16,000km With the RS

[Spartan]

Had the bike now for 7month and 16,000km so bit of an update.
Commute is racking up the km but the bike takes it no issues. Autopista, mountains, nothing is any effort. At 4.45 every day i still get excited to ride it home for an hour.

Had a couple of small issues. 2 services done and 3rd will be booked soon. But had an issue where it/me warped the front discs. A few times i take a different route home over 120km in the hills and had some mild brake fade. Basically it warped the discs. BMW wanted nothing to do with it. So upgraded to Galfers and SBS Dual Sintered pads. Great improvement. The discs are the same as a GS. Hence the issues I believe.



Tyres. I get on very well with the Dunlop Sportsmart Mk4. Had a set of Mk3 as standard. And now been through 2 Mk4 rears and 1 front. I have a set of Continental Sportcontact 5 to try next.


Rear pads lasted 12,000km . Again upgraded to SBS Sintered as they make less dust. Noticeable improvement.



Its been warm here. 45 deg C some days. Bike still runs at 80deg when riding and goes to 91 in traffic. Cooling is impressive for a motor this size!




Suspension. I set road mode to -1 and Dynamic to +3. Again makes a difference. Dynamic pro with wheelie control off but ABS on 1 as it locks the rear easy at times when having fun.

TC as I always say. MUST be under -5 to let the bike drive fully. Even then it still holds it back a little at times. On TC 0 it is basically half a bike. Full gas on exits and it feels flat and wont drive. Due to the torque it needs a little bit of rear wheel overspeed to drive and pull .
Chassis is a bit blunt and lazy but once its turned and settled its stable and neutral. Pretty impressive for what the bike is. Even on a commute home in t shirt it can hit 50 deg on the screen with a max of 53 currently. Again pegs grind themselves to death around 48-50 depending on loading. 4th gear at 1**kph compresses the bike so it grinds at 48ish where as lower load it has more clearance. Once the blobs grind past half way they stop touching so much.


Thought about trading it in for a KTM Superduke 1390 with luggage etc. But just cant get rid of it, itd too good overall. Nothing stands out as bad. I can get on it and do anything I want. 300km in comfort. 50km scratching and making it do the hokey cokey. It does it all and still looks pretty.

Still happy with it. Bike is still in perfect pristine condition. PPF has stopped and stone chips etc. Overall. Great bike. Sure a Tuono V4 would be great. But for a one bike garage. It ticks all boxes.

 

[Fireflyer]

Good looking bike - best use of the 1300 engine.
I’ve had a V4 Tuono and as you say they are superb but are a bit of a one trick pony compared to the RS which sounds ideal for the uses you put yours to.

Of all the different models that have all evolved in the cycle of boxer engines in their journey from 1100’s to 1300’s I think the R/S for me is the only 1300 model that has continued to improve in looks from the outgoing boxer models.

Not great that BMW have stood from under regarding the discs at only 7 months and 10,000 miles though

 

[Spartan]

I think the issue is more due to spain and standard of dealers. Dealer told me brakes are only covered to 5000km. Then technician said also no cover because it has been on track. But it has not! I mean look at it.

So started a bit of a battle. They are making assumptions with no evidence etc. They can cover discs from dealer goodwill pot. Basically got nowhere, dealers here dont care. And it was easier just to buy discs that actually work than take the time and energy to fight with them. Because for sure another set of standard discs would do the same anyway.

Yeah! The Tuono. It looks like alot of fun, I like the spec of the Factory with electronic suspension. But they do a base model in silver which looks fantastic. But as you say, what i gain in one area i lose in another . The 1390 Superduke didnt look too great, felt strange to sit on, compact and high. But they have new 2024 bikes with €4000 discount for €20,000 Its alot of bike for that money and with the powerparts screen and bags it looks capable. But they offered me €16500 for the RS and I paid €24000 6months ago. No way I can lose that money in 6 months especially when the bike is so good and capable. Also the switch gear and kit felt a bit cheap on other bikes.

I agree with the motor. 4-8000rpm is fantastic. Super smooth and strong. Its a strange bike that its actually fast but not intimidating or where you have to be super wary. Almost like a turbo diesel when it revs off the end of the power curve. Exiting sweepers or open corners you can turn off TC in 3rd and play it it. Stand it up and just pin it and it steps out on the grunt but then kinda runs off the end of the power curve and just sits there for a second at 7k ish . Where as an S1000R etc would keep revving and highside to the moon.

The weight helps I think. Its quite heavy but again I really like that about it. You have to feel it and work with it. And it talks and feedback beautifully for what it is. It'll take a good amount of trail braking and give feel, and changing direction etc its like a pendulum. You cant just turn it hard or it compresses as it will make it slide or grinds out. But just be a little smoother and progressive with inputs, get it turned, once its loaded and in the corner its very impressive. Neutral and lots of feel. Holds a line even when driving on exit etc.

I think the bike is a hidden gem. The bike should be much more popular than it is. With the Puig screen wind protection is good. So good I cant ride it in high position here in summer as it blocks too much wind and leaves me in a little furnace of engine heat. I read reviews where guys say it hurts the wrists. I had a that a few times, but if you slide uo the set a bit so balls are close to tank it changes the triangle and took away that feeling. Oh- one thing i notice is commuting in traffic 100kph ish etc in mornings I get numb fingers. But riding home though mountains at night I dont. So again it must be me and the way I am holding the bike/bars

 

[Udders]

It’s certainly is a lovely looking bike!

 

[littleade]

I think the issue is more due to spain and standard of dealers. Dealer told me brakes are only covered to 5000km. Then technician said also no cover because it has been on track. But it has not! I mean look at it.

So started a bit of a battle. They are making assumptions with no evidence etc. They can cover discs from dealer goodwill pot. Basically got nowhere, dealers here dont care. And it was easier just to buy discs that actually work than take the time and energy to fight with them. Because for sure another set of standard discs would do the same anyway.

Yeah! The Tuono. It looks like alot of fun, I like the spec of the Factory with electronic suspension. But they do a base model in silver which looks fantastic. But as you say, what i gain in one area i lose in another . The 1390 Superduke didnt look too great, felt strange to sit on, compact and high. But they have new 2024 bikes with €4000 discount for €20,000 Its alot of bike for that money and with the powerparts screen and bags it looks capable. But they offered me €16500 for the RS and I paid €24000 6months ago. No way I can lose that money in 6 months especially when the bike is so good and capable. Also the switch gear and kit felt a bit cheap on other bikes.

I agree with the motor. 4-8000rpm is fantastic. Super smooth and strong. Its a strange bike that its actually fast but not intimidating or where you have to be super wary. Almost like a turbo diesel when it revs off the end of the power curve. Exiting sweepers or open corners you can turn off TC in 3rd and play it it. Stand it up and just pin it and it steps out on the grunt but then kinda runs off the end of the power curve and just sits there for a second at 7k ish . Where as an S1000R etc would keep revving and highside to the moon.

The weight helps I think. Its quite heavy but again I really like that about it. You have to feel it and work with it. And it talks and feedback beautifully for what it is. It'll take a good amount of trail braking and give feel, and changing direction etc its like a pendulum. You cant just turn it hard or it compresses as it will make it slide or grinds out. But just be a little smoother and progressive with inputs, get it turned, once its loaded and in the corner its very impressive. Neutral and lots of feel. Holds a line even when driving on exit etc.

I think the bike is a hidden gem. The bike should be much more popular than it is. With the Puig screen wind protection is good. So good I cant ride it in high position here in summer as it blocks too much wind and leaves me in a little furnace of engine heat. I read reviews where guys say it hurts the wrists. I had a that a few times, but if you slide uo the set a bit so balls are close to tank it changes the triangle and took away that feeling. Oh- one thing i notice is commuting in traffic 100kph ish etc in mornings I get numb fingers. But riding home though mountains at night I dont. So again it must be me and the way I am holding the bike/bars

I get numb fingers on my 1250RS too, especially on the right hand. What I've found is it's worse if I hold the bars with my hands so the grips push up against the fleshy bit of my hand between my thumb and index finger with my fingers resting on the levers. If I just back off a bit so I have a small gap with my fingers not so far on the levers it goes away. I have the Evotech touring bar end weights which help too. I've tried grip puppies, they do help but I don't have large hands so the extra width on the grips means I have to reach for the levers, rather than them being naturally there if that makes sense?

 

[Fireflyer]

I think the issue is more due to spain and standard of dealers. Dealer told me brakes are only covered to 5000km. Then technician said also no cover because it has been on track. But it has not! I mean look at it.

So started a bit of a battle. They are making assumptions with no evidence etc. They can cover discs from dealer goodwill pot. Basically got nowhere, dealers here dont care. And it was easier just to buy discs that actually work than take the time and energy to fight with them. Because for sure another set of standard discs would do the same anyway.

Yeah! The Tuono. It looks like alot of fun, I like the spec of the Factory with electronic suspension. But they do a base model in silver which looks fantastic. But as you say, what i gain in one area i lose in another . The 1390 Superduke didnt look too great, felt strange to sit on, compact and high. But they have new 2024 bikes with €4000 discount for €20,000 Its alot of bike for that money and with the powerparts screen and bags it looks capable. But they offered me €16500 for the RS and I paid €24000 6months ago. No way I can lose that money in 6 months especially when the bike is so good and capable. Also the switch gear and kit felt a bit cheap on other bikes.

I agree with the motor. 4-8000rpm is fantastic. Super smooth and strong. Its a strange bike that its actually fast but not intimidating or where you have to be super wary. Almost like a turbo diesel when it revs off the end of the power curve. Exiting sweepers or open corners you can turn off TC in 3rd and play it it. Stand it up and just pin it and it steps out on the grunt but then kinda runs off the end of the power curve and just sits there for a second at 7k ish . Where as an S1000R etc would keep revving and highside to the moon.

The weight helps I think. Its quite heavy but again I really like that about it. You have to feel it and work with it. And it talks and feedback beautifully for what it is. It'll take a good amount of trail braking and give feel, and changing direction etc its like a pendulum. You cant just turn it hard or it compresses as it will make it slide or grinds out. But just be a little smoother and progressive with inputs, get it turned, once its loaded and in the corner its very impressive. Neutral and lots of feel. Holds a line even when driving on exit etc.

I think the bike is a hidden gem. The bike should be much more popular than it is. With the Puig screen wind protection is good. So good I cant ride it in high position here in summer as it blocks too much wind and leaves me in a little furnace of engine heat. I read reviews where guys say it hurts the wrists. I had a that a few times, but if you slide uo the set a bit so balls are close to tank it changes the triangle and took away that feeling. Oh- one thing i notice is commuting in traffic 100kph ish etc in mornings I get numb fingers. But riding home though mountains at night I dont. So again it must be me and the way I am holding the bike/bars

Good to read a nice balanced personal perspective on the RS.
It’s honest feedback like yours that helps people decide if they should take the plunge with a test ride to see for themselves if it matches what they are looking for.
I love the look and the fact a boxer really shouldn’t work as well as it does in this type of bike. My riding has gone in a different direction for now but I can see me being drawn back to this bike in the future.

I wouldn’t worry about it remaining a hidden gem not being as popular as it should be.

Sometimes it’s good to keep secrets away from the masses as long as they sell just enough to keep them in production for those in the know

 

[GADGET]

Thanks for your update report, very interesting, nice looking bike

 

[Spartan]

Thanks for the feedback.

One thing to add also is the shaft drive. I do about 800-1000km per week at times. Having a chain would be a pain. But with the shaft I can just get on an go for weeks and weeks with no issues. Petrol and go.

I still cant find a decent YouTube review. All of them are guys picking one up as a courtesy bike and ride about town at 30mph then claim to have options on how it handles and stops etc. It provides no insight into the bike at all.

I was toying with the idea to buy a cheap action cam and make a review. From motorway miles, comfort, all the modes, all settings and show the difference etc. The TC would be a good example when on 0 especially in road mode when trying to drive it out a corner you can be on full gas. 100% And the bike just sits there flashing lights and groaning as the revs dont rise. Where as on -6 or less or off it drives, and pulls and you can hear the motor working and letting all its torque work.

Same with brakes. Show the slightly overly linked brakes in road mode. Where it feels like it uses too much front when you apply the rear. Then have it in Pro with all off and show the difference where you can enter hard on the front, trail it in a bit and go back 2 gears quickly and the engine brake will make it move out on tip in.

It would take time though to set up at road side. Get the footage. Hope its good. Record the on board footage. Work out how to blank the speedo etc. It would be so much different to any other review or video of the bike. And really take the viewer from commuting in road with cruise on etc. To ending with hairpin clips of playing with all aids off.

I have a mate who is an "Influencer". Came over to visit a few weeks back and sent some clips of his footage. So for sure he will post a video at some point but it was a bit crap. Nothing much happened but maybe can use some of his footage

 

[Spartan]

https://youtu.be/h78X2VVy9Qw?is=rAX1VPITvpcMkXT3

 

[keithzx]

https://youtu.be/h78X2VVy9Qw?is=rAX1VPITvpcMkXT3

View attachment 523646

https://youtu.be/h78X2VVy9Qw?is=rAX1VPITvpcMkXT3

View attachment 523646

great picture can you tell me what screen you are riding with and what is the wind protection and wind noise like thank you

 

[Spartan]

Yes the photo was taken in last winter the damp by a young guy who goes to the mountains every weekend and snaps all the bikes. Geospics is is name on socials. Location is Yunquera.

The screen is Puig Touring. I like it. Its mounted on the lower holes. When raises there is still a little bit of wind and turbulence. But if you mount it on the higher mouting holes that stops but then I feel the sceeen is too high and you are looking through it .

 

[keithzx]

Yes the photo was taken in last winter the damp by a young guy who goes to the mountains every weekend and snaps all the bikes. Geospics is is name on socials. Location is Yunquera.

The screen is Puig Touring. I like it. Its mounted on the lower holes. When raises there is still a little bit of wind and turbulence. But if you mount it on the higher mouting holes that stops but then I feel the sceeen is too high and you are looking through it .

thanks for that, is that the puig screen in the picture, it doesnt look that high , whats the puig like when the screen is in the down position is it a big difference from your stock screen thanks i need a screen for my rs 719 the stock screen is noisy, even noisier in the up position. dont know which one to try thanks

 

[Spartan]

Yeah. Its all in the screens thread. Its an improvement. Down is better than stock high.