it as comfitable, but the urge from the engine is great and the box works better.

So as I've said before it's down to the riding you do and how. My personal preferance would be a 1150 runing gear in a 1100 frame, but 1150 switch gear. I think BMW missed a trick by not having two versions but I guess you can not have too many models in a range.

I tried the 850 the other day but found it too limp after the thump of my 1150.

[apaulcopy]

I, too, have owned both bikes (2000 R1100, 2005 R1150) and found that the 1100 was ergonomically the superior experience for me (being 5' 5", I appreciated the adjustable seat and shorter reach to the bars). In fact, that "horse saddle" on the 1100 is about the most comfortable motorcycle seat there is IMHO. Also, while the RT-style bars may look a little less sporty, they offer all-day comfort. In fact, I have toyed with the idea of retrofitting a pair on my 1150 (anyone done that?). And those oil coolers hanging out looked cool to me -- function over form.

On the other hand...the 1150 drive train smoothed out some of the "bumps" in the 1100. At least the dual-spark version does. Not sure if the 02 transmission is the same as my 05, but it is FAR smoother than the box of rocks on my old 1100. Also, I find the 1150 motor generates less vibration at revs above 4500 than the 1100. And it definitely has more ooomph.

So, I agree with leno: Buy BOTH bikes, swap the 1150 motor, trans and final drive into the 1100, and you'll have one heck of a comfortable, funk-looking, smooth-shifting road burner.

Bottom line: as with any bike, ride both and get the one that feels best.

[sweatmark]

OK, others above have already hit some of the key differences. Much of the decision is subjective. Objective differences to note:

-1150 engine smoothness at elevated RPM

-6th (overdrive) gear in R1150 makes touring more comfortable, especially when riding at highway/freeway speeds

-switchgear is subtly different, with my preference being the newer variety

-handling: the two options feel different during slow- and higher-speed manuevers... I give the win to the R1150 geometry and consider it the most "balanced" bike I've ridden in my short 23 years of motorcycling (note - I also give the win to R1150 Roadster over Rockster)

-comfort: 1100 seat really is comfortable, while OE 1150 seat was torture after 2.67 hours (choose aftermarket seat to remedy)

Subjectively, it's all a matter of style. We've currently got an '01 R1100RL (for sale), an '02 Roadster, and my "new" '04 Rockster. My first Beemer (and 1st non-crotch-rocket) was '96 R850R. The R1100RL is classicly beautiful, especially with the spoke wheels. The Roadster is the do-everything Renaissancemotorrad, which wife now rides. The Rockster is my perfect Roadster = same bike, slightly different ergonomics and dynamics, weird unclassic styling (just like me).

Mark
Oregon

[jon pierce]

I like your comments, I am sure that you will meet some resistance concerning the roadster handling better than the rockster. Folks will say that the Rockster has better forks a fatter rear tyre and possibly slightly different suspension settings..............my personal thoughts are that I find the more upright riding position of the roadster (though I own a Rockster) more conducive to stable handling (I know that flies in the face of a lot of opionion favouring more weight over the front tyre). I just work better when sat upright!

I figure I like the Rockster for the same reasons as yourself with a little cheek!

[rph802]

1150 engine smoothness at elevated RPM

Totally agree there. I hit 4k and feel like I'm whining it (1100) out

-comfort: 1100 seat really is comfortable, while OE 1150 seat was torture after 2.67 hours (choose aftermarket seat to remedy)

Maybe its just the shape of my arse but this is a big negatory for me as to the 1100 seat. maybe the stock 1150 seat is even worse (hard to imagine) but I was having a problem with the bracket on my Corbin and I wanted to go for a ride and screw with that later so I grabbed my stock saddle and threw that on. I didnt even get out of the driveway before I said the "bleep with this!!". gave me an added determination to fix that bracket!!![/quote]