A few impressions of my first 46 miles on a 2009, 1400GTR.
Rider Dimensions: 6' 4". 18stone plus in kit. 34" inside leg.
Recent riding experience: From 1999 to 2012 (with a two year break December 2007), BMW K1200RS with 2.5"Bar raisers and Wilbers suspension. Of the touring miles, about 10k were with 5'7" copilot who found it (with the addition of an aftermarket back rest) all very comfy. She also wore an enormous rucksack without complaint.
Priorities (for the first ride) comfort and handling. All those other good things like economy, reliabilty, servicabilty, depreciation etc. come next of course. First ya gotta lurv her!
I was coming from a bike which fitted me like a glove from the start and simply became, as it were, an extension of my aging frame. I always trusted her in both commuting and "pan European" touring situations; often hanging on in the mountain twisties to friends on sportier machines. In short, the bike was better than me.
So, I was really pleasantly surprised at how quickly I felt at home on the GTR. It's weight is very well deployed allowing for almost track stand balance. Despite concerns about the low end, I found it completely tractable in London traffic thereby complimenting the low speed balance.
For quick passed on the 50mph A3, the lingering low end concerns had me dropping to third. She slowed beautifully on the engine to avoid photography.
By now a couple of niggles were coming through. There was a definite sense of slipping forward on the saddle causing an apparent need to prop myself on the bars rather than the lighter wrist feel which most of us favour. Leg bend was somewhat tighter than the K with leather and protection drawn tight at the knee, probably exacerbated by the forward slipping sensation. However, it was nothing to which I could not adapt.
Probably, the most odd comment I will make here is regarding the tank height; it seemed to be far below me and out of sight. I should explain that I have, almost, never ridden the K without my large volume Bagster. When fully expanded, it comes well up my chest; I find it really comfortable (or perhaps, comforting). I would like to compare the actuality of the tank heights. Unnerving would be to over egg "banter" but it felt very strange.
We are now on the derestricted A3: time to fly! Accerating nicely in fourth we swept around the first gentle curve. Into fifth, twist her right ear and then into the bachman turner- nice.
But no! Wait on! Where was the much vaunted rein wrenching, back sliding, bum lifting explosion of top end torque? It was all so smooth! This should really not be taken as a complaint; smooth is good but...........at higher straight line speed the front end seemed a little vague and slightly wondering; not as planted as I am accustomed to; perhaps tires or wheel balance, she is a hire bike after all; you never know what blokes will do on a hire bike; well, I do now!!!
Off the A3 into Guildford, here and there on less familiar traffic laden streets to check, after that first blast the low end again; absolutely fine.
With nose pointed towards Chichester, it's time for a few gentle sweepers (and some tighter ones) with confidant overtaking on the two lane road. Slowly through Petworths one way system and, as mentioned in my other thread, I am in love.
Down the hill to the Seaford College bend, that's the one I did not bother taking, and the trial reaches its abrupt conclusion.
What a bike!!
Having never ridden a K1200 RS I couldn't comment about any comparison between it and the GTR, although I would point out that apart from a very different power band the K1200 RS has a pronounced 'upturn' to the front of the riders seat which would, I suspect give a very different riding position.
The GTR is a deceptive machine in that it looks big and some say heavy, but it rides like a machine of half its weight, it is, therefore a machine which will in some ways deceive an unwary/new rider, as it positively encourages a 'sporty' ride, thankfully it is also a very capable machine and can handle all that is asked of it.
Sure, the GTR has some flaws, show me a bike or a car that hasn't, also every rider will have their own opinion which is ususlly based upon past experience.
So.....Nok 12 I'm left wondering what your plans are regarding a possiblee GTR purchase ?
I'm also pleased that you are ok and have come through the experience
ditto what oc said. Also, nicely written post and cracking title Grommit!!
Quote from: kwarrgtr on March 23, 2012, 08:14:38 AM
ditto what oc said. Also, nicely written post and cracking title Grommit!!
Thanks mate.
So.....Nok 12 I'm left wondering what your plans are regarding a possiblee GTR purchase ?
I'm also pleased that you are ok and have come through the experience
Thanks Mr O.C. And, to your question; I need to get may head straight regarding my riding future. Lapses of concentration, however slight, and rare, (my first I believe) are not really acceptable for us bikers. Future insurance quotes will doubtless enforce this despite it being my first ever claim or accident. As the old Greek fisherman said "..........and then you just shag one goat........"
I will keep you posted on progress and also continue to enjoy the lively discussion on this great forum.
'vauge' front end....... where did the have the screen...and no 'on the front of the bike' was not the answer i was looking for! :rolleyes:
i have found that at higher speeds :whistling: with the screen set at a higher position, it does have a tendancy to 'wander a bit' but if i drop the sceen to it's lowest setting, I am once again happy to chase my mate on his Gixxer and embarress the fook out of him at the next roundabout..
Ahhhh ... The bend at Seaford College .... I know exactly where you are now ! Yes ... over the years T1, Chichester Traffic Base have been sent there there many a time ..... :sad:
Quote from: Mogster on March 23, 2012, 10:17:33 AM
'vauge' front end....... where did the have the screen...and no 'on the front of the bike' was not the answer i was looking for! :rolleyes:
i have found that at higher speeds :whistling: with the screen set at a higher position, it does have a tendancy to 'wander a bit' but if i drop the sceen to it's lowest setting, I am once again happy to chase my mate on his Gixxer and embarress the fook out of him at the next roundabout..
Screen position has massive effect on comfort and handling, with screen down the wind tries to push me back, with it fully up i actually have to push back as the turbulence pushes you forward
Coman
Get your cheque book out, you know it makes sense, if you dont you will spend the rest of you life asking yourself why did'nt i ????????
Mr Mogster, Mr Coman,
Between you, you have diagnosed the two issues; vague/"wondery" front end and bar propping to counter slipping forward in saddle sensation; it's all down to the standard screen at full height!
Thank yooos kindly.
So what happens with a 1400GTR, XXL replacement screen on full height ?
Touring bike screens are a dilemma for the tall man : the higher the screen I put on my K12, the greater the turbulence without actually solving the problem of jet stream blast past the helmet (helmet vent design plays a significant part here.)
Also. I don't especially like looking through a screen - assuming I had one of sufficient height. Although, I do not mind it on a hired Road King in US, but that's not really motorcycling (is it?)...more a fun pose in the sun and very enjoyable for all that.
In conclusion, we have a possible diagnosis and the search for a cure goes on.
Best solution for the K12 was a lower than standard screen!
SImple answer - get the K1600GT. Has a 'V' in the screen so when up you still don't look through the screen!
Quote from: Winston Smith on March 24, 2012, 12:40:33 PM
SImple answer - get the K1600GT. Has a 'V' in the screen so when up you still don't look through the screen!
mmmmmmmmmmm :rolleyes: Now, where to hire a K1600 for a test ride day? :mfr_lol:
:biker3: is this a hint Mr Smith: I should ride off into the Sunset back to the Kbikes forum? :laugh:
PMSL!
The BMW dealers are excellent at lending bikes for the - as I am sure you will be aware. (Just don't tell them your recent history )
Mr Smith.
I really did not enjoy the K1300GT; stuck two weeks of miles on one during November 2010. But I really can't put my finger on why. What it says on the carton etc,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Of course it is a slab sided unattractive Teutonic Panza :tank: but otherwise difficult to fault.....and yet.....
So' I hardly think that the K1600 will do it for me. Also, a rather radical solution to a screen issue n'est pas!?!
I see what you are doing : playing with my head so that I will go for a GTR :help: :laugh:
I have a terrible feeling, as Winston knows ... a K1600 would do it beautifully for me ! :cool: :cool:
:mfr_lol: :gun_bandana: :scooter:
K1600, but only to be ridden on dry days
Oh Mr Zedman you are so right ... if and when that time comes it shall be near or at retirement ... 3/4 years away .. and then, having spent 35 yrs riding all seasons I shall become a true "Summer only / dry warm sunny days rider " ... oh how nice that will be ..... especially as most of it will be spent in Europe . :smiley: :smiley:
Quote from: Rusty on March 24, 2012, 08:37:33 PM
Oh Mr Zedman you are so right ... if and when that time comes it shall be near or at retirement ... 3/4 years away .. and then, having spent 35 yrs riding all seasons I shall become a true "Summer only / dry warm sunny days rider " ... oh how nice that will be ..... especially as most of it will be spent in Europe . :smiley: :smiley:
Soft Southern B' Rain!!!! When I were lad,zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
My first"real" girl friend went to school at Worthing! The Warren School for posh you ladies what knew a thingatwo :banana:
:mfr_lol: There is a lot of Poshness down here ... and I love it :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Rusty on March 25, 2012, 08:34:20 PM
:mfr_lol: There is a lot of Poshness down here ... and I love it :mfr_lol:
:banana: :mfr_lol: :banana:
Two recent purchases by BMW club members now up for sale at two local dealers, one GT and one GTL? Both went into limp mode and didn't like running hot in traffic apparently. Neither made it to two thousand miles!
Ummm.............How much????
Why am I not surprised
I won't say I told you so............But I did :yes:
BMW will sort the issues as they really cannot a££ord not to :rolleyes:
On an upbeat note , this may get a ban on here!! I spoke at length with Nok12RS today and I'm pleased to report that he sounded fine and on the mend. The bruising and pride will take a time to heal, but he sounded very chipper and positive about his future search for a GTR.
Good to hear he's on the mend
Thanks Kwikas,
Yes on the mend but more slowly than I expected. :rolleyes: I've more front than Selfridges when on the 'phone :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Nok12rs on March 23, 2012, 06:56:07 AM
A few impressions of my first 46 miles on a 2009, 1400GTR.
Rider Dimensions: 6' 4". 18stone plus in kit. 34" inside leg.
Recent riding experience: From 1999 to 2012 (with a two year break December 2007), BMW K1200RS with 2.5"Bar raisers and Wilbers suspension. Of the touring miles, about 10k were with 5'7" copilot who found it (with the addition of an aftermarket back rest) all very comfy. She also wore an enormous rucksack without complaint.
Priorities (for the first ride) comfort and handling. All those other good things like economy, reliabilty, servicabilty, depreciation etc. come next of course. First ya gotta lurv her!
I was coming from a bike which fitted me like a glove from the start and simply became, as it were, an extension of my aging frame. I always trusted her in both commuting and "pan European" touring situations; often hanging on in the mountain twisties to friends on sportier machines. In short, the bike was better than me.
So, I was really pleasantly surprised at how quickly I felt at home on the GTR. It's weight is very well deployed allowing for almost track stand balance. Despite concerns about the low end, I found it completely tractable in London traffic thereby complimenting the low speed balance.
For quick passed on the 50mph A3, the lingering low end concerns had me dropping to third. She slowed beautifully on the engine to avoid photography.
By now a couple of niggles were coming through. There was a definite sense of slipping forward on the saddle causing an apparent need to prop myself on the bars rather than the lighter wrist feel which most of us favour. Leg bend was somewhat tighter than the K with leather and protection drawn tight at the knee, probably exacerbated by the forward slipping sensation. However, it was nothing to which I could not adapt.
Probably, the most odd comment I will make here is regarding the tank height; it seemed to be far below me and out of sight. I should explain that I have, almost, never ridden the K without my large volume Bagster. When fully expanded, it comes well up my chest; I find it really comfortable (or perhaps, comforting). I would like to compare the actuality of the tank heights. Unnerving would be to over egg "banter" but it felt very strange.
We are now on the derestricted A3: time to fly! Accerating nicely in fourth we swept around the first gentle curve. Into fifth, twist her right ear and then into the bachman turner- nice.
But no! Wait on! Where was the much vaunted rein wrenching, back sliding, bum lifting explosion of top end torque? It was all so smooth! This should really not be taken as a complaint; smooth is good but...........at higher straight line speed the front end seemed a little vague and slightly wondering; not as planted as I am accustomed to; perhaps tires or wheel balance, she is a hire bike after all; you never know what blokes will do on a hire bike; well, I do now!!!
Off the A3 into Guildford, here and there on less familiar traffic laden streets to check, after that first blast the low end again; absolutely fine.
With nose pointed towards Chichester, it's time for a few gentle sweepers (and some tighter ones) with confidant overtaking on the two lane road. Slowly through Petworths one way system and, as mentioned in my other thread, I am in love.
Down the hill to the Seaford College bend, that's the one I did not bother taking, and the trial reaches its abrupt conclusion.
What a bike!!
http://g.co/maps/zndd2 (http://g.co/maps/zndd2)