K11 Owners Group

fnord

I still haven't done a truly long haul yet, that's not going to happen until the 3rd week of May, when I've been granted a completely out-of-the-blue bit of time with no family obligations.

But, after riding about 2 hours a day for the last two weeks, here's what I think:

Love:

This engine. There are rare moments when I miss that wicked top-end hit from the Concours, but I'd much rather have a broad spread of power. And in those moments when I think of that top-end hit, it reminds me that such things are WAY too easy to get into trouble with. Accelerating from any speed on this bike is instantly available. I rode a Harley for a couple of days once, and came away thinking that the only fun thing about the bike was cranking the throttle. I get almost the same feeling from this bike, without all the nonsense of riding a large, iron boat.

The handling. I'm not sure if it's just a new maturity level as a rider, but I find myself picking my lines in advance, dumping the bike into the perfect lean, and just powering right the hell through every corner. I haven't felt this much a part of any machine. Ever.

The "luxuries." The heated grips are the shizzle, and having the alternator power for whatever I need is nice. Having a gas gauge? Priceless. A fuel indicator letting me know when I'm low? As a highly A.D.D. individual, this is just.... beyond important. I do still wish I had a bit of a reserve tank, though.

The bags. I've been sent to pick up wine on the way home from work several times, and I'm always amazed at what these bags swallow up. I've stuffed full grocery bags into each one of them with room to spare. The fading/white streaks on the inner part of the bag bugs me a little, but hey... It's a 16 year old bike.

The tranmission. Smoothest shifting I've experienced thus far. Snicking down from second in neutral is new to me, and it's just so effortless.

Don't Love:

Those fscking mirrors. The other day I thought to myself, "I should tip that mirror up a little to see a little higher behind me. As I'm just starting to apply a little pressure to the top of the glass, a voice in my head screamed "YOU IDIOT!" Yup. There I was, doing 75 down the highway, holding the mirror in my left hand. I truly hope that there is a little corner of hell reserved for whoever designed these freaking things.

The wind protection. I'm 6'4", and if I was about 4" shorter, this wouldn't be a problem. But wow, the wind hitting me in the head is just nuts. I've been spending about half an hour a day on the slab at about 75, and it's just brutal. On a couple of windy days, I have tucked in tight for stretches just to not wear myself out. A Parabellum shield is very high on my list, but the $270 just isn't in the budget right now.

The reach to the bars. After about 50 minutes, my left elbow lets me know that something is wrong. I find that this can be somewhat overcome by riding right on top of the tank, but it gets damn hot right there. I've tried [url="http://midliferider.com/blog/2008/02/17/learn-how-to-sit-on-your-bike-meet-master-yoda/"]the Master Yoda thing[/url], but to get fully into that position, I'm pushing my head up even higher into the wind, which I covered in the previous point. Raised/pulled back bar options don't seem to help this a whole lot, either.

The suspension. This is most likely just the fact that it's a 16 year old bike, but I find myself wishing for progressive fork springs. The dive can be pretty strong, but I feel no need for a fork brace. I could never have said that about the Concours.

The mirrors. I know I said this already, but damn.

All added up, Love wins by a long shot.
_________________
1993 K1100RS
1999 Jeep Wrangler

endoman100 · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:38 pm Post subject:

If you pull your lens out you can drill and screw the mirror on like I did.
scroll down on this link I even took pictures of the screw in place.
http://k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6334&highlight=mirror
_________________
In the words of the stones
Time Is On My Side
Yes It Is
1993 K1100RS

owrstrich · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:59 pm Post subject:

well put there fnord...

i cant see myself on any other moto than the r s motobrick... unless lrome48 offers one of his up for a demo ride... the rs motobrick is the worlds most elegant 2 up mototouring machine...

my mirror cups are all wallered out from repeated remove and reinstall... i got new mirror clips... they help... but the steel fishing leaders as tethers have kept my mirrors close by instead of bouncing down the road...

now lets see some ride reports...

j o
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:31 am Post subject:

I am about 6' 2" and agree with you about the wind in the face. Tight back roads where speeds are limited to 50-55 feel great. Faster than that is no fun for longer periods.

The Aeroflow windshield (extra tall model) is an item I love/hate.

Loves- GREAT wind protection- I can ride all day long with my helmet shield up. With my torso height, I look about 2" over the top. When we are 2-up for long distances we arrive much less tired and can use the (N-Com) intercom at low volume levels. And it comes off in 3 seconds.

Hates- makes the bike heat on me WORSE. Visually kills the good looks of the bike. Plus- puts more weight on my arms- the wind that normally comes over the fairing and takes pressure off my arms is no longer there.

Overall when we are 2-up it changes the nature of the K-RS- it feels more like what I imagine a K-LT would be like on the highway.

BTW as others have said- MIRROR LEASHES
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

fnord · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:30 am Post subject:

Do the handlebar reach/wind issues exist on the LT? I've never actually seen one in person, is it a more upright riding position?
_________________
1993 K1100RS
1999 Jeep Wrangler

Off the grid · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:03 am Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:32 am Post subject:

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:59 am Post subject: Love the RS

I can help with some of that, here's what I do.

Don't Love:

Those fscking mirrors. The other day I thought to myself, "I should tip that mirror up a little to see a little higher behind me. As I'm just starting to apply a little pressure to the top of the glass, a voice in my head screamed "YOU IDIOT!" Yup. There I was, doing 75 down the highway, holding the mirror in my left hand. I truly hope that there is a little corner of hell reserved for whoever designed these freaking things.

I took out the lense on the front, then used old bungy net cord tired around the support. Then threaded it though a hole in the fairing & pulled it pretty snug, then tie'd it off around a fairing support behind the trim panels. Nice & snug, but will roll over of you walk into it or ride off a curb, don't ask, and it will wiggle, but stays put. Ditto for adjusting it.

The wind protection. I'm 6'4", and if I was about 4" shorter, this wouldn't be a problem. But wow, the wind hitting me in the head is just nuts. I've been spending about half an hour a day on the slab at about 75, and it's just brutal. On a couple of windy days, I have tucked in tight for stretches just to not wear myself out. A Parabellum shield is very high on my list, but the $270 just isn't in the budget right now.

I just bought a " SECADAM " mid to small size screen off of the IBMW site.
Only $78.00 shipped, it is real thick the PO says and in REAL good shape. I will evaluate & if I don't like it, it's yours. Will send post pics when I get it and have it installed. I LOVE the AERO FLOW I have, but it is BIG! But, when it was 17 degrees and snowing, I could ride. In pouring rain at 45 degrees and 70 MPH, I can ride with my visor cracked and I do not get wet. I think cause it's clear and my bike is Graphite it looks sleek on the bike, just BIG! Used ones pop up now & again, but the easy on & off is so worth it for me. I'm only 5" 10"

The reach to the bars. After about 50 minutes, my left elbow lets me know that something is wrong. I find that this can be somewhat overcome by riding right on top of the tank, but it gets damn hot right there. I've tried [url="http://midliferider.com/blog/2008/02/17/learn-how-to-sit-on-your-bike-meet-master-yoda/"]the Master Yoda thing[/url], but to get fully into that position, I'm pushing my head up even higher into the wind, which I covered in the previous point. Raised/pulled back bar options don't seem to help this a whole lot, either.

I've ridden the bike all day, but not more than 600 miles a day yet. I think good upper body strength endurance can help this coupled with a good position and change out the stock grips if you have not. IMHO they set the wrist at an awkward angle. Use push ups to develope the shoulder/arm strength. Me = every morning, after first cup of coffee, push up's to failure before second cup of coffee. Currently fatigue in the 75 -90 rep range. Will stop when I hit 100. This has helped me a lot. BUT, don't over muscle the bike. It'll go where you point it, don't need to hold on like grim death. But I'm betting you know that already.

The suspension. This is most likely just the fact that it's a 16 year old bike, but I find myself wishing for progressive fork springs. The dive can be pretty strong, but I feel no need for a fork brace. I could never have said that about the Concours.

Yes, change out those front springs, get a RAM shock for the back. It's a good deal on a good performing item. Again, just IMHO.

The mirrors. I know I said this already, but damn.

Try the bungee cord thing. I'ts kind of a pain, but it has worked well for me.

All added up, Love wins by a long shot.

Sorry, the RS still looks so hot compared to the LT. Follow your love, life is too short not too.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

Flying Duck · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:17 am Post subject:

owrstrich · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 1:05 pm Post subject:

i have ridden several brands and styles recently...

fine motos one and all...

j o
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

fnord · Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks, everyone, lots of good info here. I'll have to try the bungee cord trick, I'd been trying to come up with something like that in my head, but I haven't pulled the headlight lens yet. When I upgrade the lights/relay, I'll give that a shot.

I found a nice non-highway route to/from work yesterday, lots of fun twisties and a couple of reservoir views, just a joy to ride, so the windscreen isn't as vital as it was for now. If I hadn't just had to dump a new engine into the Jeep, it would be such a big deal, but we're trying to sock away as much in the banka s we can at the moment, and farkles aren't easy to argue for...
_________________
1993 K1100RS
1999 Jeep Wrangler

fnord · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 11:52 pm Post subject: Re: Love the RS

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 8:54 pm Post subject: shield

Sorry, my bad, try " secdam "

I have it now, I can't bring my self to drill holes in my RS fairing to mount it.

Looks like the PO may have used the top mounting screws from the inside trim panels, and just drilled right through.

I was thinking of using the same 3M interlock stuff I use to hold on my bigger Aero Flow.
Not sure what I'm going to do now.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

TMCKRS4V · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 12:27 am Post subject:

Seatting / Bars-
PO added K75C bars. A popular change back in the day.
I am 6'1". Long day in the saddle is about 850 miles.

Oh.. I added Trotlemeisters 'they are pretty and heavy.

See link for pix.. see "C Bar" in 3rd row :

http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr25/TMCKRS4V/

Springs: I Had the springs replaced (and GS gaiters added) whe having Ted Porter @ Beemershop.com turn one of my tubes on a lathe to fix a scratch.
Progressives really helped the bike feel more Planted on the road. At 65K I finally added a Wilbers #640 in the rear. NIGHT and DAY. I don't care what brand U get but the Wilbers was 1/2 the price of Ohlins and custom made to order. If you want to Keep the bike. Just bite the bullet and do it. You won't regret it.

Lighting- OEM is worthless.. 55/60wt. upgraded to 55/100 H4
PO added Hella H3 road lamps. Added EasternBeaver.com headlight relay kit.

BTW Metzler Z6...

Yes the mirrors Suck.. added a fish eye dot but that is all... especially crappy when loaded for road. Good view of Mags Bag,
_________________
Tom Connolly

91 K100RS4V

Novato, CA

MOA / BMW NorCal / AMA

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 1:38 am Post subject:

Just my (6'-2") opinion but having tried both C bars and bar backs on my K100RS4V (exact same ergos as a K1100RS), I wouldn't dream of putting them on my RS. I tried them both and niether were on the bike for more than a day. The problem is that they don't let you get your body in and over the tank like it should be for hard twisity riding. With either I felt somewhat disconected from the bike when riding hard.

The key is altering your riding position/posture. Once I got that figured out 12-14 hour back to back days are no problem.

(Disclaimer: I frickin' love riding K bikes so my perceptions are warped.)

_________________
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

owrstrich · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 1:49 am Post subject:

the midwest motobrick has c bars... but the k11og that has ridden it is the kingpin himself... scott underscore anderson...

but i will be able to give a personal critique in 5 weeks... he he he...

j o
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 6:56 am Post subject: