S1000XR

[tanneman]

I briefly test rode the XR last September. Not much to have a decent idea of the bike, but one thing that I noticed is that it is "heavier" than my 1200GSA on the front end, maneuvering at lower speed (filter through traffic), etc.

The bike felt like it "sat" on the rear end a lot, even when negotiating corners at speed.

I got the same feeling but only around the straight ahead position at low speeds. Good lock to lock on the handlebars but not as confidence inspiring as the GSA. Yes it does squat, both bikes. I guess the spring is a bit lighter because the BMW test riders have lost weight. Most notable with luggage or pillion. Don't let it distract you from a having a good time on it. I would like to give the S1000R a go. Its bigger brother is absolutely mental. Hooking 3rd @ a 135 the front wheel is still light. Thanks but no thanks.

[er-minio]

I briefly considered switching from the GSA to the XR, but, various considerations/excuses/lies to myself in no particular order:
- not really a point, but, as said, seems like I can get the GS turn onto itself in traffic, not the same with the XR. That is a massive plus for me considering I have to handle the GSA like a Vespa in London traffic

- takes much more effort to go fast with the GS, safer license

- this is actually important to me: the GSA is bigger and taller

- more space to load/strap down random stuff on GS

- I think I'll have significantly more tyre life on the GS rather than what on the XR... considering I'm using it for commuting as well, it's good

- GS it's an older bike (again, commuting)

- I suddenly realised I had no money to spend on it

[JamesL]

Noted Ian Hutchinson's twin records in the TT Superstock on a S1000RR; looks like it's potentially best in class on real roads? What's the difference to the XR?

[Blackal]

Noted Ian Hutchinson's twin records in the TT Superstock on a S1000RR; looks like it's potentially best in class on real roads? What's the difference to the XR?

Surely - single win in superstock?

Twin win in 600cc supersport, though

Al

[boxerscott]

By comparison getting back on the GSA felt like riding an armchair, comfortable and easy to ride with good visibility.

Does it?

I briefly test rode the XR last September. Not much to have a decent idea of the bike, but one thing that I noticed is that it is "heavier" than my 1200GSA on the front end, manouvering at lower speed (filter through traffic), etc.

The bike felt like it "sat" on the rear end a lot, even when negotiating corners at speed.

Maybe that is because there has to be a trade off with the perverted power it produces, it aint a sportsbike lets not kid ourselves, sportsbikes put the riders mass over the front end. It`s a trade off thing giving old/big guy some comfort and power

[Blackal]

Maybe that is because there has to be a trade off with the perverted power it produces, it aint a sportsbike lets not kid ourselves, sportsbikes put the riders mass over the front end. It`s a trade off thing giving old/big guy some comfort and power

It'd be interesting to see what a sportsbike would make of Pikes Peak.

I wonder if a 1298 would outrun a Multistrada?

If an S100XR would outrun an S1000RR?

(an F1 car will outrun a Pikes Peak rally car - up the hill at Goodwood)

Just sayin'

Al

[boxerscott]

Not saying it is slow, not saying it is a bad bike, in the right hands it would be mega. Just trying to reason why it may feel light at the front end. It certainly is not a popular bike unlike it`s Austrian, Italian and Bavarian rivals. It is not bespoke either or in a class of one. Sales back up what I am saying.

Conversely a Ducati 1200 panni was purely built for the track with no pretence for anything else.

With power comes responsibility.

[er-minio]

it aint a sportsbike lets not kid ourselves, sportsbikes put the riders mass over the front end

Completely agree.
But what surprised me is that I'm used to have more mass over the front end of my 1200GSA that properly isn't a sportsbike and it's not even trying to be


I've spoke with some people who told me that the new WC GS feels "sat" as well.
If that is the case (or it might be popular belief ) it might be that BMW is making these new bikes "easier to digest" to a different type of potential customers.

[boxerscott]

Aye , well mannered, well balanced that's why it sells massively, also a shaftie and not chain driven. If you can ride round the issues with these fire breathing sports adventure bikes with 180bhp then I take my hat off to all Parishioners. Need to hear from the Parish of Power.

[Blackal]

Al, have you looked at the Yamaha MT10 Or would that be to much like the R1.(it is de-tuned one) Does look good though and at 10k a lot cheaper than the others.

Had a quick look at the MT10 on paper - it doesn't appeal. There are a lot of naked bikes the same from all the major makers.

Al

A fella at work has a hankering after an MT10 (He's got an R-1 just now) - and my interest has been partially revived in the MT.

Not sure how it would suit the 500m day on the French autoroutes at 85mph, though.

With accessories - could be looking at around £11k

Al

[Blackal]

Well...... had a couple of hours on an MT-10 (without screen) -and liked most of it!

Good - handling, weight, riding position, power, torque, electronics and instruments

Bad - engine/exhaust noise, Tank size (only 17L),

So - it could actually be the bike I am looking for!

Had some fun with the computer:







Al

[Al]

You forgot the rim tape.

Al.

[slparry]

Well...... had a couple of hours on an MT-10 (without screen) -and liked most of it!

Good - handling, weight, riding position, power, torque, electronics and instruments

Bad - engine/exhaust noise, Tank size (only 17L),

So - it could actually be the bike I am looking for!

Had some fun with the computer:

Al

Chatting with an owner in the car park at work the other day and he said he loved the bike but hated the range. He reckoned it was 90 mile range which meant on a motorway with fuel 60 miles apart he was having to stop at every service station

[Blackal]

Chatting with an owner in the car park at work the other day and he said he loved the bike but hated the range. He reckoned it was 90 mile range which meant on a motorway with fuel 60 miles apart he was having to stop at every service station

90m on 17 ltrs? seriously?

a modern, high performance/efficiency engine - getting less than a 1999 boxer twin???

aye - right!

[Al]

A friend has one, he reckons 39mpg according to the bike(trip computer?) IF you can ride sensibly he manages about 130 miles a tankful.

Al.