So the new 1150 RT is out, with many similarities but some big differences to the 1100. I've got a 2000 RT and have tested the 1150 and confess to being impressed, but not overly. Not enough to warrant a trade in for sure!
The 1100 is a great bike and should not be under-estimated. It certainly keeps up well enough with the sporty 600s upto 110mph and is guaranteed to leave you feeling less ruffled, dryer, warmer and a lot more smug than the sports bike riders.
Personally, I prefer the looks and characters of the BMW brigade, so the Honda Pan European wasn't an option. If it was, that would be a difficult choice!
So what about the 1150? Waiting lists are long and dealerships are really busy at the moment - is it worth the wait? I have to say no! Sure the new linked brakes offer fantastic stopping power (touch the rear brake pedal and electronics apply front brake automatically). The horn is superb in comparison to the 1100 and the headlight adjusting knob on the dash, combined with the integral driving light option appears to addressed many complaints about driving at night. Ok the 6th gear and extra 5hp knocks a few revs off when cruising down the motorway...
But overall, the differences aren't massive. My advice? Get an 1100RT now and enjoy it until the 1150's are more available!
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Advantages: Weather protection, comfort, handling, fuel range etc. Disadvantages: Poor headlamp, people think you are too old for bikes when you buy a BMW
r1100rt 01.01.2008 (01.01.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of BMW R1100RT
Advantages: Does not draw attention to itself; it just plain works. Disadvantages: Inexpensive to buy - so it snags you in, expensive to keep in top trim.
UncleWally 23.09.2006 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of BMW R1100RT
Advantages: Weather protection, comfort, handling, fuel range etc. Disadvantages: Poor headlamp, people think you are too old for bikes when you buy a BMW
r1100rt 01.01.2008 (01.01.2008)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of BMW R1100RT
Advantages: Does not draw attention to itself; it just plain works. Disadvantages: Inexpensive to buy - so it snags you in, expensive to keep in top trim.
UncleWally 23.09.2006 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of BMW R1100RT
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