Got the chance to have a ride on a BMW S1000R yesterday, so here's what I thought of it. Just getting on it felt familiar as all the controls were the same as my R1200r, the only difference being the now mandatory TFT screen. This by default displays revs, speed, gear, time and trip with a row of lights down both sides for the usual lights, abs, neutral, high beam etc. It has several pages of info on the bike and it's settings but I just left it as it was. The handlebar grips are standard across the range, on the right side there is the mode switch, heated grips and starter button, left grip has cruise control, headlight flasher, info button suspension setting switch indicators and horn as well as the magic wheel for scrolling through menus and controlling the sat nav if fitted. The seat is typical BMW, rock hard but I was used to it so no problem for me. As you would expect fit and finish are first rate everything looks very good quality and the bike looked great.
The clutch lever had been set to activate immediately so I had a bit of a kangaroo start as I messed about with it to get a smooth take off but I soon adjusted that. I headed for one of my favourite roads and found the bike to be very responsive especially when I selected Dynamic mode, throttle response was instant and quite aggressive. Changing gear was exceptional going up the box and although I don't particularly like quick shifters it was seamless, dropping down through the box was less pleasant and needed a firm press, not really helped by the gear lever (and the rear brake lever) being very short so I missed a couple of times, I expect you would get used to it as time went on. It is quite low geared with 4000 revs showing 58 MPH but it's very smooth and pulls effortlessly from 2000 revs in any gear.
The handling was fantastic requiring virtually no rider input to go round a corner, see a corner pick your line and the bike just obeys. Braking was equally good so full braking can be achieved with two fingers and a little touch on the rear brake pedal (when I could find it). I don't know if they are linked but the ABS didn't cut in at any time as my R1200r often does. When it came time to overtake I just pulled out to ensure the road ahead was clear and twisted the throttle, it really didn't matter what gear I was in the bike just took off and I was past in no time, the engine is well set up and the fuelling is perfect. The cruise control came in handy as Wales seems to be going all out on 20mph speed limits if there is a house within a mile of the road so I left it set to 20 and just eased through the villages I went through, brilliant.
So what's not to like. I could not fault the bike, it's a nutters dream if you want it to be but you can ride sensibly if you want to. Engine, gearbox, brakes worked faultlessly, the handling was superb and it even sounded good (a decent slip on might make it sound better) but I couldn't fault it except for the size of it, it's very small and although my legs fitted into the tank cut out as if it was designed for me the bike is a small bike so for short blast it's brilliant but for day out on the road it might prove to be too small for anyone over 6'. But what a great experience it was to ride it.
Great write up Mick. Enjoy youre test ride thoughts.I used to do the test rides lots but not many shops close by now.Ive watched an old bloke locally, he started on little 300 BMW,very wobbly. Hes gone thru the ranks, 2 or 3 mid range, his ride now is 1000r. Must be slowest bloke in the world on one. He rides it every day, rain, hail or shine. :hat:
Thanks grog, I'm no writer but I just thought I would pass on my impressions of each bike I get a ride on.
I think the naked version is a lot more fun. However it's still a licence loser imho.
If you think the S1000R is a licence loser, try the M1000R - OMG, it's a missile! Test rode one the other week and ye gods it was quick!!!!
I've known a few owners and they have all loved these bikes.
I too found it a bit small - but no more so that a Ducati 916 or bikes of that ilk.
Having said that I do love the older 'analogue' bikes as opposed to so much 'digital' stuff these days.
Having said that if there was ONE modern thing I could put on our 1400s it would be cruise control.
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 08 August 2023, 02:42 PMHaving said that if there was ONE modern thing I could put on our 1400s it would be cruise control.
Aye, having always thought it'd be useless on a bike I find it use it all the time on my HD. It's as handy around town on long bits of road where the scamera vans always sit as it is on motorways.
Quote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 08 August 2023, 02:42 PMHaving said that if there was ONE modern thing I could put on our 1400s it would be cruise control.
@VladTepes Your wish and all that - GSX1400 Electronic Cruise Control (https://www.mccruise.com/collections/suzuki-fw/products/34?_pos=1&_fid=a2dec3ff0&_ss=c) - not cheap though ("only" $1,364AUD or £705 Sterling - Bargain!!)
Reckon hell order one tonight Barmy. :rofl2:
The genuine, made in USA, "Brakeaway Cruise Control" is a perfectly adequate and cheaper alternative to horrendously expensive & complicated units. IMO
Here's the link to the genuine site, if anyone is interested. https://brakeawayproducts.com/
That looks like a good alternative to an electronic one.
I'll consider one of those after I do some measurements 👍
Will save me on my commute to work from the over zealous speed police 🤞🤞🤞
Quote from: GSXKING on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, 06:31 AMThat looks like a good alternative to an electronic one.
I'll consider one of those after I do some measurements 👍
Will save me on my commute to work from the over zealous speed police 🤞🤞🤞
Just make sure you get one for 22mm bars, not 25mm.
Not sure how many cars ive had with cruise control, guessing 6 or 7. Never used, just dont like it. Yes, have tried to like but just not for me. Throttle Rocker on 14, would never not have. I know others hate them, wish id had one back in Ducati days, return springs on those big Dellortos sure were strong.
As a truck driver doing 10-12 hours a day, 5 days a week for 20 years, cruise control has saved me many many times from speeding offences 🙏🙏
I use it in my car & my BMW RT has it also. Stops a lot of fatigue on longhaul trips 🏍�👍
I don't know the name but a mate has a black plastic clip that fits around the inside end of the throttle grip. Push it forwards with your thumb & it grips the grip & leans on the brake lever to hold the throttle on. If I could remember the name long enough I'd consider one on my 14.
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, 09:49 PMI don't know the name but a mate has a black plastic clip that fits around the inside end of the throttle grip. Push it forwards with your thumb & it grips the grip & leans on the brake lever to hold the throttle on. If I could remember the name long enough I'd consider one on my 14.
This one by any chance
@Hooli Motorcycle Cruise Control (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364398107486?hash=item54d7d1db5e:g:19oAAOSwaxNkzhCs&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8OWK9CD1w3KUAvRZTAWCeDMHvZpvEuHAhUrAs10Fk9K8wXNWc1n4lXqwlxnMyyva1IPSfSXWWPflzvtysAa2JowDQtoJ3caNc0EqHhDBSbFXMUkBVzovFlukK1FaOJpOOrHIVryjCHbb%2FebCXagtj1713%2BfxYG1vdvwm2Wg5pVVxfeUl%2F1J%2FJH901yV1g5E1u0O%2FweVMtwcHbjpO0T0gG1ceWpsgmZ2CQuMYKJ5B4Di3%2F%2FXe2ICUtpGW%2ByQXi3lp3Yoj6xBmz%2B%2FFU3OHZuB%2BdqfGpoL%2F5G6S5xJXVPvWeeQLvuDJy3DsDWr3RBypOq2BGw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM3uzJpbti)
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, 10:52 PMQuote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, 09:49 PMI don't know the name but a mate has a black plastic clip that fits around the inside end of the throttle grip. Push it forwards with your thumb & it grips the grip & leans on the brake lever to hold the throttle on. If I could remember the name long enough I'd consider one on my 14.
This one by any chance @Hooli Motorcycle Cruise Control (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364398107486?hash=item54d7d1db5e:g:19oAAOSwaxNkzhCs&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8OWK9CD1w3KUAvRZTAWCeDMHvZpvEuHAhUrAs10Fk9K8wXNWc1n4lXqwlxnMyyva1IPSfSXWWPflzvtysAa2JowDQtoJ3caNc0EqHhDBSbFXMUkBVzovFlukK1FaOJpOOrHIVryjCHbb%2FebCXagtj1713%2BfxYG1vdvwm2Wg5pVVxfeUl%2F1J%2FJH901yV1g5E1u0O%2FweVMtwcHbjpO0T0gG1ceWpsgmZ2CQuMYKJ5B4Di3%2F%2FXe2ICUtpGW%2ByQXi3lp3Yoj6xBmz%2B%2FFU3OHZuB%2BdqfGpoL%2F5G6S5xJXVPvWeeQLvuDJy3DsDWr3RBypOq2BGw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM3uzJpbti)
Similar, but cheaper. I'll ask him when I see him.
I think it might have been this he's got.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225309054736?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20221115143056%26meid%3Dc365bb12af994dee81d1d47ccbf86072%26pid%3D101612%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D225309054736%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4375194%26algv%3DRecentlyViewedItemsV2%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p4375194.c101612.m4236&_trkparms=parentrq%3Ade634fee1890a5519bc85f8bffffa8d4%7Cpageci%3A1af77e20-3751-11ee-8ca1-d20291ae9473%7Ciid%3A1%7Cvlpname%3Avlp_homepage
Capture.JPG
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Tuesday, 08 August 2023, 06:36 PMQuote from: VladTepes on Tuesday, 08 August 2023, 02:42 PMHaving said that if there was ONE modern thing I could put on our 1400s it would be cruise control.
@VladTepes Your wish and all that - GSX1400 Electronic Cruise Control (https://www.mccruise.com/collections/suzuki-fw/products/34?_pos=1&_fid=a2dec3ff0&_ss=c) - not cheap though ("only" $1,364AUD or £705 Sterling - Bargain!!)
Yep and that is the vac-operated one but it now requires an ADDITIONAL electric servo UPGRADE (extra cost) and various cables etc ON TOP OF that kit cost. What a joke.
I did actually find one cruise control for $15K which seems steep but I do love the full features it has (https://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/details/2016-moto-guzzi-california-touring-se/SSE-AD-15065407/?Cr=0)....
:D
Here's an Aussie listing (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/124263633253?hash=item1ceeb09165:g:-CgAAOSwBtNfTcZa&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAABALd%2FilcSrb2v7P5MClNaBInczCQFSVIT8mDaEaoekHNVGtpcOD%2FOrDzYbaW2WsOE7fVZLXNl%2B5dCQ27c4mVLdHpcTz4bJGsXnWpRTn9yLMhW5HXoMKNhGMifNlmqEte7GcTGQDnMPUi3EX0fSPD9vn%2B98Yrw5QRgVsf1bhSeJfrJ5OPNGl70Wgdob9v31QLJK%2BO4LkaLR4EH2PpfSxCcNDyWGZfVLQ6qG491rX4aenJdqpMPqZdaBtoRqsCnuRlMvx0eNbplv24iuKGtzeBt1GXSWB1zNqq0EK1LCdKfuYMjp1cNv%2F48UAycGj5fiQawfiwDkOd90EN8NvB91bkFumM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4zz6t6_Yg) for the cheaper of those throttle locks.
I'll think about it.
They just look dangerous to me, too much fruit to get in the way.
Quote from: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, 05:11 AMThe genuine, made in USA, "Brakeaway Cruise Control" is a perfectly adequate and cheaper alternative to horrendously expensive & complicated units. IMO
Here's the link to the genuine site, if anyone is interested. https://brakeawayproducts.com/
Best as I can figure this'd be the right one: https://brakeawayproducts.com/product/7cp02/
I love the "Immediate Release triggered by the Front Brake or Manual lever" feature of this genuine one. Having to actively roll off the throttle in an emergency situation (rather then just letting the throttle return on the spring as it normally would) is sub-optimal.
Apparently their only Aussie local dealer is:
Grafton Motorcycles
69 Bent Street
South Grafton New South Wales 2460
Phone:: 02 6642 1154
Email:: graft.me@bigpond.net.au
I have reached out to them for some pricing and will let you know here once I have their response.
I also hit them up to see if they'll do a forum discount - never know if I don't ask eh.
From above:
"Having to actively roll off the throttle in an emergency situation (rather then just letting the throttle return on the spring as it normally would) is sub-optimal."
I don't feel like this is a valid criticism Vlad. In an emergency situation, what's your first natural reaction? I'd say it's to reach for the front brake lever & activate it as opposed to, oh, there's a truck crossing in front of me, think I'll let the throttle go so it can close on it's return spring.
I can't think of any emergency situation where I'd be letting go of the throttle grip. Hmmmm, well, maybe if impact was imminent & I had time to think I should protect my head here & put my arms up in a defensive move, but then if you have time to do that, you'd no doubt of had time to do some braking first, that'd be a last step.
But hey, each to their own & everyone can have their own opinion.
I probably phrased badly - I mean that with this one just grabbing the brake doesn't deactivate it so you could have brake and throttle happening together....
Quote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 16 August 2023, 08:58 PMQuote from: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, 05:11 AMThe genuine, made in USA, "Brakeaway Cruise Control" is a perfectly adequate and cheaper alternative to horrendously expensive & complicated units. IMO
Here's the link to the genuine site, if anyone is interested. https://brakeawayproducts.com/
Best as I can figure this'd be the right one: https://brakeawayproducts.com/product/7cp02/
Apparently their only Aussie local dealer is:
Grafton Motorcycles
69 Bent Street
South Grafton New South Wales 2460
Phone:: 02 6642 1154
Email:: graft.me@bigpond.net.au
I have reached out to them for some pricing and will let you know here once I have their response.
I also hit them up to see if they'll do a forum discount - never know if I don't ask eh.
OK I got their response:
The 7cp02 price is AUD$359 - but they can do $329 for us. Postage extra.
It's a bit more than I expected because the BrakeAway site price is USD$179, which at today's exchange rate is AUD$280.
So that's an additional mark up of between $89 and $49.
Bit steep I reckon.
Quote from: VladTepes on Thursday, 17 August 2023, 03:44 PMI probably phrased badly - I mean that with this one just grabbing the brake doesn't deactivate it so you could have brake and throttle happening together....
I can see where you're coming from, but it just doesn't happen like that. Once you grab the front brake, the throttle lock
is instantly disengaged (assuming you've installed it correctly). the only thing holding the throttle open is your right hand, the bike is instantly back to normal. From memory, MRG brought one of these and he's had good experiences with it as well.
It's all good, these things just allow you to let go of the throttle grip but keep on moving, giving your wrist a rest. Ride along no hands for a while . . . or adjust something with your right hand (camera / cell phone?)
Quote from: VladTepes on Thursday, 17 August 2023, 03:55 PMQuote from: VladTepes on Wednesday, 16 August 2023, 08:58 PMQuote from: KiwiCol on Wednesday, 09 August 2023, 05:11 AMThe genuine, made in USA, "Brakeaway Cruise Control" is a perfectly adequate and cheaper alternative to horrendously expensive & complicated units. IMO
Here's the link to the genuine site, if anyone is interested. https://brakeawayproducts.com/
Best as I can figure this'd be the right one: https://brakeawayproducts.com/product/7cp02/
Apparently their only Aussie local dealer is:
Grafton Motorcycles
69 Bent Street
South Grafton New South Wales 2460
Phone:: 02 6642 1154
Email:: graft.me@bigpond.net.au
I have reached out to them for some pricing and will let you know here once I have their response.
I also hit them up to see if they'll do a forum discount - never know if I don't ask eh.
OK I got their response:
The 7cp02 price is AUD$359 - but they can do $329 for us. Postage extra.
It's a bit more than I expected because the BrakeAway site price is USD$179, which at today's exchange rate is AUD$280.
So that's an additional mark up of between $89 and $49.
Bit steep I reckon.
Agreed on the mark up, you gotta remember they will be getting these units cheaper from the manufacturer than we can buy them for, so their mark up will be even more.
I brought & imported mine (a few years ago now) direct from the USA site. These units are a quality build, very fine tolerances. and no, I'm not on their payroll. Just sayin how I have personally found these pieces of equipment. (Fecken awesome! IMO)
I dont think i ever let go of grip/throttle and let it spring return, always rolled back by hand. Ill check next ride.
Same here @grog always roll throttle back never let bounce back on spring, taught that way :onya:
Me neither come to think of it. Hmmm.