Let's see, during my last tour, 5000 miles on my 99 R1100S, I did a top speed run of 122mph verified via GPS, at 6K feet elevation with full bags, a large Rev-Tec tail pak and the expanded BMW tank bag all loaded down for a camping tour and myself weighing in at 230# plus the weight of my leathers, maybe another 20 pounds.

While it is no Yamaha R1, the R1100S is an eminently capable touring and sport machine. My bike niether surges or buzzes and I routinely do 12-14 hour days in the stock saddle when on tour. I'm 40 years old and gots my share of aches and pains, but not from my S...

The R11S is a little vibier than the 1150s, no doubt. But even still, I think your issue had more to do with weight on the wrists. The GS is basically "sit up and beg," and your wrists are weight-free.

The R1100S specs are 98hp @7,500 and 70lb/ft @5,750. 70lb/ft is great torque, and there's plenty of power there to pull a 1/4 mile in the 12s and to get one going plenty fast in the twisties. The thread you referred to is full of guys making 130-140 mph top speeds; one or two guys could have abnormal issues. (I know Lorenfb is a big advocate of tuning specs way off from factory). Mine will pull through 120 indicated with plenty left over in quick order. If your defination of fast or slug has to do with acceleration times, then this bike isn't on the radar. But to a less than expert rider, these things are faster on the twisties on real-world roads, as you may have noticed with your GS. That BIKE article had the R11S finishing a major loop "a full ten minutes faster than the Ducati 999." This, coming from a squid-oriented Brit bike mag...

Some of the earlier ones and the BoxerCups have the lower clip-ons. I don't find those riding postions troublesome, but I don't have much experience other than sitting on them on the showroom floor. The higher bars of the standard models are (to me) the perfect balance of sporty and comfortable. 300-400 mile days are a non-issue, and I hate low bars. And IMHO 4-cylinder vibes are much more unpleasant than twin vibes.

Steve - Yeah, mine were the low clip-ons. Combine the low bars with 16 hour riding days full of twisties and downhill hard braking, and I was one thrashed individual. Towards the end of the trip, I was used up after only 50 miles each day. I did 760 miles on the GS in one day on my last trip, so I'm no stranger to long days in the saddle. Maybe the standard bars make a huge difference.

As far as handling, I race 250 two-smoke GP bikes. So, the 1100S was a huge pig to me. Of course, it wouldn't seem like that to others riding larger bikes. Hey, its just my perspective based on my experience. Your mileage may vary!!!

Richard, I needed you instructing me at the track today ;)

I did manage to scrape my boot though...and have one off-track but kept the rubber side down DOH!

I saw that as your perspective ...your experience. No problem.
I bought my '99 w/2k miles on it, PO added the hi-bars. I'd not want the low bars, no way, hose.
I put Ferracci clamps on my 996S to heighten the bar angle. Much better feel/comfort.
As far as the R11S feeling like a 'pig', I can see that for you after being on your smokers.
When I switch from my smaller bikes, like the Mito 125, same deal for me.
To me, that BMW telelever front end is the deal...there are times when my 996S feels less nimble than the R11S...due to that front end.
.
Also, and most importantly, the Ohlins system totally transforms the bike. Stock suspension is primitive, at best.
.
Ride safely.
.
Boil 'n row. ;)
.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116976039.jpg

Hey Todd - Streets is a blast on a bike, eh??? How about that right turn bowl - forget the corner number. Tell us more!!! Any pics?

cross posted from the main board:

Well, stupid is as stupid does, so today was my first track day on two wheels. The Motorcycle Training Center, who does the MSF course, also does track days. Pretty good deal...$110 for Streets of Willow, includes lunch, drinks, snacks. Two run groups (fast and slow) and 20 minute sessions means a ton of track time. I did my usual 5am or so wakeup but instead of packing the 911, it was a tank bag and backpack on the bike:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116976321.jpg

So my "pit area" is what I could carry. Turns out that out of about 60 or so riders, I was one of two that rode there (the other guy had a VFR). Everyone else trailered or trucked their bike. Wimps.

So tech inspection was pretty lax...just need to have mirrow removed or taped and no brakelights. Rules of the track were a bit different that a car DE. No looking back allowed. Passing anywhere but only on the outside. That makes it interesting since the "race line" is often way outside, so people are encourage to ride mid track and then hit tight apexes.

I was at an advantage and disadvantage knowing the track. It was great because I know the apexes, rough spots, funny camber bits, etc. It was bad because a motorcycle isn't a car, and I would get into places that I knew I could be with my car and say, "hmmm..." For instance on the first run session after a couple of laps I was feeling sassy having passed some guys where were brutal slow in the corners (but of course they gunned it on the straights and I didn't have the power to catch them...that sounds familiar). So I do a couple passes, then hammer out of the bowl, into the chicane, have a little left into a tricky downhill left and realize I don't know what the f*ck I'm doing. Luckily I wasn't completely stupid...I just headed straight off track into the dirt, got off the throttle, and rode straight. I scrubbed some speed, then came back on track waaay off the racing line and headed straight to the hot pits. So much for my ego for the rest of the day ;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116976724.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116976754.jpg

Oh, and here's a smokin' 16 (?) year old named Heidi...daughter of one of the guys who runs the track day. Egad...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116976801.jpg

And a spectator:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116976833.jpg

After the first run session I stopped by a guy who was doing suspension tweaks for 10 bucks. I chatted him up and he has a Daytona 600 project bike he's finishing up, and digs Triumphs, so I plunked down a ten and let him have at it. He changed rebound and compression on the front, adjusted preload and rebound on the rear, and did another tweak on the front. It took me a few laps to get used to it, but much better behaved through the turns. I started to sort of get the hang of it (and managed to scrape a boot even):
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116976989.jpg

And luckily I made it through the day without getting on the board of shame:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116977024.jpg

After one more run session following lunch, I packed up and headed back to LA (around 2pm). Winds were nasty on the freeway, and I left early because I knew I'd be whipped. I have a great appreciation for the guys who really ride fast on the track. It is damn scary, and incredibly physical. It is really hard work to toss the bike around, and get your body positioned for each corner. I think I'll do one or two a year to keep sharp and work on things, but I'll stick with 4 wheels to concentrate of serious speed and competition. But quite fun, and I think it will help my car handling skills too. The way you have to sense what's going on and use peripheral vision should translate well to the car.

What were the temps there at the track? We escaped Phoenix just before the mercury topped 105F but on I-10 near Palm Springs it climbed to 110F. That's a long day on the bike considering you rode there. When I decide on a date I'll probably drive up in the truck. So did you spring for new gear (leather, boots) or did you go with what you had?

Oops forgot to ask, the guy who did your suspension tuning, was he one of the instructors or a classmate. Would love to have someone do the same on my bike.

Here's the info on Dave who did the tuning:

http://www.crstuning.com/

Temps weren't bad...I'd say upper 80's. My bike was running in the upper 80's too...normal is 81C, but in traffic it easily hits 105C (then the fan comes on). Never saw 100C on the track. Plus it seems like the engine is running better after the track day. Kinda like the 911.

I ran what I had...textile jacket that is too big, textile pants, and boots that are too short. I felt a little exposed. I'm definitely getting a perforated leather jacket next (either Kobe or Vanson) and probably some proper boots. My jacket is fine in winter when the liner is in, but it too big/loose during warmer temps.

That looks like a great way to spend a day! Today the boots, tomorrow a knee or two. Way to go

more random pics:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987232.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987251.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987271.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987284.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987306.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987764.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987774.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987784.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116987796.jpg

Helluva workout on that tire for your first moto track day. :)
But, as you said on the R1100S board, you're an experienced rider.
.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads5/tireBig1116976989.jpg
.
'Enjoyed your report.
.
Ride safely.
.

any more "random" pics of Heidi and the spectator?

:p

that looks way too fun....too bad our track here sucks really bad.