1999 BMW R1100S Review

Jeff Stone and Paul Johnston both review the BMW R1100S and give their option on the German sports bike. They compare it's performance, handling and practicality to it's competitors, plus mark it on it's looks.

[@malcolmmathers2690]

these old boxer beemas are home mechanic friendly reliable long lived beasts

[@shreddinjoe]

Just don't bring it to the dealership for service or repair..their gonna stick it to ya..in true BMW fashion

[@nigelbrazier835]

mate just bought blue/grey 2002 model with panniers. we drank beer smoked a couple of rollies & polished it with drool & other top of the line products & stood back in total admiration. what a lovely motor cycle!

[@iainjamieson6796]

Great review, much better than any modern review. Best bike review on KZbin? I think so 😎

[@Porsche996driver]

My R1150R will be 20 years old next year and has another 20 left in her. Ol’ reliable and plenty capable.

[@rogerramjet5302]

Got an '03. Red, black engine, larger rear wheel, Remus exhaust, love it.

[@benwellard8375]

I have one, it’s a year 2000, I bought it in 2005 with 5000 on the clock. It has a Remus exhaust, Corbin seat, higher screen and pegs lowered alongside handle bars raised. It’s now done 94000 miles. I can tour with the best (panniers with touring and city lids), scratch with mates on gsxr’s who moan about the gear box shuffle needed to keep up with it before they eventually blow past on the power. Over the years a couple of those mates have picked up one for themselves! It’s light for the size, good tuning circle, easy to maintain. Even the clutch change at 87000 it possible for the average guy if you follow the rules and take your time (18hours!) one day someone could build something to rival its all around brilliance until then as it looks about two years old and in great condition I’ll keep it. Oh, apart from regular servicing over the years, mechanically the only big hassle was the clutch change.....

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

I just picked one up with 61k on it and the clutch was done right before I got it. Everything else seems pretty easy to do myself. I absolutely love the way it rides and it just seems to do everything well. Hopefully I'll be the one to watch it turn 100k.

[@TristanOfEngland]

Was it the spline issue? How much did a new clutch cost. I'm considering one. Thanks.

[@benwellard8375]

@@TristanOfEngland Hi. Yes the splines on the clutch side were worn smooth. The output shaft from the gearbox was worn but had plenty of life left in in so I left that in. Point to note, I believe the splines on the clutch side are intentionally designed to wear as the gearbox output shaft looked like a bitch to change. Check your gearbox while it’s available to fiddle with looking for any play. Mine looked new. You can get a clutch from the USA with a longer spline shaft that would in theory allow a longer life. One piece of advise I got from the USA was to avoid 6th gear below 80mph to avoid any potential clutch chatter but I don’t bother as 87000 seems fine to me. Oh, all in Hayes manual but have a camera handy to place the new one exactly as the old one came out. While you have the back of the bike suspended from the ceiling check the rear brake and change the ridiculous Brake bleed point for a standard bleed nipple. I found there was some corrosion on the top of the brake cylinder from water that gets down the guide sleeve. This I cleaned off then coated with a casket material and the other end of the sleeve in the cockpit I closed with a cable tie. Another thing I did while the bike was stripped was to block off the breather entry on the back of the air box from the top of the engine and ran a new pipe from the engine out the side behind the offside cylinder to a filter. Don’t worry about back pressure as these oil heads do just breath but the very minor amount of oil that is in the breathing does muck up the air filter.

[@benwellard8375]

Can’t remember the cost of the clutch, but obviously not sourced from a BMW dealership and as I don’t remember it must have been reasonable.

[@TristanOfEngland]

@@benwellard8375 Thanks so much for the detailed response. I really appreciate it. All the very best.

[@jamesc6363]

These bikes are absolute gold. Such fun handling and character..

[@milanstefanovic3854]

Own one for a year now. Long before that, some Laverdas... and my first big-ish bike was r 50/5, police version. This one have full accessories pack including factory cases with holders, center-stand, seat cowl, heated grips, big battery and alternator etc. Only one thing that's missing is 5,5 inch rear wheel rim. But, frankly, I'm not missing it so much. Reliable, relatively comfy, good for long rides.. You have to stop anyway, to refuel, every 250 km or so, depending on the road condition, and riding style. Been happy with it. Was intending to switch to 1200 S, but... maybe not. Why changing a winning team. :)

[@tomthompson7400]

interesting read , ten years on and still very current , id personally say its one of the best bikes ever made , certainly well up bmws list , the thing that dragged the points down to just over 90 % was the indicator switch gear , i love it , one of the best things out there granted thats when you get used to it ive a gs and a 12s as well and love the switches , and a fair few manufactures have followed suit to . although bm have gone back to the more conventional way again. a very fair review, well done guys.

[@robertjeffery4664]

I've got the R 1100 RS & I also love the switches

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

I love the switches as well. It's the same with my e60 5 series, everyone hated the signal stock operation when it first came out and now it's almost the norm across many brands. These bikes are great, I love mine.

[@voornaam3191]

If you do not like the indicator system, that only proofs that you have no BMW-blood at all. Buy a BMW that still has it, ride it every day of your life, and you will see, you will sell all your other motorbikes. Because THAT indicator system sucks. But okay, you are all brainwashed. And okay, maybe some people can't switch to anything better. And okay, I get angry, for I love how great it is.

[@tomthompson7400]

@@voornaam3191 bit extreme ,, do you have anger management issues at all ,,, I think the dubs indicators are the mutts nuts , but each to their own ,,, have a cup of tea and relax for a while , you may feel better soon.

[@ajshaw1524]

the 11s is a hidden gem of a bike, comfy, fast and one that handles the rough lakeland roads with out any drama's, wish I had kept mine rather than being seduced by the 1200...

[@robertgiggie6366]

Im in the market for a 2008 R1200S is the R1100S better in some way that the stat sheet doesn't show?

[@Reduxalicious]

Robert Giggie The r1200s is a more dedicated sport riding position the 1100s is a nice mix of sport and touring

[@robertgiggie6366]

does the 1100 have the telelever front end?

[@Reduxalicious]

Robert Giggie Yes, all their boxers did up until around 2015 when the r1200r/rs/rt became liquid cooled and the r9t doesn't either

[@tomthompson7400]

two totally different machines , despite them being so alike , both have good and bad points , but if i could only have one it would be an 11 think of it as a thinking mans vfr. ive a 12 and a gs 12 to me an almost perfect combination, ive still space for an rc30 and a brough superior though.

[@Heavywall70]

I am taking delivery of a white one tomorrow morning It’s a bucket list item Because the batmobile isn’t practical

[@nsrlegaltech]

I have chance to buy one of these yes or no - never seen these before but now quite in love - how does it run for longer times in the sadlle and importantly can we commute ok on these in city - i love the silver version i have chance for 20,000ks one for just $6000! Used to my Tiger so trust its not to much a reach to bars.

[@keitha.9788]

I have a 2004 R1100S. Fun bike to ride. The only modification needed is the footpeg lowering kit......

[@slaverescuehound3440]

How tall are you?

[@ianwebster6769]

I have a 1999 R1100S if you want a smooth tourer they are not for you. If you want a bike with character buy one! Handles excellent with so much feel. Not fast, but fun and so conmfy.

[@coolhand6656]

Their score is 93/100. Styling is great IMO. I give it 98/100. Horn button is far too stiff and seat it slippery but everything else is fantastic!

[@matissnilson]

I agreewith you totally.

[@Pyrrho_]

The classic-style BMW indicator controls on this bike are IMO superior. When in the cold when your thumbs are stiff, these are much easier to control and cancel. Wish my R1250RS had these controls like my R1100RS and K1200RS.

[@leiferiklangvand9888]

Indicators is perfect and logic on BMW. Have no problem with it on my 1994 R1100RS. And it's a fantastic bike to ride. I dont want to stop. I just cruise an cruise hour after hour.

[@vinjofin1972]

These are great bikes. Put an aftermarket exhaust on it and decat it and there you go.

[@vinjofin1972]

@Maciej Jan Długosz no problems with that. Have mine for over 8 years. Decat and laser exhaust, other chip etc. Runs very well

[@vinjofin1972]

@Maciej Jan Długosz never had problems with that.

[@sebastianm.8383]

i had one for approx 9 years, i loved it but the battery was terribly situated, i changed it to a R1200S later....

[@voornaam3191]

There are vintage bike racers, who have built very serious racing bikes around a well-tuned BMW boxer. Forget the word "dull".

[@voornaam3191]

And thanks for the review. Just bought a R1100RS that needs lots and lots of TLC. But meanwhile I discovered that there is also the R1100S. Hmmm.

[@therwfer]

uwotm8? indicator buttons were the best thing on beemer bikes and its a shame they got rid of them.

[@sangriaproperties.5507]

Just bought one with 61000 miles.Well built with lots of factory options.Easy to ride quick enough.But awful gearchange.

[@matonmongo]

Geez, kinda harsh review for a well-made 500 lb bike with nearly 100 ponies and "10-out-of-10" suspension and brakes... what more do 'ya want?!

[@505197]

The telelever front end took me awhile to get accustomed too. One thing I still notice on my bike is it's far easier to slide the rear tire under hard braking. The bike seems to unload the rear end more than my "normal" forked GS. I've locked up the new bike far more often than I ever have the GS. It's not a huge deal, and I've gotten used to the odd at first feel of no dive under braking. As far as their complaints on engine vibes, I wonder if their throttle bodys are synched properly. I just completed an 800 mile trip and mine is very smooth to to 80 mph. It's like butter at 70. BMW takes awhile to get used to and appreciate fully. For me, I'll take the GS though, it handles better.

[@coolhand6656]

+505197 The ABS version is the way to go. Back end won't lock up. Mine never has

[@505197]

coolhand6656 I got a deal on a K1200RS that I couldn't pass up, it has abs and I believe I've felt it kick in a couple of time, but I'm not sure. I guess I've become more accustomed to the R1100R now, because I haven't slide the rear tire for awhile. The K1200RS is an eye opener, with 50 or so more Hp it feels like a rocket to me. It's just too easy to run 80 mph and it doesn't seem like you're going that fast. I put the gps on it and the bike is within 1mph on the speedometer. I was almost certain that the speedo was reading way too fast. All my other bikes do.

[@crk58241]

I own the R1100S Boxercup Replica , 2004 model. It's quite different looking then this bike that's under review. Much better looking. It's in the Alpine blue,, #3 of 300. They are great handling bikes. I get a lot of looks at stop lights (-:

[@30oooo33]

i have r1100rs 1998!good bike!!! and E30 325ix 93

[@richardrichard5409]

I'd love one but scary bills for failed gearboxes, clutches and final drives puts me off :(

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

That's the first I've heard of any of those issues. Are you thinking the right bike? These bmw twins are pretty dang bullet proof all around.

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

@Maciej Jan Długosz I see, I have an r1100s, 62k miles and counting so I hope there wont be any issues. The cost could probably be more than the bike is worth at this point.

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

@Maciej Jan Długosz I live in the country, I don't do any city driving. It's pretty much curvy back roads and the clutch was replaced right before I bought it so it only has a few thousand miles on it so I should be good. I've really enjoyed it so far.

[@jakehammond12345]

They look great in silver or black with the belly pan.

[@BearsTrains]

No no , Pacific Blue is the best

[@jakehammond12345]

@@BearsTrains I bought one in ‘mandarin ‘ and dark grey so what do I know ?!

[@peterspry317]

Listen to what he says about the engine @ 4.00 did I hear him right?

[@philipcooper8297]

What bothers you?

[@RobbertHoek]

Philip Cooper he said a big flat v twin, its a boxer twin or flat twin, not a v twin

[@jurgentreue1200]

@@RobbertHoek,, what's the saying? BMWs are only Moto Guzzis with saggy t!ts.

[@georgielorraine1]

Did he say the engine is" a 'big flat v twin"'(?)

[@pinosassu8444]

+Georgia spry Yes he did. Benefit of the doubt - slip of the tongue. At least he said flat.

[@AnEssentialQuality]

It's actually a flat v-twin inline four triple.

[@benwellard8375]

@@AnEssentialQuality love it lol

[@tomthompson7400]

@@AnEssentialQuality rotary ,,, as bits do go round too

[@ricardo2573]

Thanks for review. Front end look.... It's a bit like Jeff Goldblum objectively ugly but in time... gets better and eventually attractive.

[@iamandreja]

So... This for 3300 euros (2002) or VFR800FI RC46 2000. for 2600 euros?

[@obbezwiers]

What did you end up choosing?

[@iamandreja]

@@obbezwiers I chose not to buy a bike for now :D I had an injury so I was on a sick leave for 4 months, sold my 2012. KTM 450EXC and bought a car (I need it for my work). I had a VFR750 RC36/1 five years ago, still regretting selling it. I prefer enduro motorcycles but occasionally I want to take a break from changing the tires after every two rides or to be muddy all the time so I was about to buy a road bike again. But enduro/dual sport bikes are my life! :D Soooo if I was looking forward to buy a bike, I think I'd put my hands on some japanese big bore offroad thumper (for the 4th time, love them). Although I think R1100S is really cool and I like it's low end torque, I'd prefer VFR again for it's crazy sound and engine configuration. Also, it is cheaper to maintain and insure. Currently I own and ride 2000. Piaggio Liberty 125 and it's a great little thing (have it for three years now, did about 33000kms on it). Uhhhhh, simple question, complicated answer... :)

[@obbezwiers]

@@iamandreja thanks man, ride save!

[@iamandreja]

@@obbezwiers Take care bro!

[@wmartin4332]

I love mine!

[@wazoogrand1]

It's a sportbike. No s.

[@voornaam3191]

These indicators are the best in the world. When you take time to get used to them (you CAN switch them off yourself) you will HATE the usual ones. The world is pretty stupid. Frugal.

[@libertyman3072]

✌🏿😜 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️ 🏁 🏍️✌🏿😜

[@nickgotra4632]

BMW R1100S en.shops-com.pl/43141843/1/bmw-r1100s.html

[@jimsheehan6025]

Hand adjusted suspension too easy to tamper with 🤔

[@kloppskalli]

10 points for tools? funny.. no wonder its so heavy ;-))

[@alexxela754]

I dont like the bike but give it 8/10😝 How much did Bmw pay you guys for this?

[@Desertduleler_88]

Nice bike, I'll stick to my Honda VTR Firestorm.

[@shiftyshamsk]

Fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.

[@thebear6529]

paul seems to be in a hurry to get back on the bike,relax mate no rush

[@kallen2119]

what kind of old man sportbike is this, just buy a jap bro