BMW R1100RT

2000 BMW R1100RT

 The BMW R1100RT is fantastic value for money these days, especially if you can find a clean, low mileage example. It is still a head turner and non-bikers have no idea it’s an old bike. On the serious side, the 1100RT is still a very competent motorcycle whether touring or commuting, the BMW R1100RT takes it all in its stride and makes life easy and pleasant for its owner.



You may well be surprised to see that I mentioned commuting as one of its strong points, given the motorcycle’s size and weight. Surprisingly enough the BMW R1100RT is a very competent commuter, with its low centre of gravity and upright and comfortable riding position. It also feels lighter than it looks, and feels lighter than it actually is, weighing in at 282kg/620lbs wet weight (ready to ride, full tank). The bike feels nimble and easy to use in traffic and has plenty of low down torque, which is important when commuting. It’s not surprising then that police forces all over the world used BMW 1100RT motorcycles for law enforcement. The big Beemer is also an extremely practical bike, the BMW Luggage system is standard and is extremely easy to mount and dismount. There is also a decent sized glove compartment on the left hand side behind the fairing, some people fit radio/CD Players in this compartment. Having the luggage system and storage area adds to the day to day practicality of the motorcycle and when you combine this with comfort features such as heated grips and electrically adjustable screen, and 3 way adjustable seat height which are all standard on the BMW R1100RT, it becomes a very easy to live with motorcycle. The three seat heights are 780mm (30.71 inches) in the low position, 800mm (31.5 inches) in the standard position and 820mm (32.3 inches) in the high position.

Handling, performance and weather protection.

Handling is truly amazing when you consider the size and weight of the 1100RT. Once lent over into a corner she holds a line and is absolutely rock steady and stable. I cannot overstate how well this bike handles and how easy and confidence inspiring she is to ride. Positive handling is of course another factor that adds to ease of use and comfort when in the saddle all day on a long trip.

Another factor that adds to ease of use and comfort is total weather protection from the fairing and electrically adjustable screen. The screen is adjustable from quite a low position for slower commuting speeds in good weather to a very high position which shields the rider completely from any and all weather and is fantastic for long distance comfort. For cold weather riding the RT is equipped with heated grips with two temperature settings as well as hot air vents which channel air through the oil cooler onto the rider. The vents can of course be closed off for warm weather riding. All these comfort features greatly reduce rider fatigue over long distances and long distance touring is of course what the 1100RT is all about. She will happily do 100MPH/160KM/H all day long and deliver you to your destination feeling as fresh as when you departed. Power is more than adequate for effortless all day cruising even two up with luggage. According to BMW, top speed is 202km/h (125MPH) and 195km/h (121MPH) two-up.

Fuel economy

 Long distance touring requires large fuel tank capacity
and low fuel consumption and the RT delivers on both. The fuel tank holds 26 litres (US Model 27,5L/ 7,2 Gal) and fuel economy is excellent. BMW claim 5,6L/100Km (42,4 US mpg) (50.4 Imp mpg) at a steady 120Km/h (75Mph) . In the real world I consistently achieve pretty close to and sometimes even better than the above figures in mixed conditions. I zero my trip meter and fill up every 400km (250 miles). After 400km it usually takes 21.5 to 22,5 litres to fill (5,66 to 5.92 US gallons) (4,78 to 5 Imp gallons).

Engine

The 1100RT is powered by a 1085cc air-cooled flat-twin (boxer) motor with additional oil cooling in the exhaust valve areas and a single side-mounted chain-driven camshaft on either side, operating 4 valves per cylinder by means of tappets and short pushrods with wet sump lubrication. Maximum power output is 66KW/90HP at 7250 RPM and 95NM/70.07 Foot pounds at 5500 RPM. The BMW Boxer engine has of course been around for decades and has a loyal following of fanatical fans, and for good reason. It has proven to be reliable decade after decade and is constantly evolving and improving. It is a character filled engine that die hard BMW fans love.

Naturally the BMW 1100RT has ABS brakes as standard, which of course is a blessing for anyone who regularly commutes in busy urban environments.

Production of the BMW R1100RT came to an end in 2000 and it was replaced by the 1150 RT, which was much the same as the 1100. The two big differences were the extra 50cc and a six speed transmission, the 1100 has a five speed transmission. The only advantage of the six speed transmission however was fuel economy. On the down side, the sixth gear on the 1150 was more of an overdrive than a real gear and as a result top gear flexibility on the 1150 suffered, often requiring a downshift to overtake and pass slower traffic. The 1100RT has no such trouble and many agree that for this reason alone, the 1100 is a better bike.

As I said at the beginning of this review, used BMW R1100RTs are fantastic value for money. Parts are readily available and they have proven themselves to be reliable. They are really easy to ride and really fun to ride. The BMW R1100RT is therefore a sensible choice for anyone looking for a stylish do it all motorcycle that doesn’t cost a fortune.