1998 BMW R1100S for Sale
Miles: 26,534
Clean Title
Listed Price: $7,000 Or Best Offer
Listing Ends: June 25th, 2024
For a long time, BMW’s stock in trade were touring bikes, sometimes with real sporting credentials. But they rarely made out-and-out sportbikes and, by the time the mid-90s rolled around, their lineup and image were in line with Moto Guzzi’s, in a way: the company made sporty bikes, but not sportbikes, often built around outdated platforms, that appealed to riding geeks and fans of the brand. Most were powered by BMW’s famous flat-twin engine, although a few were motivated by the company’s inline four or inline triple, all with shaft drive. All were designed to cover great distances with speed and in comfort. But 1998 saw the introduction of BMW’s first real attempt at a sportbike since the R90S, the R1100S. Based around a modern version of the company’s flat twin, here displacing 1085cc with four valves per cylinder and producing 98hp, it was the most powerful twin the company had ever produced. The frame was alloy, the gearbox had six speeds, and naturally the bike used BMW’s well-regarded Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension systems. The end result was too heavy to compete directly with sportbikes from Japan or Italy in terms of outright performance, but was a far more capable blend of “sports” and “touring” than anything short of a Honda VFR.
This bike was owned and maintained by a BMW master technician who worked at the local dealership and was recently serviced by a friend and fellow technician. This bike came with heated grips, saddle bags w/slim lids, color matched seat cowl, carbon fiber fender, also carbon fiber- starter cover, 3 piece belly pan set and rear fender, aftermarket center stand for the belly pan set and Öhlins shocks and Spiegler stainless steel brake and clutch lines. These are developing an almost cult following (I ride one), great bikes and this a super clean example.
“These are developing an almost cult following…” I disagree: these already have a cult following, and nice examples should increase or, at the very least, hold their value. Miles are low for a touring-capable bike, the bike appears to be well cared for, and the $7,000 price seems very appropriate, considering the specifications and condition. An excellent bike if you can have only one: it’s a capable handler, especially with those Öhlins shocks at the front and rear, can cover big miles in reasonable comfort, and will look great doing it. The seller sold a very nice second-generation bike [also in yellow] recently that was also in good condition, and the listing includes an older boxer that I assume is also for sale.
-tad
I always liked these, reasonable power, a fairly sorted chassis and above average build qualtiy. And it seems good examples are few and far between.