Initial thoughts

[paul08]

Well, i have had my LC for 2 weeks (with Komfort and Dynamic 2 packs - no TE spec in Germany) and have just had its 1st service, so I thought I would post my "first thoughts". The following comments should be read in the context that I only rode my first m'bike at age 50 and that my sole bike since then for the last 10 years has been an R850R.
So my comments & observations (in no particular order):

• The LC has fantastic road holding and it inspires confidence. I am living in Germany, and many of the autobahn slip roads have a tendency for the radius to tighten up dramatically. I feel much more in control of things with the LC if I get caught out.
• Balance. So much better balanced than my R850R. Again, very confidence inspiring. I was never that good at low speed manourvering & u-turns before, but so much easier now.
• It's big! After 10 years of cocking my leg over the 850R, I will have to work on my hip flexibility to get my foot cleanly over the set of the LC!!
• The power. Very noticable (as you would expect)
• Gearing/fuelling: not impressed really. Hopefully better now that it has had its 1st service though. Around town, I seem to be continually caught between 1st/2nd/3rd being the correct gear. And the bike does not like lugging from low revs if I am in the right gear.
• Gearbox. Another disappointment. I can't say that it is much better than the R850R. Yes, it is better, but in 10 years I thought that they would have moved on from what in the 850R was an agricultural experience. They haven't. The clonk/jolt as you put it into 1st gear from Neutral makes me wince.
• Indicator switches. After 10 years if the old BMW set up, I miss it on the LC. No way is it a better layout.
• Rear view mirrors: yes, you get a decent enough view of what is behind you, but they mirrors are definately an example of form over function. Why so narrow from top to bottom?
• Footspace: definately more space around my size 12's.
• Windshield: not as efficient as the screen on the RT I tried, but lightyears better than the small screen I had on my 850R
• Computer Pro: fantastic. From barely being told much more than speed and engive revs on the R850R, I am now spoilt for choice. I have never had a puncture on any bike, but I do like the confidence given by seing the RDC readout. Trip, oil level etc etc are also welcome.
• Heated grips: work for me. No issues.
• ESA: fantastic. I am a "well built" Tosser, and it is good to be able to tweak the ESA when I am also carrying luggage and/or pillions. You feel the bike lifing under you as you select 'two up". A weird sensation.
• Accessories: Varios came with the bike when I picked it up. Seem well made, but not used yet. Still waiting for the tank bag.

So a few grumbles. Nothing is perfect. But, overall, I am really really pleased with it. Off on my first long trip on it this weekend: The Somme & Ypres/Flanders.

 

[dave hendy]

Hi Paul

Thanks for posting your thoughts. Enjoy your trip and gives your views again after?

Dave

 

[Packer]

The clonk into first gear may very well be down to the oil bath clutch instead of the car type dry clutch of the older bikes.

What revs does the bike idle at? My old tractor was delivered with an idling speed of 1100-1150 rpm which I had the dealer adjust down to 1000. That made a significant difference with the only downside being the need to use the fast idle more when cold.

 

[Engineer]

The clonk into first gear may very well be down to the oil bath clutch instead of the car type dry clutch of the older bikes.

What revs does the bike idle at? My old tractor was delivered with an idling speed of 1100-1150 rpm which I had the dealer adjust down to 1000. That made a significant difference with the only downside being the need to use the fast idle more when cold.

What's a fast idle?, is like kind of ambling at a trot???

 

[Yellow Peril]

Seeing couple of comments re mirrors I would assume it would not be impossible to swap them for the previous models? Or are they positioned that different?

Bit of mix and matching could end up with half decent bike.

 

[kesha]

agree on windshield and indicator switches

 

[Nutty]

Seeing couple of comments re mirrors I would assume it would not be impossible to swap them for the previous models? Or are they positioned that different?

Bit of mix and matching could end up with half decent bike.

I find them better. In fact, I fitted these to my triple black last year. Mirror extenders may solve the problem, if there is one. You can't put the lollipops on the LC.

 

[Packer]

What's a fast idle?, is like kind of ambling at a trot???

A comforting mechanical linkage between the rider and the throttle slides, used in the depths of history when ECU's were still young and had limited functionality and the future was falsely brightened by the spectre of 12's

 

[Andyram]

I agree with the comment on the screen. It's better than the previous one because there's no buffeting, but IMHO it's not good enough. I had a Givi Airflow screen for my TC and that was fantastic - hardly ever used my visor.
I'd have thought BMW could have used and aerofoil design and made the bike so much better.
Hopefully, Givi will get an Airflow screen out for the TC sooner rather than later. Saw one on a Super Tenere the other week, so I'd expect one will be coming out before too long.