2000 R1100RT or 2004 R1150RT?

[Bill P.]

I have been looking to get an RT for a while and finally two showed up in my city.

 

One is a 2000 R1100 RT SE with about 22,000 miles and the other one is a 2004 R1150 RT with about 19,000 miles. Both are in great shape. The price difference between the two bikes is about $1500.

 

So my question is should I go with the 1150 or the 1100? Is the 1150 better in terms of handling, reliability or ?

 

Thanks!

 

Bill

[John in VA]

I loved my 2000 RT SE. Great bike. At 22k mi that 00 is barely broken in. I think you'd find hardly any difference in handling or reliability in the two bikes. The 1100 has non-power, non-linked brakes, which I prefer (and fewer gizmos to go bad). I liked the gearing of the 1100 better than the 1150, even though the 1150 has six gears. Others like the 1150 better. $1500 difference seems pretty small for the age gap.

 

Bottom of this page has a list of the differences:

 

http://bmwmotorcycle.home.att.net/1150.htm

[H C Edwards]

Bill

 

I've got an 1100RT, and had an 02 1150RT in the past. I don't think you'll notice any difference in performance or reliability. There are features about both I like. I like the standard (non-servo) brakes better, but I didn't mind the linked brakes of the 1150. I liked the feel of the hydraulic clutch on the 1150 better. I also liked the headlight assembly better on the 1150 (integral fog lights). Little things...I like the front fender better on the 1150, and the wheels better on the 1100. Didn't care about the 6 speed either way...the 5 speed is fine.

 

I would have expected more than $1500 difference in price. Options might help you decide. Or color. Or just looking at both, meeting the owners, and seeing which one gave you a better feel.

 

I like my 1100. If I woke up tomorrow, and there was an 1150 sitting in its place, that would be OK too.

[rob1100r]

Aren't the 1100's less prone to the infamous 'Spline breakage' also? They took care of the main seal leak after 97...Pretty trouble free clean bikes!

[BUSTED]

The 1100RT would be my choice.

[MAT2CHI]

I have a friend at work that owns a 1100RT and after riding mine he said he would trade me for my 2004 1150RT in a heart beat. The 04 has better lights, better brakes, better wheels, no surging issues, better shifting transmission, a six speed transmission, and twin spark heads. I'm sure there are more things but you get the picture. Below is my 2004 that I love and commute on daily.

 

[Bill P.]

I have a friend at work that owns a 1100RT and after riding mine he said he would trade me for my 2004 1150RT in a heart beat. The 04 has better lights, better brakes, better wheels, no surging issues, better shifting transmission, a six speed transmission, and twin spark heads. I'm sure there are more things but you get the picture. Below is my 2004 that I love and commute on daily.

 

 

Nice!!! I'm leaning towards a 1150 and am going to take a look at it tomorrow. Anything I should ask or look out for? He told me he just had the 12,000 mile service done and it has 13,000 miles not 19,000 as I originally posted.

 

Bill

[BFish]

my prejudiced vote says go with the 2004 RT. if it's silver than move fast.

[rob1100r]

QUOTE:

 

I have a friend at work that owns a 1100RT and after riding mine he said he would trade me for my 2004 1150RT in a heart beat. The 04 has better lights, better brakes, better wheels, no surging issues, better shifting transmission, a six speed transmission, and twin spark heads. I'm sure there are more things but you get the picture..

 

There are a good amount of people that argue the gearing on the 6 speed...to high of a sixth, etc... The Brembo brakes on all the 1100's stop ON THE DIME, and the ABS versions have NO issues unlike the servo assisted models..And if you Sync. the throttle boddies properly, there is NO SURGING, NONE! Use a heavier gear lube (synth 75/140) and they shift fine for many, many miles, just my two cents, having owned a 95 and now a 2000...I just can't wait till the bugs are worked out of the new Hexheads!....

[Marty Hill]

Having owned an '01 1100 as well as '02/'03/'04 1150 RT's and having lots of miles on all of them rather than 1 ride and an opinion. I would opt for the newest bike you can afford, they really are a bit better each year.

[MAT2CHI]

I'd check that he had the couple of recalls done, the fuel line disconnect and a potential pinched wire one, if I remember right. Other than that, just check that he had the services performed when they were due. The 2004 R1150RT is a great motorcycle, and even after four years still makes me very happy.

[Mister Tee]

I currently ride a gsxr 750, and have rode a Nighthawk 750 before that. I've been kicking around the idea of replacing the gixxer for a 1150 or 1200 RT (no, I can't have two bikes.) I view it as a comfortable cruiser that is reasonably close to a sportbike, or at least a lot more so than a Harley or a 'Wing. I love sportbikes, but I need something I can ride more than 300 to 400 miles a day on, and that has some storage capability. Am I on the right track?

[MAT2CHI]

I currently ride a gsxr 750, and have rode a Nighthawk 750 before that. I've been kicking around the idea of replacing the gixxer for a 1150 or 1200 RT (no, I can't have two bikes.) I view it as a comfortable cruiser that is reasonably close to a sportbike, or at least a lot more so than a Harley or a 'Wing. I love sportbikes, but I need something I can ride more than 300 to 400 miles a day on, and that has some storage capability. Am I on the right track?

 

Yes you are. I can ride all day on my 2004 R1150RT and still feel like riding some more. After I bought my RT I signed up for a riding school at Infinion Raceway to see what it would do. I came away very impressed with my motorcyle and discovered it was more capable than I was. Below is a picture taken at that school.

 

[Mister Tee]

I currently ride a gsxr 750, and have rode a Nighthawk 750 before that. I've been kicking around the idea of replacing the gixxer for a 1150 or 1200 RT (no, I can't have two bikes.) I view it as a comfortable cruiser that is reasonably close to a sportbike, or at least a lot more so than a Harley or a 'Wing. I love sportbikes, but I need something I can ride more than 300 to 400 miles a day on, and that has some storage capability. Am I on the right track?

 

Yes you are. I can ride all day on my 2004 R1150RT and still feel like riding some more. After I bought my RT I signed up for a riding school at Infinion Raceway to see what it would do. I came away very impressed with my motorcyle and discovered it was more capable than I was. Below is a picture taken at that school.

 

Thanks. I have likewise been impressed with the bike's capabilities, having encountered one or two on my tail end before (all long stories but you know what I'm talking about.) The CHP doesn't seem to have a problem keeping up with the average sportbike rider on the road.

 

I haven't done any track time at Infineon, but that course looks like a total blast - I've been out to watch AMA races there before.

[RPG]

Bill, good luck with your decision but the bottom line is that the 1150RT is a slightly upgraded version of the 1100RT...for better or worse. For me, I love the Twin Spark motor (no surging, great mileage) and the 6 speed tranny. And I have no issues with the linked brakes, despite others hatred of them. Bottom line is they flat out haul that bike down to a controlled stop faster than most people can in most situations.

 

Either bike is a fantastic sport tourer though.

 

RPG

[Bill P.]

Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions. Unfortunately, it didn't work out with the bikes. I didn't get a good feeling after talking with the owners and viewing the bikes.

 

So the hunt is still on. I test rode the 1150 previously and liked it so am leaning in that direction.

 

If anyone knows of someone that is looking to sell their 04 RT especially in red, please let me know.

 

Thanks.

 

Bill

[Pete Peterson]

Bill P. from the looks of your list of prior bikes, it really looks like you should go to your local dealer and test ride the NEW R1200RT's..... they are at the top of the food chain.............Pete

[Bill P.]

Bill P. from the looks of your list of prior bikes, it really looks like you should go to your local dealer and test ride the NEW R1200RT's..... they are at the top of the food chain.............Pete

 

Pete,

 

I test rode the R1200RT and for some reason, wasn't too thrilled with it. The 1150 I rode felt better to me anyway. I think I'll demo the 12 again.

 

My local dealer has an 04 and an 03 as well as the R1200RT I can demo.

[timmr]

I went from a 2000 RT to a'04 RT to a '06 GS.

Good, Better, Best.

The '04 is a generation newer, and a smoother ride. The engine and transmission on my '04 was more refined than the 2000 was. For $1500 difference it's a no brainer.

 

eh, I see that deal fell through. In that case, forget the RT and go ride a GS.

[Bill P.]

I went from a 2000 RT to a'04 RT to a '06 GS.

Good, Better, Best.

The '04 is a generation newer, and a smoother ride. The engine and transmission on my '04 was more refined than the 2000 was. For $1500 difference it's a no brainer.

 

eh, I see that deal fell through. In that case, forget the RT and go ride a GS.

 

I had an 05 R1200GS and made the mistake of test riding an 07 KTM 990 Adventure. For 60% dirt trails and 40% road, this bike is amazing. If I were to ride 90-95% paved road then the GS's are much better.

 

Bill

[timmr]

I wasn't paying attention and didn't see that you have the KTM. I would say that you have the dual sport thing covered.

If I wanted a true full touring bike, I would do as you are now. Go find a nice, clean '04 RT and call it a day. The red is nice, but the blue made my knees weak.

I wouldn't have traded my '04 for one of the 12RT's, but that's just me. I'm sure the guys that have them, love them, but the 1150 is so damn pretty