Christopher Hart and his 98 R1100RT

Hats off to Christopher Hart for the well written little piece in the February 2020 Owners News chronicling his resuscitation of a neglected 22 year old R1100RT. Well done Christopher. Your story helps dispel the myth that the only BMW the typical owner can work on - beyond oil and filter changes - is an Airhead.

It's also a reminder that the first generation Oilheads - the 1100s - are fine machines, regardless of how far the newest boxers have evolved.

As I think every rider of an 1100 knows deep in their Luddite heart, the first generation oilers are a BMW classic in their own right.

Well said

As I think every rider of an 1100 knows deep in their Luddite heart, the first generation oilers are a BMW classic in their own right.

I am super impressed with the engineering that went into the 1100RT but they clearly went the direction to get the motorcycle they wanted with little consideration for ease of repair and maintenance.

With that said once you dive into it 5-10 times it becomes easier so its a long term commitment to own it and work on it as an owner.

I liked it, too. Reminded me of a '70's GL1000 Goldwing I dived into, instead of taking to a shop. All it takes is patience.

These are super bikes to work on and restore.
Sometimes it can be a little worrisome to dig into areas where we have never been, but it's all a learning experience.
After all, at the end of the day these bike are nothing more then the sum of their parts, a big pile of nuts and bolts looking to be put together in their proper order.

CNRed said:

These are super bikes to work on and restore.
Sometimes it can be a little worrisome to dig into areas where we have never been, but it's all a learning experience.

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And, if you get in over your head, there are always the Forum Gurus here to help you through it.

BC1100S said:

And, if you get in over your head, there are always the Forum Gurus here to help you through it.

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+1 to that. Great community!