Prep/BCR major differences

[Biz]

Hi,
I am wondering the differences of these 2 bikes. I like the looks of both. I hear the BCR is allot taller. What are the main differences? I am thinking year models 03 to 05. What would "you" prefer and why?

A couple questions.

Is the riding position pretty aggresive on the stock BCR bars? Are bar risers available for the BCR? Are bags easy to install on the BCR?

Is there any surging/ running issuses with the BCR series? Are they pretty good with the stock exhaust & chip. I guess the main thing, is it good the way it came from the factory or do you have to add stuff to make it run right?

Is there allot of wind off the stock windshields on either model? I demoed the R1200s in Vermont last year and it seemed like a fair amount of air with the stock ws. I thought the bike ran great!

I am thinking of trading or selling my 06 Ducati 800SS. I have 2 BMW's and I like them a little better as an all around bike. I would like to continue to have a sporty bike and these prep/BCR models I really like. I do prefer the BCR though.

Another delema in this decision about a new bike is I used to have a 87 Honda Hurricaine 1000 (bought new) for 18 years and 33,000 miles and it was "fairly" easy to work on. It never needed anything but regular maintanence/wear items you would expect over that many years.

Honda's have been good to me over the years having owned several. So have the BMW's though. The local Honda dealer (others also) right now has some great prices on the 06-07 CBR 1000RR which is very tempting. An $11,500 bike for $8299 (06) $8699 (07). Full warranty (1 year), its close to take the Ducati and trade. There arn't any local BMW dealers to try and trade my Ducati on a prep/BCR.

The biggest thing holding me back is the chain. Although my Huricaine chain needed very little maintanence (even the Ducati isn't that bad) it still had some but then I guess a final drive does also. It is the shaft that keeps me leaning to the BMW.

I like BMW rally's and riders I meet also. I wouldn't want to ride the Honda to those as it may not me as comfortable on really long trips as the prep/BRC. And besides its a BMW rally.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Biz

PS: Thanks in advance for your thoughts

[cyotee01]

There's so many posts on your questions... any many on questions you don't know about yet!

Search the posts for the key words when you have a spare month.

I guess welcome to the board is in order also.

[throttlemeister]

The Prep and BCR are identical apart from the paintjob and unique serial number on the BCR.

[Raging InfeRno]

Well, it depends on the year. The last BCR came with a Laser exhaust.

[R111S]

It's mostly not a rational decision to buy a BMW...you buy it because you've set your heart on it, not your mind.

[Steve Carlton]

BCR has the sport suspension and low bars like the Prep, plus:
- unique paint scheme, including wheels
- CF bellypan and valve covers w/built-in skid plates
- seat cowl
- optional heated grips and ABS in 2004

The 2005 had a unique paint scheme and was the only R1100S taller than the others with a sport suspension. I think it had an extension on the rear shock and taller fork legs in front. It also had a thicker "comfort seat" and Laser mufflers.

I'd encourage getting an '04-05 model, as they have the 2-spark motor which runs a tad better and resists pinging better. They also have an updated transmission. Not a big deal, though.

Compared to other R1100Ss, the riding position is more aggressive. By sport bike standards, it's a couch. You can re-locate the bars above the triple clamp easily, and you can move them even higher with Rapid Dog barbacks. Bags are very easy to add and install.

I think surging was pretty much gone by 2002, and seems to be easy to eliminate with proper tuning. There's lots of ways to make them run better, but probably not necessary. Question- why isn't the Power Commander shown on their site for BMW? Did the starting issue ever get resolved?

I don't think there's a lot of wind on these bikes, but that's a matter of personal preference. The bikes with the low bars have a shorter, "sport" windshield. The others have a taller, "comfort" windscreen. Taller aftermarket screens are available.

A lot of guys much prefer the R1100S to a Japanese sportbike. They have a "soul" and are much more engaging. They're as good as anything on a twisty road and inspire a lot more confidence with their stable and forgiving nature. A lot more versatile too, for long rides and trips. Try one used. The worst that could happen is you'd have to sell it and get most of your money back.

[Biz]

Steve,
Thanks for the detailed description that you gave me. I am certainly leaning towards the BCR 2005 model or 04 model prep/BCR at the oldest. I think it would be more versatal than the Honda. I love my BMW's. Its just a great deal on a new Honda and I have had good experiences with them.

The BMW's probably have more soul than the Honda. I will keep looking as I am not quite decided on what to do with the Ducati.

Biz