Well I road tested the S1000XR this morning, very impressed. Sports bike power and handling with adventure style and touring comfort. BMW are onto a winner with this, going by the sales and waiting list, that is definitely the case. (not to mention the mag reviews..)
2 hours to ride around Tunbridge Wells, Snodland and Maidstone then back to Tunbridge Wells. Had a play on a mixture of roads to try out all aspects, motorway cruising/filtering/twisty stuff (well I didn't go off roading with it..). Screen is two way adjustable, in the lower position upto 50 mph it was fine, after that I was getting a lot of buffeting. Lifted screen up and had no wind getting through until around 75+ MPH. I'm 6ft 1" and just managed to flat foot both feet when coming to a stop. It doesn't feel heavy at all, it's apparently 228kg (dry), flicks nicely into and around roundabouts.
Direct comparison to my S1000RR, engine noise is the same, not surprisingly. Power comes in lower down the rev range and can happily pull from 25mph in 6th without complaint. It's quoted at 160 bhp. Acceleration is mad, not the top end of mine, felt more like my gsxr1000, loads of midrange and very very quick. Made me giggle as it somehow didn't seem right perched on a bike upright and flying along at some rate of knots.
The quickshift 'Gear Shift Assist Pro' is the same as mine, only need clutch to pull away from standstill/coming to standstill. Pops and bangs on overrun, altho not as much as mine (which sounds like small arms fire).
Riding modes, this has four to choose from, Rain/Sport/Dynamic/Dynamic Pro, each mode alters not just the suspension, but the ABS, power delivery, power availability, traction control, anti wheelie..blah blah blah.
SatNav, option to have BMW's branded version of the Garmin 660. I took my Garmin 590LM and the bugger didn't fit
which is some ways is a good thing as the BMW variant is not only SatNav but an on board computer too. Records things such as how many gear changes, braking distances, lean angles, how many times you stopped for a wee etc.
Suspension.. Now this was impressive. 'Dynamic ESA' (Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Same semi active suspension as my bike but.. Adjusts to compensate for load, on the dash you cycle through the option to allow for single rider/single rider with luggage/pillion/pillion with luggage. Also it can be changed, on the fly, from 'road' to 'dynamic', the difference is floaty magic carpet to go kart, it was that noticeable. From a touring perspective, especially a situation using motorways/peage/autobahn to get to your favourite pass, leaving it on 'road' selection on motorways for comfort, then 'dynamic' on the twisties, awesome.
Negatives? Questionable looks, but like all things what one person loves the other hates. I personally like it, prefer the black and white one tho.
Vibrations. My S1000RR is a buzzy bike, at certain revs it can numb your hands. The XR is no different, just in a different part of the rev range.
Would I buy one? Well i'm looking for a decent upgrade for the Street Triple, the KTM Super Duke was disappointing (for the price). This ticks all my boxes. I would even go as far to say it's the perfect 'road' bike. (for me at least)
Launch date here is this Saturday 20th. If you want one now the earliest they can get one is end of September.
This demonstrator was the top of the range XR Sport SE at £14750. I tried to work a deal and haggle, to be fair I didn't stand a chance, waiting list is getting longer everyday. No harm in trying
2 hours to ride around Tunbridge Wells, Snodland and Maidstone then back to Tunbridge Wells. Had a play on a mixture of roads to try out all aspects, motorway cruising/filtering/twisty stuff (well I didn't go off roading with it..). Screen is two way adjustable, in the lower position upto 50 mph it was fine, after that I was getting a lot of buffeting. Lifted screen up and had no wind getting through until around 75+ MPH. I'm 6ft 1" and just managed to flat foot both feet when coming to a stop. It doesn't feel heavy at all, it's apparently 228kg (dry), flicks nicely into and around roundabouts.
Direct comparison to my S1000RR, engine noise is the same, not surprisingly. Power comes in lower down the rev range and can happily pull from 25mph in 6th without complaint. It's quoted at 160 bhp. Acceleration is mad, not the top end of mine, felt more like my gsxr1000, loads of midrange and very very quick. Made me giggle as it somehow didn't seem right perched on a bike upright and flying along at some rate of knots.
The quickshift 'Gear Shift Assist Pro' is the same as mine, only need clutch to pull away from standstill/coming to standstill. Pops and bangs on overrun, altho not as much as mine (which sounds like small arms fire).
Riding modes, this has four to choose from, Rain/Sport/Dynamic/Dynamic Pro, each mode alters not just the suspension, but the ABS, power delivery, power availability, traction control, anti wheelie..blah blah blah.
SatNav, option to have BMW's branded version of the Garmin 660. I took my Garmin 590LM and the bugger didn't fit
which is some ways is a good thing as the BMW variant is not only SatNav but an on board computer too. Records things such as how many gear changes, braking distances, lean angles, how many times you stopped for a wee etc.Suspension.. Now this was impressive. 'Dynamic ESA' (Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Same semi active suspension as my bike but.. Adjusts to compensate for load, on the dash you cycle through the option to allow for single rider/single rider with luggage/pillion/pillion with luggage. Also it can be changed, on the fly, from 'road' to 'dynamic', the difference is floaty magic carpet to go kart, it was that noticeable. From a touring perspective, especially a situation using motorways/peage/autobahn to get to your favourite pass, leaving it on 'road' selection on motorways for comfort, then 'dynamic' on the twisties, awesome.
Negatives? Questionable looks, but like all things what one person loves the other hates. I personally like it, prefer the black and white one tho.
Vibrations. My S1000RR is a buzzy bike, at certain revs it can numb your hands. The XR is no different, just in a different part of the rev range.
Would I buy one? Well i'm looking for a decent upgrade for the Street Triple, the KTM Super Duke was disappointing (for the price). This ticks all my boxes. I would even go as far to say it's the perfect 'road' bike. (for me at least)
Launch date here is this Saturday 20th. If you want one now the earliest they can get one is end of September.
This demonstrator was the top of the range XR Sport SE at £14750. I tried to work a deal and haggle, to be fair I didn't stand a chance, waiting list is getting longer everyday. No harm in trying
. I've been given two options as I asked if he could supply me one on Sept 1st (new reg's) as i'm heading to Italy on Sept 8th, he said no chance, nearest he could do was end of Sept but.. first option I can put name down for a cancellation or second option.. he had two showroom models that need shifting before end of June, only problem? They're early build and don't have the DRL lamp installed. He offered a £300 discount as compensation, so I've got a few days to think about it. I asked about retro fitting his answer? "Not financially viable." Bugger.
