BMW R 1100 RT

In 1998, Kuralt for the New England and Mid-Atlantic rides was a 1998 BMW R 1100 RT. Blessed with BMW's mainstay, the horizontal four-valve flat twin boxer, this bike has a sound and feel as unique as the V-twin's throaty roar. When cruising in top gear it runs like a power drill with 20-inch biceps. The sturdy support of the central suspension strut is immediately noticeable; providing super solid handling.

Though some historians claim Gutenburg's printing press is history's greatest invention, I'd argue that this bike's automatic windshield deserves the honor. You press a handlegrip button and the windscreen rises up to 22 degrees to deflect wind noise, pressure and chill. The only hassle I found was in adjusting the saddle which requires removing the seat and shifting metal bars that raise the elevation. Then again, unless your fondness for chocolate increases the width of your ass, you should only have to do this once.

There are several other distinct advantages: A generous 6.6 gallon tank allows this bike to go for 267 miles (my average) on a tank -- far surpassing the nominal 150 miles I experienced on other bikes. Large diameter discs and motorcycle ABS affords a welcome sense of safety. Egotistically, based on the observations of strangers the R 1100 RT is the best looking bike on the road. While it doesn't have the "cruiser" look, its Deutschland design is a classic in itself. Das ist ein shürn bike!

Return HOME