The initial service was done last Thursday and after getting home and it back in the garage I noticed the skid plate was crooked. The "tech" of course forgot to use his socket wrench after finger tightening the screws. The left two were still in but only by a couple threads. I bolted it back up with what I had but needless to say they are mailing two correct screws and a collar washer..... geesh.
My overall impression after 1,000 miles now is quite positive, possibly the best motorcycle I've owned (especially once I master the menu) but I'll delay making that judgement for a while yet.
Ergonomics; just about perfect seat-bars-pegs but the pegs seemed a bit small so I added larger ones from SW-Motech which are also almost 1" lower. I find the "comfort seat" actually pretty comfortable so it may be one of the few motorcycles I don't change to an aftermarket seat. The only other accessories I've added are a larger wind screen and deflectors (mine came with the mini shield and no deflectors), Trax metal panniers, and an Altrider luggage rack plate. I can't think of another thing I want for it.
Power delivery: excellent throttling, massive amount of torque everywhere, and smooth.
Suspension; active on this model and it might be the most impressive thing on this motorcycle. It just glides over small bumps and ripples, similar to the new Goldwings front setup but also absorbs the big hits very well. I love that it self adjusts the spring rate and preload. I would prefer not having the up and down function simply because of long term durability concern. I have it set only to lower with side stand deployment or engine off and of course raise upon start up. I appreciate that it does make it a little easier to swing my right leg over.
Handling; light yet stable, if anything a little light feeling in front often typical for bikes made for dirt roads. Going through a set of S curves is almost effortless and unaffected by small bumps mid corner. Riding down the highway with cruise set at 80 it's perfectly stable and with hands off the grips it doesn't pull either direction. Speaking of which, the speedo is more accurate than any European motorcycle I can recall. 80 indicated is between 77-78 on the GPS which is acceptable. Some have been as low as 74 or 75 which is simply too far off IMO.
Gearbox; shifts started somewhat notchy but now with some miles, and as I've adjusted, I find it very good. I seldom use the QS and only in the upper gears but when I do it works well. I like that it's geared a bit taller, especially in 5th and 6th, than the 1200 and 1250. I felt those bikes could use a taller 6th given how much torque they had.
Lighting; only rode once at night but the "pro headlight" plus auxiliary lights seem plenty good and seeing my friend Bob's 1300GS coming at me it's quite conspicuous during the day. Also the rear light setup of tail light, brake, and indicators are bright and display each function clearly. I know some feel they're inadequate and there's a thread or more of discussions, I'll just say when following another 1300 they were very conspicuous.
Looks; other than the "Jeep Renegade taillight" looking headlight it's growing on me. GS's have never been particularly attractive motorcycles, I view them more as interesting looking motorcycles that just work.
My overall impression after 1,000 miles now is quite positive, possibly the best motorcycle I've owned (especially once I master the menu) but I'll delay making that judgement for a while yet.
Ergonomics; just about perfect seat-bars-pegs but the pegs seemed a bit small so I added larger ones from SW-Motech which are also almost 1" lower. I find the "comfort seat" actually pretty comfortable so it may be one of the few motorcycles I don't change to an aftermarket seat. The only other accessories I've added are a larger wind screen and deflectors (mine came with the mini shield and no deflectors), Trax metal panniers, and an Altrider luggage rack plate. I can't think of another thing I want for it.
Power delivery: excellent throttling, massive amount of torque everywhere, and smooth.
Suspension; active on this model and it might be the most impressive thing on this motorcycle. It just glides over small bumps and ripples, similar to the new Goldwings front setup but also absorbs the big hits very well. I love that it self adjusts the spring rate and preload. I would prefer not having the up and down function simply because of long term durability concern. I have it set only to lower with side stand deployment or engine off and of course raise upon start up. I appreciate that it does make it a little easier to swing my right leg over.
Handling; light yet stable, if anything a little light feeling in front often typical for bikes made for dirt roads. Going through a set of S curves is almost effortless and unaffected by small bumps mid corner. Riding down the highway with cruise set at 80 it's perfectly stable and with hands off the grips it doesn't pull either direction. Speaking of which, the speedo is more accurate than any European motorcycle I can recall. 80 indicated is between 77-78 on the GPS which is acceptable. Some have been as low as 74 or 75 which is simply too far off IMO.
Gearbox; shifts started somewhat notchy but now with some miles, and as I've adjusted, I find it very good. I seldom use the QS and only in the upper gears but when I do it works well. I like that it's geared a bit taller, especially in 5th and 6th, than the 1200 and 1250. I felt those bikes could use a taller 6th given how much torque they had.
Lighting; only rode once at night but the "pro headlight" plus auxiliary lights seem plenty good and seeing my friend Bob's 1300GS coming at me it's quite conspicuous during the day. Also the rear light setup of tail light, brake, and indicators are bright and display each function clearly. I know some feel they're inadequate and there's a thread or more of discussions, I'll just say when following another 1300 they were very conspicuous.
Looks; other than the "Jeep Renegade taillight" looking headlight it's growing on me. GS's have never been particularly attractive motorcycles, I view them more as interesting looking motorcycles that just work.
