Worth a 2nd look, at the right price
Starter motor failed.
Adjusted to suit, foot rests a bit high, bars a little low for distance riding (for me), but very stable at speed, carries luggage well, handles well for a heavy bike, brakes are great.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th September, 2022
If you can find a good one, buy it, you will grow to love it
Both head gaskets failed at around 20000km. These were replaced with an updated part by myself. A very easy job when compared to most 4 cylinder bikes.
Seat retaining latch broke when I was ham fisted with it; it turned out to be a reasonably priced part straight from BMW.
This has been a very reliable and pleasant bike to own.
It has had very low running costs, with easy home servicing, and long tyre life.
Like all BMW boxers, they take a little while to learn to appreciate them as they are quite different to the big bore Japanese bikes. Some people refer to it as character.
It is not a full on track day weapon, but in the real world of riding on poorly surfaced roads, and traveling long distances in comfort, it is a fantastic, top quality, under rated bike.
When riding with large groups, the ability of this bike always leaves people surprised, whether you are crossing the country or just having a blast in the hills.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th January, 2010
Dependable sport tourer
Nothing.
Handles like it's on rails.
Seating position is somewhat uncomfortable. Had to modify the seat by scooping out some foam to make it fit my rear.
The adjustable seat and handlebars could use a little more adjustability.
The low end torque is very good, and the HP is more than enough at the top.
This is an all around great sport touring machine.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st July, 2007
I couldn't wait to sell this bike
Nothing went wrong when I owned it, but for the previous owner the engine blew at 25k miles (cracked crankshaft or something nasty - it took several angry letters to BMW NA to get the engine replaced), and then the tranny had to be replaced at 75k ($3000 out of the previous owner's pocket).
Great power. Big and ungainly. Side bags made lane splitting impossible. Riding position was awkward for me (tried bar rises too).
Bad wind buffeting on the highway too. I tried 3 different aftermarket windshields.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 6th March, 2006
Good, dependable, boring
Head gaskets started to leak when the bike was 2 years old.
The battery is a pain to service because of its location.
The Beemer is a very capable high speed commuter, but it is not very exciting in any way. I think of it as an appliance.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 3rd January, 2006
Good, practical hoot with a touch of seriously boring engineering
Fork seal replacement at 14000 miles.
Rear indicator lens replacement at 16,000 miles due to poor quality fixing.
Cold starting problems associated with a poor battery.
A good alround motorcycle for touring or regular runs due to its well designed fairing and comfortable riding position.
BMW have a reputation for workhorse bikes and as this is my 5th, I'd say they are hard to beat for reliable, fast and occasionally fun riding.
The RS model has a slightly forward seating position which really suits my style and ability. Though heavy to wheel about at times, it makes up for the effort with excellent torque and handling on either the narrow lanes or motorways.
The best thing is the protection offered behind the first class fairing, and though I've fitted a taller screen, most people would find the worst of the weather is kept from hitting you on the face or body.
One seemingly obvious drawback to many would be the 'boxer' motor with its horizontal pots either side. However, once a few miles have been done the true nature becomes apparent, with a unique blend of thump and rump, a surge of torque with a gentle rolling sensation.
Pulls up smartly and requires little in the way of running maintenance, which is just as well as servicing can be prohibitively expensive.
Gearbox can seem a touch heavy at times.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th January, 2005
23rd Feb 2006, 18:56
I found my BMW 1100 RS the biggest mistake I've made in a motorcycle purchase. The bikes master for the brakes leaked. The fly wheel went bad at 9400 miles. I requested the BMW dealer to get the factory to honor the fix being out of warranty, which was just post six months with low miles.
No way buy this bike. BMW was down right poor on service. Also the gearbox was a waste of time. It was a chug of gearbox. This is the boxer I would not buy again or put my friends on.
I've been riding a Kawasaki 1200 full dresser 2003 and find it the better cycle for the money.