BMW R1100RT

I have ridden bikes for over 32 years; most of my bikes were Asian four bangers - but I have experience on many other machines as well. ( Put over 170 000 kms on a GS850G - best bike ever manufactured? ) I like them all.

However, since I was a kid I have always wanted a BMW Airhead. Don't know why, but I held off until last year - and good thing that I did. Had I purchased a BMW first, I would not had anything to compare it against - nor would I have been wise enough to accomodate its flaws.

Flaws? Yes - but like that special mole on a lover's butt, what wonderful flaws indeed.

The R1100RT will be remembered as a special bike - as the R100RT was, but not the R1150RT or perhaps the present R1200RT? The five speed is perfect for the engine and twisties, but the gear box is "old school" and needs skill to work. The sweet spots are many, but the weird spots are there too. Solo, in cool / cold weather, wearing fine gear, doing 140 kms on a clear back road, few bikes are finer.

Biggest advice: Be smooth first, then be fast. Above all, learn how to set your own valves, change oil / fluids often, fiddle with suspension adjustments, and practice riding - don't just ride. This bike is a gift to motorcyclists.