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BMW R1100 RT



I know it's subjective, but are these generally regarded as "any good"?
Ever since seeing an R90/S parked down my road when I was a kid, I have
had a fondness for the marque and the sound of those engines.
Had an R90/6 in 75.


But, frankly, BMW bikes in general have never really "stirred the soul"
and I have never tried one. However, I can see that something like the
1100RT is (on paper at least) a really good touring bike - perhaps as a
stablemate for the Sprint.
I quite liked mine. In true old gimmer fashion I have to save of course
that, "they don't make 'em like that any more." One hears mutterings
about problems with the latest breed (nicasil bores wessie?).
I've never heard of a nikasil problem with motorcycle engines.
This randomly selected article from web-search suggests the problem was
Something to do with cheap petrol containing lots of sulphur: I think we
only get low sulphur petrol now anyway.

Problems with the latest breed are largely down to poor quality control[1]
and the use of customers to beta test new technology[2].

[1] especially painted items and sub-assemblies sourced from far eastern
sweat shops
[2] Evo brakes on post 2003 bikes, CAN bus on post 2004 bikes, everything
on the K1200; R1200 final drives....


It used to surprise a few folks on much sportier machines going over the
mountain on Pahnd Island. I particularly remember an effortless two-up
with camping gear ride from Scourie in Sutherland to home (500 miles or
so IIRC).
... with something like the effortlessness being due to the
ride being undertaken in the cab of an AA truck, perhaps?


Lozzo will be along in a minute with a different perspective.