Finally, I test rode the new LC GS today. Needless to say it is an amazing motorcycle, on a whole new level to the already excellent twin cam.
The seat being narrower gives a shorter reach to the ground, so should suit shorter riders better. They say its a few kilos heavier than the last GS, but as soon as you move off, it feels much lighter. As the tank is narrower, it feels like you are riding a smaller bike, but you have to remember you're riding a wide bike when you start lane splitting!
The power is much more responsive than the TC, and you don't get the 50mph drone in 5th gear that the last incarnation was known for. It's much more flickable in the twisties, and low speed handling is much easier. I found myself making much tighter turns on this bike, compared with my last. I rode the bike in road mode, and then tried dynamic, which livens everything up, and allows wheelies and more fun!
The brakes are much better than the last bike, especially the rear brake, and the Brembos certainly don't disappoint!
If you're a fan of tech, this bike won't disappoint you. There are loads of screens and menus in the computer. I tried out the cruise control while riding through a 30mph limit, and its very easy to operate. The adjustable screen is a godsend, allowing you to find the sweet spot while riding. If you have short arms, you can engage the cruise control and adjust the screen with your right hand, as long as there's no traffic in front.
Finally, the stability of the bike was rock solid. I didn't take too much notice of the head shake reports, and wanted to try the bike for myself first. I had some time on some open roads and got to feel the performance, however, most of my ride was down single track lanes, with hairpins, ruts, potholes and loads of mud. At one point i looked down, and was doing 80mph down a bumpy lane (this bike gets up there very quickly), and the bike was rock solid. I didn't try taking any potholes at 80 while riding one handed and waving at onlookers as some of the journo's did, so am still here in one piece.
The only negatives that I can think of are the indicator switch, which I really don't like, and the numbers on the speedo are a bit small, but I'll get used to those in time.
IMO, BMW has hit the nail firmly on the head with this bike. I can't wait to get hold of mine, and am looking forward to putting some miles on the clock in the coming months.
The seat being narrower gives a shorter reach to the ground, so should suit shorter riders better. They say its a few kilos heavier than the last GS, but as soon as you move off, it feels much lighter. As the tank is narrower, it feels like you are riding a smaller bike, but you have to remember you're riding a wide bike when you start lane splitting!
The power is much more responsive than the TC, and you don't get the 50mph drone in 5th gear that the last incarnation was known for. It's much more flickable in the twisties, and low speed handling is much easier. I found myself making much tighter turns on this bike, compared with my last. I rode the bike in road mode, and then tried dynamic, which livens everything up, and allows wheelies and more fun!
The brakes are much better than the last bike, especially the rear brake, and the Brembos certainly don't disappoint!If you're a fan of tech, this bike won't disappoint you. There are loads of screens and menus in the computer. I tried out the cruise control while riding through a 30mph limit, and its very easy to operate. The adjustable screen is a godsend, allowing you to find the sweet spot while riding. If you have short arms, you can engage the cruise control and adjust the screen with your right hand, as long as there's no traffic in front
.Finally, the stability of the bike was rock solid. I didn't take too much notice of the head shake reports, and wanted to try the bike for myself first. I had some time on some open roads and got to feel the performance, however, most of my ride was down single track lanes, with hairpins, ruts, potholes and loads of mud. At one point i looked down, and was doing 80mph down a bumpy lane (this bike gets up there very quickly
), and the bike was rock solid. I didn't try taking any potholes at 80 while riding one handed and waving at onlookers as some of the journo's did, so am still here in one piece.The only negatives that I can think of are the indicator switch, which I really don't like, and the numbers on the speedo are a bit small, but I'll get used to those in time.
IMO, BMW has hit the nail firmly on the head with this bike. I can't wait to get hold of mine, and am looking forward to putting some miles on the clock in the coming months.
As long as everything goes ok with setting it up, I should be able to ride away this Saturday.
