Good morning K100 fans, I'm a new forum member from Puyallup, WA.  My interest in the K100RS model started in May of 1985 in Zweibrucken, Germany.  The morning of my second day in Germany as a newly assigned pilot to Zweiburcken Air Base, I left my hotel room and was looking for breakfast in the public market, city center Zweibrucken, that's when I spotted my first K100RS in the flesh.

I currently ride a KTM 640 Adventure, 300EXC and a BMW R1150GS.  I had my first experience riding a K100RS on Friday.  I was surprised how heavy the steering was at slow speeds compared to my 1150, but 30 years of advancement does payoff in the newer bikes.  At speed I was pleased with the ride, power delivery and gear box.  I did find myself looking for a 6th gear, just like my KTM 640.

My experience on the RS firmed up my interest in finding one for myself.  What a sweet machine.  Takes me back to my 2nd Lt days and the three great years of my life spent in Germany.

Welcome to the forum too.

I have not owned newer bikes either, love the K100 but I don't find steering heavy. They are quite sensitive to tyres, as in not having old hard tyres and having the correct tyre pressures. Front tyre generally will be a 100 or 110 if its on Y wheels. Some times if they have been off road for a while the head bearings can be come a little stiffer. You can also pull the fork stanchions up about 10mm and that will make a difference as it drops the front slightly and will make the bike fall into corners a little better. A little use of rear brake helps to drop it in too.

I have been riding my son's Honda VFR800 Vtec a bit and he was dumbfounded to find its only 4kg lighter than the K100RT. To me it feels heavier but it does go quick! However as he found out it didn't lose the K when he tried it.

I can't compare with the 1150 but Comberjohn on the forum has one as well as a long history of K100s and could probably comment on that.

You should become aware of K pox. You get one K and it will need a mate so a second one comes along.......

Welcome Nordstrom30.  I think you'll have no trouble finding a nice example of the K100RS or K1100RS at a very reasonable cost. They do have their quirks, as all machines do, but they can be a very satisfying travel companion after you get to know them.

G'Day from WA down under, have a look around as there is a wealth of info here.
cheers
td5

Welcome to the forum from an OZ member who currently resides in neighbouring Fife, WA!

Agreed, the early K series do steer somewhat 'slowly' compared to the newer stuff, but tyre selection is important. I prefer the bias ply but radial-like Pirelli Sport Demon for excellent turn in, albeit, with a bit less mileage lifespan compared to other 'harder' options like Battlax, Lasertec, Macadam/Pilot Activ, & etc. One gives up something for something. There is no 'wears like iron, sticks like glue' in the real world.

As for the hunt for an elusive sixth gear; just go a bit faster or let 'er rev higher in any gear and she'll be right, mate.

Ditto what Olaf says about tyres and steering head bearings. Remember that these bikes are twenty five or thirty years old now.
Possibly, some of the heavy feel may be down to the forward riding position of the RS. I've always found a naked K100 with a decent set of tyres can be thrown about quite well.
Difficult to compare to my other bike, an R1200GS twin cam.
The suspension is much more compliant and I do like the way the front end doesn't dip under hard braking. Sixth gear is good, too.
High 50's mpg(UK gallons) easily achievable.
The two have different characteristics and it's nice to have both.
The brick is a fiddlers dream, though. Hours of fun. 
Welcome to the forum by the way.