Had it a week and ridden it 3 times. Here's my impressions so far.
It's TALL; 33 inch seat height.
What I like:
The motor, the Motor, THE MOTOR!!!! All I can say is WOW! This thing rocks.
Seating position is very up-right, almost too much.
The software is amazing. Dynamic traction control and electronic suspension is wonderful.
Quickshifter is really cool, but I keep-preloading the shifter lever (like for an FJ shift) and it causes the ignition to stutter.
Clutch-less downshifts are automatically rev-matched!
Did I mention the MOTOR?!
What I kind of don't like, but it's not a deal breaker;
The torque just off idle is not as good as the FJ, got to twist the throttle a bit more as first gear is a bit tall.
The handlebars are a bit wide and high.
The seating position is maybe too upright (just not something I'm used to).
Seat slopes slightly forward (hopefully to be replaced soon with a Corbin).
Most annoying, the footpegs are directly under where I want to put my feet at a stop. As such, they are kind of in the way and I have to place my feet in front of or behind of them.
Mounting a tank bag has been difficult but I think I finally have it solved.
How it goes down the road:
AMAZING! It floats through curves effortlessly. Where I had to concentrate on the FJ this thing rails through without breaking a sweat. The easiest fast riding I have ever done. Even in rain mode it is awesome. It has Road mode above that, Dynamic mode about that and a special Dynamic Pro mode that's released with a special plug above that. I'm staying in Road mode until my mind can adjust to the warping time/space continuum that it produces.
It's probably not as dedicated as the new R1, but that's not what I wanted. This IS!
Meant to include a picture:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/9/3438_02_07_15_7_08_39.jpeg)
Wow, it's gorgeous! Is it brand spanking new?
2016 model that the dealer just got in last week.
140 miles so far
Hooligan,
The BMW sounds like it will be a wild ride! :good2: :good2:
Joe
Looks like BMW is going after the Multistrada market. Sweet ride!
Congratulations, good to read that you are loving it. That high first gear is the same on the FJ-09 but I have been told it's not the gearing. It's the fuel mapping because of the emissions standards. Reprogramming the ECU will fix this. I will be doing mine next winter and will let you know how it worked. Again congrats a beautiful bike, enjoy.
Kurt
Very nice Hooligan, so you got the premium package. I see you have the hard luggage mounts, how are the side bags and top case? Side bags big enough for your helmet?
Did you also get the GPS option?
I like how BMW has integrated the GPS display screen above the gauge cluster. Good line of sight as long as it's not distracting.
Enjoy that bike.
Will you be selling your tools? You really should. You could get some good money.
You won't be needing them on your new bike, unlike the FJ, there's nothing you can work on.
Good news with a BMW there's probably nothing you will need to work on...probably.
Keep the battery charged, turn the key and go..... Kookaloo!
NO DON'T SELL THE TOOLS!!!!!! Some day you will need to adjust the chain.
Kurt
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and to me it looks like a Picasso painting. No doubt a great bike to ride with heaps of power, but the look does nothing for me.
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 02, 2015, 08:28:19 PM
Had it a week and ridden it 3 times. Here's my impressions so far.
What's wrong with you man? You've had this a week and only put 140 miles on it?
Congratulations. This is the
only new bike out there that excites me. Having ridden S1000RR and being a regular rider of a GS1200, the thought of the two loosely combined is mind boggling.
You're gonna love it.
I think you are a bit premature with the things you don't like though, it's just different. I swap between the FJ and GS often enough that I don't even notice the difference anymore. Having put in some huge days on the GS, there is a lot to be said for that riding position.
A lot of BMW's have a tall first gear (and engine mapping won't change the ratio's) you just get used to it.
I think the FJ you just agonized over selling will quickly become "what FJ?" That's a hell of a replacement, a licence shredder of the first order.
Half you luck and good on you for biting the bullet and just doing it!
Enjoy.
Noel
Quote from: Zwartie on July 02, 2015, 10:25:20 PM
Looks like BMW is going after the Multistrada market. Sweet ride!
I think they just left it in their wake!
Noel
:good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2: :good2:
Congrats! Beautiful bike.
I wonder if a tank bag built for an adventure bike would work better?
http://giantloopmoto.com/products/fandango-tank-bag-pro/ (http://giantloopmoto.com/products/fandango-tank-bag-pro/)
I have a couple of their products, they are well made and take a beating. (I use the coyote saddlebag on both my FJ and multi-day trips on my KTM450exc).
Have a great time on that sweet ride and keep us updated on your impressions (especially when you go Dynamic Pro :wacko1: :wacko2: :good:a )
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 02, 2015, 11:09:51 PM
Very nice Hooligan, so you got the premium package. I see you have the hard luggage mounts, how are the side bags and top case? Side bags big enough for your helmet?
I think it's got everything but the alarm. The side cases are currently on backorder. :-(
Quote
Did you also get the GPS option?
I like how BMW has integrated the GPS display screen above the gauge cluster. Good line of sight as long as it's not distracting.
The mount and interface for the GPS are there, but the unit is $799. I may eventually add it, but for now I'll be riding on familiar roads until the pain of acquisition subsides some.
Quote from: ribbert on July 03, 2015, 07:27:39 AM
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 02, 2015, 08:28:19 PM
Had it a week and ridden it 3 times. Here's my impressions so far.
What's wrong with you man? You've had this a week and only put 140 miles on it?
Yeah, once again that work thing keeps getting in the way of that life thing. I didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck in traffic and possibly overheating the motor before it gets broken in.
Quote
Congratulations. This is the only new bike out there that excites me. Having ridden S1000RR and being a regular rider of a GS1200, the thought of the two loosely combined is mind boggling.
You're gonna love it.
I think you are a bit premature with the things you don't like though, it's just different. I swap between the FJ and GS often enough that I don't even notice the difference anymore. Having put in some huge days on the GS, there is a lot to be said for that riding position.
A lot of BMW's have a tall first gear (and engine mapping won't change the ratio's) you just get used to it.
That's a hell of a replacement, a licence shredder of the first order.
It was the only bike I liked at the motorcycle show. I already love it. And you're right, the more I ride it the more I'm getting used to the differences. I'm definitely going to get a ticket, everytime I look at the speedometer, I'm way over the limit. :-(
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 03, 2015, 08:43:43 AM
........ I didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck in traffic and possibly overheating the motor before it gets broken in.
It's water cooled!!
Noel
So is my FZ but it starts to blink the overheat light if I get stuck in traffic too long.
They go pretty good, huh.
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTY5kuYOwDI/VWEYACkVTpI/AAAAAAAAhKo/sUXiTWjk81A/w663-h497-no/IMG_20150524_095158.jpg)
Nice bike. I rode the new BMW RT1200 a few weeks back for the fun of it. Bad move. Was difficult to give back. Another awesome bike. Just the price. It to had a tall 1st gear but was really easy to get used to. Could have ridden to Queensland and back. Comfortable with all options. Seating position perfect. Left a lasting impression for sure. Got back on the FJ after that and it seemed small. I still enjoy the FJ though. Suits me fine for now. Still gets the looks.
Quote from: Klavdy on July 04, 2015, 04:19:11 AM
They go pretty good, huh.
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTY5kuYOwDI/VWEYACkVTpI/AAAAAAAAhKo/sUXiTWjk81A/w663-h497-no/IMG_20150524_095158.jpg)
Damn Klavdy, you make that thing look small.
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 13, 2015, 05:10:41 PM
Quote from: Klavdy on July 04, 2015, 04:19:11 AM
They go pretty good, huh.
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTY5kuYOwDI/VWEYACkVTpI/AAAAAAAAhKo/sUXiTWjk81A/w663-h497-no/IMG_20150524_095158.jpg)
Damn Klavdy, you make that thing look small.
And for some reason, really narrow.
Quote from: the fan on July 13, 2015, 07:28:49 PM
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on July 13, 2015, 05:10:41 PM
Quote from: Klavdy on July 04, 2015, 04:19:11 AM
They go pretty good, huh.
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yTY5kuYOwDI/VWEYACkVTpI/AAAAAAAAhKo/sUXiTWjk81A/w663-h497-no/IMG_20150524_095158.jpg)
Damn Klavdy, you make that thing look small.
And for some reason, really narrow.
Funny you should mention that... I went down to SJ BMW Saturday to see the XR in person and was floored at how W-I-D-E the damned thing is. The bars must be 2 1/2 feet wide and the "tank" is about the same under the bars. I'm sure this feeling of breadth goes away when riding, but holy cow that's a wide load compared to an FJ or even the K13S I had before. I still put a deposit to hold it and will take Diane on a test ride with me next Sat. Red, low suspension (std is too tall for a short fuck like me), fully loaded, and maybe mine Sat afternoon.
Frank
I see an emerging trend here....
I'm also going Saturday to check one out. :gamer: I've got to get over the sticker shock.
They certainly are a nice bike. Thats one thing I've never owned, a post mid 90's bike. I would be quite shocked I guess at how things have changed as has been noted with handling/engine development etc etc. Still, until I can afford it, one or more FJs will do me.
Enjoy the Beemer, it looks like it oozes quality, (as it should! :good2:)
I think you guys are going to like it.
I felt this same way 30 years ago when I rode my FJ home from the dealer.
The bars are wide, but the bike itself is not that bad.
Looks like a great bike. I am glad BMW decided there was a niche between an adventure bike with an upright riding position and a street bike with a pretzel position. I like the wide handle bars and more leg room. Nice to have a street bike with a more relaxed riding position for us "older" riders. Dave
Older?
I like to think, "well seasoned"