drj434343
Newbie
I'm contemplating a switch from my R100RS to a R1100RS. I'm pretty familiar with all the potential issues of the R100* models, and have addressed most of them. I feel pretty confident about long hauls on my current bike because of all that work.
Now, in an effort to seek greater comfort but stay within the RS motif, I'm contemplating moving up to a R1100RS. My hope is enjoying greater power and smoothness; better more predictable handling (no nose dive!), and most importantly, a bit more comfort. Cycle Ergo reports only half the lean forward angle on the R1100RS versus R100RS (15 deg vs. 28 deg). That makes my back and arms happy just thinking about rides over an hour.
That said, I've done a lot of reading on the unique set of issues on early oilheads. Here's my list so far.
1. Weak transmissions; shift fork wear causing incomplete engagement and stuttering; then popping out of gear, then rebuild!
2. Paralever bearings?
3. Spline wear and lube issues (M97 and up?)
4. Ignition hall sensor failure at higher mileages
Just like every bike, I can read a litany of stories on both sides; either 100K miles with no issues, or 3 transmission replacements at 30K. That said, I'm hoping to get some advice on two things.
1. For those that have had exposure to both the later airheads and early oilheads, what is your overall impression of their comparative reliability?
2. As I start looking at used R1100's, are there specific things I can do during inspection to investigate the common issues in my above list? Like looking for paralever play while on the center stand, or seeing if I can feel hesitation under acceleration in 3rd gear? Are there tests that are considered good enough to get a decent feel for condition, or should I only consider cream puff full records examples?
Cheers,
Jason
Now, in an effort to seek greater comfort but stay within the RS motif, I'm contemplating moving up to a R1100RS. My hope is enjoying greater power and smoothness; better more predictable handling (no nose dive!), and most importantly, a bit more comfort. Cycle Ergo reports only half the lean forward angle on the R1100RS versus R100RS (15 deg vs. 28 deg). That makes my back and arms happy just thinking about rides over an hour.
That said, I've done a lot of reading on the unique set of issues on early oilheads. Here's my list so far.
1. Weak transmissions; shift fork wear causing incomplete engagement and stuttering; then popping out of gear, then rebuild!
2. Paralever bearings?
3. Spline wear and lube issues (M97 and up?)
4. Ignition hall sensor failure at higher mileages
Just like every bike, I can read a litany of stories on both sides; either 100K miles with no issues, or 3 transmission replacements at 30K. That said, I'm hoping to get some advice on two things.
1. For those that have had exposure to both the later airheads and early oilheads, what is your overall impression of their comparative reliability?
2. As I start looking at used R1100's, are there specific things I can do during inspection to investigate the common issues in my above list? Like looking for paralever play while on the center stand, or seeing if I can feel hesitation under acceleration in 3rd gear? Are there tests that are considered good enough to get a decent feel for condition, or should I only consider cream puff full records examples?
Cheers,
Jason