K11 Owners Group

ritterj1 · Joined: 09 Apr 2011 Posts: 15 Location: pittsburgh, PA

I am on the verge of selling my beloved86 k75s to get a 96 k1100rs. How about some tips on the differences and similarities? I haven't ridden it yet actually but hope to soon. Thoughts?
Jeff
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Ritterj1@me.com
1996 K1100RS

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 6:31 am Post subject:

Jeff,

First of all WELCOME to the asylum. Keep your hand and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Laughing

Several of our more active members own one of each and they should be able to give you good feedback. Having only owned 3 different 4 cylinder bricks (2- K1100RS and my current K100RS) I can only comment on those.

The 1100 is fast, pretty powerful and easily able to handle 2-up with loaded bags. The '96 you are looking at will ride and handle great with radial tires if it doesn't already have them. Otherwise maintenance should be very similar as you would expect.

K75 owners will tell you about their smooth running engine (as you already know) while 1100 engines aren't that far behind. Curiously some 4 cylinder engines are smoother than others, regardless of the year built- perhaps something to do with moon and star alignment Laughing

Right off the top of my head, Flying Duck and Phil Marvin will be able to give you more details- FD owns both and Phil used to run a K1100LT before going to a K75.

Good luck with the 4 cylinder purchase (you can't keep both?) and again, welcome.

John
_________________
John & Cathy

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

Bob T · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 7:43 am Post subject:

jpberens1994K1100RS · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:11 am Post subject: Welcome!

I have ridden both. They are different animals.

Both CAN fly, but then I can make me 81 R100RS fly too.

The K1100 offers brute force/HP when required. Since you are familier with a K, you know they like to rev, so do so on the 1100 as well.
Better suspension and much better brakes come with the deal to handle that extra weight & power.
Yes! In the sport tour world the K1100 is a BIG heavy bike, so a well sorted out suspension is essential.
This sight is just beyond compare for help. The members will even CALL YOU if needed.

Enjoy the ride.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

Ted · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 12:57 pm Post subject:

I have owned both, first about 50k on a K75S, then about 50k on a K1100RS, and now again about 7.5k so far on K75RT.

1. The K1100RS will immediately blow your mind with the raw "grunt" power. Dropping down a gear at 80mph and thwacking it will put you at 125mph in a half a breath. The power is simply stunning.

2. The K1100RS will "feel" much more substantial then the K75S. This is not so good when flicking the bike through tight corners, but really awesome when riding the rail through a long sweeper or making miles in annoying sidewinds. The paralever rear swingarm of the K11 will also be immediately noticeable, especially when going over bumps or road seams - it makes the ride much nicer and makes going through corners on bad pavement a breeze.

3. The K11 will probably have a vibration not present on the K75, it might be and often in high, sometimes mid, sometimes it changes over time. The rubber mounted bars and bar end weights help quite a bit, as does frequent maintenance. Interestingly enough, re-torquing the footpeg plate and exhaust header/hanger bolts almost eliminated what was an incredibly annoying highway buzz on my K11RS.

4. Maintenance is quite similar as is ease of performing it.

5. You will also immediately notice the difference between radial and bias-ply tires - the radials really allow the bike to roll into turns and are much quieter.

6. The multivario tank bag clips into anchors rather than hooking onto the tank, much more secure.

7. The weather protection is much, much better on the K11RS than the K75S (though not as good as on the K75RT LoL). That said, the K11 gets a LOT hotter in the tank than the K75S when stuck in traffic on hot days.

Did I mention the power of the K11 will blow you away?
_________________

Ted

KOG#1

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 1:10 pm Post subject:

Oops. Forgot that you have had both Ted. Nice comparison.
_________________
John & Cathy

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

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 4:15 pm Post subject:

K1100RS:

Weighs a ton in comparison. (Hey, it's more bike.)

Engine not as smooth.

MUCH better front brakes.

Has radials and handles much better.

Better suspension.

Rear end won't "jack" under heavy acceleration like on a monolever.

Not as good for city riding.

The instrument cluster and fairing don't shake around like they do on a K75S.

Slightly lower mileage.

Has an annoying side stand cutoff switch vs. the K75/K100 clutch retract.

Better, higher airflow.

Better protection from cold for hands and legs.

Thigh bakes a bit more than K75.
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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

Ernie-NH · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:04 am Post subject:

Good morning "Hales Corner"...

Re: "" I can make me 81 R100RS fly too. ""

Ditto on that, my '76 R100/7 can put he boots to most anyone I encounter on the asphalt, excepting my "brick family" that is !

Best regards, looks like Spring is finally here.......// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

TMCKRS4V · Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:45 pm Post subject: Power to weight...

I humbly suggest Ted, that you ride a S1000RR. A very small bike that will change your perspective. I remember being somwhat offended when a well reguarged BMW wrench (and AFM racer) referred to a K100RS as "an intractable pig" . After logging 400 mi. on a S100RR. Frenso to Malibu..(delivering for a good friend) I get it. 185 HP bolted into 456#.... OMG!
The clutchless shifting... and the brakes..simply amazing.

That being said....I think I would prefer to ride my brick for a 500 mi. day. Smile

Don't get me wrong.. the ride was an extended dream sequence. I felt very blessed. Huge fun...all back roads..no slab.
_________________
Tom Connolly

91 K100RS4V

Novato, CA

MOA / BMW NorCal / AMA

malcolmt · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 4:16 am Post subject:

Hi Ritter,

I currently own a K75S and K11RS.
The plan was to seel the k75 once i'd settled into the K11.
Both Ted's and Ducks comparisons are fair.
I eventually kept both bikes prefering to use the K75 to commute in heavy traffic and the k11 for weekend and long trips.

The gear change on the K11 is far superior to the k75, my K11 had engine vibes after i bought it, then a new clutch after a failure solved that. The k11 is almost a vibe free as the k75 and far more relaxing on a long run.

malcolm(t)
Joburg, South Africa
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A Bike on the road is worth two
in the shed
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Phil Marvin · Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:48 pm Post subject:

The K75 is very smooth. The K1100LT is effective at killing deer, and almost the rider!
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Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:43 am Post subject: Re: Power to weight...

Ted · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 12:08 pm Post subject:

I have had fast bikes, I started on an '85 Honda Interceptor, graduated to a Ninja 600R, and then a GSXR-750 before buying my first BMW. They were all fast in their own right and no doubt the newer S1000, K12S and K13 bikes are simply wicked fast - that said, nothing else I have ever owned or ridden could safely and comfortably ferry me 600 miles in a day while really amazing me with the smooth raw power of a K11RS.

A few years after I got the K11RS I rode with Bob Cox to New England, he on his new K12RS. We swapped bikes for a whole in Vermont and I was not a fan at all, couldn't wait to get back to the K11. he really regretted trading in his K11 and we had to swap bikes off and on the whole trip.

That said, original KOG'er Garry Harris is very much in love with his K1200S, so much so that the K1100RS he cannot bear to part with has not seen a much action over the last couple years Smile

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Ted

KOG#1

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:04 pm Post subject:

Agreed Ted- that's why I am back on a brick.

It is EASY to ride- that was my point. And I am doing an Iron Butt one week after HM.

The "soft" comment was a positive compliment.
_________________
John & Cathy

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

Ted · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:29 pm Post subject:

mnb · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:49 pm Post subject:

I was on Lockwood Canyon Road (after doing Cerro Noroeste) taking a break on Saturday and a K1100RS Special Edition (Black and Silver) went by leading the B group.

I don't have the space or money, but I've always thought it would be nice to own the Black and Silver LT and the RS. I've had the LT for years. I want to finish the set!
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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

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 5:31 am Post subject:

Her ya' go....a bit pricey though.

Year: 1996
Make: BMW
Model: K 1100 RS
Location: Hayden, Idaho, USA
Price: $7500
Miles: 36K
Color: Black /Silver
Engine Size(cc): 1100
Description: 1996 BMW K1100RSA Special Edition, Black/Silver, Excellent pristine condition, 36K miles. All documentation for service and accessories. Accessories too numerous to list. For those serious, discriminating, enthusiasts interested in purchasing a unique motorcycle please request a list of performance, safety, & convenience accessories that are included in the sale price. Ivan 208-661-1315

_________________
John & Cathy

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

ritterj1 · Joined: 09 Apr 2011 Posts: 15 Location: pittsburgh, PA

Ok, you convinced me! A nice ride on a few empty country roads on it last week did the trick too. Fast, easy to handle, great brakes, not a hard decision. I pick it up tomorrow plinking down $4900 for it ..nice cases, all records, recent work, new tires, etc...i will post a pic soon enough. Have to get it back to pittsburgh by tomorrow evening anyway, so i will have some nice highway and backroad riding under my belt the first day. Your detailed responses were a big part of the decision as well....i look forward to many miles of pleasurable riding and an equal amount of swell comraderie on line here.
Thanks,
Jeff
_________________
Ritterj1@me.com
1996 K1100RS

drikko · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:11 pm Post subject:

You won't be disappointed. I went down to the Gold Coast from Brissy on my K11rs yesterday for a bunch of meetings. The trip back is about 100ks, went via the mountains for some fun, ended up doing about 300ks in the end!! Had a ball, the K11 is just so good at everything.
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K1100RS '97
Laverda RGS 1000 '84
Jim Young Trailer Sailer 5.7M WB

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