I have an '02 1150RT that Ive owned for almost 9 years now. Still like it though. But Ill likely finally upgrade down the track sometime, few years away yet. Not sure if Id get a late model 1250RT or a new one. By the time I get one itll prob be a 1300RT 😊. New aint cheap though so..
I bet doing the valve adjustments on that boxer engine would be a pleasure compared to most bikes. I like that glove box, more bikes need them, so handy. Not the bike for me though but I bet the new owner will have some fun adventures on it.
Oh yeah! Apparently they are known to be easy due to the fact the cylinders are way out there. I liked the old Suzuki Across that I had in the 90's that had a helmet storage compartment. It was massive! Hopefully it won't take too long to sell, but it's not something heaps of people are going to want.
Had an 96 RT1100 did 48000k replaced 3 batteries 3 sets of tyre only issue was the hall effect sensors needed replacement , otherwise a great all-round bike very economical, excellent handling, due diligence is recommended when buying as they can be very expensive to repair major component ie clutch, ABS modules ,rear hub bearings need special tools to replace
From my experience knowing this bike since 2010, it has seemed very hard on batteries. Yeah the maintenance costs are why I love my 2 Suzuki bikes! HaHa!
Thinking of getting an 1999 1100rt. Seeing one listed for a good deal, after having a chance to burrow the honda st 1300 I am definitely thinking of upgrading to touring bike like these. The St is just hard to find for a good deal
It's a great style of bike to have if you're interested in long days in the saddle. You can't go too wrong with the old 1100RT in my opinion if you can get one for the right price.
I love the sound of the engine as you accelerate .That area you are riding looks like it might be close to Brisbane and the Gold coast .I was in that area for 6 months in 2017.
@@MrAusadventureThat figures .I used to drive every weekend from Tamborine mountain down to Burleigh heads and looking at Google maps i would have come through the Maudsland area .Now back in Ireland for my sins ;-)
I have an R850RT (the best boxer engine BMW has made is probably the R850). It´s a heavy machine, but it has a low center of gravity, thus has a great handling in thight corners and mountain roads, it´s reaaaaly satisfying to drive this thing in such roads. Breakes are not powerful enough to this 300kg bike, and cargo capacity is not great at all. Mine is 26 years old, works fine, the engine runs very smooth. It requires some maintenance here and there from time to time, as it is an old machine. I have an R1250RT too, but it looks to me that this old R oilhead bike probably will last more than the newer and powerful 1250.
They definitely don't make the new bikes with the same level of character as the old bikes. These have a great reputation for longevity that's for sure!
It is by all accounts a cracking bike, but you already have it's use covered with the V-Strom, makes sense to sell it on if room is premium and the finances are changing.... puts some spending money in your pocket as a bonus too!
I bought a 2000 BMW K1200 LT. Clutch went out at 58000 miles so I bought an 84 Honda Goldwing 1200 gl Interstate to ride while Im fixing it but foumd the old suspension needing a goimg through so ai bought a 2003 BMW R 1150 RT to ride while Im fixing the other two.
Yeah I do miss riding with him as we don't really hang out much anymore since he stopped riding. We might catch up for a beer every now and then but mostly it's just the odd chat on the phone, even though he lives 10 minutes from me. It's definitely built for 2 up touring. A great bike for that! Thanks mate!
I thought you were going to say that shake down Suzzie had gone! A bit of a slab sided monster for me. I had a BMW R650 that had starting issues back in the day so not for me at the price.
I mean where you live where do you push the button on the left hand time to bar turn right and you push the button on the right hand handleboard turn left yeah that makes a lot of sense
Be such a great bike to have done most of my big trip this year, but I do love having a bike that would do the dirt roads when the opportunity pops up. Yeah you have to keep the Strom mate, absolutely!
Yeah, it would have been great on those long straight roads! It does handle a well packed gravel road OK, but not as easily as the Strom of course! Absolutely I will!
I've looked at this bike model many times in the classifieds. It seems like so much bike for the money. They are available here in Sweden for less than 4000$ AUD (
It depends on the length of your legs. I am 179cm but have long legs. I have the seat on it's middle setting and it feels good. It can go higher. My legs are slightly more cramped than they are on my V-Strom but it's still comfortable for me.
It is a little cramped my inseam is 34", just figure out how to adjust the seat and find one to ride. I'm looking at another one to buy this afternoon. Haven't found a cheap one yet that's in good condition.
Looks just like mine. Same color too. Bought mine used for $1400 US with 74,000 miles. Sure does eat tires though. My Metzler R8 are worn down after just 6,000 miles. UA-camr Chris Harris says the cure is higher PSI. 40-42 front, 42-44 rear will give me 11,000 to 14,000 miles. Seems like a big claim. Opinions?? Cheers!!
They are a heavy bike so are bound to chew through the tyres. My mate I bought this off went through tyres more regularly than I did on my V-Strom when we regularly rode together. I'm not sure on the PSI and what difference that would make. Seems a big claim alright!
@@MrAusadventure My RT needs it's final drive repaired; seal puking gear oil on the tire. I'm riding my r850r now. It seems so light in comparison. We'll see how long tires last on it. Could be Chris Harris is right. Higher PSI means harder tire. Not as grippy perhaps. One thing I don't like on the high psi tire is the rough ride.
Great Video! I have a 2000 1100RT in the exact same color. Absolutely love mine and look forward to ever ride with her… I’m very curious of the differences to your 650 VStrom. I’m looking for a 2012 and up 650 Vstrom as my third bike and love to know your thoughts .. Thank You
Thank you! Oh cool. That's great, you'll love the V-Strom. Both are great and comfortable bikes that will go almost forever. The 650Strom is such a reliable bike. Lighter than the RT but the weight is different, not as low down as the RT but you won't have any issues with maneuvering it about. It's a surprisingly nimble bike for its size I think. I have a long term review video on my V-Strom here: ua-cam.com/video/oGcY0HbvCXs/v-deo.html I have 126,000km on it now and it is still riding great!
@@MrAusadventure Thank You for your input and I just watched your video on the VStrom.. Excellent. I'm definitely going to keep looking for one. Keep the 1100RT too! lol Great bike.
I have an '02 1150RT that Ive owned for the last almost 9 years. Still like it overall but Ill prob upgrade in a few years or more even. Maybe to a late used 1250RT model or go new. By then itll likely be the 1300RT😊 New aint cheap though.
My brother stored his BMW R1100RT in my garage for 6 months and I took it out a number of times to keep the battery charged etc. What a pile of crap. Top heavy, difficult to even back out of the garage due to its weight, and handled like a pig that was drunk. Clunky gear changes added to its 'charisma'. Oh, and as slow as snail walking over salt. Wouldn't have one if you gave me one.
HaHa! Yeah, they're definitely heavy to push around but not much more than I'm used to with my V-Strom. The clunky gear changes take some getting used to for sure but I reckon it handles well once you get it going and get used to it. I don't reckon it's slow though. Depends on what you're used to I guess. I must admit though that I do like getting back on my trusty old Strom that I'm used to after riding the Beemer.
To turn right it’s on the right hand handlebar and to turn left it’s on the wet hand handlebar how in the hell is that weird cause your eyes and think about that statement you just made. To me that makes perfect sense.
Umm. Your comments don't make much sense. Lighten up. 🤣 I'm just used to switch blocks on Japanese bikes where it's all in the same toggle switch where you move your thumb in the direction you want to go. Easy! 🤣
They were great bikes, own a 02 r1150 rt, although 600 lbs they are top heavy, abs pump makes a lot of noise when u press front or rear, great wind protection but people there 20 plus years old, mine radles like shit when i hit bumps, great range from a tank of gas, it was a great bike in its time, time to move on, stuck in time lol
HaHa! That's where you're wrong. I did end up selling the BMW and kept my V-Strom which is much more comfortable to ride and has given me 130,000 kilometres of trouble free adventures. 😂
Had one around since they came out only really start to appreciate just how good it is years later, it’s a well thought out well balanced tool, cracking machine.
Nice man. I got an 04 R1150RT 6 weeks ago. Been using it as a daily commuter to work every day. These are great bikes.
I have an '02 1150RT that Ive owned for almost 9 years now.
Still like it though.
But Ill likely finally upgrade down the track sometime, few years away yet.
Not sure if Id get a late model 1250RT or a new one.
By the time I get one itll prob be a 1300RT 😊.
New aint cheap though so..
That's awesome! They certainly are great bikes!
Just landed my 1999 r1100rt rode it 1st time yesterday.. Smoove and fast.
That's awesome! Enjoy! It's a great bike! 👍
Gear box is harsh..clunky loud.
@@jenmac287 That's what I like about them. They're fast tractors. ;- ),
Great video. I have the same year and color, managed to get same color panniers with it, great old tourer with not much electronics.
Very cool! Yeah, I've seen it with the panniers colour matched, that looks a lot better. Thanks mate!
I bet doing the valve adjustments on that boxer engine would be a pleasure compared to most bikes. I like that glove box, more bikes need them, so handy. Not the bike for me though but I bet the new owner will have some fun adventures on it.
Oh yeah! Apparently they are known to be easy due to the fact the cylinders are way out there. I liked the old Suzuki Across that I had in the 90's that had a helmet storage compartment. It was massive! Hopefully it won't take too long to sell, but it's not something heaps of people are going to want.
Had an 96 RT1100 did 48000k replaced 3 batteries 3 sets of tyre only issue was the hall effect sensors needed replacement , otherwise a great all-round bike very economical, excellent handling, due diligence is recommended when buying as they can be very expensive to repair major component ie clutch, ABS modules ,rear hub bearings need special tools to replace
From my experience knowing this bike since 2010, it has seemed very hard on batteries. Yeah the maintenance costs are why I love my 2 Suzuki bikes! HaHa!
Thinking of getting an 1999 1100rt. Seeing one listed for a good deal, after having a chance to burrow the honda st 1300 I am definitely thinking of upgrading to touring bike like these. The St is just hard to find for a good deal
It's a great style of bike to have if you're interested in long days in the saddle.
You can't go too wrong with the old 1100RT in my opinion if you can get one for the right price.
Love my 1998 RT, with 147k and still runs like a clock.
That is so awesome! They're such a great bike!
Hey bud! They're nice looking bikes mate. Stay upright!
Thanks mate! You too! 😁👍
I love the sound of the engine as you accelerate .That area you are riding looks like it might be close to Brisbane and the Gold coast .I was in that area for 6 months in 2017.
Yep, this is the Gold Coast Hinterland, mostly around Maudsland. 😁
@@MrAusadventureThat figures .I used to drive every weekend from Tamborine mountain down to Burleigh heads and looking at Google maps i would have come through the Maudsland area .Now back in Ireland for my sins ;-)
I've got one of these. I think this is a fair assessment. I think it'll hold it's value once it can be appreiciated one day. I enjoy riding it.
They certainly are a great bike! I did end up selling this one though. 😢
I have an R850RT (the best boxer engine BMW has made is probably the R850). It´s a heavy machine, but it has a low center of gravity, thus has a great handling in thight corners and mountain roads, it´s reaaaaly satisfying to drive this thing in such roads. Breakes are not powerful enough to this 300kg bike, and cargo capacity is not great at all.
Mine is 26 years old, works fine, the engine runs very smooth. It requires some maintenance here and there from time to time, as it is an old machine.
I have an R1250RT too, but it looks to me that this old R oilhead bike probably will last more than the newer and powerful 1250.
They definitely don't make the new bikes with the same level of character as the old bikes. These have a great reputation for longevity that's for sure!
It is by all accounts a cracking bike, but you already have it's use covered with the V-Strom, makes sense to sell it on if room is premium and the finances are changing.... puts some spending money in your pocket as a bonus too!
100% mate. Plus I've just bought a car so I could do with the funds!
Cool, thanks! I am being tempted by one of these, that looks identical to yours, local to me here in Toronto Canada. Oh what to do !? Cheers.
Hey leave that bike alone on kijiji I'm in Toronto also I'm interested in it to lllo
Do it! You'll love it!
I bought a 2000 BMW K1200 LT. Clutch went out at 58000 miles so I bought an 84 Honda Goldwing 1200 gl Interstate to ride while Im fixing it but foumd the old suspension needing a goimg through so ai bought a 2003 BMW R 1150 RT to ride while Im fixing the other two.
Hopefully you won't have any issues with the RT whlst the others are being fixed. A great excuse to keep buying motorbikes though! HaHa!
Shame your friend can't ride it any more but good that you've kept it on the road. Looks like a good machine for two-up touring.
Yeah I do miss riding with him as we don't really hang out much anymore since he stopped riding. We might catch up for a beer every now and then but mostly it's just the odd chat on the phone, even though he lives 10 minutes from me. It's definitely built for 2 up touring. A great bike for that! Thanks mate!
It's too easily done with riding mates.
I just picked up a 1996 model love at first ride😃
Very cool! That's awesome! 👍
I thought you were going to say that shake down Suzzie had gone! A bit of a slab sided monster for me. I had a BMW R650 that had starting issues back in the day so not for me at the price.
No chance of either Suzuki going at the moment but I can see an upgrade for the Strom at some stage. Maybe when it hits 200,000km! 🤣
I mean where you live where do you push the button on the left hand time to bar turn right and you push the button on the right hand handleboard turn left yeah that makes a lot of sense
Really good episode Mr Oz
Thanks mate!
Might ride that road tomorrow. Good looking bike
Which road? Yeah I like the look of it from some angles but not others. It is growing on me though! 🤣
Be such a great bike to have done most of my big trip this year, but I do love having a bike that would do the dirt roads when the opportunity pops up.
Yeah you have to keep the Strom mate, absolutely!
Yeah, it would have been great on those long straight roads! It does handle a well packed gravel road OK, but not as easily as the Strom of course! Absolutely I will!
I've looked at this bike model many times in the classifieds. It seems like so much bike for the money. They are available here in Sweden for less than 4000$ AUD (
It depends on the length of your legs. I am 179cm but have long legs. I have the seat on it's middle setting and it feels good. It can go higher. My legs are slightly more cramped than they are on my V-Strom but it's still comfortable for me.
It is a little cramped my inseam is 34", just figure out how to adjust the seat and find one to ride. I'm looking at another one to buy this afternoon. Haven't found a cheap one yet that's in good condition.
Looks just like mine. Same color too. Bought mine used for $1400 US with 74,000 miles. Sure does eat tires though. My Metzler R8 are worn down after just 6,000 miles. UA-camr Chris Harris says the cure is higher PSI. 40-42 front, 42-44 rear will give me 11,000 to 14,000 miles. Seems like a big claim. Opinions?? Cheers!!
They are a heavy bike so are bound to chew through the tyres. My mate I bought this off went through tyres more regularly than I did on my V-Strom when we regularly rode together. I'm not sure on the PSI and what difference that would make. Seems a big claim alright!
@@MrAusadventure My RT needs it's final drive repaired; seal puking gear oil on the tire. I'm riding my r850r now. It seems so light in comparison. We'll see how long tires last on it. Could be Chris Harris is right. Higher PSI means harder tire. Not as grippy perhaps. One thing I don't like on the high psi tire is the rough ride.
Just picked up a 97 r1100rt but get this. I also own a 2011 vstrom 650. I know this video went up a while ago but I laughed at the coincidence.
HaHa! What are the odds of that? Very cool! I sold the BMW a few months ago so now I'm back to my trusty old V-Strom and a DRZ400.
Great Video! I have a 2000 1100RT in the exact same color. Absolutely love mine and look forward to ever ride with her… I’m very curious of the differences to your 650 VStrom. I’m looking for a 2012 and up 650 Vstrom as my third bike and love to know your thoughts .. Thank You
Thank you! Oh cool. That's great, you'll love the V-Strom. Both are great and comfortable bikes that will go almost forever. The 650Strom is such a reliable bike. Lighter than the RT but the weight is different, not as low down as the RT but you won't have any issues with maneuvering it about. It's a surprisingly nimble bike for its size I think. I have a long term review video on my V-Strom here: ua-cam.com/video/oGcY0HbvCXs/v-deo.html
I have 126,000km on it now and it is still riding great!
@@MrAusadventure Thank You for your input and I just watched your video on the VStrom.. Excellent. I'm definitely going to keep looking for one. Keep the 1100RT too! lol Great bike.
Congrats to the bike, it should take you many miles and very comfortable too I bet!
Thanks. It would if I was going to keep it!
Nice ride, I’m sure someone I’ll love it and get plenty of km out of it 😎👌
I reckon so mate. Hope you had a great time up here in QLD!
Switch out the vstrom?? 😢 What a sad day that would be mate. Anything im mind?
The Strom will be in my garage for a long while I feel! Hopefully the DRZ will too!
I have an '02 1150RT that Ive owned for the last almost 9 years.
Still like it overall but Ill prob upgrade in a few years or more even.
Maybe to a late used 1250RT model or go new.
By then itll likely be the 1300RT😊
New aint cheap though.
That's awesome! Yeah, new Beemers are expensive. Getting a used one only a few years old with low miles is the go!
What about club registration? It is nearly 25 years old!
Yeah, that will be an option if I do hang on to it for another year. Space to keep it is an issue for me though.
They are such a nice bike. I have just finished restoring one which will go on club reg next week. I like the colour too!@@MrAusadventure
@@dimadee Oh cool! Nice one! 👍
Do you still have the bike for sale? Where are you based?
Yes I do. I'm on the Gold Coast.
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/merrimac/motorcycles/bmw-r1100rt-touring-motorcycle/1313997461
My brother stored his BMW R1100RT in my garage for 6 months and I took it out a number of times to keep the battery charged etc. What a pile of crap. Top heavy, difficult to even back out of the garage due to its weight, and handled like a pig that was drunk. Clunky gear changes added to its 'charisma'. Oh, and as slow as snail walking over salt. Wouldn't have one if you gave me one.
HaHa! Yeah, they're definitely heavy to push around but not much more than I'm used to with my V-Strom. The clunky gear changes take some getting used to for sure but I reckon it handles well once you get it going and get used to it. I don't reckon it's slow though. Depends on what you're used to I guess. I must admit though that I do like getting back on my trusty old Strom that I'm used to after riding the Beemer.
I guess most things seem so after I gt off my Hayabusa...lol@@MrAusadventure
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne HaHa! Yep, that'll do it! 🤣
To turn right it’s on the right hand handlebar and to turn left it’s on the wet hand handlebar how in the hell is that weird cause your eyes and think about that statement you just made. To me that makes perfect sense.
Umm. Your comments don't make much sense. Lighten up. 🤣
I'm just used to switch blocks on Japanese bikes where it's all in the same toggle switch where you move your thumb in the direction you want to go. Easy! 🤣
They were great bikes, own a 02 r1150 rt, although 600 lbs they are top heavy, abs pump makes a lot of noise when u press front or rear, great wind protection but people there 20 plus years old, mine radles like shit when i hit bumps, great range from a tank of gas, it was a great bike in its time, time to move on, stuck in time lol
I've got to agree. It's a great bike for its age, but yes, it is old!
I would get rid of the Suzuki VStrom......that is a crap bike anyway. The R1100 is way better.
HaHa! That's where you're wrong. I did end up selling the BMW and kept my V-Strom which is much more comfortable to ride and has given me 130,000 kilometres of trouble free adventures. 😂
Had one around since they came out only really start to appreciate just how good it is years later, it’s a well thought out well balanced tool, cracking machine.
Power? There is zero power in these
HaHa! Each to their own!