Initial impressions and Screens (again...)

[somedaynow]

Hi all,

Introductions already done on the em, Introductions section.

I have a 2010 4,700 mile model, have had it for three days and would appreciate some advice. Had my chance to to take it for my first decent spin yesterday and found a couple of problems. I bought this bike in the hope of doing some (much) touring but the screen problem is actually worse then I thought from test rides, especially as it appears to be affecting The Provider of Comfort on the back just as badly. So much so that she didn't enjoy the trip and despite looking forward to the first time us owning a bike with a top box, found she didn't lean against it once because she was hiding behind me to try and get out of the wind! The wind was so bad the intercoms were useless. So, not much comfort likely to be provided from that provider then unless I get my act together..................

Now I've read all the screen threads, and it seems as if it is very much a case of keep buying and fitting screens until you strike it lucky but where do I start? Which one do I buy first? Any concensus on where to start? For the record I am a shade under 6' tall.

Second issue was the vibration/buzzing. Wow. My right hand was numb after just a hour, and believe me that hand can give take some abuse. Won't be able to get much touring in at this rate. Reading the threads it seems that my first port of call is to have the engine mounting bolts and exhaust header bolts loosened off then re-tightened using a torque wrench. Correct? My problem is the bike was privately bought and I am uncomfortable taking it into a dealer with detailed instructions such as these and then claiming it under a warranty issue, so it will have to wait for another three thousand miles until it gets serviced. Its a pity as these two issues will seriously hamper clocking up the miles.

Apart from those two big issues, I find the bike is very easy to handle at low speeds, don't find it top heavy at all as some claim. It looks lovely, a great sight to see sitting in your driveway or when you open the garage. Very easy to end up going muuuuuch faster than you realise, and the engine feels so powerful and smooth, although I am somewhat surprised at the relative (to the capacity) lack of torque, finding in any gear it is best to drop a cog to really kick off. I (we) also find it very comfortable, but does anyone else find it very slow to turn in? Is there some way to quicken this up, a change in the rear suspension settings maybe? Having said that I still think it is the only tourer on the market that has a bit of 'character', is still a rebel that refuses to use a pipe and slippers.

But none of these things are a major problem, just the vibration and the screen, both of which could result in a short ownership period unless I can resolve quickly and yet at the same time I really want to do some distance on it.

Looking forward to hearing your opinions on the above and thanks in advance.

[Kawdolph]

Well good luck with the screen ,i bought the cee baileys ultra nice and quiet but it does put the draft on my neck ,picking screen seems to be like finding eldorado start with the cheeper screens you never know you might find the right one there.The bussing from what i have read check torque on engine mount bolts

[Hans]

When I run solo with stock windscreen everything seems okay! When I take the wind screen up in the top position, then there is some noise and a slightly better protection from wind. I can forget about having my wife on the back seat with "stock wind screen" - there is too much turbulence.

So I tried MRA with LIP, which is much better - but only when I'm driving solo.

Now I have bought Puig (+12 cm tinted), providing a perfect experience when I'm driving solo. When my wife is co-driver, then I will put the screen up to the upper position when I drive faster than 100km / h. This provides a perfect balance between noise, wind and turbulence. The march-speed approx. 150-160km / h when we drive the Autobahn fits perfectly. Puig is the screen which I like best.

I am attaching a picture where you can see Puig mounted. Although the screen is +12 cm higher than normal it seems actually quite nice. I can only recommend Puig - find them new or used on Ebay.

[Andy]

Here's a link to settings;

http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php?action=dlattach%3Btopic%3D485.0%3Battach%3D379

Setting the rear pre-load (28 clicks with pillion) might jack up the back & speed turn in (as does a touch of brake / back off gas), OE tyres possibly shot?

I'm 5' 11.75 and I've got a CalSci screen which is 3" taller thank 2010/11 OE screen & suits me fine.

Had my ECU re-programmed which has improved throttle responce & power / torque. I agree not good for a 1400...

Mine has normal 4 cylinder "buzz" but not annoying, just leave it in 3rd  :)

[Kwikasfuki]

Unfortunately the screen issue isn't a one type fits all. My gut feeling is that you need to try one of the Calsci screens. I'm very happy with mine. Might be an idea to locate a GTR owner near where you live who has a Calsci and try it out?

As for the vibration issue, there are a few things to try.

1. Mounting/header bolts
2. Tank mounting bolts
3. Insert a washer between the grip and bar ends
4. Get heavier bar ends
5. Cruise control  ;D

Interesting on my recent trip I felt a lot of vibration on the first day. The following day there was nothing, and that was at the same speed. Don't know what happened, but it just went away.

[Lonewolf]

I have a Cee Baileys screen which came with the bike. I'm only 5'11" and I have no problems whatsoever. I do have to have the screen fully extended, but that doesn't bother me. If its really warm I'll knock it down an inch or so and then welcome the cool air.

The turning in issue... the standard tyres which were on the bike when I bought it, (Bridgestones) were appalling and I'm not afraid to say that on many corners my GTR wanted to go straight on. I recently fitted the Michelin PR3's and they are excellent. Instant response and I have 100% confidence in them. However I appreciate you cannot go on and on changing & tweaking things forever, there comes a time when you either get on with the bike or you dont.

As for the vibration from the rigth bar, yeah its there, although only very slightly, you get used to it and just ignore it. 

[Boomer]

Screens I like my CalSci +6" (over the 2008 screen) but then I am 6'4".
You could try the Puig or the CalSci Large or the Cee Baileys Euro-cut.
Anything around 4" - 5" (10cm - 13cm) taller than the 2008 screen should work well for touring 2-up.

As for the buzz, the cheapest thing to try is to not grip the throttle too hard.
If you hold it hard then you get all of the buzz.
A looser grip is more comfortable anyways.

I have Grip Puppies over-grips on mine which should work with the 2010 heated grips.
They do make the grips fatter but definitely less buzz.
Heavier bar ends also help massively.

Turn-in is the OEM Bridgecrap tyres.
Fit Michelin PR2/PR3 and forget about it.

If yer anywhere near Essex come see me one weekend and we can swap my CalSci screen over and you can go for a spin with it.

[Lonewolf]

Just Googled Grip Puppies, never heard of them before. Just watched a You Tube clip on them and they look like they could help. Thanks for the advice.  ;D

[somedaynow]

Guys,

You are a great bunch, thanks for your answers. I checked and (unfortunately) the front was very recently replaced with another BT021, so maybe that explains the turn in, the rear is ready to be changed now.

What's the consensus on fitting a PR3 on the back, even though there's a new BT021 on the front? 

I will purchase either a Puig or a CalSci large, doesn't seem to be much between them.  Probably try the Puig first as its a quicker lead time. I'll also try a set of heavy bar ends.

Once I get more familiar with the bike an ECU re-map (thanks Andy) would also be interesting.

Thanks again everyone.

[ChrisB]

If you are anywhere near Stockport, south Manchester I have a Powerbronze screen in the loft which I have kept as a spare. you are welcome to come and try it if you give me a day or two notice. I bought my bike a 2009 model, with a screen extension already fitted by the previous owner. We did 1600 miles in france a couple of weeks ago with no problems for me or the wife, but it was difficult to get the screen in he right position and be comfy at high speeds. I am 6ft tall and the wife 5ft tall and the bike has the smaller Kawasaki top box, which bshe was able to lean back on. Saying that, for the cost and purpose the bike is made for, the screen is totally unacceptable and that alone may push me towards a BMW earlier than I expected, or back to Suzuki. My 2005 1200s bandit is much better at deflecting the wind. My Bandit had Bridgestones which gave the same problem you describe. Michelins Roadsport cured the problem and increased confidence in the wet.

[Lonewolf]

Guys,

You are a great bunch, thanks for your answers. I checked and (unfortunately) the front was very recently replaced with another BT021, so maybe that explains the turn in, the rear is ready to be changed now.

What's the consensus on fitting a PR3 on the back, even though there's a new BT021 on the front? 

I will purchase either a Puig or a CalSci large, doesn't seem to be much between them.  Probably try the Puig first as its a quicker lead time. I'll also try a set of heavy bar ends.

Once I get more familiar with the bike an ECU re-map (thanks Andy) would also be interesting.

Thanks again everyone.

I would be inclined to get a PR3 on the rear and at the same time get one put on the front. Get the tyre guy to give you back the BT021 and stick it on Ebay. If its reasonably new someone will buy it. Whilst you may not recoup the full cost of a new PR3 for the front you will at least get something back. If you only change one I dont think you will appreciate the difference the PR3's make.

[Kwikasfuki]

I stuck my BT021s on eBay as a pair and got £120 for them.
PR3s make a huge difference.

[Kwikasfuki]

Just read about Grip Puppies. If I'd known they existed I'd have bought them ages ago rather than changing my grips when they smoothed out.

[Boomer]

The only possible -ve with Grip Puppies is that they do make the throttle fatter.
This can cause problems if you have small hands as you will need to stretch a little further to reach the brake.
Me, I have spades for hands so no worries.

As for the screens, ChrisB you need to buy a CalSci XL.
If you want a sports screen then fit the stocker.
If you want to tour, fit the CalSci.

There is no screen on any bike that does both perfectly.
The BMW K1300GT screen, fairing and riding position is more Tour oriented, the GTR is more sport oriented.
I guess ya pays yer money and takes yer choice.

I tried the K1600GT and GTL at Silverstone and while they are probably more fun to ride than a Goldwing, they are NOT competition for the GTR. Totally different market IMHO.
BMW should call it the FastWing. <LOL>

[Ziderman]

I put a Skid marx extra screen on , with top lip bit...I may change back to the original as was quite happy with it & not to sure about the new one. If it's right up & you shove yer Ass back on the seat a bit real quiet. I just wanted to try another Screen.
I have not yet had Pillion on back. Since Divorced my pillion ( or she Divorced me , cant remember) last Girl friend in Plymouth was not fussed so never bothered , but do miss the ride down from here. The new one I think only likes me as I have a Motor Bike & she coming out Sunday. So will wait to hear what she has to say...