1st ride thoughts

Hi All,
just took an hour long test ride and compared it to my ST1050.

Nothing that I really don't like about the bike,; very quick, brakes A+, gearbox as smooth as silk, comfort about what I expect, though seat a bit hard and flat where on the ST is it moulded.

Found the clutch to have a long reach & quick release which was annoying with taking off but great when moving so I think that's a matter of getting use to it (bit like my FJR1300A)

Corners very well for a heavy bike, doesn't transition like the Triumph which I think handles somewhat better but it is a lighter bike. That being said, if I set the corner up early it is like rails and doesn't wallow when you hit a mid corner bump (ST does)

180Kph in 3rd and not near the redline or limiter was impressive but I actually thought I was in a higher gear when I did that (my bad)

The finish reflects the price, looks high quality and well done. Bike had a touring screen on it when I didn't like, guess it worked too well as I missed the wind hitting me LOL

I'm about to go back to the stealer with the wife and do an hr two up ride to see how she feels (I do a lot of two riding about 60%+) so if she likes it then during the week I may be riding one full time.

Very impressed and like the RED colour as well

Cheers
Podman

 

nice review; see if the dealer will discount some; they do here in the states.

 

Bad news, my pillion HATED the bike. Thought it was too cramped up, kept slipping on the seat (no top box) but loved the performance and handling and thought overall, if not for her knees no being comfortable she would tour on it.
Dealer has offered us another all day test ride and will fit a top box so all is not lost.

For me, riding two up changed nothing about the bikes performance or handling and on a closed road we took it to 200 kph and it was rock solid so lets see how the next test ride goes

Cheers
Podman

 

Thanks for the feedback. I am surprised to hear that it's not too comfortable for the passenger. Looking forward to reading the next review.

 

Yeah, I hope your wife likes it better with the top box (but that won't help her knees). I guess I'm lucky my wife is a shorty; she loves riding on the back, and when I added the top box, she was in paradise!

Hope your next test ride goes well!!!

 

I agree with youre review. I add some comments: rear suspension is for a sports riding style underdamped. I replaced the OEM damper with a Öhlins.
The low rev fueling is lean. A PC 5 and a aftermarket exhaust will cure the hesitating ride a low revs.
Steering with sports tires will improve the steering even more. I use MPP tires. I love them, milage is acceptable.

 

Is it possible to lower the pillion pegs as when I was talking with her today she said that was the only real complaint

 

have seen a rear footrest lowering kit on Ebay from the following company
THURN MOTORSPORT, Germany

 

Looks like Thurn Motorsports may be my pillion solution

 

Took it for another test ride today and its coming down to this or a K1300S. The handling and power of this thing is amazing, tracks like its on rails may just have to bite the bullet and get one

 

Maaaaaaaaate. Do it.

 

You know that the BMW has to come a distant 2nd

 

My wife/pillion loves it on the back. We currently ride a ZZR1400 on which we've done 29,000 miles in less than 3 years mainly all 2-up. Wife really likes the ZZR but after 2 half day test rides (manual and then DCT) also like the VFR1200 too. Shows the importance of taking a test ride - we're all differerent.