Decided to start over a bit with this question...originally posted to "Smoking Paint Job". Please read on, and if anyone can offer some observations / opinions / etc on the question about R vs S I would love to hear them...BJ
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:21 am
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Hmm...winter continues on and on in the great Northwest...and as I get ready to commit to the Smokin' Black and Silver paint job I'm getting cold feet. Sort of. I've found a painter that can do it, and I trust him, but it's not cheap. Nor particularly thrifty!
But the reason for my cold feet isn't really the cost. BUT...wait for it...wait for it...I'm thinking about selling the R and finding an R1100S! The S is sort of what I really wanted at the time of buying the R, the R's functional adaptability, and the opportunity to have my spouse ride pillion again, swayed me to the R.
Guess what? We've found that Cindy doesn't really enjoy riding pillion so much anymore! Shoulda figured! Oh well...say la vie!
Don't get me wrong...think the R is the best machine I've ever had the pleasure of owning and riding. The Ducati's I rode for 10 years or so were a bit more engaging, but don't need/want that kind of speed and "comfort" any longer. Think an S with tall screen and other mods would suit me better than the R...I do some long distance stuff (500m/day) occasionally, but honestly most of my riding is closer to home. Think I'd just like a somewhat sportier ride...
So, after that long-winded diatribe...wondering if there's anyone out there on the forum who has significant experience on both the R and an S?
If so, opinions or ideas would be VERY welcome! Please feel free to tell me I'm about to make a BIG mistake!
Thanks all!!! BJ
1150R vs 1100S?
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b52bombardier1
- Basic User
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- Joined: Sun Feb 05, 2006 10:11 pm
- Location: Bossier City, LA
Hello,
I have both. I own a 2004 R1150RT (for about two years) and I bought a 2002 R1100S about three weeks ago.
You ask an exceptionally tough question although if I had to make a call, I would go with my 1150RT. It has heated grips and the seat is a little more to my liking and cruises like a dream. My trip to the Daytona Bike Week almost a year ago is still a great memory.
But the S is a very good machine and it simply spoke to me for six months until it wore me down. I got it with 6300 miles for $5500 here in Shreveport and it is the same color (silver) as my RT. I just wish it had heated grips but the $800 dealer price tag was a little rich for my blood right now.
But the S is also growing on me and may soon take the front spot in the garage as it gets a little warmer here in the mornings. Other than the lack of heat, I simply have no complaints about either one of them. But I am still amazed at how much different two bikes can be yet be of so much the same pedigree. Almost the same motor but the S is so much sportier - this may be what moves it to the front spot.
You really cannot go wrong either way - they are both two-wheeled sculptures to me and I am not an art lover. It just depends on what kind of riding you want to do.
Rick
I have both. I own a 2004 R1150RT (for about two years) and I bought a 2002 R1100S about three weeks ago.
You ask an exceptionally tough question although if I had to make a call, I would go with my 1150RT. It has heated grips and the seat is a little more to my liking and cruises like a dream. My trip to the Daytona Bike Week almost a year ago is still a great memory.
But the S is a very good machine and it simply spoke to me for six months until it wore me down. I got it with 6300 miles for $5500 here in Shreveport and it is the same color (silver) as my RT. I just wish it had heated grips but the $800 dealer price tag was a little rich for my blood right now.
But the S is also growing on me and may soon take the front spot in the garage as it gets a little warmer here in the mornings. Other than the lack of heat, I simply have no complaints about either one of them. But I am still amazed at how much different two bikes can be yet be of so much the same pedigree. Almost the same motor but the S is so much sportier - this may be what moves it to the front spot.
You really cannot go wrong either way - they are both two-wheeled sculptures to me and I am not an art lover. It just depends on what kind of riding you want to do.
Rick
Thanks for the input fellas...
This is tough decision. Love my R, just an outstanding "do almost everything" sort of ride. Had a succession of Ducati 900 Supersports for almost 10 years prior to the R, before that mostly big bore Suzuki's. And although the Suzi's were great all rounders, the Duck's were more fun at times. The R has been a bit of a combination of attributes of those machines, put on the tall Cee Bailey's > go touring, put the flyscreen on and take off the bags > go "ride" the curves.
Took a short test hop on an S before I picked the R, but now since my wife no longer wants to ride, think an S might be more suitable? OR, just perk up the R with a few mild performance enhancements and a custom paint job?
Waffling is what I do best!
Thanks for the opinions!
BJ
PS. And if anyone knows the next winning Wa State Lottery numbers, could you share them? That'd solve my dilemma!
This is tough decision. Love my R, just an outstanding "do almost everything" sort of ride. Had a succession of Ducati 900 Supersports for almost 10 years prior to the R, before that mostly big bore Suzuki's. And although the Suzi's were great all rounders, the Duck's were more fun at times. The R has been a bit of a combination of attributes of those machines, put on the tall Cee Bailey's > go touring, put the flyscreen on and take off the bags > go "ride" the curves.
Took a short test hop on an S before I picked the R, but now since my wife no longer wants to ride, think an S might be more suitable? OR, just perk up the R with a few mild performance enhancements and a custom paint job?
Waffling is what I do best!
Thanks for the opinions!
BJ
PS. And if anyone knows the next winning Wa State Lottery numbers, could you share them? That'd solve my dilemma!
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boxermania
- Quadruple Lifer
- Posts: 3644
- Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:37 pm
- Location: Baton Rouge, LA.....aproaching retirement
NAIAD
I don't know your age, but I also went from a Duc (900 Monster) to the R. I also looked at the S. I decided on the R because, in my oppinion it was the best all-around bike that BMW had in it's stable.
I played with it ad-infinitum and had a lot of fun with it, but basically with a few relatively inexpensive mods yopu can have a great bike.
So that being sad, here are my 2 cents:
Stay with the R
Shorten the length of the diferential locating rod from 385mm to 365 mm by swaping your present one with one from the GS and that will raise your rear by ~ 0.5 inch and will in turn improve your turn in. (Unless you are height challenged which will also affect you with the S)
Do a DJ can replacement
Those two things will get the R to what you are looking for in the S. The S has a bit more power at the top, the R will beat the S on grunt......the S will be hard pressed to keep up with the R on the twisties.....
Paint at your hearts desire as that can be done to any bike.....good luck.
I don't know your age, but I also went from a Duc (900 Monster) to the R. I also looked at the S. I decided on the R because, in my oppinion it was the best all-around bike that BMW had in it's stable.
I played with it ad-infinitum and had a lot of fun with it, but basically with a few relatively inexpensive mods yopu can have a great bike.
So that being sad, here are my 2 cents:
Stay with the R
Shorten the length of the diferential locating rod from 385mm to 365 mm by swaping your present one with one from the GS and that will raise your rear by ~ 0.5 inch and will in turn improve your turn in. (Unless you are height challenged which will also affect you with the S)
Do a DJ can replacement
Those two things will get the R to what you are looking for in the S. The S has a bit more power at the top, the R will beat the S on grunt......the S will be hard pressed to keep up with the R on the twisties.....
Paint at your hearts desire as that can be done to any bike.....good luck.
Member #312
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
Yep, I give you the same advice,
The main difference between the R and the S is in the riding position.
The S connecting rod is the GS one, so you will rise the bottom of the
bike and in exchange it will fall into the turns beautifly.
I you still need to lean more forward, try to turn the handlebar towards
the front of the bike.
Those two things will make a very big difference.
PS: I love the BoxerCup look !!!
The main difference between the R and the S is in the riding position.
The S connecting rod is the GS one, so you will rise the bottom of the
bike and in exchange it will fall into the turns beautifly.
I you still need to lean more forward, try to turn the handlebar towards
the front of the bike.
Those two things will make a very big difference.
PS: I love the BoxerCup look !!!
Boxermania and FJ,
Good suggestions, replacing the paralever link is one idea that had not occurred to me. Earlier said I would consider mild performance enhancements, but was really just thinking about the motor. Seen a few threads about can/chip replacements, but don't recall DJ's recipe. I'll look that up.
Yeah, I do like the Boxer Cup look, in particular the '04 BCPrep in grey and mandarin. With heated grips, ABS, and system bags it would be pretty close to perfect.
Thanks for the opinions, and no, I didn't win the Lotto last night so I'm still soliciting feedback!
Ciao! BJ
Good suggestions, replacing the paralever link is one idea that had not occurred to me. Earlier said I would consider mild performance enhancements, but was really just thinking about the motor. Seen a few threads about can/chip replacements, but don't recall DJ's recipe. I'll look that up.
Yeah, I do like the Boxer Cup look, in particular the '04 BCPrep in grey and mandarin. With heated grips, ABS, and system bags it would be pretty close to perfect.
Thanks for the opinions, and no, I didn't win the Lotto last night so I'm still soliciting feedback!
Ciao! BJ
Re: 1150R vs 1100S?
Guess it's not a good idea to surf the web looking for what you "might" like to have. Now I'm befuddled as I've found a good deal in Louisville, Kentucky on a low mileage (5407) 2004 S Boxer Cup Prep in the preferred gray/mandarin color. 
And gosh, it's only 2500 miles from home! Hmm. An "opportunity" for a nice long ride? Owner said he'd be happy to keep it in his garage until April if we strike a deal. Perhaps there would a somewhat dry path home to the Pacific NW by then?
So many bikes, so little time...
AKA...decisions, decisions!
Ciao, BJ
PS. Even if I get it I'll definitely be hanging around this site, it's WAY too good to give up!
And gosh, it's only 2500 miles from home! Hmm. An "opportunity" for a nice long ride? Owner said he'd be happy to keep it in his garage until April if we strike a deal. Perhaps there would a somewhat dry path home to the Pacific NW by then?
So many bikes, so little time...
AKA...decisions, decisions!
Ciao, BJ
PS. Even if I get it I'll definitely be hanging around this site, it's WAY too good to give up!