First time buyer, advice sought!

[Frankie Boy]

Hi Folks,

I’ve just purchased a 6 month old 3,500 mile GS from Park Lane and its my first time on a bike of this type, having previously owned every type of Fireblade that came out.

I wanted to slow down and guess what, I have!

I’d really appreciate a little feedback from you more experienced owners over the first few things I’ve noticed;

1. at 6’1” I cant maintain a ‘hypothetical’ 80mph ‘cos of buffeting from my upper chest and head. Are Adventurer screens or Touratech extensions not worth having?
2. Having always ridden 4 cylinder Jap’s, the engine feels dead tight and gravelly from about 4,500 rpm and it feels like I’m gonna kill it if I rev it. Do they ease up or is this the Boxer feel?
3. I’m used to much smaller throttle movements and it seems like 2 handfuls of throttle would be needed to really get a move on. As I ride with 2 fingers near the brake lever, I think I’m only using part of the full potential. Is there any kit to convert the throttle to something like I’m used to?

Apart from these observations I love it. Not quite used to 50% more weight but you get a lovely view from up there!

 

[mike6631]

First Time Buyer

Welcome to the wonderful (and different ) world of the GS. If you use the search facility on the front page of the forum and type in screen you will discover of whole new world of screen types, sizes and comments. Everyone seems to find their own 'right' answer to that one, including no screen at all.

With only 3,500 miles on it the machine isn't even run in properly! After about 5,000 the negine will really loosen up, but it will never replicate the sort of acceleration that you got from a blade. As far as I know there isn't any device which will alter the amount of throttle that you need to wind on to make progress, but someone else on the site may well have more info.

The key to the Gs is relax and enjoy!

 

[BikerDave]

Before I bought my GS I had heard a lot of complaints from people about buffetting at speed from the standard screen, yet at 6'1" I don't find it a problem. Infact, even on completely naked bikes (ooer missus) cruising at 90-100 has never been a problem for me.

The same applies to the throttle action, some people seemed to indicate you needed the grip of a gorilla to keep it open on long journeys yet I found it perfectly ok.

I suppose it depends on what sort of bike you are used to, but it does seem to me that it's just a case of getting used to the different riding position, either that or start working out down the gym!!

 

[luke scott]

Hi Folks,

I’ve just purchased a 6 month old 3,500 mile GS from Park Lane


1. at 6’1” I cant maintain a ‘hypothetical’ 80mph ‘cos of buffeting from my upper chest and head. Are Adventurer screens or Touratech extensions not worth having?

I'm 6'1'' as well and dont find the buffetting a problem. Keep your head down !

2. Having always ridden 4 cylinder Jap’s, the engine feels dead tight and gravelly from about 4,500 rpm and it feels like I’m gonna kill it if I rev it. Do they ease up or is this the Boxer feel?

BMW mechanic in Dublin rode my 10,500 mile gs last week and said the engine is still tight. 20,000 miles is when it happens.

3. I’m used to much smaller throttle movements and it seems like 2 handfuls of throttle would be needed to really get a move on. As I ride with 2 fingers near the brake lever, I think I’m only using part of the full potential. Is there any kit to convert the throttle to something like I’m used to?

Get a tennis ball and squeeze hard to improve your grip !

 

[Steve]

Frankie Boy,

congrats on the new steed.
Buffeting seems to be a problem for most riders, myself included. At 6' 1", same as you, I found the best solution to be the MRA Vario screen. Do a search on MRA or Vario and you'll find all you need.

Don't worry about revving it - they love it - honest.

As to winding the throttle, our resident GS engineering expert, Vern, may be working on a solution, but he's a busy guy, and the weather's been good.

 

[judge]

As to winding the throttle, our resident GS engineering expert, Vern, may be working on a solution, but he's a busy guy, and the weather's been good.

Wassamatta you gone chicken fearing what next pops through your letterbox. Do the words pillow and horses head ring a bell

Quick Steve here comes Vern

 

[Steve]

Wassamatta you gone chicken fearing what next pops through your letterbox. Do the words pillow and horses head ring a bell

Quick Steve here comes Vern

Damn right, you didn't have to open the envelope...