Who’s ordered one ?

[EVskiy]

I was recently getting quotes for a replacement boiler. Keenest quote wanted 50% up front to "book the job" and balance AFTER removing old system and BEFORE install of new. I eventually paid 100% on completion to another outfit for a similar price. I think their normal USP was 9 months to pay on credit. As it was on behalf of our village hall, their credit didn't work.

I always take 50-60% upfront. All depends on how big is the job. The money goes into purchasing materials, my overheads.
Recently I worked on site and have overheard a plumber complaining that the builder he’s working for has asked to supply and install a combi boiler without the payment upfront. He kindly refused to do so on the grounds that the builder is known for having chronic Cashflow problems and is always late to pay his tradesmen.
Why is it expected that trades men have to fund the project, or loose sleep worrying if they will get paid once the job is complete.

Naturally you get a feeling for a potential client, but there are plenty of those who put on a mask that is very difficult to see trough who’s truly behind it.

Small time builders etc. We do not have credit accounts with our suppliers. Or at least in my case try not to. A true cashflow is what important in my opinion.

 

[The Stimulator]

Not ordered yet, but waiting to see what kind of deal my dealer can offer, taking my 2020 GSA in part-ex. Got out on a Triple Black loaded with most extras yesterday, and would start by saying that had I not been looking for something lower and lighter than the Adventure I probably wouldn’t be contemplating it. Whilst actual riding position didn’t seem much different, apart from 1300 seat being narrower, meaning I felt as if I was sitting on the bike, not in it, the huge difference in weight was obviously noticeable, as was the welcome ability to get both feet flat on the floor. Was very surprised that there was no wind buffeting with the screen at its highest and overall wind noise seemed much reduced.

To me, the engine still felt to have lots of grunt, but it did feel smoother at lower speeds; one thing that i didn’t like was the behaviour of the quick shifter. Unlike the 1250, which has a small drop in refs as you upshift in 5th/6th, this bike had a huge drop in revs. I don’t know if it was to do with the fact I wasn’t riding it as I would ride my own bike, and perhaps rolling of the throttle slightly, but that is a possibility.

Handling was as sure footed as I’d expect, but a short ride with greasy roads, cold weather and mist patches was not going to allow me to compare it properly.

Overall I liked the 1300, and although my head says a lighter GSA with the same suspension mechanism might work for me, I have to say that as riding patterns have changed I think the time is right to change.

 

[tspivey]

I don’t think I’ll be the only one who wants to use a different top box

I reckon a simple adapter plate to allow fitting Givi and Shad plates would be popular

View attachment 290630

I had this on my 1250 and I’m hoping they produce one for the 1300.
The BMW prep plate, as you’ll know, is £220 if ordered with the bike or nearly £500 if fitted later on, because of having to add the wiring. Then the price of the top box, that I don’t like, to add. This will be my eighth BMW and the only BMW top I‘ve ever owned was sold soon after buying the bike, always used a GIVI.

 

[RT_slippers]

Not ordered yet, but waiting to see what kind of deal my dealer can offer, taking my 2020 GSA in part-ex. Got out on a Triple Black loaded with most extras yesterday, and would start by saying that had I not been looking for something lower and lighter than the Adventure I probably wouldn’t be contemplating it. Whilst actual riding position didn’t seem much different, apart from 1300 seat being narrower, meaning I felt as if I was sitting on the bike, not in it, the huge difference in weight was obviously noticeable, as was the welcome ability to get both feet flat on the floor. Was very surprised that there was no wind buffeting with the screen at its highest and overall wind noise seemed much reduced.

To me, the engine still felt to have lots of grunt, but it did feel smoother at lower speeds; one thing that i didn’t like was the behaviour of the quick shifter. Unlike the 1250, which has a small drop in refs as you upshift in 5th/6th, this bike had a huge drop in revs. I don’t know if it was to do with the fact I wasn’t riding it as I would ride my own bike, and perhaps rolling of the throttle slightly, but that is a possibility.

Handling was as sure footed as I’d expect, but a short ride with greasy roads, cold weather and mist patches was not going to allow me to compare it properly.

Overall I liked the 1300, and although my head says a lighter GSA with the same suspension mechanism might work for me, I have to say that as riding patterns have changed I think the time is right to change.

How did you find the manual gear change going up the box? I had a TB demo last week and it was not good at all from 2-3 3-4 I’m afraid to say. It seemed worse after about an hour (longer demo). The bike was ready for the 600 mile service. Everything else about the bike was great, as described by you and others. I’m interested in your views and any others.

 

[The Stimulator]

How did you find the manual gear change going up the box? I had a TB demo last week and it was not good at all from 2-3 3-4 I’m afraid to say. It seemed worse after about an hour (longer demo). The bike was ready for the 600 mile service. Everything else about the bike was great, as described by you and others. I’m interested in your views and any others.

Have to say I found the manual changes fine, gearbox seemed nice and slick. Obviously still a slight clunk rather than click as it goes into first, but even that was much reduced compared to my 1250..

 

[RT_slippers]

Have to say I found the manual changes fine, gearbox seemed nice and slick. Obviously still a slight clunk rather than click as it goes into first, but even that was much reduced compared to my 1250..

That’s good to know. The first gear clunk is expected unfortunately.
The only negative I’ve seen regarding the gearbox was in the review by “ 44 teeth “ who used the word clunky. My current 1250GS is not clunky at all, it’s sweet and slick. The 1300 I had last week handled very precisely even on wet mucky Lincolnshire lanes. It was just the gearbox that let this particular bike down. I asked the dealer to check it out at the 600 mile service and report back.

 

[Tyzer]

I'm on my 3rd GS and the word slick isn't something i'd associate with the gearbox
Mind you I wouldn't describe the new 1300 gearbox as slick either but an improvement none the less !
My old ZZR now that was slick

 

[Mark Hooton]

I'm on my 3rd GS and the word slick isn't something i'd associate with the gearbox

I’d agree with that - my XR is somewhat better but my K1600 is sublime in comparison


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[stick]

Some had mention the box on the new 13 is not that smooth , but like all boxes it gets better , my 1250 at 600 miles was okay but after 3000 miles its great , so the new 13 should be superb as its as better as mine is now , chuck in a 10 day tour of the Spanish twistys and it will turn into Kerry Gold . IMHO

 

[The Stimulator]

I'm on my 3rd GS and the word slick isn't something i'd associate with the gearbox
Mind you I wouldn't describe the new 1300 gearbox as slick either but an improvement none the less !
My old ZZR now that was slick

I guess when you’ve been riding an 1150 GS, followed by a 1200, then a 1250 over the last 24 years, and each new model has got better, you’re allowed to call the 1300 slick

 

[stick]

I guess when you’ve been riding an 1150 GS, followed by a 1200, then a 1250 over the last 24 years, and each new model has got better, you’re allowed to call the 1300 slick

My 2011 TB Twin cam strangely had a great gear box , but it was , at the time , part of the appeal of the bike , still miss it and it has a photo on the wall arrrrrrrrr

 

[leadfarmer]

I’ve always found my quick shifter works great on my 1200 and it’s one of the first from 2016 , guess I’m just lucky

When I tried the 1300 the box and the quick shifter were both superbly smooth

I did see a French guy in a YouTube video blipping the throttle when using the quick shifter, you need to know how to use it if you want it to work

The clutch felt a bit heavier than my 1200 but it had the shorty levers on so maybe they didn’t help

 

[stick]

I’ve always found my quick shifter works great on my 1200 and it’s one of the first from 2016 , guess I’m just lucky

When I tried the 1300 the box and the quick shifter were both superbly smooth

I did see a French guy in a YouTube video blipping the throttle when using the quick shifter, you need to know how to use it if you want it to work

The clutch felt a bit heavier than my 1200 but it had the shorty levers on so maybe they didn’t help

I did think the stiffer clutch would be a worry , but its fine . My reason is that I can only use 2 1/2 fingers on my clutch hand due to a trails accident , it was fine and had no impact for me . The bikes great no matter how many pre doubts I threw up at it , this new bike has cost me a few quid , but hey ho ....... cant wait to pick it up , suck up the loss and move on ..