BMW K1100LT vs. Honda ST1100 Comments?
Chuck Kuczaj
Hi-
I'm looking for a sport-tourer and it has pretty much come down
to these 2 bikes. I've ridden the K1100LT, but have never been
on the ST1100, as they don't give test rides. Can anyone out
there who owns either of these bikes please provide some
comments. In particular, I'm interested to hear about the
ST1100's engine in comparison to the K1100's.
Thanks,
-Chuck
A former 1984 FJ-1100 and 1981 Seca 750 owner
Michael Krone
Chuck-
Motorcyclist often runs these comparos (connie versus ST versus K) and
the ST comes out on top by consensus but not by individual. Peter Egan,
if I can read his intentions, is inclined to the RS and neither of the
above. I'm interested why you passed so quickly by the R1100RT or RS,
Ducati 907, Buell, Harley full dressers, etc. and other bikes on both
sides of the sport equation? How about the Honda 750 VFR which is
supposed to be bumped up to 850cc pretty soon?
Michael
Paul Spencer
>
> I'm looking for a sport-tourer and it has pretty much come down
> to these 2 bikes. I've ridden the K1100LT, but have never been
> on the ST1100, as they don't give test rides.
Some do, look around.
Sport-tourers are all about the balance between sport and touring.
A ST1100 is slightly more sport oriented than the LT; but the BMW
K1100RS is more sport oriented than either. Since you're ..
> A former 1984 FJ-1100 and 1981 Seca 750 owner
I'd suggest checking out the RS. A better-mannered FJ with shaft and
ABS, with touring bags etc. available.
....paul
--
Paul Spencer Silicon Graphics Advanced Systems Division
spe...@sgi.com Mountain View, California
John Wesley Lewellen IV
In article <31D43E...@home.com>, Michael Krone <ma...@home.com> wrote:
>Chuck Kuczaj wrote:
>>
>> Hi-
>>
>> I'm looking for a sport-tourer and it has pretty much come down
>> to these 2 bikes. I've ridden the K1100LT, but have never been
>> there who owns either of these bikes please provide some
>> comments. In particular, I'm interested to hear about the
>> ST1100's engine in comparison to the K1100's.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> -Chuck
>
>
>
>Motorcyclist often runs these comparos (connie versus ST versus K) and
>the ST comes out on top by consensus but not by individual. Peter Egan,
>if I can read his intentions, is inclined to the RS and neither of the
>above. I'm interested why you passed so quickly by the R1100RT or RS,
>Ducati 907, Buell, Harley full dressers, etc. and other bikes on both
>sides of the sport equation? How about the Honda 750 VFR which is
>supposed to be bumped up to 850cc pretty soon?
To throw some more wood onto the fire...
I had a chance to ride a friend's VFR ('90's-style) back-to-back with my
CB1000 yesterday, both through some tight-n-fun stuff and on the freeway.
The VFR is more maneuverable, the CB1000 is more comfortable in my opinion...
a lot less pressure on the wrists. And the CB is very comfortable for long
days... add another to the general class of sport/touring, although the
CB is more of a general-purpose standard than sport or touring.
- John L.
Michael Krone
Paul Spencer wrote:
>
> kuc...@aurcmx.com (Chuck Kuczaj) says:
> >
> > I'm looking for a sport-tourer and it has pretty much come down
> > to these 2 bikes. I've ridden the K1100LT, but have never been
> > on the ST1100, as they don't give test rides.
>
>
> Sport-tourers are all about the balance between sport and touring.
> A ST1100 is slightly more sport oriented than the LT; but the BMW
> K1100RS is more sport oriented than either. Since you're ..
>
>
> ABS, with touring bags etc. available.
>
> ....paul
>
Paul:
You are both polite and right! Most sport tourers come with to much
baggage (radios, weight, plastic, weight, bags, etc.) and you lose the
combat tour mode with credit card in hand. Light is right and I'm happy
with my choice (even after riding all the models that came after).
The Reno BMW guys do say that the K gives nothing away to the R and they
are serious long distance folks. I guess you can't make a wrong decision
but, again, I'm real happy with the RS and it can work as a commuter as
well.
Michael
Alan Greenspan
Chuck Kuczaj wrote:
> I've ridden the K1100LT, but have never been
> on the ST1100, as they don't give test rides.
> A former 1984 FJ-1100 and 1981 Seca 750 owner
Don't give test rides? I upgraded from a Seca 750 to an ST1100
4 years ago. I love it. I am now on my second ST (upgraded to
an ABS model). You should be able to test ride the ST. Honda
of Milpitas had a demo model, as did Honda of Gilroy and Concord
Motor Sports. If they haven't all sold, you could call around
for a ride and then you can compare for yourself!
Steve Kelley - Gilroy, CA - 1995 ST1100A
Kurt Warren
Chuck Kuczaj wrote:
>
> Hi-
>
> I'm looking for a sport-tourer and it has pretty much come down
> on the ST1100, as they don't give test rides. Can anyone out
> there who owns either of these bikes please provide some
> comments. In particular, I'm interested to hear about the
> ST1100's engine in comparison to the K1100's.
>
> Thanks,
>
> A former 1984 FJ-1100 and 1981 Seca 750 owner
I don't know where you live but I know that Honda of Milpitas gives
test rides of certian bikes and they will usually let you ride an ST.
I came down to the same choice about three years ago and I chose the
ST primarily because of price. If you can do without ABS the ST is a
lot cheaper. With ABS the price differential is less, but still hard
to ignore.
They are both fine engines, but the ST has a little more torque. Buy
the one where you feel more comfortable on. The ST has the better
suspension in my opinion, but I know some people disagree with that,
so really it comes down to price, looks, and comfort.
My personal opinion is that you'll do better in terms of
price/performance with the ST than with the BMW.