BMW R1100RTL 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'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

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

I've had this bike for five years now. What do I like about it? Great gutsy torque, under all conditions. Cruises comfortably at both legal, and super-legal speeds. Top handling, and cornering. Lots of stopping power. Good mileage - good range. Comfy stock seat. With the stock hard bags, and aftermarket windscreen, this bike makes a great tourer. With one up, the packing potential rivals much larger machines. Just remove the bags, and it rivals many sportbikes. A reliable, low maintenance, all-purpose machine! What don't I like? The horn button has an awkward action to it, that can cause "misfiring" if not pushed at just the right angle. The kickstand is placed too far foward, which under some circumstances offers shaky support. It's more of a "stealth" bike, than a bike of great "presence" - for those needing attention. Show less

Pros -- 1) Plenty of power with rapid throttle response. The engine is quiet and runs smoothly. The fuel capacity is 7.26 gallons (on my 97 RTA), which provides a range of over 300 miles, at speeds of 70mph or less. 2) The paralever/telelever suspensions is simply the best I have experienced. With a traditional front suspension (springs and oil in the forks), the shock (or energy) from impacting a bump in the road travels up the forks and the handlebars, and into the rider's hands. However, the paralever front suspension on the BMW has no springs or oil in the fork tubes, which means the shock from impacting a bump in the road does not travel into the rider's hands. This makes for a much more comfortable ride. The paralever design also eliminates front-end dive under heavy braking. 3) The ABS II system is excellent. It responds quickly without feedback through the brake controls (unlike a car). 4) The RT was built to turn. Although it weighs in at well over 600 lbs., it turns with the greatest of ease. It is the most nimble road bike I have ridden. It even out handles my friend's Ducati ST2. 5) Creature comforts include throttle lock cruise control, heated vest, heated grips, superior luggage (locking, weatherproof sidecases have a capacity of 22 liters and topcase holds 33 liters), electrially adjustable windshield. 6) 43,000 miles with absolutly no problems. It is a very reliable machine. The cons -- 1)Maintenance is required every 6,000 miles and at minimum includes an oil change, fuel injector syncronization, and a valve adjustment. I have never had service cost less than $210.00. 2) The tires do not last long. Only Z-rated tires will fit on the wheels (the price you'll pay for performance). 3) The seat feels comfortable while the bike sits in the showroom, but it gets to be downright painfull after about 250 miles (less that the bike's fuel range). The foam is too soft and bottoms out against the seat pan. A Corbin, or Sargent Cycle replacement is strongly recommended. 4) No place to mount drive/fog lights. Show less