Think BMW and you think tourer. The Bavarians build bikes for mature riders, for people who care more about practicality and quality than hooning around, scraping knee-sliders and popping wheelies.
But in the 60s and 70s BMW also built sports bikes. The suffix S to the model designation meant high performance Sport. With the R1100S, BMW has reinstated that great tradition of building potent pared down mile-munchers.
BMW must have known its venerable twin couldn't mix it with the Blade or R1. But with the sports bike market accounting for over 50% of sales, they could still take on sports tourers like the Honda VFR and Ducati ST2.
The 1085cc mill is the most powerful production Boxer ever, pumping out a claimed 98bhp at the rear wheel. It delivers lusty torque from 4000rpm and keeps on pulling past 8000. Power delivery is so silky that you can keep it wound on through the twisties. A smoother rider is a better rider.
The six-speed box is as good as you'd expect on a Jap bike. No clunky changes from this Beemer.
With weight slashed to 229kg and the suspension firmed up, the R1100S even handles like a sports bike.
The anti-dive Telelever front suspension and double-joint Paralever swingarm can be adjusted while you're on the move. Comfort is in the usual BMW league, so you're not looking for a fag and a bacon sarnie after just 100 miles.
ABS was an expensive option, adding £700 to the list price. There were few takers.
The R1100S even looks good - there's a sexy fairing that covers the petrol tank, and twin exhaust cans exit under the taillight just like a 916. But the best bit is the price. The fastest production Boxer cost a bargain £8000 on the road when it was launched in 1999.
A sports bike with heated grips? That'll be the BMW.
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