BMW touring bikes: K1100LT vs R1100RT

Fred R. Ziegler

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Mar 9, 1997, 3:00:00 AM3/9/97

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Hi. Sometime in the next few weeks I will buy a brand-new, high-end BMW
touring bike (to supplement my still running, 1972 R60/5).

I'm torn between the R1100RT and K1100LT/High Line and would like to hear
arguments to help me decide.. both coldly technical as well as emotional
and religious!

Thanks!

Regards,
Fred

----
Fred R. Ziegler <fred.z...@aspentech.com> tel:+1-617-577-0100 x262
Aspen Technology, Inc. http://www.aspentech.com fax:+1-617-577-0303
Ten Canal Park/ Cambridge,MA. 02141-2201 USA telex: 948-038(ASPEN TECH)
Internet Society Member (#1315080) since Feb 1992 pager:+1-617-649-2238

John S. Morris

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Mar 9, 1997, 3:00:00 AM3/9/97

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>I'm torn between the R1100RT and K1100LT/High Line and would like to hear
>arguments to help me decide.. both coldly technical as well as emotional
>and religious!

Why would our opinions matter? Ride both -- buy the bike that turns you on
the most! That advice is both coldly technical and emotional &
religious.....

-jono

THOMASTC

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Mar 10, 1997, 3:00:00 AM3/10/97

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I have a '94 K1100 LT, mystic red. I love this bike. It runs so good,
has so much power, is so comfortable. It feels so tight and accurate. It
is the most well engineered bike i have ever ridden. I don't know if
you've ever ridden one before or not, but i can say that it is smooth, but
not too smooth. It has a nice mellow rumble to it when you get on it.
It's not " Goldwing " smooth, and its not Harly " rough ", it's just in
between. As far as pure touring bikes, i think the K is probably a little
better, just because i think the fairing covers you a little more. But
that all boils down to personal preference. Lots of people don't like all
that fairing and wind protection. I like the R a lot too. It runs great,
and has that more " classic " feel. If you can, try and ride both of
them, so that you can see for yourself. Good Luck.

Steve...@see.sig.for.address

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Mar 13, 1997, 3:00:00 AM3/13/97

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THOMASTC (thom...@aol.com) wrote:
: I have a '94 K1100 LT, mystic red. I love this bike. It runs so good,

: has so much power, is so comfortable. It feels so tight and accurate. It
: is the most well engineered bike i have ever ridden.

FWIW, a friend of mine is selling his mint condition '93 K1100LT.
It's blue, got only 6k on it, has ABS. He's asking $9300. Call
Dave Chong at 718-782-5555.

LegalR

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Mar 18, 1997, 3:00:00 AM3/18/97

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Hi Fred!
I've got a 1996 R1100RT and a 1995 K1100RS. I really like them both--in
different ways, but would sorely miss not having either one. The rides
and handling are different. I got the 1996 R1100RT first, then a couple
of months later I had a chance to get a 'left over' 1995 K1100RS. The K
is a smoother longer power curve engine, in my opinion. The R needs more
attention to downshifting but gives you the feeling of sitting 'in' the
bike and not 'on' it, especially in the twisties. But it is a refreshing
experience to change from one bike to the other, and back again. I'd be
an unhappy camper if I had to choose--once and for all between them. I
did that initially when I went for the R, but I'm really glad that I had
the opportunity to get the K a couple of months later. In the last
analysis, it's a very personal thing. Ride both the R and the K, take your
time and you will know which one is for you.
i couldn't make up my mind 'once and for all' and I was lucky to be able
to get the second bike. I explained it to my wife [why do you need two
bikes] that it was not a question of "need", it was one of "want".
Luckily she hasn't inquired any further. She got a 1995 K75/3 for Xmas, so
maybe she understands. Good riding to you.
Larry Miller