RE: Test ride reviews - 4

I noticed vibrations above 4500. I'm still in the break-in period, so I haven't gone up to 6000 yet. One quibble I have w/ Warner's opinion is that he's in Germany where triple digit speeds are legal. In the USA, cruising along at 75-80mph isn't going to put you in those engine revs.

I got to test a 1250 RS today, thanks to my long-time dealer who had a new one (blue) available. The bike ticked all the boxes for me (I have been thinking of trading down to one bike that does a good job of performing my S1000RR's and F800GT's "sport" and "touring" functions).

There was just one "nitpick", and it's a big one: The wind noise on the RS was horrendous. And before anyone suggests earplugs, I have several sets of custom earplugs that work well. I thought the F800GT windscreen was the noisiest I'd ever experienced, but the RS was much worse. I was bummed - seriously - about this, because I think this RS is a real winner otherwise.

I'm looking into aftermarket screens, such as the VStream from Ztechnik. The "sport/tour" screen they offer is 19" tall and 18.5" wide. Can someone give me the stock RS windscreen dimensions (I'm not at the dealer's now and don't have access to the bike to check myself).

Thanks, guys...appreciate it!

I had a chance to ride the R1250RS yesterday while my 2017 RS was having its 18,000 miles service. Thanks to CW in Dorchester for letting me have the bike for 3 hours. I rode a good combination of A and B roads.
1. The engine is a belter. Smoother than either the 2015 and 2017 I own (owned), it’s not as smooth as I had expected, i still experiences some tingling in my right hand, but less than my current bike. Power above 4000 rpm is very impressive.
2. The dash is a big step up. It’s easy to read and informative. Navigating the screens is pretty straightforward. I don’t spend much time looking at the dash, so I didn’t really have any complaints with the old one, but the TFT is a big improvement.
3. Gearbox, a further improvement on the 2017 box, which is way better than the 2015 box. Almost snickerty snick, but it’s a boxer so not quite.
4. Brakes, much more immediate than current, less progressive but immensely powerful. I had the fluid replaced at my 18k service and they are still nothing like the new one, which is odd as they should be the same.
5. Seating, I’m pretty sure the bike I rode has a sports seat, which made me feel like I was sitting on the bike rather then in it. It certainly felt a bit taller and the seat was very firm.
6. Suspension, feels a bit more compliant straight out of the box, and it my experience of the 2015 and 2017 is anything to go by, will improve even further over the next 5-10k miles.
7. Handling, the seating position and wooden Z8 Metzlers rather spoiled this for me. I’ve had Mitchelin PR4s and R5s on my current and precious RS. I found the Z8s uncommunicative, I cant understand why BMW still fit this outdated rubber, surely the 01s would be better.
8. Sound, the demo had an Akro fitted. Looks great and I’ve always wanted one but having done 100 or so miles with one I’m not sure I’d bother. It just makes the rather flat uninspiring exhaust note louder. The engine itself sounds much less agricultural. Big improvement. Also the mounting of the windscreen is different, more of a gap between the front fairing and screen?? It’s still noisy, but not as noisy as my current 2017. With the right seat it could be a reasonable improvement.
9. Looks, I like the new sharp end. And the headlights should be a big improvement. The belly pan now protects the bottom of the front plate. I don’t have the avantguard, but there shouldn’t be a need for one now. I do wish the colours were more inspiring. The black is very smart, but not turn round and smile after parking up, the blue appeared to be almost black. I’m embarrassed to admit I think the Austin Yellow with the white frame (?) might be my favourite.
10. Fit and finish, looks good, as expected but I went to look at the new Honda CBR650R last week, which is beautifully put together, almost jewel like, and half the price.
11. Price, ouch! And what crazy ‘packs’. Heated grips, but no cruise control? Where’s the rear rack? And must I have that chrome boat anchor? (Silencer). Still it’s all about cost to change, I should know more later today.

Ahem, some of us really like the Z8s

Zitat von andygriff im Beitrag #49

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Ahem, some of us really like the Z8s

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Thanks OscarGuitar.

I really did not have a choice for the "upgrade" but it is still good to have an experienced opinion while I wait another 6 weeks!

Grumpy Goat has a YouTube review as well.

"4. Brakes, much more immediate than current, less progressive but immensely powerful. I had the fluid replaced at my 18k service and they are still nothing like the new one, which is odd as they should be the same."
I had the same thought, after test riding a 1250 RS. I think it may have something to do with a different pad composition. Riding home from the dealer after the test ride, my '16 brakes almost felt spongy. Changed the pads on my Ducati last year and the same thing happened. All due to the more aggressive characteristics of the pad material

Pads degrade over time, they wear, glaze over and slowly become contaminated with all sorts of muck. Leads to gradual loss of "bite". Replace them and all is good.

And at least one of us likes chrome boat anchors.

Well I like chrome boat anchors too.... on a boat, in fact I can see a few from where I’m sitting right now, just not so much on a bike.

And apologies to the z8 lovers, I just prefer the feel of the Mich R5. It would be a boring place if we all liked the same thing.

I rode Wollaston's Austin Yellow demo. The engine was stellar much better in every way even though mine's been Hilltop'd. The TFT screen was ace but everything else felt very familiar, which of course it is. I didn't mind the colour it's matte and looks way better in the flesh. Trouble is to get the same spec as a Sport SE is lots and I fancy a set of those wheels so 16-17K. I will wait a while and let depreciation take its course. Michelin PR 5s are the dogs.

Zitat von nrbully im Beitrag #57

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Michelin PR 5s are the dogs.

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He left out the apostrophe - which I guess could go before or after the s depending on the number of dogs involved

Zitat von hyperm3 im Beitrag #58

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Zitat von nrbully im Beitrag #57

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Michelin PR 5s are the dogs.

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From the USA, is that good or bad?

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