Test Ride

[T2725]

My test ride of the new LC yesterday left me with an overall impression of WOW! This is the machine I wanted my 2012 TB to be coming from a litre sports bike.

The good:

Super light clutch
Stonking engine and the extra rev range
Dynamic mode
Brakes
Adjustable screen on the go and wind protection in general
Narrower between the legs and easier to control
Fewer vibes and better low speed handling
Far better stability in fast sweeping bends. Doesn't wallow like the old one
Holds a tighter line in bends
Cruise control
LED headlight
The overall looks of the bike are sharper and more modern which I really like
The new position of the air valves on the wheels
There appears to be a better spread of power and fewer down changes are needed for overtakes
Improved ergonomics which suit me better
The LC appeared to be easier to throw around in the twisties

The bad:

The indicator switch. I love the old BMW ones, far more intuitive!
Speedo numbers are a tad too small. Would have been better with a digital one IMO!
The slipper clutch appears quite crude compared to a Fireblade
Head shake. This happened 5 times in my hours ride, 3 of which were whilst leant over and hard on the throttle coming out of bends. Glad the new one will have a steering damper.
Getting back on my TB and it feeling very lardy in comparison

Can't wait to get mine. Why would you need any other bike when this does it all!!

 

[Jotski]

My test ride of the new LC yesterday left me with an overall impression of WOW! This is the machine I wanted my 2012 TB to be coming from a litre sports bike.

The good:

Super light clutch
Stonking engine and the extra rev range
Dynamic mode
Brakes
Adjustable screen on the go and wind protection in general
Narrower between the legs and easier to control
Fewer vibes and better low speed handling
Far better stability in fast sweeping bends. Doesn't wallow like the old one
Holds a tighter line in bends
Cruise control
LED headlight
The overall looks of the bike are sharper and more modern which I really like
The new position of the air valves on the wheels
There appears to be a better spread of power and fewer down changes are needed for overtakes
Improved ergonomics which suit me better
The LC appeared to be easier to throw around in the twisties

The bad:

The indicator switch. I love the old BMW ones, far more intuitive!
Speedo numbers are a tad too small. Would have been better with a digital one IMO!
The slipper clutch appears quite crude compared to a Fireblade
Head shake. This happened 5 times in my hours ride, 3 of which were whilst leant over and hard on the throttle coming out of bends. Glad the new one will have a steering damper.
Getting back on my TB and it feeling very lardy in comparison

Can't wait to get mine. Why would you need any other bike when this does it all!!

Good summary, the speedo numbers are way too small but the digital speedo is ok
White ones are faster ...

 

[Crapaud]

Having ridden one yesterday I would agree completely but I never managed to get any head shake.

Dreading getting back on my old bikes now.

 

[JayC]

My test ride of the new LC yesterday left me with an overall impression of WOW! This is the machine I wanted my 2012 TB to be coming from a litre sports bike.

The good:
1)
Far better stability in fast sweeping bends. Doesn't wallow like the old one
2)
Improved ergonomics which suit me better


The bad:
2)
The indicator switch. I love the old BMW ones, far more intuitive!

1)
Head shake. This happened 5 times in my hours ride, 3 of which were whilst leant over and hard on the throttle coming out of bends.

Can't wait to get mine. Why would you need any other bike when this does it all!!

So which is it?

What is your impression of it 2 up and loaded with luggage?

 

[Yellow Peril]

This is the machine I wanted my 2012 TB to be coming from a litre sports bike.

Says it all and its what BMW are aiming for, unfortunately not their loyal customers of many many years who could now move on, or just won't downgrade to the WC.,

 

[T2725]

JayC, the improved stability in fast sweepers stood out more than the ergonomics.

The points I listed are not in order of preference but simply dumping my impressions.

My biggest gripe of the bike is the new switch gear. I'm hoping the steering damper on the updated model will sort out some of this!

I didn't ride it 2 up or with luggage so can't comment on that.

 

[phantom92]

Steering Damper

Does anybody know if this steering damper is going to be a retro fit on the first LCs. As I have had a couple of wiggles from the front end under hard throttle, lent over?

Mark

 

[JayC]

Can't wait to get mine. Why would you need any other bike when this does it all!!

So which is it?

What is your impression of it 2 up and loaded with luggage?

I didn't ride it 2 up or with luggage so can't comment on that.

 

[Daxaar]

who could now move on

We can but hope

 

[alp]

Does anybody know if this steering damper is going to be a retro fit on the first LCs. As I have had a couple of wiggles from the front end under hard throttle, lent over?

Mark

I'm as surprised as hell over this comment. I've felt nothing but secure when hard over and on the gas thru' numerous passes. Maybe it's the tyres on yours? Mine is on Tourance Nexts.
If you're hooning around corners it's best to be in a suitable suspension setting e.g. Dynamic gives the sport damping characteristics or you can select Road as the engine response and then Hard for sport damping.
Re. retro fit...highly unlikely but if you want to buy the damper parts plus a bottom yoke (to mount the front of the damper) and drill and tap the front swing arm for the damper's rear mounting (it's already got a cast boss) you can fit one on a 2013 model. Waste of time and money for me though.

 

[spalding12]

please excuse me if i missed THIS:
did you test ride a '13 or '14?
i'm wondering if this one had the steering damper

thanks for the great review
i appreciate it

 

[biggeorge]

My test ride of the new LC yesterday left me with an overall impression of WOW! This is the machine I wanted my 2012 TB to be coming from a litre sports bike.

The good:

Super light clutch
Stonking engine and the extra rev range
Dynamic mode
Brakes
Adjustable screen on the go and wind protection in general
Narrower between the legs and easier to control
Fewer vibes and better low speed handling
Far better stability in fast sweeping bends. Doesn't wallow like the old one
Holds a tighter line in bends
Cruise control
LED headlight
The overall looks of the bike are sharper and more modern which I really like
The new position of the air valves on the wheels
There appears to be a better spread of power and fewer down changes are needed for overtakes
Improved ergonomics which suit me better
The LC appeared to be easier to throw around in the twisties

The bad:

The indicator switch. I love the old BMW ones, far more intuitive!
Speedo numbers are a tad too small. Would have been better with a digital one IMO!
The slipper clutch appears quite crude compared to a Fireblade
Head shake. This happened 5 times in my hours ride, 3 of which were whilst leant over and hard on the throttle coming out of bends. Glad the new one will have a steering damper.
Getting back on my TB and it feeling very lardy in comparison

Can't wait to get mine. Why would you need any other bike when this does it all!!

hi , good report on the bike, i take it you had no gear change issue.?

 

[DING-DONG]

Does anybody know if this steering damper is going to be a retro fit on the first LCs. As I have had a couple of wiggles from the front end under hard throttle, lent over?

Mark

I was told No by a dealer, and further looking into this it would be expensive as you will need some major parts. However there is a guy making a damper kit for this bike on eBay, I myself have a ohlins damper that I'm retro fitting but you need access to a cnc machine to make the hardware.

 

[Wrinkly]

Why on earth would anyone wish to dampen what is one of the best steering BMW's ever made :

Steve

 

[Nutty]

Nice report, but I'd be interested to hear more info on the "head shake" especially 5 in an hour when most of us haven't had one in thousands of miles. Or do you mean that the steering went a bit twitchy five times?

 

[cusi]

Nice report, but I'd be interested to hear more info on the "head shake" especially 5 in an hour when most of us haven't had one in thousands of miles. Or do you mean that the steering went a bit twitchy five times?

My my, you boys are touchy.

 

[spalding12]

Why on earth would anyone wish to dampen what is one of the best steering BMW's ever made :

Steve

the '14 comes with a steering damper AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT
that's why i was wondering which one he was riding

 

[T2725]

I rode 2013 model and to be fair did ride her hard and went a route i have experienced a few tank slappers on my 2012 whilst upright and in a straight line cresting a hill. The front end tied itself in knots 3 times and shook quite violently when I pinned the throttle whilst leant over exiting corners (dynamic mode).

I simply wrote my findings/ thoughts / experiences of the bike and for me, BMW have really raised their game with the new GS. I did not want to go back to the dealership. The LC commanded more respect than my current bike.

If the head shake really bothered me I would have canceled my order.

 

[spalding12]

I rode 2013 model and to be fair did ride her hard and went a route i have experienced a few tank slappers on my 2012 whilst upright and in a straight line cresting a hill. The front end tied itself in knots 3 times and shook quite violently when I pinned the throttle whilst leant over exiting corners (dynamic mode).

I simply wrote my findings/ thoughts / experiences of the bike and for me, BMW have really raised their game with the new GS. I did not want to go back to the dealership. The LC commanded more respect than my current bike.

If the head shake really bothered me I would have canceled my order.

thank you for the clarification
mine is "IN PRODUCTION."
can't wait until she arrives
again, thanks for taking the time to tell us about YOUR experiences with this amazing bike

 

[telbenj]

head shake

I rode 2013 model and to be fair did ride her hard and went a route i have experienced a few tank slappers on my 2012 whilst upright and in a straight line cresting a hill. The front end tied itself in knots 3 times and shook quite violently when I pinned the throttle whilst leant over exiting corners (dynamic mode).

I simply wrote my findings/ thoughts / experiences of the bike and for me, BMW have really raised their game with the new GS. I did not want to go back to the dealership. The LC commanded more respect than my current bike.

If the head shake really bothered me I would have canceled my order.

The only time I have managed to get mine to misbehave tank slap (head shake) was when I have turned off the TC and rode hard in dynamic mode.
mine is the Enduro model so has everything apart from ESC

Terry