Replace the R1100S with What?

BMW-Fahrer · Post by **BMW-Fahrer** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 12:08 am

Ride the R1100S now since it's introduction for 5 seasons with 3 seasons on a R1150RS and I am still in love but going to motorcycle shows I always think what could replace it one day.The R1200ST wasn't it.Looks and handling...The R1200S excpected with much anticipation but if you like to ride two up sometimes and going on trips with bags and light ten on the rack all the excitement about the additional performance is long gone.The R1200R is great.Fun to ride and faster and still versatile for two up and touring duties but the lack of small fairing for clean air would spoil it for me.
Now the F800S.Never thought much of it but finally saw/sat on it.Liked the looks and felt right like no other bike.Still two up and tour abilities and R1100S performance with 35 Kg less to manage.Anyone ridden one yet and what did you think.Only read good things about it except for the tranny but I never had problems shifting BMW trannys even in the days when they were "bad" so I chalk this one off as the inabilities of the testers to shift properly...
But then maybe BMW wakes up and sees that there is more to a sportbike than the inabilities to take any panniers,girlfriend,tent and having to buy a racestand or a silly little tank that forces a lot of time consuming fuel stops.
Let's say GSXR guys won't be one over by the performance per pound (sterling) value and 1098 posers are faster on paper for sure...
BMW guys and other sport-touring minded sport riders that also like to tour will miss all the sport-touring options that make a BMW a BMW.I would buy the R1200S-T if it ever sees the light because as good nd fun to ride the F800S might be I would still miss the boxer engine...
Hope you guys have a good christmas and still fit into your leathers after the holidays...

Looks like next season will be another one on the R1100S;have a happy 2007!

BMW-Fahrer · Post by **BMW-Fahrer** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 4:14 pm

Nobody ridden the F800S or not beeing allowed to say anything about it since it is BOXERtrix here...

winger · Post by **winger** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 6:04 pm

Paul has one, no doubt he'll surface some timeover Christmas.

paul thompson · Post by **paul thompson** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 8:30 pm

Hi there. Rode a F800s a while back and was impressed. Light, nimble and easy to use. Unfortunately, rode a 1200s after and was blown away. Suffice to say, i went for the big cube bike, but the f800 was a damn fine ride.
A good bike.

PBBoxer · Post by **PBBoxer** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 11:01 pm

Had an F800s for a day the other week.
At first it felt a bit flat to be honest but throughout the dy got to like the bike more and more.
Handles really nicely and comfy for all day no problem. At the price they are, I think they're a great bike.

BMW-Fahrer · Post by **BMW-Fahrer** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 1:31 am

I will definately try the F800S in spring and see how it rides.The only bike on the show that caught my interest and felt right like the R1100S in the end of 98.
Would have already replaced the S with the new R1200S.But no decent seat,no optional hardbags,rack and centerstand...
Sport,sport,sport + nowhere to put any panniers = No Sale(s)...

Chris

PBBoxer · Post by **PBBoxer** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 1:37 am

Ive got a 1200s
There's a hard luggage option coming soon, but nowhere near as good as the 1100s.
Good luck with your choices anyway.
Have to be honest, that new FZ! fazer with luggage looks a corker to me

BMW-Fahrer · Post by **BMW-Fahrer** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 5:21 am

The FZ won't do it for me;I don't like fours and chaindrive,either.
The new R1200S was the bike I really wanted,since I still love my R11S like on day one but wanted a little more go but had no idea they would make it less useful.If I would have wanted a track only toy I would have bought a Aprilia Mille or GSXR long time ago...
Who knows with the R1200ST not selling and the R1200S not being a seller either maybe BMW will bring us a worthy sucessor to the R1100S and R1100RS (liked it's comfy seat,big tank,practical underseat storage and rack) some day (soon)...
The F800S might be the closest alternative to the R1100S even being no boxer but it felt to me like a quality and more useful SV650S.With belt drive,ABS and at least small bags and rack,at least interesting enough to try...
The new Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport crossed my mind too for a while and I had visions of a reincarnation of a modern Le Mans after I saw the very nice for someone who is into those kinds of bikes,California Klassik.But what a rude awakening when I saw the new 1200 Sport was nothing more than a Breva with a little make-up applied...

The R1100S is still a very attractive bike for smeone who likes a sportbike that he can actually tour on,even two up!Just wished for that R12ST powerplant,sometimes...

Chris

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 10:10 am

I make no apologies for loving the 800S - it's a cracker and reckon (having ridden all the latest BM's bar the 1200RT) that it's quite possibly the nicest bike BMW currently make, all things considered. Sure, the 1200S has loads more poke (to put it mildly) but for sheer fun and a good dash of practicality the 800 gets my vote.

Shame it's too bloody small for lanky sods like me. Power-wise I'd say it's got to be a match for the 1100 up to 90mph or so. Dyno figures being realised by the mags bear out its performance - 85rwhp (not much behind a std 11S) and over 60lbs torque and short gearing in a light bike = mucho perkiness.

winger · Post by **winger** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:00 am

I must admit i've never considered my 1100s to be a great alrounder,but can't find anything to replace it,haveing said that if i hadn't of had my Tiger to fill the gaps!!!,the S would got the chop years ago.

sproggy · Post by **sproggy** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 10:23 am

BMW-Fahrer wrote:Would have already replaced the S with the new R1200S.But no decent seat,no optional hardbags,rack and centerstand...
Sport,sport,sport + nowhere to put any panniers = No Sale(s)...
Chris

So what someone needs to do is graft an 1100S type subframe onto the 1200S, giving 1100 standard of comfort (pillion included), 'old-style' panniers and the ability to mount a rack. Then you've got the performance of the 1200 and the practicality of the 1100.

As for a centrestand - what do you want one of those for?

There's no chain to lube

And your comment about underseat space - not compatible with underseat exhausts.

Stevie · Post by **Stevie** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 11:47 am

I've had my 1200S for a few weeks now and it suits my requirements fine.
- I don't carry a pillion; my wife last rode with me in 1992
- I don't do much touring, so lack of panniers is a minor disadvantage
- I find the seat at least as comfortable as my 1100S, and I find it generally "roomier" with a less extreme knee angle.
- Less vibes, more power
- Lack of mainstand is a nuisance. No chain, but you still need to check the oil.

I'm pretty sure that I would like the F800S if I rode one, but if I had bought one, then rode a R1200S, I'm pretty sure I would be kicking myself.

Ade B · Post by **Ade B** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 12:03 pm

You could try a Triumph Sprint ST... great engine, questions over brakes fussy styling imho.

I did, and decided to keep the S

As for centre stand, I would actually find one useful - since I acquired a paddock stand, maintenance is a lot easier and cleaning it makes me wonder how I managed before..

Ade

winger · Post by **winger** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 4:46 pm

Blimey,if one doesn't tour and doesn't carry a pillion,what does one do???,and why buy a poxy aircooled twin when you could buy just about anything,allowing for your circumstances.

Stevie · Post by **Stevie** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 5:11 pm

I do plenty, thanks for asking.

I also don't see anything wrong in choosing a "poxy aircooled twin" in preference to a triple or a four. I just prefer them if that's allright with you.