BMW R1100 RT

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The R1100RT was released in 1996 as a successor to the R100RT and immediately took its place as the most capable touring motorcycle in the world.

In addition to extensive changes to the full fairing, the engine power was increased significantly from 60 to 90bhp, and the capacity increased from 971cc to 1085cc. It had a bore of 99mm, a stroke of 70.5mm, and a 10.7:1 compression ratio, a package which added up to a 131mph top speed and a 0-60 time of 4 seconds.

Incredibly safe and stable, it had anti-lock braking as standard with sophisticated Telelever front suspension and a Paralever swing-arm at the rear. With a 5 ½ gallon tank and 60mpg economy, it had a useful cruising range of 330 miles between fill ups. A hugely competent mile-muncher that could cross continents with ease, it remained in production until 2001 when it was replaced by the R1150RT.

Purchased new by Renault Trucks Midlands Ltd in 2000, this R1100RT was used as a service bike, travelling around with a lap-top computer fixing stranded vehicles. Six old MOTs confirm that it has covered just under 22,000 miles in their hands, although has seen very little use post 2012. The vendor spotted the bike in a corner of their workshop last year and asked if it might be for sale and a deal was done. Alas Renault Trucks had misplaced the handbook and service pack so we are unable to confirm its service history. Its current MOT expires a few days after the sale and it comes with a useful set of panniers.

The vendor, who had a heart-bypass operation a few years ago, found his upper-body strength was not up to long distance touring any more and so has decided that the bike needs to go. He fitted a new gel-battery late last year and reports that the few hundred miles that he has covered on the machine have been very pleasurable and that it is a delight to ride.