Advice on 1997 or 2001 R1150R

hornet · Post by **hornet** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:30 pm

I currently have a Honda Hornet 900 and am considering changing this. There are a number of reasons - my wife really dislikes the back of the hornet, she is quite tall and is cramped at the back. I also want more protection from the wind on longer rides. I have seen two BMW's - a 1997 R1100R and a 2001 R1150R and like the look of both. What are they like in traffic - I live in Auckland and often use the bike to go to work - most times I need to share a lane. How do they handle on the open road and what protection do they offer from the wind? Is the weight a problem in traffic? Would appreciate some advice.

Post by **MikeCam** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:04 pm

Both good choices.

97 has mostly bulletproof design and performance history. Less power and some believe less 'looks'. #1 reported problem - surging.

01 is more modern electronics and really great balanced set up. Reported problems for the line might be slightly higher than for the 1100. #1 reported problem - FD seepage.

Both are a bit heavy in traffic but not really cumbersome. Wind protection depends entirely on the windscreen you choose.

Both are truly fine road bikes.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:09 pm

I ride in traffic every day and the weight is not a problem.

I would strongly recommend going with the 1150 over the 1100..btw the 1100 has only five gears and the 1150 has six.

I've had mine since 01 and it hasn't missed a beat...Interstate trips are done with ease..There is a large variety of screens to choose from..if you like screens.

The oil coolers on the 1150 let you tuck your knees in behind them so they don't feel like they're catching any wind.

I do a lot of two up and my pillion has been very comfee on the back..even on all day rides.

Good luck and welcome to the site.

DJ

Ves · Post by **Ves** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:12 pm

Do those have a hydraulic clutch? Cause on my '96 850 it was a cable clutch, and it could really get old, fast, in constant stop and go traffic.

hornet · Post by **hornet** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 3:29 am

Thank you for the comments. What is FD seepage? Do you know what the width of the 01 is?

Post by **MikeCam** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 5:44 am

940mm 37.007 inches at the bar ends.

Final Drive seepage comes from two causes: 1) overpressure in the FD when the oil level is overfull (most common) AND 2) migration from the rear main seal , along the drive shaft, into the FD boot (less common but more serious).

MIXR · Post by **MIXR** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 6:16 am

01 with 94,000 k's. Never missed a beat (except for a leaky battery - My fault for being lazy). Go the later bike. They all have their little peculiarities, but newer is better in my book. I've done plenty of city stuff - No problems. Long distance cruising - No probs. Hill country - No problems. Just a really good all-rounder.

Post by **challey** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:56 am

I've only ridden an 1100 once - it seemed like a nice machine but the 1150 is a touch nicer IMHO.
The 1150 is fine in traffic even though it is a bit wide. If you get the system cases, they add another inch or 2 to the width so that you have to be a bit careful when splitting lanes. The bike is great on the highway but it really shines on 2 lane backroads when you can give it some throttle and let it snake through the curves. I use my R for everything, trips to the store, commuting to work, longish trips.
Probably the best all-around bike out there.

Charlie