I've done about 3000kms now, had a chance to push the bike a bit. My last bike was a 2023 Superduke 1290 Evo, so that's my reference point. I find the R1300RS has a handling characteristic I'm not used to. Under lean, getting on the power, I notice the back end "wriggling", like either it's breaking and regaining traction, or there is some flex in the chasis. I'm no road racer but it's not the most confidence inspiring. Wondering if genuine sports tires might make a difference, anyone noticed something similar? Anyone moved to stickier tires and if so, was it worth it?
Getting A Wriggle On
- Thread starter j dory
- Start date
No, is what I'm describing to be expected?
yes, whilst the paralever set up reduces the effect, the forces acting on the rear are different to chain drive
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaft_effect
"The forces involved in accelerating a motorcycle. Left: a chain or belt drive. Right: a shaft drive."
you will get used to it
J biker
Registered user
Sold my gen 3 Superduke R end of last year. Ownership overlapped with R1300gs.
I actually found the GS to be more stable, feel is different, no surprise really. The KTM would let loose very suddenly, the traction control would catch it...
The GS needs to be in dynamic pro and set up. Do try altering damping too. I backed mine off, which helped with corner grip for me in the Alps. Adjust traction control to minimum, throttle response to max, and yes, fit good tyres . Conti Road Attack the best I have used, Michelin Road 6 were good, but I had to drop the tyre pressures..the rear was starting to slide early when pushed.
Tyre pressure does make a big difference, just like any other bike. Majority of GS riders would just stick to manufacturer spec I suspect.
Warm weather/dry roads I run mine 34 * front 38-40 rear (solo) and cold weather/damp roads 36/40.
*below 33 the steering becomes heavier and kind of drops in at slow speed.
Sticky options;
There is a Dunlop, though can't remember which one
Metzler M9rr
I have not tried them as my bike gets ridden long distances on tours, not sure how the softer tyres will hold up
Conti Road Attack 3s DO start to rip up on hot roads when pushed. (35 degrees and Pyrenees..) but grip and predictable handling is superb.
I actually found the GS to be more stable, feel is different, no surprise really. The KTM would let loose very suddenly, the traction control would catch it...
The GS needs to be in dynamic pro and set up. Do try altering damping too. I backed mine off, which helped with corner grip for me in the Alps. Adjust traction control to minimum, throttle response to max, and yes, fit good tyres . Conti Road Attack the best I have used, Michelin Road 6 were good, but I had to drop the tyre pressures..the rear was starting to slide early when pushed.
Tyre pressure does make a big difference, just like any other bike. Majority of GS riders would just stick to manufacturer spec I suspect.
Warm weather/dry roads I run mine 34 * front 38-40 rear (solo) and cold weather/damp roads 36/40.
*below 33 the steering becomes heavier and kind of drops in at slow speed.
Sticky options;
There is a Dunlop, though can't remember which one
Metzler M9rr
I have not tried them as my bike gets ridden long distances on tours, not sure how the softer tyres will hold up
Conti Road Attack 3s DO start to rip up on hot roads when pushed. (35 degrees and Pyrenees..) but grip and predictable handling is superb.
I put Bridgestone S21 Hypersport on the S1000XR. Compared to the T31 that BMW fitted, they lasted about half the mileage on a trip to the Vosges & Black Forest. There's an S23 out now. I went back to the more durable sport touring tyre for a trip to the Pyrenees as the roads are very abrasive with Shellgrip on a lot of the bends.
On my RS I stuck to the sport touring tyres.
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