In 1999, BMW took the most powerful boxer engine it had at the time and made their most aggressive looking bike so far, the BMW R1100S. Over time the used market has considered it more of a sport-tourer than a sport bike (especially thanks to features like optional bags that were the same as what you got on the GS), but it was BMW’s first motorcycle with clipons, rearsets, and a rear cowl.
I have a soft spot for these as I used to own a 2004 model – it still is one of my favorite bikes that I’ve ever owned, but it was unfortunately totaled after a car ran into it when it was parked on the side of a street. A R1200S is a much better “sporty” ride, but the R11 is a surprisingly fantastic all-around motorcycle. Mine had Ohlins suspension and a Vanderlinde exhaust – I absolutely loved it as a touring bike with some spunk (Vy and I even used it for a 2-up trip down the Baja peninsula.)
I love this example as it’s a one owner bike with reasonable miles (33k), it has factory options that make it easy to live with (clipons above the triple clamp, ABS, heated grips, centerstand, factory saddlebags), and it’s got aftermarket extras that make it even better (Wunderlich tail bag, Wunderlich rear hugger, stainless steel brake lines, Corbin seat, Ohlins shocks front and rear, and more). To be frank, if it was in a different color I would have already bought it myself. There’s a chance that I might still buy it anyway…
Find this R11S for sale in for $5,400 here on ADVRider.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by David S!