So I've picked up my extended demo bike for the weekend, top spec electric all singing all dancing S1000XR.
My choice for the XR was simple, let's try something fast with a sit up riding position.
I've ridden the LC GS and was thoroughly underwhelmed. It's not fast, yes it's fast compared to an 1150, but in trying to be something it shouldn't be, it missed the mark by a massive mark for me.
So, the S1000XR is a more focused bike, it's a true sportsbike in a traily style package. It makes no pretence to be an off roader, it's a comfy S1000RR for the real world.
On arrival at Rainbow a bright red XR is sitting there glinting in the sunshine, and boy does it look good. It's purposeful and more importantly, it's symmetrical
I do the paperwork, get the keys, have a quick run through of the electrics and we're off. First impression, oooh, it's small. Physically the tank is wide, but the clocks are close and the front wheel feels like it's underneath ya bum
On to the dual carriage way and coming out of the roundabout I give it a fistful (let's see how good these electrics are). WOW!!!! And once more WOW!!!
See that roundabout up there in the distance, nope, because I'm braking for it
It's not the fastest bike I've ridden, but the grip, turn in, stability and sheer stomp of it, it's pretty close, but more importantly it feels natural.
It took a while to get the gearshift pro malarkey right. It works if you are on the power, or off the power for downshifts, but a steady or opening throttle works best. Actually scrap that, wide open it works best, but you'd be a brave man to hold this open for more than a few seconds at a time, and your license will definitely take a battering!
Heading through some familiar back roads and the XR is faultless. I've heard issues with vibrations etc and yes it can be vibes, but tbh I didn't think it was a problem. Flick flack left, right and I'm riding it better than my old GS, getting better lines and finding it effortless to carry more speed, but the temptation to apply mucho throttle on the way out of corners is too much, it's a feckin hoot
Nearly at Buxton and I overtake a lorry and hold it wide open through the first four gears, blah, blap, blaaaap, wonderful. I slow down to 40 and then 30 and pop on the cruise control in 6th gear (it is that tractable), round the corner and get pulled over by two very nice policemen
One says "we won't keep you long" but I remove my helmet, spark up a ciggy and have a chat. "That sounds well sir, what does it do flat out in fourth?". Mmmm " not sure officer, about 50"
Anyway, we had a pleasant chat and they both had a good look at the bike and gave positive comments about the look etc. "what's it like" asks plod. "It should be illegal" I reply.
Home now after a good 3 hours with the XR and I must say, I really like it. It's mental, but it is also very very easy to ride. It's everything that is wrong with modern bikes IMHO, any idiot can be quick on it, but it's a lethal weapon which requires a more skilled and measured rider to appreciate just how capable these machines really are. It's twice the bike that 90% of riders need and would be better with an 800 power plant in, but feck me it's fun!
The seat is shit, and the switchgear looks like it will fall apart in less than a year. The engine finish on the head will be furrier than a mink coat if it sees water, but I can forgive it all these things because, it is what it is. It's no pretender, it is simply a fantastic bike and I would love one, but my license won't stand it, that is for sure.
Round 2 tomorrow and then some 2 up testing on Monday if the weather holds out.
My choice for the XR was simple, let's try something fast with a sit up riding position.
I've ridden the LC GS and was thoroughly underwhelmed. It's not fast, yes it's fast compared to an 1150, but in trying to be something it shouldn't be, it missed the mark by a massive mark for me.
So, the S1000XR is a more focused bike, it's a true sportsbike in a traily style package. It makes no pretence to be an off roader, it's a comfy S1000RR for the real world.
On arrival at Rainbow a bright red XR is sitting there glinting in the sunshine, and boy does it look good. It's purposeful and more importantly, it's symmetrical
I do the paperwork, get the keys, have a quick run through of the electrics and we're off. First impression, oooh, it's small. Physically the tank is wide, but the clocks are close and the front wheel feels like it's underneath ya bum
On to the dual carriage way and coming out of the roundabout I give it a fistful (let's see how good these electrics are). WOW!!!! And once more WOW!!!
See that roundabout up there in the distance, nope, because I'm braking for it
It's not the fastest bike I've ridden, but the grip, turn in, stability and sheer stomp of it, it's pretty close, but more importantly it feels natural.
It took a while to get the gearshift pro malarkey right. It works if you are on the power, or off the power for downshifts, but a steady or opening throttle works best. Actually scrap that, wide open it works best, but you'd be a brave man to hold this open for more than a few seconds at a time, and your license will definitely take a battering!
Heading through some familiar back roads and the XR is faultless. I've heard issues with vibrations etc and yes it can be vibes, but tbh I didn't think it was a problem. Flick flack left, right and I'm riding it better than my old GS, getting better lines and finding it effortless to carry more speed, but the temptation to apply mucho throttle on the way out of corners is too much, it's a feckin hoot
Nearly at Buxton and I overtake a lorry and hold it wide open through the first four gears, blah, blap, blaaaap, wonderful. I slow down to 40 and then 30 and pop on the cruise control in 6th gear (it is that tractable), round the corner and get pulled over by two very nice policemen
One says "we won't keep you long" but I remove my helmet, spark up a ciggy and have a chat. "That sounds well sir, what does it do flat out in fourth?". Mmmm " not sure officer, about 50"
Anyway, we had a pleasant chat and they both had a good look at the bike and gave positive comments about the look etc. "what's it like" asks plod. "It should be illegal" I reply.
Home now after a good 3 hours with the XR and I must say, I really like it. It's mental, but it is also very very easy to ride. It's everything that is wrong with modern bikes IMHO, any idiot can be quick on it, but it's a lethal weapon which requires a more skilled and measured rider to appreciate just how capable these machines really are. It's twice the bike that 90% of riders need and would be better with an 800 power plant in, but feck me it's fun!
The seat is shit, and the switchgear looks like it will fall apart in less than a year. The engine finish on the head will be furrier than a mink coat if it sees water, but I can forgive it all these things because, it is what it is. It's no pretender, it is simply a fantastic bike and I would love one, but my license won't stand it, that is for sure.
Round 2 tomorrow and then some 2 up testing on Monday if the weather holds out.
