Thinking of Changing - First Impressions

[moondog]

Greetings Peeps from a new user (visitor?) to this board !

I am thinking of changing my current bike a Yamaha Fazer 600 '02 model for the 1150GS and am seeking your opinions on a few observations I have to make based on a test ride on Saturday morning just past.

I test rode an 03? model from the BMW dealer in Glasgow who I have to say was pretty good.

I ws out for about an hour which I don't feel was enough time to experience the bike fully before comiting to buying one I would like it for a weekend if anyone knows if this is possible (dealer dependent ?).

Obviuosly there is a big difference between my 16v four stroke and the flat twin of the beember which initially took a bit of getting used to (I stalled it whilst trying to pull away) but I think I could live with.

I noticed on reving the bike that it sort of kicks to the left (or was it right)both at a standstill and if you over rev it whilst changing gear ? - this took a bit of getting used to and I guess it is becasue of the shaft drive ? Does this strange sensation go away after time - as in you learn to live with it ?

I have read on here that first gear is considered by some to be "tall" that was certainly my initila impression as the bike had to be revved hardish to get it moving out of first and that tight roundabouts had to be negotiated in first with much slipping of clutch. I would prefer a lower gearing which I understand is an option ? (on standard as well as adventure models - I want a standard model ?).

I also notice that sixth gear seemed massively tall even trying to cruise at 70mph ? Does anyone else find this or are you expected to cruise at 70 in fifth all the time. Can this be lowered as first ? I have heard it mentioned that it is regarded as an E overdrive gear ? What does this mean ?

Other than those minor grumbles I was well impressed with the pulling power of this bike - it suits my riding style to be blatting about the place on nothing but torque at low revs. I loved whacking the throttle open and being pulled into the blue yonder !! The road holding I though ws also superb it felt like the bike was cornering on rails very very well planted in the road.

When I got back and jumped on my bike it felt like a toy and I found no torque at all to compare with the GS.

I think I will go for a change probably next year (wait to see what this new model is like?) when I will get a better price for my Fazer (£paltry3.1K I was offered as a trade in).

I can understand what all the fuss is about. I'm in !!! (I still want one for the weekend though!!!)

Regards,


Moondog

 

[Madmountainman]

Some dealers do rentals, rocking to one side? They all do that sir, it's called character and you get used to it. They're quirky bikes that take a little adjusting to but once you've owned one for a while you'll probably never go back. Think, if all bikes except BMW had tonka toy indicator switches and BMW had those fiddly little things that the journos rave about... would they then rave about the chunky paddles???? Hmmm, i think so!
As regards gearing, it's a personal thing. I had a standard GS before getting my Adventure and found sixth too high for my style of riding. The lower top gearing on the Adv is far better. I've not had any problems with the standard first gear though, which is why i nver specced the lower first when i bought it.
Oh, and GS residuals are the best which is why they're such a bad buy second hand... according to those numpties at Ride, Doh!

 

[Mark Sansby]

One for the weekend?

I find it odd that you feel the need to try a 'GS for the weekend.

Not that I think you'll have too much of a problem (maybe Sat eve 'til Mon morn) with a dealer lending you one. But how long were you out on your Fazer before you decided to buy?

Most (normal) dealers let you try a bike for about 10 mins, and that's if they've got a demo. Longest I had a test for (before BMW) was about an hour, but most of the time you get followed or have to chase someone from the dealer around a 3 mile test route.

As for the Gearing. There are 2 different gearboxes. One with overdrive. I've got the overdrive box and have ridden the standard. The overdrive is great if you do lots of motorway miles, but as you noticed, 6th is bl***y useless below 70.

As most of my riding is country lanes, if I had the choice again I'd go for the standard box.

The advantage of only using 5 gears around the country lanes however means there's tons of torque in 5th and you rarely change gear.

Haven't noticed any problems with 1st. Came from a triple to the BM, so I'm probably automatically used to slipping the clutch a little. I do find I corner in higher gears than I used to, 'cause of the torque I suppose.

The shake from side to side is the engine layout. Pistons go sideways! As for whether you get used to it or it goes away. What shake!!

 

[Lord Snooty]

I ws out for about an hour which I don't feel was enough time to experience the bike fully before comiting to buying one I would like it for a weekend if anyone knows if this is possible (dealer dependent ?).

Ask you dealer for another test ride for an extended period - I'm sure they'll go for it as there is a sniff of a sale

I noticed on reving the bike that it sort of kicks to the left (or was it right)both at a standstill and if you over rev it whilst changing gear ? - this took a bit of getting used to and I guess it is becasue of the shaft drive ? Does this strange sensation go away after time - as in you learn to live with it ?

I have read on here that first gear is considered by some to be "tall" that was certainly my initila impression as the bike had to be revved hardish to get it moving out of first and that tight roundabouts had to be negotiated in first with much slipping of clutch. I would prefer a lower gearing which I understand is an option ? (on standard as well as adventure models - I want a standard model ?). That's because your crankshaft is longitudinal and rotates left to right - you'll get used to it.

I also notice that sixth gear seemed massively tall even trying to cruise at 70mph ? Does anyone else find this or are you expected to cruise at 70 in fifth all the time. Can this be lowered as first ? I have heard it mentioned that it is regarded as an E overdrive gear ? What does this mean ? Mine cruises happily in E at 60mph/3000rpm with pillion but I this could be due to the better breathing as I have rechipped it, Remus Y piece and tailpipe and a K&N airfilter.

Other than those minor grumbles I was well impressed with the pulling power of this bike - it suits my riding style to be blatting about the place on nothing but torque at low revs. I loved whacking the throttle open and being pulled into the blue yonder !! The road holding I though ws also superb it felt like the bike was cornering on rails very very well planted in the road.Lovely isn't it!

 

[Mark Sansby]

60mph / 3000 rpm?

Lord Snooty are you sure that's an O/D gearbox?

I'm pretty sure mine's around 2500 rpm or less at 60mph in top.

Will check on way home.

 

[Ned Flanders]

Just do it I DID

moondog

I'm like you. Ridden Fazer 6's since 1998 and made the GS move 10 days ago. After the honeymoon period my thoughts have not changed. SHOULD HAVE DONE IT YEARS AGO.
Did 600 mile rideout to Devon last weekend, got back in much better physical shape than last years trip on the Faz. Yes I did miss the excellent Fazer 600 engine on the rarest of occasions, but then I've only done 750 miles in total on the GS and I've not "adapted" my style (eeerrr I have style!!!!!!!) to suit the GS.
Still gave my fellow VFR and Hornet riding mates a surprise or two, so it must be good.

You won't regret it and as you've test ridden one you're already commited.

Regards

Tim

 

[Mark Sansby]

Sorry Lord Snooty

Top 2700 - 2800rpm at 60mph

in 5th 3500rpm and soooo much drive!

 

[pragmatix]

Motorad central are very helpful they will let you have a longer test ride, They let me test ride an 1150 when I was thinking about buying an 1100 privately, just so I had something to compare with.
Fazer values have dropped rapidily due to the model being fazed out due to emmisions new can be had for £3950 so £3100 for a trade in is pretty good and private sales are in the £2250 to £3000 area ( thats from a quick look in MCN )

Just go and put your order in.

Pete A

 

[Lord Snooty]

Sorry Lord Snooty

Top 2700 - 2800rpm at 60mph

in 5th 3500rpm and soooo much drive!

Mark, that's pretty close, I guess the 2-300 rpm diff between our bikes is due to the different setups e.g air filter, exhaust etc

 

[AlexV]

Moondog,

I had a Fazer 600 before I got my 02 52 GS. A lot of what you have said I can relate to. The GS is a very unique experience and you will grow to love it. I had a demo for a day. (9am-5pm) and really enjoyed it good upright position and very competent in town. Like you when I got back on the Fazer, toy did come to mind.

Go on... Buy one you won't look back!!


Alex

 

[Mark Sansby]

Just shows how often I look at the rev counter!#!

I've got the norm (Remus & 'Y') plus K&N, does the chip make much difference?
What you got? (Techclusion?)

 

[MikeO]

I guess the 2-300 rpm diff between our bikes is due to the different setups e.g air filter, exhaust etc

Not unless you've changed the gearing or speedo drive....

Mike

 

[moondog]

Thanks for your *unbiased* replies guys ;-) I will probably not seriously think about changing until next year which I guess gives a little bit more time to watch for developments on the 2004 model ? Saw a nice blue and white one at Knockhill at the weekend (member on here ?) very nice - put me in the mood again ! Also rather strangely happened to notice a hell of a lot more of them on the road than usual. Don't tell me these are the first signs of caving in.........
Cheers


Moondog

 

[Gunboat Willy]

Hello all...not quite a first post...but the credit card is still behind the bar

Bought mine without so much as a test ride...first time on a bike for umpteen years was riding it off the dealers forecourt - stalled it of course

I find 6th quite relaxing on the motorway at 70 to 80 - but it's a fair old jump from 5th. Still enough torque to be responsive...but a lot less so than 5th.

Wandered past my bike in the office car park (it must be love!!) during the morning....good job. The car park surface has been great...until the recent hot weather...quick dash for the drinks machine, neck a 7up, stamp on can and stuff it under sidestand. I suspect that the centre stand would have just bedded in. Good job I didn't leave it any longer...and a bit of a warning for me that however hard these surfaces are....sunshine doesn't do them much good.

Anyone got any rumours about the next GS variant in 2004???

Oh...and SLM in Caterham have been doing 'Saturday Matinees' - book a bike and have a rideout with other Matinee bookers and someone from the local Advanced Motocycling group. I think it lasts a couple of hours but not sure.

Cheers,

GW