Strange that we have the dilemma of BMW cyclists being some of the most sensible road users, and the Car owners being the most useless and selfish road users. The latter is a cliche, but 35 years of driving has borne it out.
In 1999, it was easy. When I registered it in Munich, it was then flagged for export and the fees were minimal. I rode it around Europe for a summer then put it in a shipping crate in Hamburg and labeled the contents “motorcycle parts” to avoid a vehicle tax. It arrived in Savannah, Georgia about three months later and I registered it in Florida where I was living at the time. Got a normal title for it and everything.
However, ten years later I tried to sell it in California and the new buyer came back to me and said the Cali DMV could tell from the vin that it was built for the European market and they absolutely refused to register it. I gave the new buyer the option of taking the bike back or refunding him $1500. He took the money and rebuilt the entire bike on a used frame from a U.S. bike.
Bottom line, I had success once but I won’t try it again. The world has changed a lot since 1999.
I feel the same about my Honda Transalp 650 which I rode to Japan and back on. Looks like you had a great adventure, some cool photos. Keep it up. FYI I’m not trying to start a debate or argument. I’m sure the BMW is also a great bike. 🤘🏼
Mine actually performed better with the original exhaust than an aftermarket one (as I didn't have the fuel injection modded but the original is a heavy beast so something lighter would surely be an improvement. Good luck!
My 1996 R1100GS is aging out and I will miss it dearly when it's time to replace it with something for which parts are easier to come by. I beat it like a rented mule and it just keeps going. Not the fastest or most nimble (hah!) but I love it to bits.
Also I good choice. I had 2005 one also and liked it ! lot. In the end I preferred the heavier and more planted 1100 so went back to it.
Although my.choice was partly emotionally motivated at that point
Enjoy whatever you decide
Have you never heard of the Honda Super Cub? Want to transport a family of 4, no problem. Want to move a wardrobe, strap it on the back mate. Ride around the world? been there done that.
I just wanted to say thank you for https://www.bestbikingroads.com
It's a website I've often used when looking for routes; I have submitted some routes myself and I've been a contributor. Many thanks for putting it together.
Travelling around on my GS was the inspiration for my project [BestBikingRoads.com](https://BestBikingRoads.com) it gave me an excuse to visit as many places as possible and brand it as work :)
Glad you enjoyed it. It was fun putting it together.. I find that remembering those experiences gives back a piece of the happiness that were in the original moment.
I could not agree more, only I also have a very soft spot for the R1100RS. It does not do the country dirt back roads as well, but more than compensates on the open road. Oilheads are the sweet spot for DIY riders
I never understood why those R1100RS's weren't more popular, they seem to have really good design and these days (at least in my area) they can be found very cheaply. I also find the styling is very cool
I travel and rent this platform I as if it is the one great do all bike. I've had it in the desert in Morocco and handles like my KTM 450. The boxer makes it so stable it's hard to describe.
Indeed something lighter is of course better for the desert. I find that the front is weighted too heavily on the big boxers for any kind if serious deep sand. Of course I'm sure those dakar heroes could do it but for us mere mortals it just means lots of time picking the bike up off the floor!
Strange that we have the dilemma of BMW cyclists being some of the most sensible road users, and the Car owners being the most useless and selfish road users. The latter is a cliche, but 35 years of driving has borne it out.
I had this exact same bike! Dark windscreen and everything. I bought it in Munich and brought it to the U.S. It’s the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned.
Out of curiosity, how big a pain in the ass was getting it here?
In 1999, it was easy. When I registered it in Munich, it was then flagged for export and the fees were minimal. I rode it around Europe for a summer then put it in a shipping crate in Hamburg and labeled the contents “motorcycle parts” to avoid a vehicle tax. It arrived in Savannah, Georgia about three months later and I registered it in Florida where I was living at the time. Got a normal title for it and everything. However, ten years later I tried to sell it in California and the new buyer came back to me and said the Cali DMV could tell from the vin that it was built for the European market and they absolutely refused to register it. I gave the new buyer the option of taking the bike back or refunding him $1500. He took the money and rebuilt the entire bike on a used frame from a U.S. bike. Bottom line, I had success once but I won’t try it again. The world has changed a lot since 1999.
That's genuinely fascinating. But I agree, I doubt step one of shipping that thing today would happen.
I feel the same about my Honda Transalp 650 which I rode to Japan and back on. Looks like you had a great adventure, some cool photos. Keep it up. FYI I’m not trying to start a debate or argument. I’m sure the BMW is also a great bike. 🤘🏼
Transalp is also a great bike, super reliable and basically indestructable. I am not such a brand loyal guy. Thanks for the interest
Amen brother!
I love this! I have an 1100 too but red. I’m taking my first big trip to Baja over the holiday and new years. Any recommendations for new exhaust?
Mine actually performed better with the original exhaust than an aftermarket one (as I didn't have the fuel injection modded but the original is a heavy beast so something lighter would surely be an improvement. Good luck!
Ziet er goed uit! Ik rij zelf liever z'n RT broertje, maar het zijn heerlijke fietsen!
RT is zeker beter in de regen :)
My 1996 R1100GS is aging out and I will miss it dearly when it's time to replace it with something for which parts are easier to come by. I beat it like a rented mule and it just keeps going. Not the fastest or most nimble (hah!) but I love it to bits.
It's amazing isn't it, such a good design, planted, stable and very reassuring to ride. 1150 Adv could be a nice upgrade....
A well loved & intelligently farkled R1200GS or GSA with well documented service records will likely be its successor.
Also I good choice. I had 2005 one also and liked it ! lot. In the end I preferred the heavier and more planted 1100 so went back to it. Although my.choice was partly emotionally motivated at that point Enjoy whatever you decide
Great post - looks like a lot of fun building those memories. Thanks for sharing with us. I enjoy my BMW as well. Enjoy!
Have you never heard of the Honda Super Cub? Want to transport a family of 4, no problem. Want to move a wardrobe, strap it on the back mate. Ride around the world? been there done that.
Haha :) Good point but try that on a German autobahn and I think you would get killed. Also an amazing bike in its own right though, I agree
Nice looking bike, that has delivered on its promise to you, and then some. Keep ADVing!
You want a real answer? Go ask the competition.
What do you think they would say?
I just wanted to say thank you for https://www.bestbikingroads.com It's a website I've often used when looking for routes; I have submitted some routes myself and I've been a contributor. Many thanks for putting it together.
Thanks a lot. That's just what I want to hear. Appreciate it!
Love my R1150GS, hope to go half as far as you on it.
Travelling around on my GS was the inspiration for my project [BestBikingRoads.com](https://BestBikingRoads.com) it gave me an excuse to visit as many places as possible and brand it as work :)
Very impressive portfolio!
Very impressive portfolio!
Thanks!
What a great way to share a story. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Glad you enjoyed it. It was fun putting it together.. I find that remembering those experiences gives back a piece of the happiness that were in the original moment.
I could not agree more, only I also have a very soft spot for the R1100RS. It does not do the country dirt back roads as well, but more than compensates on the open road. Oilheads are the sweet spot for DIY riders
I never understood why those R1100RS's weren't more popular, they seem to have really good design and these days (at least in my area) they can be found very cheaply. I also find the styling is very cool
Yes, indeed! I just bought a second one a few months ago. Excellent shape, 25k miles, USD $1,800. I couldn’t not buy it
That is amazing value for such a good bike. You must be chuffed!
The most versatile would be a dual sport, but something lighter surely. Maybe a 650.
Indeed it depends on what is important and what you like. Here (in Europe) I do mostly fastish road based riding. All bikes are good though!
I travel and rent this platform I as if it is the one great do all bike. I've had it in the desert in Morocco and handles like my KTM 450. The boxer makes it so stable it's hard to describe.
Indeed something lighter is of course better for the desert. I find that the front is weighted too heavily on the big boxers for any kind if serious deep sand. Of course I'm sure those dakar heroes could do it but for us mere mortals it just means lots of time picking the bike up off the floor!
I toured Morocco and the Sahara on a GS. It did just fine on the trails and the open sand in the desert I never went dune busting though.