Picked up my bike today and road it home the long way, thru' Germany, in the chilly 4c still air on some dry and damp roads.
It's good fun with many improvements over the older iterations.
First of all the finished quality seems a deliberate step forwards shading my previous tallrounders, Ducati 1200 MTS ,Triumph Explorer plus Mk1 & 2 1200 GS's.
At initial set off two issues within first 10 yards.....it's agile and the clutch is feather-light.
The weight is definitely ' mass centralised', like me, so it just disappears on the move, unlike me. Combined with an easy turn in, much better then the old bike which needs wrestling in by comparison, the weight seems very low as it holds the line in corners so predictably. This cornering stability and predictability is impressive The bars are more stable as well. This bike will be a hoot in the mountain twisty's especially with the powerful Brembos checking the speed like throwing out anchors.
The engine is very punchy and caught me out initially plus it likes revs , albeit in a boxer twin way, but still pulls happily at low revs. In fact there is a nanny gear change arrow that will have you in 6th at what seems walking pace.
There is some vibration through the seat on the over-run, can not recall this on the old model, plus if you are picky the fuelling is a little lumpy at low revs. Neither issue a problem to worry about but they are there. The vibes add a bit of character.
The gearbox works and changing gears is no problem and predictable until you want neutral which I think is still in the factory in Berlin and needs hunting for! I started to go into first, then up into 2nd then down into neutral. This may improve with miles.......or get worse?
The ride on my route along country back roads at 90 mph in Germany was choppy to begin with until I remembered the bike had dynamic suspension so I switched it to soft and viola, comfortable serene progress. This distinct character change was impressive. Did not try other modes as I forgot about them whilst having fun riding the bike.
The wind/ aero management is a big improvement with clean air at 90 mph but it was a still day. The screen is too short for my long back 6'2" frame but the airflow is clean. No buffeting to speak of.
The seat is harder than I remember and thus seemed comfortable but the test is a 300 mile plus day.
It's good to be back on a Boxer with it's thrum when in the wider sweet spot. Add the undoubted improvement in agility, turn in, suspension, brakes, aero and finish quality then BMW will retain their sales share with no problem.
Can't wait to run it in when I'm sure impressions will alter but this is a good start.
It's good fun with many improvements over the older iterations.
First of all the finished quality seems a deliberate step forwards shading my previous tallrounders, Ducati 1200 MTS ,Triumph Explorer plus Mk1 & 2 1200 GS's.
At initial set off two issues within first 10 yards.....it's agile and the clutch is feather-light.
The weight is definitely ' mass centralised', like me, so it just disappears on the move, unlike me. Combined with an easy turn in, much better then the old bike which needs wrestling in by comparison, the weight seems very low as it holds the line in corners so predictably. This cornering stability and predictability is impressive The bars are more stable as well. This bike will be a hoot in the mountain twisty's especially with the powerful Brembos checking the speed like throwing out anchors.
The engine is very punchy and caught me out initially plus it likes revs , albeit in a boxer twin way, but still pulls happily at low revs. In fact there is a nanny gear change arrow that will have you in 6th at what seems walking pace.
There is some vibration through the seat on the over-run, can not recall this on the old model, plus if you are picky the fuelling is a little lumpy at low revs. Neither issue a problem to worry about but they are there. The vibes add a bit of character.
The gearbox works and changing gears is no problem and predictable until you want neutral which I think is still in the factory in Berlin and needs hunting for! I started to go into first, then up into 2nd then down into neutral. This may improve with miles.......or get worse?
The ride on my route along country back roads at 90 mph in Germany was choppy to begin with until I remembered the bike had dynamic suspension so I switched it to soft and viola, comfortable serene progress. This distinct character change was impressive. Did not try other modes as I forgot about them whilst having fun riding the bike.
The wind/ aero management is a big improvement with clean air at 90 mph but it was a still day. The screen is too short for my long back 6'2" frame but the airflow is clean. No buffeting to speak of.
The seat is harder than I remember and thus seemed comfortable but the test is a 300 mile plus day.
It's good to be back on a Boxer with it's thrum when in the wider sweet spot. Add the undoubted improvement in agility, turn in, suspension, brakes, aero and finish quality then BMW will retain their sales share with no problem.
Can't wait to run it in when I'm sure impressions will alter but this is a good start.
