Bmw R 1100 S
The Bmw R 1100 S has a top speed of 225 km/h, produces 98 hp and weighs 229 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The BMW R 1100 S was introduced in 1998 as a sport-oriented boxer twin, representing BMW's most performance-focused motorcycle at the time. It featured a revised 1085cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine, Telelever front suspension, and aggressive styling that set it apart from BMW's touring lineup. The R 1100 S was produced until 2005 and earned a strong following for its unique blend of character, handling, and long-distance capability, later giving way to the R 1200 S.
98 hp
Power
100 Nm
Torque
229 kg
Weight
225 km/h
Top Speed
5.5 L/100km (approximately 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Boxer Engine Durability
The air/oil-cooled 1085cc Boxer twin is known to last well beyond 100,000 miles with proper maintenance. Regular valve clearance checks and timely oil changes are the keys to longevity.
Watch the Throttle Bodies
A common issue on the R 1100 S is worn throttle body shaft seals causing rough idle and poor fueling. Always test ride for hesitation or uneven throttle response before buying.
Strong Resale & Collectibility
Produced only from 1999–2005, the R 1100 S is increasingly sought after as a modern classic, helping it hold value better than many bikes of its era. Clean low-mileage examples continue to appreciate.
Generations & Specs by Year
Single generation; 98hp Boxer Twin, sport-touring chassis, ABS optional, minor annual updates throughout production run.
"BMW's overlooked sportbike that actually rewards committed riding."
The R1100S surprised me every time I threw it into a fast sweeper — that low-slung Telelever front end inspires genuine confidence, and the 1085cc boxer pulls hard from 3,500 rpm with a torque delivery that makes sport twins feel nervous by comparison. At 229 kg it's not light, but the mass sits low enough that you stop noticing it after the first canyon run. The seat is punishment after 200 km, the fairing's wind protection is mediocre for a sport-tourer, and the gearbox has that classic BMW notchiness that never fully goes away no matter how well you warm it up. But find a set of mountain roads, crack the throttle at 5,000 rpm, and you'll understand why owners kept these machines well past the point of financial sense.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A rewarding, characterful sportbike that rewards patient, mechanical owners."
$3,500-$7,500 usedThe R1100S is BMW's forgotten sportbike, and honestly that's a shame because it's a genuinely rewarding machine when it's sorted. The Boxer engine has that trademark character — torquey, smooth at speed, and utterly distinctive. It handles better than you'd expect given the engine hanging out like saddlebags, and the Öhlins-equipped Sport package bikes are genuinely capable on a twisty road. This isn't a superbike, but it was never trying to be. Here's the real talk for used buyers: check the throttle bodies obsessively. These need regular synchronisation and neglected examples run rough and hunt at idle. The Telelever front end is brilliantly stable but masks front-end feel — takes adjustment if you're coming from conventional forks. Spline shaft wear is the big one; always ask when it was last lubed. Budget £300-500 for a proper service if the history's patchy. Find a clean, well-documented example and you'll have a characterful, practical sports tourer that costs peanuts to own compared to Japanese alternatives. Abuse one and it'll bite back with expensive repair bills.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Bmw R 1100 S — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, cracked rubber boots between airbox and throttle bodies
Clunking on acceleration, check service history for spline lubrication
ABS warning light on, spongy brakes, inspect modulator for leaks
Noisy top end, ask for valve adjustment records every 6k miles
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid boxer, maintenance-dependent, avoid neglected examples
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Bmw R 1100 S
Bmw R 1200 Rs
Bmw K 1200 S
Bmw K 1300 S
Benelli Tornado 1130
Bmw R 1250 Rs
Compare Bmw R 1100 S Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Bmw R 1100 S vs Bmw R 1200 Rs
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1100 S vs Bmw K 1200 S
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1100 S vs Bmw K 1300 S
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1100 S vs Benelli Tornado 1130
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw R 1100 S vs Bmw R 1250 Rs
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Bmw R 1100 S? +
Throttle body sync and airbox boot cracks: Rough idle, cracked rubber boots between airbox and throttle bodies (moderate) | Final drive spline wear and failure: Clunking on acceleration, check service history for spline lubrication (serious) | ABS module failure and brake system leaks: ABS warning light on, spongy brakes, inspect modulator for leaks (moderate)
Is the Bmw R 1100 S a good motorcycle? +
A rewarding, characterful sportbike that rewards patient, mechanical owners. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting affordable BMW character and practicality. Avoid if: You hate regular maintenance and mechanical involvement.
What is the horsepower of the Bmw R 1100 S? +
The Bmw R 1100 S produces 98 hp @ 7,500 rpm, with 100 Nm @ 5,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 225 km/h.
Is the Bmw R 1100 S good for beginners? +
Not really — the Bmw R 1100 S is better for experienced riders. Experienced riders wanting affordable BMW character and practicality Avoid if: You hate regular maintenance and mechanical involvement
Is the Bmw R 1100 S reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Bmw R 1100 S, notably: Final drive spline wear and failure (Clunking on acceleration, check service history for spline lubrication). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Bmw R 1100 S good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting affordable BMW character and practicality Fuel: 5.5 L/100km (approximately 18 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Bmw R 1100 S? +
The Bmw R 1100 S reaches a top speed of 225 km/h, producing 98 hp at 229 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Bmw R 1100 S? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Bmw R 1100 S, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/bmw/r-1100-s/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
