Well that was a fun morning.
Started off with the R Nine T. It looked small, uncluttered and basic compared to the GSA i'd just got off. No fuel gauge - interesting. On start up it makes a nice burble through the trumpet shaped cans. I climbed on and my 6'1" allowed me to easily have my feet flat on the floor, when on the pegs though it wasn't cramped. The bike was easy to ride from the off and well mannered I thought, the centre of gravity being low down made slow manoeuvres easy. I thought it had ample real world grunt when you open the throttle and I felt like it fired me towards the horizon very well, I was surprised how fast it seemed compared to my GS (diagnostic and two new coils by the way, now running sweet as a nut). The seat is firm, but it didnt give me bum ache for the hour I was on it. I kind of see what people are saying about the suspension as well, it seemed firm like the suspension is made from rubber blocks as opposed to the decent amount of travel I experience on the GS, but it remained poised and competent enough, it squirmed a bit at one point on some crappy stuff on a roundabout but that's it. The steering damper is a good addition with this much power chucking you down the road. When accelerating hard I noticed it twitched a bit on clutchless changes. Overall a fun ride.
Next up was S1000R Sport with gear shift pro and 300 miles on the clock. If I'm honest I was a bit worried how much of an animal this was going to be having been surprised at the pace of the R Nine T. The settings were in normal for sus, and road. Again feet flat on the floor but its higher than the R nine T. On start up it sounds eager and exciting. I set off with no problems, I noticed the throttle was so light to turn. As soon as I turned onto the clear road from the dealership I had a Saab right on my back wheel, I hadn't even seen it when I pulled out, as in it wasn't there, he must've been motoring, fat bloke with a tie on. He then persisted in sitting on my wheel even when I tried to accelerate into clear space. I was sticking to the limit, new bike etc I waved him back on the approach to a roundabout and he overtook me, going round the roundabout like a touring car and finding time to acknowledge my tosser status, I returned the gesture natch. He then continued to drive like he'd stolen it until out of sight. Anyhoo I headed to the bypass to get a handle on what a bike like this can do. Firstly, gear assist makes you feel like a pro racer the instantaneous change of note as you shift through the box is so sexy. Even in sixth gear this thing will easily hit disqual speeds (I reckon) in a few seconds it is amazing. Not much windage at all compared to the R nine T adds to the competent package BMW have made here. It ticks the boxes for me in its electrickery, manners and excitement. I headed through the local bends and the engine braking available helped to keep things smooth without brakes, I didnt get anywhere near doing it justice but it felt bloody exciting. If I did go off anywhere on a trip I'd be quite happy on this all day, there are sufficient luggage options for the sort of trips I'd be doing. I like the shredded feeling after a day of fun and dont necessarily want to feel as fresh as a daisy when I sip my beer at night, and I enjoy the 1000 yard stare moment.
I thought i'd prefer the charm of the twin, and I can see why people buy and like them and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to try both to add to my mental reference library. I bloody loved the S1000R though and I want one.
Sorry this has turned into a ride report about stuff you probably already know, but if I leave it here it may help someone out. Anyone want to buy an 1150 GSA 28,000 miles?
