Hello and advice pls on K1100RS

[Ilyak]

Hi,
New to forum. Have owned a K1600GT and K1300S, have a K1200RS wanting ABS fixed. Also own a GTS1000, ZZR1400 and VFR1200X.
Am about to buy a K1100RS. I partly want it BECAUSE of the heat everyone complains of, it’s pretty cold in winter in the UK. Having warm legs not cold and damp sounds good. I was thinking of getting another Triumph Trophy SE (great bike) or trying a K1300GT but then am tempted by a K1100RS. Narrower (for filtering in London) and I like the quirky look.
What’s not to like.
Can I put a bit of foil under tank but keep warm legs and seat and maybe in summer if I’m not using GTS I could put extra foil down if needed.
Looking at a 1994.
Any tips?
All thoughts appreciated.
Have bought an ABS pump on eBay for K1200RS but not got round to fitting it yet.

[sooprvylyn]

My pair of pennies:

The k bikes are warm.  They'll keep you a little warmer in moderate winter, but they are still motorcycles and you are still exposed to the wind.  You might get a little benefit from a warmer tank after the bike warms up a while, and  you might get some slightly warmer legs and crotch.

I wouldnt really count on these bikes to keep you especially warm in winter, not without the stuff you'd want to have w any winter riding.  Add heated grips and wear winter gear, and it might be slightly better than another bike that doesnt run as warm.


If you want to stay warm, dont line the bottom of the tank with foil, it will be detrimental to your goal.  The radiator heat will warm the tank slightly, which can help warm you a little. 

You WILL  DEFINITELY notice these bikes running warm in the summer.  This is when you might appreciate that foil tank lining. It will be much less obvious in winter.

[Ilyak]

Thanks. Yup I wear a reasonably warm jacket, don’t use heated gear, and the K1100RS has heated grips as standard I think. I thought a blast of warmth on feet and legs plus more shielding from wind and rain would be a blessing. If it’s too hot in summer can insulate or use another bike!

[Laitch]

. . . the K1100RS has heated grips as standard I think.

Welcome to Motobrick!

Heated grips were optional equipment, not standard but there are aftermarket options in addition to OEM parts. The LT model will offer the most protection; the riding position will be more upright.

[frankenduck]

Yes, you can add insulation. My 94 RS:



It still gets warm though but not as much.


If you're going to split on a K1100RS then I'd recommend getting rid of the mirror extenders.

Part 10 here:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=0532-USA-11-1993-89V2-BMW-K_1100_RS_0522,0532_&diagId=51_2652

[Ilyak]

Thx. I thought part of tank heating issue is fuel gets recirculated
Have been watching several videos, not many out there. Look of K1100RS growing on me. But also tempted to fix my K1200RSABS.am also going to look at a K1300GT and see if that pulls me in a different direction.friend tried to tempt me with R1150 but not a fan of boxers, had put down deposit on R1209RT when I rode K1600GT for fun and bought one of those instead.
Going to see a 94K1109RS  today. 2 hr drive. How vibes are they?some say bad, others say barely notice.

[frankenduck]

I have no vibe issues on my K1100s. They're not as smooth as K75s but I can do 14 hour days on them. For me the key to keeping K1100s running smoothly is fresh spark plugs and throttle body syncing. As you can see in the insulation pic above I also have one pound Manic Salamander bar end weights but I did that more for looks than anything else. It was fine before I added those.

The K1100RS is a bit of a heavy pig in tight twisties but not as bad as the K1200RS.

JMHO

[frankenduck]

FYI: The absolute worst part of a K1100RS is the factory seat. First thing I got rid of on mine.