BMW R1100RS That Feeling Of Quality Sport
Written: May 28 '07 (Updated Dec 14 '08)
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Pros: Reliability, power, quality, and comfort
Cons: Too soft seat, "clunky" gearbox,
The Bottom Line: A true classic in modern BMW quality, performance, & luxury. Would not hesitate to either purchase or recommend one to any experienced rider.
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| donc230's Full Review: 2000 BMW R 1100 RS |
A New World Of BMW Twins
The flat twin BMW lives! In 1994 BMW revised its heritage commitment to the horizontal opposed twin engined motorcycle. Working its way into the 21st century, BMW dipped back into history with a completely redesigned traditional motorcycle. Falling to the emerging world of tighter emission and noise regulations, the old world of air cooled twins gave way to an overhead cam, oil cooled world of high performance and luxury.
The New Engine
The new BMW boxer engine may look a bit like its 1923 ancestor, but there is a world of difference. Displacing 1085 cc, with a bore and stroke of 99 x 70.5 mm, the four valve, fuel injected motor produces 90 hp and 70 ft. lb. of torque. The engine temperature is maintained at constant temperatures by 5 quarts of oil flowing through a frame mounted cooler and around the combustion chambers. The “air head” of old has become the “oil head” for the future.
Gears
Power is fed through “dry” automotive style clutch, a 5 speed constant mess gear box, a cushioned drive shaft, and ends with a hypoid geared rear end to turn the rear wheel. All very neat and tidy.
The Rest
An even farther departure from earlier twins, is the frame and running gear. Like the twin’s liquid cooled brothers, the boxer uses the engine and swing arm as the major stressed member. In return, the new boxer gets a significantly stiffer frame to handle the loads of power and handling. This stiffer swing arm allows for a better performing single damper coil over shock absorber. But the big story is in the front end. A newly designed fork / shock uses a lower “A” arm with another single coil over shock. What appears to be fork legs perform only the functions of locating the front wheel and transferring steering input to the wheel. In other words, no more rebuilding or changing the oil in the front forks! Riders are rewarded with much flatter braking, solid handling, and more precise steering. There are two 305 mm rotor, 4 piston calipers in front and a single 285 mm 2 piston caliper at the rear for maximum stopping of the 527 pounds of German engineering. Seat height is 30 inches, overall length is 58 inches, and you can carry over 6 gallons of 91 octane unleaded premium gas.
Motorcycle To Rider Fit
RS model BMW motorcycles are designed for sport riding. The folks in Munich consider the RS a performance designator (Renn Sport in German), historically set aside for factory prepared and developed competition machines, but let it be known that even now the RS is always attached to an Autobahn definition of a sport motorcycle! As with any “sport” you will find the forward riding position, a small fairing windshield combination, mini lower fairing protection, and slightly rearward foot controls. BMW unique turn signal switches are the only departure from what should be expected from a rider’s designed motorcycle switchgear. A surprise to other riders, I personally like the idea of having the right turn signal switch under the right thumb and the left signal switch under the left thumb. Canceling of the turn signals is accomplished with a single switch right above the right signal switch. All other switches, including engine kill, headlights, heated grips, choke, and starter fall easily to hand. A multifunctional flat panel display keeps the rider up-to-date on fuel level, oil temperature and which gear is currently engaged. The speedometer and tachometer are easily readable, as are the other indicators for antilock brakes, alternator, and high headlight beam.
But I Don’t Own One
On September 10, 2001 I had performed a minor service on my 1985 BMW K100RT. Not always being accurate with all measurements, I accidentally poured an extra quart of oil into the sump. Those of us who remember September 11, 2001 will understand that security was brought up to the highest levels on the US Army Arsenal where I worked. After two hours of sitting in line waiting to exit the main gate, I realized that the overfilled crankcase had caused an overpressure that blew my rear main bearing seal! Trailering the big “K” to the nearest dealer, I was offered a “loaner” for the next month or so while they awaited the necessary parts (transportation and distribution of motorcycle parts were a fairly low priority during the month after 9/11). That “loaner” turned out to be a 2000 R1100S that had performed its service in the Battle Of The Twins racing series (sorry, not an overall winner, but a veteran just the same)! Returned to box stock, the bike was being readied for public sale. Gee, what a chance! Fast forward six years, and I was given the chance to ride that same bike at a rally – an offer that cannot be refused!
What Did I Think?
Combining the 3000 miles that first try and another 50 six years later, the R1100RS has left a lasting impression on me. This has been one of the only sport bikes I have found to be comfortable for longer days. The forward riding position put just enough curve in my spine for a relaxed ride. The amount of air flowing over the short, almost café fairing and windshield was enough to lift my upper body, and thereby reduce the stress on my wrists from holding the weight. The short “RS” handle bars provided quick and precise steering, the lower riding position also lowered the overall vehicle center of gravity for better handling, the suspension easily soaked up road irregularities and lateral forces during turns, and traction through the radial tires was always up to expectations. The 5 speed gearbox has a very positive feel to it. That means that each gear change can be felt with a solid clunk that sometimes unnerves new BMW riders. It is one of those “they all do it" things that one has to get used to. The good thing is that you will always know if you really did complete that last shift and the bike is not “between” gears. So do not be scared, let it fill you with confidence.
Fuel economy was near 45 mpg, giving one a range of almost 300 miles between stops. Vibration through the grips, seat and footpegs never reached an objectionable level, or even that of my liquid cooled four cylinder “K” bike. One note here, when sitting at idle all big twins will have a rocking pulse. On the R1100S it smooths out around 3000 rpm and is pretty much unnoticeable throughout the power band.
For a 140 pound, 5 foot 10 inch body the seat was adequate for most in-town and quick run through the mountains rides. It is fairly wide, and expectantly soft. But after the first 300 plus mile day I dug out a sheepskin pad for my lower contact points. Wide seats do allow for moving the most pronounced contact points around, and a soft seat does not allow for moving the pressure away from those points. Surprise, a soft seat is not comfortable over a long haul!
At The End
One thing that still stays foremost in my memory is that this motorcycle is fun! It is comfortable enough for the longest days on the road, and still maintains that excitement level that makes one yearn for more road. Overall fit and finish were still at a level above that of most other marques on the market, and that was after a full season on the track and my own feeble attempts at sport riding. The fact that a motorcycle could withstand that possible abuse and still carry me reliably and comfortably through 3000 miles of combined highway, city, and canyon carving riding is strong testament to its sturdiness. Worse yet, we had become such good friends that I took the time to both wash and wax the “RS” before returning it to the dealer. This is an unheard-of event in loaner history.
Word On The Street
Around 2002/2003 BMW changed to an all new 6 speed gearbox. Many failures of the gearboxes had occurred, and with the available sixth option for gearing the bike was made even more rideable. But by now a 2000 model should have had any failures repaired and internals upgraded either by BMW AG or owners. Next would be that very good examples should be readily available for fire sale prices considering anything like it in the market place.
Bottom Line
The 2000 BMW R1100RS is a true classic in modern BMW quality, performance, and luxury. Should you feel the need for a bit more protection from the elements, the RT versions of the BMW boxer should be a viable alternative. I would not hesitate to either purchase or recommend one to any experienced rider.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): Loaner
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2000
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