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NEWBIE
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:32 pm
by Dave H
Hi
Just joined and trawling through the past topics. Going for a test ride tomorrow on a 04 boxer cup with only 4000miles on.
Is there anything I need to be aware of, or read up on more.
presently running a blackbird but bored to death with it, time for something different
Thanks
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:15 pm
by madman
My wife went from a Blackbird to the 1100S and now she would never go back. I think you would need a long test ride to realise what fun the 1100 is.
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:34 pm
by stoney
Nice one Dave. Good to have another local trixster. Where are you going rainbow or Jeffries?
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:37 pm
by Motostratos
You will enjoy it, but you may not understand why on a short test ride

I bought my '04 BCR new, after many years of revvy jap four cylinders and took me a while to realise, that you don't need to rev the nackers off it to get anywhere fast
Use the fab torque properly and it is blinding, along with the confidence inspiring handling
Mine gets used for commuting, short and long haul touring and the odd track day and how many bikes do all of that v. well ? Totally brilliant.
BUY IT !!
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:54 pm
by Dave H
stoney, its a visit to rainbow, are they any good. they have advised a couple of hours road test.
Motostratos i'm not from the revvy 4 background had mostly V twins, last one was a rosso corsa moto guzzi lemans, so not going in completely blind
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 4:56 pm
by skiddy boxers
presently running a blackbird but bored to death with it, time for something different
Gromit are you listening

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 5:21 pm
by stoney
Dave H wrote:stoney, its a visit to rainbow, are they any good. they have advised a couple of hours road test.
You won't go wrong with rainbow. I prefer dealing with Ian or Shaun rather then Nathan on sales.
Let us know how it goes.
Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 5:40 pm
by doghouse
Only had mine a 1100s a few weeks having come from a succession of jap fours, so here's my thoughts for what there worth.
It will vibrate more than your used to but dont let that put you off as its not the numbing variety and fades into the backround as you get used to it.
The switchgear is a bit of a pig until you get used to it, again not a reason not to buy it.
It will seem a bit underpowered compared to a blackbird but all the power is usable, and the suspension means your faster into your favorite corners , which is a nice bonus.
As previously mentioned they do take a bit of getting used to, you will not get a real feel for it on a test ride, they are definately a bike that grows on you so don't go by your initial impression.
The build quality is not what you might think, so have a good look around for corrosion. With such low miles check the suspension adjusters aren't seized.
Word on the forum is these engines take a lot of miles to run in, so with only 4000 miles it will improve a bit as far a smoothness etc is concerned.
If you really fancy a change and want a bike for real life road riding they're a good bike.
(The above is the opinion of Doghouse and should not be confused with fact or the opinions of the more knowledgable.)

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 7:54 pm
by ianbcr
dave,you can check to see if the cat has been removed,but you wont know if its been chipped unless they know because its under the tank.but if the cat is still on,it aint done,had mine 1yr and love it but i had to do the afore mentioned myself as it came bog standard, also having a TLR1000 the first thing i noticed was,"god a bike that actually corners". being 6'7" i find the bcr most comfy,with the high seat thats what first bought my attention to it, with its looks, you dont see many about. i think you will be pleasently supprised.
Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 8:34 pm
by Dave H
Had the test ride, disappeared for three hours.
compared to the blackbird
the gearbox is clonky, vibrates at 4k mirrors blur but smooth out above.
apears to have no power to speak of, and why the hell is it so tall. I'm 5'10 and was on tip toe.
pulled over ( couldn't find the stand at first) switched head to Moto guzzi mode and it then Gelled.
BOUGHT IT
54 plate BCR Y piece, luggage, 2 new tyres. don't know if its chipped
collect next Saturday
rode back on the blackie, very very quick, but very sterile. it also felt heavier in the corners compared to BCR
Just got to remember the legs are a bit on the short side when I stop
Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 10:36 pm
by boylucifer
I don't often comment on here... but the post above made me feel that I really needed to. I can sympathise - a lot - with the 5'10, and tiptoes comment..... November of last year I agreed a deal with a private seller in north Wales and drove down without ever having ridden one (in fact I think I possibly hadn't ever seen an '04 BCR in the flesh) and when the guy opened the shed/garage my dad said there was a look of outright horror on my face. We had just came down the steepest, potholed, 'track' of a driveway and I couldn't see any chance at all of being able to ride it out of there..... ah well, I handed over the cash, rode it home (300 or so miles), made an appointment to take it for a new rear tyre and 1000 miles later I love it...