I had a 2 hour ride today. I currently own MY 15 GS and MY 15 MTS DVT.
This is a ballistic sports bike with the all day comfort of a GS.....THAT'S THE ONLY COMPARISON WORTH MAKING WITH A GS IMOP. The GS IS WHAT IT IS....an easy riding all round competent ride with a punchy engine and brilliant handling in the Mountains.
The engine is perfectly mapped/fuelled with immense smooooooooth 4 cylinder torque across a wide rev band. In 6th you can pull from 20mph, about 1300 rpm, to V-Max without any hesitation. Just smoooooth power delivery. At about 6000 rpm this thing takes off like it's been shot out of a cannon, below 6000rpm it gathers pace in a civilised manner with a growing and predictable surge. I was getting 40 mpg in mixed, using the revs, riding. I'm sure high 40's low 50's are possible riding the bike on it's torque.
The gearbox quickshifter is so good that I would say it's nearly a must have if you like a bit of fun........so quick and slick. Manually the box is fine although there was some reluctance changing down but this bike had 350 miles on the clock. Clutch lever span is a stretch ( I take an XL glove) and needs a hefty tug.
Ergo is fine with just a hint of forward lean for my long back 6' 2" height. I could flat foot my 31" inseam legs. The screen is OK with some wind noise but good for stock screen.
Steering is very precise and predictable yielding a near sports bike agility albeit from a tall seat position......good feedback from the rubber and confidence inspiring.
The brakes, front and back, are amongst the best. The front is immensely strong and easy to modulate......BMW just seem to be ahead of others with brake set up. By example my Ducati has the best Brembo callipers but the set up is average compared to BMW. Truly great brakes.
The standard exhaust is a hoot and makes a great sound and the Agragoni option must be terrifyingly loud.
Downsides. There is inline 4 vibes at 5000 rpm (70mph in top) for 500 revs. Curiously the mirrors were fine and always provided a detailed view. I managed the vibes by either cruising at 77 mph or just riding through it.......I do think the bike would be better without the vibes but it's not a big issue for me but will be for some, the trade off of riding a brilliantly fuelled engine is more than worth it but that's me!
Suspension gives good wheel control but both the front and more-so the rear shock kicked into overbanding and road surface imperfection and jarred my lower spine but I am used to Ducati's brilliant take on Skyhook magic carpet ride. It's almost like the rebound needs adjustment but I guess.
So, for me, this is a bonkers road bike for Sunday fun and Mountain touring. A brilliantly fuelled engine connected to a perfectly integrated quick shifter and brakes.
This bike does fill a new niche for BMW and makes good business sense. For the punter who wants a fast long distance all day comfy steed it makes sense too. Plus those Sunday fun runs will be a BLAST as well.
This is a ballistic sports bike with the all day comfort of a GS.....THAT'S THE ONLY COMPARISON WORTH MAKING WITH A GS IMOP. The GS IS WHAT IT IS....an easy riding all round competent ride with a punchy engine and brilliant handling in the Mountains.
The engine is perfectly mapped/fuelled with immense smooooooooth 4 cylinder torque across a wide rev band. In 6th you can pull from 20mph, about 1300 rpm, to V-Max without any hesitation. Just smoooooth power delivery. At about 6000 rpm this thing takes off like it's been shot out of a cannon, below 6000rpm it gathers pace in a civilised manner with a growing and predictable surge. I was getting 40 mpg in mixed, using the revs, riding. I'm sure high 40's low 50's are possible riding the bike on it's torque.
The gearbox quickshifter is so good that I would say it's nearly a must have if you like a bit of fun........so quick and slick. Manually the box is fine although there was some reluctance changing down but this bike had 350 miles on the clock. Clutch lever span is a stretch ( I take an XL glove) and needs a hefty tug.
Ergo is fine with just a hint of forward lean for my long back 6' 2" height. I could flat foot my 31" inseam legs. The screen is OK with some wind noise but good for stock screen.
Steering is very precise and predictable yielding a near sports bike agility albeit from a tall seat position......good feedback from the rubber and confidence inspiring.
The brakes, front and back, are amongst the best. The front is immensely strong and easy to modulate......BMW just seem to be ahead of others with brake set up. By example my Ducati has the best Brembo callipers but the set up is average compared to BMW. Truly great brakes.
The standard exhaust is a hoot and makes a great sound and the Agragoni option must be terrifyingly loud.
Downsides. There is inline 4 vibes at 5000 rpm (70mph in top) for 500 revs. Curiously the mirrors were fine and always provided a detailed view. I managed the vibes by either cruising at 77 mph or just riding through it.......I do think the bike would be better without the vibes but it's not a big issue for me but will be for some, the trade off of riding a brilliantly fuelled engine is more than worth it but that's me!
Suspension gives good wheel control but both the front and more-so the rear shock kicked into overbanding and road surface imperfection and jarred my lower spine but I am used to Ducati's brilliant take on Skyhook magic carpet ride. It's almost like the rebound needs adjustment but I guess.
So, for me, this is a bonkers road bike for Sunday fun and Mountain touring. A brilliantly fuelled engine connected to a perfectly integrated quick shifter and brakes.
This bike does fill a new niche for BMW and makes good business sense. For the punter who wants a fast long distance all day comfy steed it makes sense too. Plus those Sunday fun runs will be a BLAST as well.
Must get a test ride booked. Big question is will you be chopping in the GS and Ducati for an XR? Is it that good
another option, keep the mile muncher and buy something that truly stirs the passion...like this
my new 1299
