BMW R1100RT A reviews

I bought my RT with 32,000 miles on it, about 10 months ago. I now have 41,000 on her. This is, by far, the best all-around motorcycle I have ever owned. I've been street riding for 29 years and have owned many Jap street bikes. None compare to this Beemer. This is my second BMW. If you can have only one bike at a time - this is the one to have. It handles as well or better than a sport bike, is super comfortable for 600 mile days, can carry 450 lbs of load without breaking a sweat, can go 250+ miles between fuel stops, is not bothered by rain, keeps your hands warm in the cold, and doesn't bake you in the heat. No other bike can do all these things as well as the RT. It is as comfortable going out for a gallon of milk as it is taking off two-up to Canada (believe me, I know). I've had no trouble with this bike, but it has allowed me to tinker if I want to. I do all my own maintenance and find it easy to work on with sensible access to maintenance stuff. Changing the rear tire on this bike is a real treat. I'd buy another used Rt in a second, regardless of mileage; these are quality machines. Show less

I've had the bike for over a year now and put about 12k on it. I like it better as time goes on. I had a hard time with the bike at low speeds for a while, but experience has relieved that problem a lot. Amsoil in the transmission has helped with rough shifting. $320 tires are required every 7,500 miles or so. I ride with several groups. This is still one of the most advanced bikes around. It has ABS, weather protection, and handling. Show less

i purchased the bike new in 97. no it won't run toe to toe with the road rockets but they won't take long freeway runs like the bmw. no it isn't as comfy as the gold wings but it smokes them in the twisties. biggest complaints are the seat which gives you a wicked butt ache before you need gas and if you do your own maintenance, the fairing is a pain in the rump. 50 mpg and the huge gas tank means the low fuel indicator doesn't come on until the odometer reads 300 miles and then you still have another gallon. 30000 miles on this beemer and no signs it will ever quit. Show less

I bought this bike in June last year, basically new, 42 miles on the odometer and still BMW break-in oil (It's a long story). The bike has now 8K miles. I've never owned a bike half as good at everything as this one. It's not as fast as a Japanese race replica, but from 0 to 90, I don't think it would stay too far back. It handles awesome and it's getting better every day. It is consuming a little oil, but that is also getting better. Somebody mentioned uneven tire wear at front. that's true. Blame it on the telelever. On the other hand, 40psi of pressure helps and the telelever must be the best bike suspension architecture around. Awesome bike!!! I'll never change it unless it is for another RT!!! Show less

I owned my new (1999) R1100RT for 10,500 miles. During this time I never got quite used to the clunky shifting and surging engine. My dealer could not correct these problems. The RT has great handling, braking and legendary BMW reliability. However, I could not accept the aforementioned flaws in a $16k machine, not to mention a BMW. To BMW's credit, the company has corrected these before releasing the new R1150RT. I replaced my '99 RT with a new (2001) Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard. Also, I continue to ride my trusty '79 R1100RS, which now has over 90k miles. Show less

I've had at least 15 different motorcycles over the yrs. This bike purchased new know has 58,000 kms on it. Front tire wear tends to be uneven, however I found increasing tire pressure significantly helps even it out. Had the digital clock replaced as it lost time while parked. Speakers are terrible, they need to go bigger then the current 4" size. In Canada at least bikes can be ordered without the stereo system. The stock seat isn't as accomodating as the rest of the bike on a 6-8 hr ride. Gearing is excellent, likes to cruise at 60-80mph all day long. I really enjoy this bike, unlike the harley I owned I can depend on it too!!!!!!! Show less

I have had this bike since new. It currently has in excess of 36,000 miles. It is like am old, trusted friend. I have had a few problems but the dealer handled them, and I am a very happy owner, so happy I purchased another BMW bike. The only way I will trade bikes is if BMW makes the new RT even better when it arrives some time next year. GREAT JOB BMW Show less

I bought this bike two years ago and 55000 miles later the only problem I have had is the front ABS sensor went south. I do all my own maintenance. So after the 600-mile checkup, I'm the only one to lay a wrench on it. To begin with, it surged at low speed. I spent some time making sure the throttle bodies were dead on, no more surge. This bike is good at everything it is designed to do. But it's too damn quiet and after-market parts are expensive. It takes some extremely high-quality parts to top what comes stock on a BMW. I would Ride this bike to all four corners of the US and not even worry about anything, not even rain. As long as you are moving you don't get wet. that's California rain. I haven't tried Florida rain yet. The R1100RT needs to look badder. It's a no posers bike. Show less

Have owned the bike since new. It is still simply the best sport tourer around. You might find some faster but you won't find a better all round bike that can tour and handle. Not your luxo-barge like the Goldwing or K1200LT. Show less

After 26 K miles, the only problem has been a bad front abs sensor which my dealer replaced at no cost. The flaws that I have found with this bike are all easy to fix. 1. The stock seat is narrow and sloped to the front. A Corbin seat allows all day rides. 2. The stock windshield is too low when the seat is raised above the lowest position. Parrabellum makes a nice 4" taller replacement. 3. No running lights! The bike looks like a pickup truck with one headlight after dark. Add Running Lights at all four corners to increase safety after dark. This bike will run all day at any speed, most refrigerators don't give this much confidence. I like MEZ4s on both ends. Enjoy! Show less