K11 Owners Group

[mholbrook38]

So what is the deal between the Bricks and the R bikes. One better than the other, I have very limited experience with a K75 and recently bought a K1100LT. Looking on eBay, there are a good number of late 90's to early 2000's R bikes priced around $5 - 9K.

I think my K1100 is a pretty awesome scooter but I'm now wondering about the R bikes of the same size. One thing I don't like about the K is the weight. Very heavy with a lot of weight up top. It does handle pretty good once underway.

Thoughts?
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Mike Holbrook
1993 K1100LS
1982 Honda GL500
1971 Honda SL350
1979 Porsche 911SC Targa

[abreeze]

i just spent a week in AZ on a R1200RT....It was awesome, but not a K.

The twin is not as smooth, it doesnt seem to have the bottom(below 4K) end pull the K does. It feels like a tractor down low. Having spent as much time on a K12LT, I like the K12lt better from a smooth point, but the lighter R12RT was much easer to handle.

It just comes down to a personal preference I guess.

[mholbrook38]

I wonder how a lighter K like an RT or GT would compare to the R bike. My feeling is that the LT is more "real touring" whereas the RT or GT's are more "sport touring" with more emphasis on the sport.

I have not had my bike long at all. I like it and it rolls on power from almost any point in any gear. I can ride around town at 35 in 5th and roll on power. I have to remind myself to at least keep it in 4th around town to keep from lugging the motor so bad.

I don't ride my bike with the saddle bags and have removed the high and heavy rubber back rest from the trunk which I keep on the bike to lock up helmet and carry smaller stuff.

I don't want to start any flame wars and since this is a "K" site, we are all probably leaning toward the K anyway. Wondering if I should strip some tupperware off my K1100LT or look for an RT or GT in the future.
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Mike Holbrook
1993 K1100LS
1982 Honda GL500
1971 Honda SL350
1979 Porsche 911SC Targa

[mnb]

The only K-RTs were early versions in the 80s and that was the forerunner of the K1100LT.

The K1300GT uses and entirely different engine (the transverse 4) and is not a flying brick design. I wouldn't consider an oversized, bloated ride like the GT a sport tourer, though. It's larger than the K1100LT...
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M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

[BobZ(IL)]

My riding buddies have R bikes (oilheads). To me their R's felt fat and wide when I sat on them.

The KLT I bought felt not so wide and I couldn't feel much weight difference. Plus my K doesn't sound like a sewing machine.

Now if I didn't mind having a bunch of money tied up in a bike, I sure like those big R-GS's.
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'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

[mtnroads]

I've owned 3 K1100RS's and am now on my first K-LT (wanted the more upright ergo's). I have also owned two R1100RT's - a 2000 and a 2001. First of all - the RT's (oilheads) handle *really* well - they will out-handle a K1100RS or LT and the tighter and twistier the road the bigger the margin. They are not as fast as a K but you can just stuff them into corners. They also have a more modern streamliner styling, better instruments and switchgear, etc. They work really well on the highway at almost any sane speed so are great for trips.

On the other hand, the oilhead has a constant thrumming sort of vibration (didn't bother me much), a very clunky tranny, a horrible surging around town (which DID bother me) and the valves start to clatter after 5K until they get another adjustment. Way more maintenance intensive than our K bikes. The 1999-2001 were fairly reliable, the 2002-2003 (R1150) had frequent clutch spline and final drive failures. The 2004 finally got the twin spark that cured the surging and was the best year IMHO. The 2005+ R1200 was a complete redesign with lighter weight, more power and even better handling. I have never ridden one.

Personally, I feel that nothing beats a Brick if you value car-like reliability, low maintenance, and smooth operation combined with the classic looks, sound and performance of the K-bike. When I saw the low-mile LT that I currently have I couldn't pass it up. But for fun, here's a pic of an oilhead RT parked after a 700 mile day of doing what they do best.

[/img]
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2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)

[voodooskin]

The true road to happiness is probably getting one of each. At least one.

_killer_ pic, mtnroads
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1997 K1100LT
49,000 miles

[mtnroads]

Thanks Voodooskin! I think you're right - one of each would make me very happy.
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2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)

[Stoked Steve]

I thnk those RT's are the most beautiful bikes I've ever seen, they just scream elegance and sophistication. I'd love to have one as well, in addition to my K.
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Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

[Scott_Anderson]

[Jim Brotherton]