My first bike was a much maligned Deauville. After almost 2 years, I was aware of its limitations and fancied something with a bit more performance. After test riding quite a few bikes (VFR, Pan, Varadero, FJR1300, 1150RT) I bought a new R1150RS because I really like compromises - now what sort of reason is that for buying a motorbike ?

I couldn't find the same blend of comfort, handling, performance, character and practicality in any other bike that I looked at. That general competence might make it too bland for some, in the same way that many people slate the VFR for being boring.

What do I think about the bike ? Well, Wiglaf's mordantly witty R1100RS review says it all really, in better words than I could manage, so I'll just mention the differences between the 1150 and the 1100.

There are some worthwhile improvements: The 1150 engine gives you fifty more cubes and five whole extra bhp over the 1100. The new six speed box is less clunky, and has an overdrive top gear for economical cruising.  You get BMW's EVO brakes, which offer incredible stopping power, especially with the optional ABS. This also comes at the extra cost of 750 quid and a lack of feel and progressiveness at the lever. The wheels are a lighter 5 spoke design, as seen on the 1150R and RT, and do look nicely up to date.

The bodywork is the much same as the 1100, but you get clear indicator lenses (at the front only, bean-counter involvement ?) for the crucial rice-boy look, and a much larger and more effective adjustable windscreen than the old bike. There is no half-faired version any more, the R1100S having put paid to that. The bike sports a 17 inch rear, for wider choice of sticky rubber in 170 section. The clutch is now hydraulic, and the bike has the updated switchgear as seen on the RT, which has a better layout and ergonomics than the old machine.

A few niggles have come up on mine: The front shock started spewing oil after 200 miles (replaced under warranty); the heated grips could be hotter; the adjustable bars can't be adjusted because the clutch pipe then fouls the instruments, and finally it surges a bit around town. The dealer is waiting on a fix for the bars, and there is a simple Motronic code plug change that should fix the surging. Finally, you have to hope that of the three possible OE tyre fitments, you get MEZ4s or D205s, and not bloody Macadam M90s, like I did.

I've done just over 1000 miles so far, and I really like the bike. It's fast enough for me, as solid as a rock on the motorway, fun on back roads, and comfy, although I'm looking forward to getting the bars adjusted.  Like Wiglaf says, you just look forward to riding it every time, and what better reason is there for owning any bike.

I'm doing an RS website at http://www.employees.org/~tw/rrs , with a BBS for people to contribute.