K11 Owners Group

[merlin geikie]

Howdy folks,
great site, good folks n absorbing infotainment.

My enquiry is....Whats more comfortable for six to eight hour rides...in general...a K11 RS position or LT position?

Australia is big, so the rides may be a few days at six or eight hours in the saddle with overnight camping stops only. My R65 LS has, I think a more RS position and I find it a bit sore ish between the shoulder blades after several hours.

I havent upgraded to my K11 yet but it wont be long now. I probably wont have the chance to test ride a used one for that length of time..

The RS version seems to offer fairly good weather protection, less air resistance and less engine heat than an LT and a taller final drive for better fuel economy. The downside of the RS seems to be a forward lean and more tupperware. Maybe the handlebar position on a RS can be moved back a little or would that be problematic with the cabling. Have I got it right?

So ime asking the folk who know..you guys. So you have an idea of my relative size, I am six foot and 154 pounds and fit and healthy ie do a little work out and jog daily. In seam about 32 33 inches...waist 32 inches.

I love to ride in the lonesome open spaces and camp under the stars.

My many thanks for your awesome forum and wit.

[Jim]

The LT has more of an upright sitting position - not leaned over like the RS. The LT makes it real easy to put in long days in the saddle - I think my longest day was probably 16 hours or so - I don't think I could have done that with an RS.

I think you have it backward on a few points. From what I've read here, the RS is far worse for heat than the LT. IIRC, a few of the guys here have complained about blistered thighs. The LT gets hot - but not that hot. The LT offers more protection from the elements AFAIK.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[Flying Duck]

Owning both I'd say that the RS puts off a little more heat in the knee area. Looking at the farings it doesn't make sense but it could be that the fariing/handlebars/seating position of the RS tends to make your knees generally ride closer to the tank.

I do 12+ hour days on both bikes. The RS is more fun riding hard but if you don't plan on riding hard all 6-8 hours than you'll probably find the LT more comfortable. Not to mention that having a radio is nice on long rides.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

[merlin geikie]

..
Ok then K11 LT it is...i sorta knew that but seein that some good RS come up i thought ide better check.

Ime lookin at a 85 Lt ... owned by a mechanic and hes upgraded to a k12 gt. From wot you kind folk have told me 85 is good because its upgraded to ABS 2, has strengthened shift drums and has Motronic v2.2

This bike has a new screen, the hot Australian sun wastes most plastics fast.

Is there anything particular that anyone reckons i orta keep and eye out for...

Thanks for your good tips and all the very best in rides and freedom lovin fun.

[rydor]

You mean 95, right?

[merlin geikie]

Yes Sir.... thats 95 not 85.
Didnt sleep too well last nite.

All good to you all

[Mystic Red]

This is usually a good thing!

[Jim Brotherton]

LT was designed to be more comfortable. I have a RS, a previous ower put a different handle bar on it (I think maybe a K75) you don't sit has far over. I really like the sitting position, can ride all day with very few problems and you have the RS performance and looks
_________________
1995 K1100RS
2004 R1150RT

[Shoganai]

For me, it’s more like riding on a portable massage chair. I’m 5’3” with a 29” inseam and I’m a bit of a tank climber.

Interstate:

While riding on the interstate, I tend to assume my “LD position”. I lean forward so that I rest breasts against the tank bag, relax my shoulders and elbows, rest my toes on or hook them over the rear pegs and at time rest my chin on the tank bag.

This all changes to an up-right position, with feet on front pegs, and head up when conditions warrant, such as tightening traffic, rain, and strong winds.

I frequently shift positions, as often as every 15 minutes to include such things as standing up to stretch, moving feet on pegs or just shifting in the saddle.

Dirt / Gravel:

I mostly stand. It just feels better over all. But if the road is smooth and I’m under 45 mph, I’m comfortable in the alert riding position.

Twisties:

Now I’m back to a version of my LD position.

I’m still leaned forward with a lot of my weight over the tank but not on the tank, elbows and shoulders relaxed, head up, eye’s forward, balls of feet firmly planted on the front pegs so that I can push on the outside peg as needed. I also float my weight a bit. Think of how a jockey straddles a thoroughbred. They let the horse move freely under them while maintaining a relaxed yet firm grip of the reins and a solid foot placement.

YMMV
_________________
1993 K1100RS aka The Shop Whore
1994 K1100RS aka Blue Streak

The long road is a rainbow and the pot of gold lies there.
So slip the chain and I'm off again,
You'll find me everywhere. I'm a Rover. - JT


Nana korobi ya oki

[merlin geikie]

Great responses, thankyou so much

Especially good... the human element...the way our own biology interacts with a different kind of complexity... the biology of our devices ... our precious bikes ...which combine to form a life sustaining and protecting symmetry or symbiology. Awww shucks you know wots i means.

Really appreciate tips and hints as i move into the mode of the Lonesome cowboy...lovin the movement across the great open palm of the Land. Campfire...small fire....large starry sky....sliver of moon...not lonely ....but appreciative and attentive...

All the best in freedom lovin fun

[Flying Duck]

[merlin geikie]

Yup i like it....the big beast whipping thru mud, slush and hoppin flooded creeks at a pinch. Gravel spraying and small forest critters darting, startled out of the way.

I also like the bit about moving the weight around the bike. Having the body weight on the outside pegs must be somehow important too at certain critical times.

The thingys restin on the tank...sure you can get one of them barbecue aprons wif big pink uns on the front

Any tips for better control and comfort is, for me, very welcome as its been a while since i made my own epic rides years ago.

Good on ya folks