2014

[Wapping]

Buy an F800R, it has luggage available, returns decent MPG (irrespective of abuse) doesn't need any screen mods, takes assorted (essential) grippy tyres, will go from here to Rome via Madrid, is comfortable straight out of the box, has great lights, stops on a sixpence, doesn't need engine maps, doesn't need engine bars, lower ratio gears * or a Sargent seat......


....and has a steering damper


* What really did happen to all those bods who cried when they couldn't make it around a hairpin?

 

[Greg Masters]

That steering damper addition should be retrofitted at no cost by BMW unless they can explain it is not necessary.

And ABS for all the 1200s/1150s/1100s without it too?

 

[Sgt Bilco]

That steering damper addition should be retrofitted at no cost by BMW unless they can explain it is not necessary.

This is potentially a piss take if they don't step up to the issue.

The press release doesn't elaborate the reasons

What issue is this then? Oh yeah, one gormless, dimwitted reporter reckoned he had a problem which 100's of other riders including test riders riding in all conditions have failed to make happen

 

[roundincircles]

And ABS for all the 1200s/1150s/1100s without it too?

Noooooo, abs is not critical to control bike induced problems. As in tank slappers can be conditional on geometry, suspension and tyre interaction.

A rider can cadence brake to replicate abs but I do not know that a rider can do anything about a tank slapper other than enjoy the adrenalin rush.

 

[roundincircles]

What issue is this then? Oh yeah, one gormless, dimwitted reporter reckoned he had a problem which 100's of other riders including test riders riding in all conditions have failed to make happen

The issue is BMW consider it a necessary addition. No more, no less........and if they do not explain in a credible way why it is added in a mandatory fashion, which I expect they will, then you can presume all you like........

 

[Wapping]

You'll know it when (and only if) you really have one...

Just in case anyone wants to know what a 'Tank slapper'..... (as opposed to the front wheel just going light and the bars wobbling a bit - very easy to do, even on a heavy, medium powered bike like a GS, especially one weighed down with his'n'her panniers on the back - or a simple speed shimmy).... really looks like....

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LZ1srcQMa_0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What happens?

The front wheel skips, leaves the ground. It lands and regrips out of line with the rear momentarily. The action kicks the tyre in the opposite direction, it lands, further out of line with the rear, grips again and kicks the front back in the opposite direction, it grips, kicks back again. The rear of the bike is acting like a large lever and with a lever big enough you can move the earth, so they say.... Slap, slap, slap... it builds... then SLAP, SLAP, SLAP! You can see it in the video, the stepping out of line between front and back becomes more pronounced each time.


PS Some bikes with steering dampers are quite unpleasant to ride, way too stiff at most normal speeds. Honda, for example, got around this with a variable electronic damper, that stiffened when twitches exceeded 'X'. It's not quite as simple as just bolting one on.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

This is a good thread, any credence ??

 

[ukrr]

This is a good thread, any credence ??

Confirmed by my dealer - saw the letter.

2013 bike doesnt need a damper...in order to streamline the production line BMW are fitting dampers to new R models next year (new RTLC and new GSALC)....the GS will also get the damper as otherwise they would need to make a special line for the GS vs the GSA/RT. no price for damper kit and BMW wont pay to have one fitted to the '13 GS as it doesnt need a damper per se

 

[GSMartin]

So when does the 2014 build year start? Is it after the August holiday break?

 

[patzx12]

I think the tragic incidents at this years TT were a result of Tank slappers.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Sounds like major shift in product spec to me for 2014

If the 2014 is getting a damper, I can't see why the 2013 one doesn't need it ??

 

[Wapping]

I think the tragic incidents at this years TT were a result of Tank slappers.

But none on (even a well ridden) GS

 

[Wapping]

Sounds like major shift in product spec to me for 2014

If the 2014 is getting a damper, I can't see why the 2013 one doesn't need it ??

That sounds like the stirring of the wooden spoon to me, JB

 

[ukrr]

2014 production starts week 34. wont see 2014 bikes until 2014 . 13 bike does nt need a damper ...its being added to harmonise the production line across the R range.

 

[Nutty]

No damper needed on mine. And I've had it up to 144mph loaded with luggage.

 

[Wilsdorf]

Just in case anyone wants to know what a 'Tank slapper'..... (as opposed to the front wheel just going light and the bars wobbling a bit - very easy to do, even on a heavy, medium powered bike like a GS, especially one weighed down with his'n'her panniers on the back - or a simple speed shimmy).... really looks like....

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LZ1srcQMa_0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What happens?

The front wheel skips, leaves the ground. It lands and regrips out of line with the rear momentarily. The action kicks the tyre in the opposite direction, it lands, further out of line with the rear, grips again and kicks the front back in the opposite direction, it grips, kicks back again. The rear of the bike is acting like a large lever and with a lever big enough you can move the earth, so they say.... Slap, slap, slap... it builds... then SLAP, SLAP, SLAP! You can see it in the video, the stepping out of line between front and back becomes more pronounced each time.


PS Some bikes with steering dampers are quite unpleasant to ride, way too stiff at most normal speeds. Honda, for example, got around this with a variable electronic damper, that stiffened when twitches exceeded 'X'. It's not quite as simple as just bolting one on.

That is not a traditional tank slapper - it is a full on speed wobble.

 

[patzx12]

2014 production starts week 34. wont see 2014 bikes until 2014 . 13 bike does nt need a damper ...its being added to harmonise the production line across the R range.

?? any bike sold in 2013 is a 2013 model, it doesn't matter what the manufacturers say.

 

[cookie]

?? any bike sold in 2013 is a 2013 model, it doesn't matter what the manufacturers say.

cobblers.

 

[patzx12]

How do you buy a 2014 item in the calendar year of 2013?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

That sounds like the stirring of the wooden spoon to me, JB

How very dare you!!

I'm shocked at the suggestion sat here in the French Alps @ Peisey Villandry having a beer on the terrace

I'm so sorry for the 2013 12 GS WC riders