Church of MO: 1998 BMW R1100R

John Burns
by John Burns

In 1923 Max Friz built ze first BMW Boxer, and it was good. Then there were two pesky wars that interrupted business for a few decades, but by the `50s things were back in semi-action. In 1970, BMW parted the Atlantic Ocean, and its new series of /5 air-cooled Boxers escaped to America. In 1993, the oil-cooled Boxer arrived; five years of maturation resulted in this naked R1100R version. Twenty years later, BMW still builds the R1200R roadster. Whirled without end, amen.

———————————————————————————————————-

First Impression: 1998 BMW R1100R

Naked Sensibility from Germany.

Photos by MO Staff
In 1994, BMW released to an utterly confounded public a naked version of its modern Boxer. Some loved its funky styling, some thought it just plain ugly, but it made a distinct impression on everyone. Mechanically solid, enough people liked R1100R’s distinct lines to convince BMW that the only revisions necessary were a new chromed and concise instrument panel and larger headlight. We received the slightly revised BMW R1100R about a month before our Bikini Bikes test, and we thought its bold looks and minimalist approach would complement the delicate lines of the bikini machines.

For years the BMW marquee has been synonymous with reliability and predictability. Although BMW is not known for cutting edge

styling, don’t ignore the R1100R in the fashion department. Unlike its more conservative siblings, the R1100R doesn’t hide gadgets. Rather, they are exposed proudly. Oil coolers, the telelever front end and fuel injectors are all on display as part of its post-industrial design esthetic.The major difference between the revised R1100R and the 1995 model we tested previously is an improved instrument panel. The new edition dash, crafted from machined aluminum and chrome, is much easier to read and makes for a very attractive layout.
On the road it’s typical BMW: sure footed and torquey. Although the ergonomics are spread out and comfy, they are aggressive enough to tear up the back roads. The wide seat offers great support, and our test passenger loved the rear seat accommodations, but long distance saddle endurance is hampered somewhat by the lack of wind protection and its high bars. It’s not surprising then that one of BMW’s best selling accessories for the R1100R is the windshield.

On twisty canyon roads, the R1100R rides exactly as designed. It is brilliant at a 7/10ths pace, but push faster and the ABS is overwhelmed. Below this, the no-dive telelever front end, excellent brakes, and quick steering geometry make the naked Roadster a confidence inspiring blast to ride.

In city traffic, these same qualities create a nimble, powerful commuter bike. In stop-and-go situations the bike pulls slightly to the right, due mainly to the sideways-rotating mass — but this is easily corrected. The major drawback of the R1100R is its width. The wide, protruding flat twin cylinders can make lane-splitting difficult in a state where it is legal.

The 1998 R1100R lists for $9990; $11,495 with ABS. A MO staffer commented that the R1100Ris not as exotic as the bikini roadsters, and for a competent standard he preferred a Bandit 1200. But for those wanting something funky, capable, fun, yet practical, the R1100R is in a league of its own.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: BMW Model: 1998 R 1100 RPrice: $ 9,990 (,490 w/ABS)Engine: Air/oil cooled twin Bore and Stroke: 99 x 70.5mmDisplacement: 1085cc Carburetion: Fuel injectionTransmission: Five-speedWheelbase: 57.99 in.Seat Height: 29.9 to 31.5 in. Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gal. Claimed Dry Weight: 506 lbs.
John Burns
John Burns

More by John Burns

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 29 comments
  • Doug M Doug M on Apr 17, 2018

    The R1100RS was the first oilhead, introduced in 1993. The GS, R and S followed using the same engine/chassis with mostly minor mechanical differences. I had a '96 RS followed by an R1150RS followed by an R1200ST, which I still own and enjoy. I preferred the RS bodywork over the R for longer sport-touring rides, but did like the R and S color combinations (lime green, yeah!).

  • Johnny Lawless Johnny Lawless on Apr 19, 2018

    This was my first long-term bike. I still have it, and it's held up surprisingly well for being nearly 20 years old. As someone else in this comment thread said, it's slightly more capable at everything than you think it would be.

    My only real complaint about it is how wheezy and gutless it can be past 85 mph, but with my driving record, that's probably a plus.

    EDIT: Also, the single best modification I made to it was the TwoBros exhaust. With the stock pipe, it sounded like a lawn mower having an asthma attack, but with the new pipe, it sounds really, *really* righteous.

    EDIT: The ABS is also awful, but it was first-gen, so who cares?

Next