Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog (2002-current)

I bought this on a whim as I am fortunate o be able to change my bike as and when the mood takes me. I have had bikes for as little as 4 weeks up to 5 months, until now. The Dog I've now had for over a year and I still love it. It zips around Birmingham with no problems, in and out of traffic, pulling quickly away at the lights. I've been touring around the Highlands & Islands. Starts first time every time and good for all day riding. 200 miles plus from a tank full. I F*****G love this bike !!!!

Ive got a 2002 'Dog which I bought 3 months ago after a 3 year break from life on 2 wheels. I wanted a bike that looked good, sounded good and wasnt gonna kill me with 150 bhp. It does all those things - even 9 years from launch it still looks fantastic, it sounds like thunder thru Scorpion cans with the baffles removed, and up to 90 will easily keep up with my mates on their plastic rockets. Its comfortable, the V-twin gives it loads of character, and it handles well enough - this business about it grounding on right hand bends is frankly down to the idiocy of the people riding it - Yamaha never claimed it was a sportsbike so dont ride it like one! Anyway as you can tell I like my Bulldog and interestingly enough, after a few ride-outs my fizzy-4-pot riding mates are starting to make 'I might get one of those next' type noises. Ha!

Had mine from new in 02 paid £5000 then. Have now done over 62K. The only real issue I have had in all this time is that the starter moter seems to give up at exactly 31K. I have just replaced it for the second time, not cheepat £400 a go! but apart from that no mechanical probs. Mine is looking a bit tatty now as I use it all year in all conditions and don't keep it in coton wool for weekend trips out. Simple engine easy to maintain yourself and good mpg. It's not quick and it's not trick but it does the job without trouble and minimal care. Can't ask for more.

I think the MCN review is a bit harsh. I got one of these second hand and it was at good value (depreciation comment correct). I am sure I have done much than your declared top speed, were you riding a restricted one or something, these are rapid up to 80mph, with still quite a lot of 5th left!

This is a classic case of the the whole being more than the sum of the parts. It is beaten in every department but trick it up a bit on the looks front, pop on some loud pipes and wide bars and by golly it is so much fun!

Held off this bike because of poor reviews. Wish I hadn't. Lesson learned. Always liked the look and concept of this bike. Finally got mine, an 03 in silver. Superb. It is a cross between a cruiser and a roadster. Strong and smooth engine. Seperb shaft drive. Nice handler too - in the right hands ofcourse (ignore journo's riding like it's an R6 !!). Fantastic comfort for me, see things I'd not had time to notice before. Great fuel economy too. If you like the look of it - go for it, cos the performance is perfectly acceptable. Take away the worry about that licence!

Love this bike! The sound from the V twin engine and the convenience of the shaft drive, together with the excellent brakes make this a very underated machine. Not really surprising given the UK obsession with sports bikes, but hey, japanese build quality, designed in Italy. You cannot get any better. Main gripe - it needs a sixth gear.

First of all i would like to comment on the above review quoting "The big problem with the Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog is brisk cornering. It simply can’t do a big lean to the right – the header pipe touches down, chamfers briefly, then lifts the front wheel and you’re on your arse. And it feels bum-heavy, too, like you’ve got a washing machine for a pillion." The above review put me off buying one of these fabulous machines ! Lesson learnt dont read reviews written by some bloke who has probably never ridden a Bulldog, mine has hand made pipes but is otherwise standard has more than ample power with just 65hp plus a little bit more from the pipes. Leant well over i have tried to touch the pipes down and i cant. The Torque is awesome much more than i ever had from any of the sports 600's i have owned or ridden. To sum it up try one you will love it bob on a small fly screen good up to 100mph with little wind blast, ride the torque enjoy the maintanance free shaft then check your reflection in the mirror and watch the dirty great grin on yer face ! Enjoy

I've owned this bike for 3 years, it's got a lovely riding position, the engine is a real smoooothie, top speed is @ 110 at red line, but that really is not what it's about. Got the bike for a great price from George White, and overall i'm delighted with it.

Px'd my GSX 600 for this. Well different at first I've never owned a naked before yet alone a big V twin. Over the past year I've sussed it out - its all about riding the torque. Brilliant fun especially coming off corners. Great handling even two up no way will this bike touchdown when leant over. On the motorways I just cruise around 85 but this bikes strength is on the A & B roads - its just so much fun!!! Again lots of interest when parked up.  Strengths: Style, Pillion., Torque, Brakes. Weaknesses:  Not often recognised as bike press ignore it.