I have always like the R1100S. They have got to the point that I can afford them. Is there a problem with parts availability? Is there anything I should lol for? Looking at 2004/2005 boxer cup preps. One a couple hours away with 41k on it for $3700. Any suggestions or alternatives?

Thanks
Ed

The one thing I always check is the suspension. (OK I always make sure the engine passes a leak down test) Front fork rebuilds are usually cheap if you do them yourself but a rear mono shock can be really expensive. Not sure how much they cost for your bike. Enjoy the beemer!

Bob's BMW has a pretty healthy catalog & Pelican Parts was popular on the R11 forum when I originally discovered the R11S.

I also called my local dealer & they said that a lot of parts are still available through BMW (even on a 1980), just need the VIN to have them pull the specific catalog.

Euromotoelectrics is another parts catalog site.

I really wanted an R11S for a while.

Looking older now 1980 & 1992, if I can swing it.

The R11S has a serious cult following. You should have no problem sourcing parts and tech info. Pelican is great for this. I haven't bothered with the Facebook groups, but I'm sure they're great for this model. Beemer Boneyard is your go-to parts source for this stuff.

I have several bmw bikes and do virtually all my own work on them. My newest is a ‘94 R1100RS. Guess I would be considered handy with tools and engines. Nearest dealer charges $90/hr. For labor.

If you can do your own work, even some of it, I would suggest something a bit older. Say before 2000. The older they are the simpler they are.

Parts are available for all but the rarest BMW bikes. For reference, mine are a R1100RS as mentioned, then there is a ‘77 R100S, a ‘69 R50S and a ‘52 R25. I can find parts on the web every day. The older ones cost more. While the R25 is leaning toward rare, parts can still be found.

My R1100RS cost about $3500 with 34k on the clock. Bought it a year ago.

Clymer manuals have 99% of the instructions and answers you need.

They are great bikes. Spoke with a lady at a rally last summer. She had a 1985 she had bought new. She had 300,000 miles on it and had (I believe) rode it from out of state to the rally.

Mine are all R types - horizontally opposed twins. These are what I prefer. Did ride a K1100S recently (1989 model). It had very smooth, straight power curve. Didn’t have the character of the R types in my opinion.

Friend had a 2003 R1100S (engine might have been bigger, but sport model is correct). Beautiful, smooth, fast. Looked great standing still. Complex enough there was very little I could do to help out. He put extensions on it to lower the pegs. Had to bleed the brakes. Had to have a shop do it for $275. Bleeding nipples for ABS are under the tank. Tank needs removed to do it. Fuel system is pressurized all the time, 42 psi. Fuel pump is in the fuel tank. Get the picture what I like older bikes?

Thanks for the input..... trying to get the maint history of the bike.
Ed

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
The one thing I always check is the suspension. (OK I always make sure the engine passes a leak down test) Front fork rebuilds are usually cheap if you do them yourself but a rear mono shock can be really expensive. Not sure how much they cost for your bike. Enjoy the beemer!

The front suspension is telelever, so it's shocks front and rear. Good aftermarket replacements run anywhere from $1,500 to $2k+ for the pair. Single plates dry clutch is expensive to replace, but they last if not flogged. As with all vehicles German, as long as there are no electrical issues you should be good.

I had access to one of these in the late 90's, I was between it and the R1200C, I bought the cruiser mainly due to seat height, just easier to ride for me. I still have it actually. I did test ride the R1100s several times and had a friend with one. It is so much fun to ride, a true bad ass bike. I don't have any problems getting parts for my C and its a 1998. I've always dealt with pelican parts.

https://www.facebook.com/marke...tem/382417039028135/

Here’s the bike I am looking at.

Drool

I'm a little more partial to the Blue/White color scheme, but that's a looker for sure.

A new set of valve covers? Maybe bike fell over or was dropped twice?

I thought the BCP bikes were all white and blue or red, white and blue.

The BCR are white and blue and have I higher suspension height as well as some other differences, the Boxer Cup prep has the wider wheels and the regular suspension ride height

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42
If you can do your own work, even some of it, I would suggest something a bit older. Say before 2000. The older they are the simpler they are.

Friend had a 2003 R1100S (engine might have been bigger, but sport model is correct). Beautiful, smooth, fast. Looked great standing still. Complex enough there was very little I could do to help out. He put extensions on it to lower the pegs. Had to bleed the brakes. Had to have a shop do it for $275. Bleeding nipples for ABS are under the tank. Tank needs removed to do it. Fuel system is pressurized all the time, 42 psi. Fuel pump is in the fuel tank. Get the picture what I like older bikes?

God advice. BMW loves technology, but technology doesn't necessarily love them back.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42:
Friend had a 2003 R1100S (engine might have been bigger, but sport model is correct). Beautiful, smooth, fast. Looked great standing still. Complex enough there was very little I could do to help out. He put extensions on it to lower the pegs. Had to bleed the brakes. Had to have a shop do it for $275. Bleeding nipples for ABS are under the tank. Tank needs removed to do it. Fuel system is pressurized all the time, 42 psi. Fuel pump is in the fuel tank. Get the picture what I like older bikes?

When dealing with the BMW anti lock system never back pressure the brake lines. It will damage the ABS module under the tank.

You mean when installing new pads and you compress the pistons?

quote:

Originally posted by Valpo Fz:
You mean when installing new pads and you compress the pistons?

No, that's ok. There was a time where you could attach a pump to the bottom of the brake system and back flush up to the master cylinder on the handlebars. The current ABS system uses a servo motor and a separate piston to actuate the anti lock system. You have to bleed each section of the system separately.

Ohh ok That’s sounds like a job I would have BMW do

Kinda partial to the OLDER ones.....As some other posters already mentioned, Bob's BMW has a lot of parts for these old guys.....