Friday, June 6, 2014

Now about that red bike

BMW seemed to make a lot of little changes that, on the surface, don't seem too disruptive or significant, but sure adds up to one brand new machine. The service manager at our dealership said that it took him comparing my '11 with the '14 to really see all of the little changes that had been done. I, myself, didn't notice them either until the night before I picked up the bike. Honestly, we had been waiting so long for these, and I was on the fence about buying the new one anyways, and work has been so hectic, that I hadn't been giving it much thought. So it took me researching the crash bars until I realized how much I did not like the new design in some aspects.

The biggest problem with upgrades like this is that they never seem to let you use the accessories you spent gobs of money on for the last bike, because they absolutely will not fit on the new one. In this case, they swapped the swingarm and the exhaust can. That required the purchase of new panniers, yet again. ARGH! (Though they have been redesigned themselves in the interrim, and they are somewhat improved.) Yeah, I don't love the plastic panniers. There are some better adventure ones out there. But I really, really like that these ones expand when needed. A lever inside the case allows it to expand another 1.5 to 2 inches. I like that for traveling. I can keep them compact for regular riding, and expand for long distance trips. Also, my helmet will actually fit in one of them. Therefore around town rides let's me hide it there, not having to carry it around everywhere.

Like the RT, this one has only been ridden home. So I don't have a lengthy frame of reference on the handling differences. I am going to have to reserve my judgement until I can spend more time on the bike. (This weekend!!!! squeal!!)

The engine is smooth. So very smooth. Just like the RT. The clutch is superb. Even though the GS doesn't have the clutchless shifting, the smallest flick of the clutch lets me shift. This model hasn't lost any overall weight, but it does feel lighter and easier. The seat has been redesigned, that even though the seat height is the same, I can actually flat foot this beast. By comparison, I could get one foot flat on the '11, with the second being mostly flat with my heal less than an inch from pavement. I didn't love that I couldn't flat foot it. I feel that is major for control in parking lots and such. I had gotten accustomed to it, and just recognized the situations when I needed to park somewhere else, or man handle the bike from the side. (Or ask Oilburner to move it.)

So I am disappointed in myself that I didn't instantly love this bike. People believe that is because I had ridden Oilburners and already understood the difference with the new engine. That I need more time on my bike to get a feel for it.

I plan on spending lots of time on it this weekend, hitting the twisties to break that engine in. I will keep you posted on thoughts and feel.

BMW really reduced the amount of paint on these machines. The darker silver here was red on the '11 model. They also blacked out much more of the frame and supports in the cockpit area, darkening the overall looks. I like it as it will probably enhance visibility of the instrument cluster. They added a little sacrificial tank pad down towards the seat/crotch to prevent scratches. Good thinking.

Yes, they have added the "dial" on the left hand grip. On this machine it controls the GPS only. On Oilburners machine it controls EVERYTHING! Even the heated grips and seat. I was breathing a sigh of relief to learn that the heated grips is still a button the right grip. One huge disappointment is the single turn signal lever. BLECH!!! My tiny hands and short thumb make applying the turn signal something that I actually have to think about instead of just intuitive.

And don't ask me why the crash bars are different shapes between left and right. I only just noticed and will now have to go and look. Jeez I hope they can remove the valve covers without having to remove the bars.

18 comments:

  1. Lori:

    That is a very nice looking bike. I should try sitting on one. My Vstrom seems smoother than my "R" which has a bit of torque steer. As for the jugs, you must know that they are never the same size, or perhaps they have to be different so you can do maintenance without removing them

    it seems to me that you are having more free time lately

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm surprised that Bob hasn't mentioned drive shaft failures yet! This model is a total redesign, and yes, the cylinders must be offset laterally otherwise there would be a nasty mess on the crankshaft.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not quite true - you could have a forked crankpin arrangement like in a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine - then the cylinders would be directly opposite each other......

      Delete
    2. Oh dear! You said the dreaded words: final drive failure! Gasp.

      I realize the cylinders are offset and different, but the crash bars are radically different configurations. I continued to bust my right shin on it over the weekend.

      Delete
    3. Rolls-Royce Merlin engine? Now how do you gather your vast array of knowledge??

      Delete
    4. I make it up as I go along..

      Delete
  3. You even sprung for the spoke wheels! The bike looks great and I've heard nothing but praise except from those who were upgrading from a fully optioned older model. Having to get all new stuff could get expensive!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes to the spokes. I couldn't stand the thought of the cast aluminum. Petty difference, though I don't think I will be taking this off-road and putting it in danger of bending rims either way. They are a b*&$h to clean though!!

      Spent a good amount of time on the bike over the weekend. Your sources are correct, this is one well put together bike with that new engine. (GRIN!!)

      Delete
  4. I really like the new design differences, it makes the bike look a little tougher. those crash bars are weird though how the right stick out further. looking forward to the ride report :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And you thought the differences in the crash bars were an optical illusion. When will you learn to trust me? ;)

      Delete
  5. I think that it's the all knowing engineers having statistical evidence that more drops occur on the right side.

    Personally, I thought the multiple turn signal buttons were hard to get used to and like the single one on the left.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "More drops occur on the right side" - as opposed to the "wrong" side? hehe

      I'm glad you work well with the single turn signal. I've been working with the separate ones for almost 5 years. And I wouldn't have as much of a problem, except my thumb is too short. I have to twist my hand off the grip to reach it. And don't even think of reaching it if I am on the clutch. Will take some getting used to. But I did practice a lot over the weekend!

      Delete
  6. A nice looking beastie. I hope you get used to the bike this weekend and start to feel the love. I know how disappointing it is not to feel the love after getting a bike home.

    Don't accidentally hit the kill switch thinking you are hitting a turn signal, lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! As a matter of fact, we did get to spend quite a bit of time together. As I hope you did with Max. There are some things I miss about the '11, but this one sure is nice and makes up for it.

      LOL. No. No kill switch. That would be bad. Thanks so much for making me paranoid now.

      Delete
  7. You bike is looking very fresh. I also own a bike and it's R15. I always try my best to keep it neat and clean. Looking forward to change my bike and to buy a new one. Thanks.
    Paul D. Mitchell

    ReplyDelete
  8. New bike ... it takes time to mesh as one, but it will come. I've already heard you mention some pluses - flat footing is a big one for sure. You will get used to the little nuances soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice looking bike, where's the ride report? I'm keen to read about your first ride.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful bike! Love the frame work on this bike and the color is gorgeous. I would love to get a bike like this someday.
    Sydney

    ReplyDelete