BMW K1100 LT (1997)

This is my most recent motorcycle, the K1100LT that replaced my K100LT. I liked the K100LT so much! Downgrading was just no option. Why bother? Why not upgrade to the new version? The weight and dimensions were almost identical! And yes, this was a decision that I haven't regretted.

I didn't know what to expect when I decided to buy the 1100. I was hoping for an improvement in power and road behaviour. After all, the engine has 16 valves and 100 bhp. It also looked more comfortable than its predecessor: an electric windshield, a bigger topcase, better (floating) disc brakes... Plus this was a limited luxury version (full option), so it has everything I could ever dream of, including a stereo kit. :-)

I was pleasantly surprised. The K1100LT and the K100LT almost look like identical twins, but they're behaving totally different. The 1100 is even more joy to ride, because it has more power. It's surprisingly sporty, which you wouldn't expect from a heavy touring bike!

I don't regret having bought this baby. Mine is a purple metallic one. The purple also happens to be my favourite colour, it's simply magnificent! The only inconvenience is, that I have more difficulties putting my feet on the ground (with the tip of my toes). But that's about the only inconvenience I can find. And I can live with that!

The engine is a nice piece of work. It has more bottom power than the K100 - it comes closer to the K1 than I ever could have dreamed of.

Fuel consumption is the same: 5 liters per 100 km. That's very reasonable. Handling is easier than the old K100LT. It's not a demanding bike, and even with the oil leak I currently have, it's still riding. Not one single K-bike ever let me down, and this is my 5th K-bike so far!

The major differences between the K1100LT and the K100LT are:

  • the engine (1100 cc instead of 1000, 16 valves instead of 8)

  • the wheels (3 spokes instead of 4)

  • the frame

  • the handlebars

  • the brakes (floating disc brake system)

  • the windshield (electric/non adjustable)

  • bigger topcase and panniers, in the colour of the bike

  • the fairing looks almost the same, but there are minor differences between the bikes.

K-bikes are VERY reliable. Just take a look at the speedometer of my friend's 1984 K100RT and you'll know I'm not joking. My friend put the bike aside for several years now, but it should have at least 600.000 (real) kms, still with the original engine!

The RT got a thorough check-up; everything seemed to be allright. Apart from the normal wear and tear, there were no specific problems. The engine was still in remarkably good condition.

Some parts of the bike were replaced, but it still starts with one push on the button. My friend wanted to keep it, but now... he bought a brand new K1200LT!