R1150R vs R1100S
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R1150R vs R1100S
Hi,
I am doing some research and trying to find some info on the R1100S and the differences between the 1150R and 1100S?
Any help would be great!
I am doing some research and trying to find some info on the R1100S and the differences between the 1150R and 1100S?
Any help would be great!
Ian


-
boxermania
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Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Ian
I'm not going to list everything as you can compare specs by going onto the BMW site or visiting Google, but I will share the major difrences.
R1100S vs R1150R
Smaller engine, displacement
More agressive ergos, leaning forward and down
A touch taller at the seat
More compression and stronger cams for top end HP, loss of down low torque
A touch faster
I'm not going to list everything as you can compare specs by going onto the BMW site or visiting Google, but I will share the major difrences.
R1100S vs R1150R
Smaller engine, displacement
More agressive ergos, leaning forward and down
A touch taller at the seat
More compression and stronger cams for top end HP, loss of down low torque
A touch faster
Member #312
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Ian,
I made the change from an '04 1150R to an '04 1100S in April, though I enjoyed my years on the R, I sort of yearned for something a little sportier. (Rode Ducati's for 10 years prior to the R). Boxermania's short list is correct but I'd clarify by adding:
Smaller engine, displacement Slightly smaller engine
More agressive ergos, leaning forward and down True, and the S bars are a bit narrower, some S models have bars amounted above the triple clamp so less lean forward, these models are usually also equipped with a higher windshield
A touch taller at the seat True, I have a 31 inch inseam, so not a problem
More compression and stronger cams for top end HP, loss of down low torque Also true, mid range is definitely softer, but not a lot
A touch faster Oh yeah, baby!
The handling of the S is subtly different than the R and might be related to the seating position and bar width as much as anything else. I always felt that the R was a bit twitchy and didn't hold corner lines well without sensitive inputs to the bike. The S seems more stable, but perhaps a bit less nimble. S is NOT a good choice IMHO for two up riding as compared to the R. Other "disadvantage" for the S is a slightly smaller fuel tank (4.8 gallons) and increased fuel consumption (higher horsepower isn't free) that results in less tank range. Depending on where you ride the most, the shorter range could be an issue. I rode the S from Louisville, KY to Seattle region via a big loop through Texas and Arizona. In some of the less populated regions I was a bit concerned at times about running out of fuel. Ridden very conservatively the S might go 200 miles on a tank. YMMV!
S bikes with ABS use a different system than R model ABS, and this is my first ever experience with ABS. Seems to work fine, but the cost of maintenance is quite a bit higher than non-ABS models.
I originally bought my R with a hope that I'd encourage my spouse to start riding with me again. Alas, that wasn't in the cards. The S I just got is exactly the model I would have picked in '04 if I'd not considered the pillion position. But I ride solo all of the time and really enjoy S bike's handling characteristics.
Hope that helps! Further questions, ask away or send a PM...
Good Luck!
Bill J
I made the change from an '04 1150R to an '04 1100S in April, though I enjoyed my years on the R, I sort of yearned for something a little sportier. (Rode Ducati's for 10 years prior to the R). Boxermania's short list is correct but I'd clarify by adding:
Smaller engine, displacement Slightly smaller engine
More agressive ergos, leaning forward and down True, and the S bars are a bit narrower, some S models have bars amounted above the triple clamp so less lean forward, these models are usually also equipped with a higher windshield
A touch taller at the seat True, I have a 31 inch inseam, so not a problem
More compression and stronger cams for top end HP, loss of down low torque Also true, mid range is definitely softer, but not a lot
A touch faster Oh yeah, baby!
The handling of the S is subtly different than the R and might be related to the seating position and bar width as much as anything else. I always felt that the R was a bit twitchy and didn't hold corner lines well without sensitive inputs to the bike. The S seems more stable, but perhaps a bit less nimble. S is NOT a good choice IMHO for two up riding as compared to the R. Other "disadvantage" for the S is a slightly smaller fuel tank (4.8 gallons) and increased fuel consumption (higher horsepower isn't free) that results in less tank range. Depending on where you ride the most, the shorter range could be an issue. I rode the S from Louisville, KY to Seattle region via a big loop through Texas and Arizona. In some of the less populated regions I was a bit concerned at times about running out of fuel. Ridden very conservatively the S might go 200 miles on a tank. YMMV!
S bikes with ABS use a different system than R model ABS, and this is my first ever experience with ABS. Seems to work fine, but the cost of maintenance is quite a bit higher than non-ABS models.
I originally bought my R with a hope that I'd encourage my spouse to start riding with me again. Alas, that wasn't in the cards. The S I just got is exactly the model I would have picked in '04 if I'd not considered the pillion position. But I ride solo all of the time and really enjoy S bike's handling characteristics.
Hope that helps! Further questions, ask away or send a PM...
Good Luck!
Bill J
Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Thanks Guys - the only thing i have to do is drive 4 hours to test ride one.
Great Info Bill - actually covered off all my major thoughts.
Great Info Bill - actually covered off all my major thoughts.
Ian


Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Hope you can get a good test ride...as I considered what I said, it seems there was one factor that I didn't mention.
First time I rode an S, in 2003, I thought it felt top heavy. But that was because I'd owned a Ducati 900 SS for 10 years, so that was an unfair comparison. A year later I bought the R, and it was top heavy in comparison as well...no kidding! DUH. But, when I picked up this S in Louisville, the very first thing I thought as I rode away is, "boy, this bike really carries it's weight much lower"! Guess it's sort of what you get used too....but I do believe the S has a significantly lower center of gravity.
Other small difference is you may note the S has a somewhat substantial subframe to distribute the weight and rear suspension loads. In my research I didn't come across much discussion of this, but perhaps that's one factor in the improved handling characteristics.
I purchased a compilation of practically all tests on the S bike prior to my recent purchase. If you think there might be some info in an article, just ask and I'll look through what I have...
Again, good luck!
Bill J
First time I rode an S, in 2003, I thought it felt top heavy. But that was because I'd owned a Ducati 900 SS for 10 years, so that was an unfair comparison. A year later I bought the R, and it was top heavy in comparison as well...no kidding! DUH. But, when I picked up this S in Louisville, the very first thing I thought as I rode away is, "boy, this bike really carries it's weight much lower"! Guess it's sort of what you get used too....but I do believe the S has a significantly lower center of gravity.
Other small difference is you may note the S has a somewhat substantial subframe to distribute the weight and rear suspension loads. In my research I didn't come across much discussion of this, but perhaps that's one factor in the improved handling characteristics.
I purchased a compilation of practically all tests on the S bike prior to my recent purchase. If you think there might be some info in an article, just ask and I'll look through what I have...
Again, good luck!
Bill J
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Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Hey Bill
I have read that the R1100S has a higher level of vibration than the R1150R due to the higher compression. Can you confirm this ? Also, do you think the two up riding comfort would be better with a different seat? Perhaps a Corbin with backrest?
Thanks
Paul
I have read that the R1100S has a higher level of vibration than the R1150R due to the higher compression. Can you confirm this ? Also, do you think the two up riding comfort would be better with a different seat? Perhaps a Corbin with backrest?
Thanks
Paul
Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Paul,
Yes, I think there's a slightly higher vibration component. But after the 12k tuneup and carb synch it was definitely smoother, but think the carb synch is key to smoother running boxers...in a word, yes, more vibration. The vibe level (even before the tuneup) wasn't really that significant. I used to have carpal tunnel problems and always changed grips on bikes to address this issue. However, I didn't have the opportunity to change grips on the S when I picked it up in Louisville, and over a 9 day period rode it 3800 miles home...vibes didn't bother me a bit and as a result won't be changing the grips on this one. Oh, and never changed grips on the R either, but it's more upright seating position doesn't create the wrist loading of an S.
The seat issue is yet to be addressed on my S, stocker is reasonably okay (even for 3800 miles!) but I'm seriously considering a Rick Mayer seat in the near future. I've had Corbin's (on Ducati's) and understand why some don't like them, as they are pretty darn firm. Took me about 2000 miles to break in my first one, but after that I was fine with it. But...to my knowledge the only seat for the S that's available with a pillion backrest is the Corbin. I'd probably go with a Sargent, but Rick Mayer's has ride in appointments for custom fitting, and I can stay with family in the area. Did a lot of research on seats for the S, and my vote was for Rick's with the custom fitting, reasonable price and good reputation. As to comfort of stock vs aftermarket, for the pillion position? Probably anything would be better than stock as that pillion seat is a little small and thin. If your willing on the S to go without the plastic cover on the back any seat maker could make a more comfy rear seat. Again, I think Corbin has an advantage as their seat is made to work with the stock cowl.
Ciao! Bill J
Yes, I think there's a slightly higher vibration component. But after the 12k tuneup and carb synch it was definitely smoother, but think the carb synch is key to smoother running boxers...in a word, yes, more vibration. The vibe level (even before the tuneup) wasn't really that significant. I used to have carpal tunnel problems and always changed grips on bikes to address this issue. However, I didn't have the opportunity to change grips on the S when I picked it up in Louisville, and over a 9 day period rode it 3800 miles home...vibes didn't bother me a bit and as a result won't be changing the grips on this one. Oh, and never changed grips on the R either, but it's more upright seating position doesn't create the wrist loading of an S.
The seat issue is yet to be addressed on my S, stocker is reasonably okay (even for 3800 miles!) but I'm seriously considering a Rick Mayer seat in the near future. I've had Corbin's (on Ducati's) and understand why some don't like them, as they are pretty darn firm. Took me about 2000 miles to break in my first one, but after that I was fine with it. But...to my knowledge the only seat for the S that's available with a pillion backrest is the Corbin. I'd probably go with a Sargent, but Rick Mayer's has ride in appointments for custom fitting, and I can stay with family in the area. Did a lot of research on seats for the S, and my vote was for Rick's with the custom fitting, reasonable price and good reputation. As to comfort of stock vs aftermarket, for the pillion position? Probably anything would be better than stock as that pillion seat is a little small and thin. If your willing on the S to go without the plastic cover on the back any seat maker could make a more comfy rear seat. Again, I think Corbin has an advantage as their seat is made to work with the stock cowl.
Ciao! Bill J
- Max Continuous
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- Max Continuous
- Basic User
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Thu Jan 25, 2007 10:09 pm
- Location: Ontario, Canada
Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Well, I found a great deal on a very low mileage R1100S. A 2003 BCR with less than 5000 miles on it, so I pulled the trigger.
This machine does not vibrate as much as I was expecting and it is just coming due for valves. At 5000 RPM I do notice the vibration is more pronounced than on the R1150R but the majority of the power is below this value and the vibration level there is negligible. With the bars raised above the triple clamp, she is absolute luxury on the highway! The tranny is much smoother than the one on my R1150R and so far, I have only found that dreaded false neutral once. The previous owner must have parked it in a bad neighborhood at some point though because someone wrote their name all over it!
In 2003, there were only 200 of these produced.
Really looking forward to getting into some twisties!

This machine does not vibrate as much as I was expecting and it is just coming due for valves. At 5000 RPM I do notice the vibration is more pronounced than on the R1150R but the majority of the power is below this value and the vibration level there is negligible. With the bars raised above the triple clamp, she is absolute luxury on the highway! The tranny is much smoother than the one on my R1150R and so far, I have only found that dreaded false neutral once. The previous owner must have parked it in a bad neighborhood at some point though because someone wrote their name all over it!
Really looking forward to getting into some twisties!

Re: R1150R vs R1100S
Paul,
That's a beauty! I got my 2004 1100S at the end of April, it had 5700 miles on it and so far I've managed to double that. At highway speeds (hmm, and "slightly" above!) the S is a smooth running machine.
Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Good job!!!
Bill J.
That's a beauty! I got my 2004 1100S at the end of April, it had 5700 miles on it and so far I've managed to double that. At highway speeds (hmm, and "slightly" above!) the S is a smooth running machine.
Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Good job!!!
Bill J.