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lorazepam
03-28-2004, 11:23 PM
I have 1k on my '04 R1150RS, and I will give a brief review.

It is the most comfortable motorcycle I have owned to ride. I corners well, despite the sucky Micheling Macadam 90 tires. For the price of the bike I would expect better skins.

The power improvement and lack of surging or hesitation is gone from the R850R, the last bike I owned. The power comes on much lower in the RPM range, and pulls with much greater authority, but still bery linear and predictable.

My only problem has been a blown fork seal, which is a warranty item.

I will review the dealer 600 mile service, I will have the dealer perform it, (the top mechanic told me to wait until 1k) and probably one or two more before I document my own maintenance as I perform it.

The brakes were somewhat difficult to adjust to, when you first grab a handful of front brake, It feels like your eyes will pull out of their sockets. I have now developed a feel for them and I have no real complaints.

This is my first factory faired bike, and I am still deciding on the placement of the screen. We have had some seriously windy days, and screen placement does affect the way the bike behaves.

I have a feeling the 6th gear will get me in some trouble. If you use it on the highway, it is just loafing along at 70. To get to the sweet spot in the RPM range, you are looking at triple digits. I am betting that slab runs in 6th would yield some great milage and range, I will keep you posted.

Rain protection is a bit sparse, but then again it isnt a full tourer. My shoulders and upper chest got wet in a brief but heavy storm.

I would think that if BMW can have great lights on the cars, they could do better with the bikes. It is sad that you an outdrive the stock lights at disappointingly low speeds. Motolights have helped, but I want to install a better headlight, and possibly driving lights to combat bambi.

I must have a big melon, because I can't close the system cases with my helmet inside. I am disappointed, and it looks like I will have to spring for the big lids. After using Givi bags on the roadster, the system cases do not have nearly as much practical space. I like the mounting system and the styling a lot better though.

I would rate the seat comfort to be above average for the BMW's I have ridden. I will report how that changes as the seat breaks in. I have the seat in the lowest position, not for ground clearance, but for bar height. I would like to raise the bars and rotate them just a small amount, and since I I have seen nothing manufactured that I want to accomplish, I will have to tackle the problem myself.

I look forward to a long and happy relationship with this motorcycle. I really is more than I could ask for in an overall road bike. After fork seal replacement ans service, I want to get a better set of tires.

knary
03-29-2004, 01:53 AM
:clap

congrats.

RebeccaV
03-29-2004, 06:41 AM
Wow - it sure didn't take you long to put 1000 miles on the new bike! I'm glad that you're having fun.

bg

BradfordBenn
03-29-2004, 08:23 AM
Just think how many we are going to put on at the track.

Me? I am arranging for my 6K service this week.

Congrats.

Cliffy777
03-29-2004, 11:24 AM
Nice report. Thanks.
These new beemers sure do have some stopping power, don't they? We get spoiled....ride something else and it feels like they don't have brakes.
Just yesterday I was with my nephew on his Honda and we got caught short on a state road with a light. I stopped in plenty of time without too much effort, but he elected to run it because his bike doesn't stop as well as mine.

Doc nacho
03-29-2004, 02:15 PM
My girlfriend's Yamaha YZF600 feels like all you're doing is throwing a brick with a rope tied to the bike down behind you when you brake compared to my Replika. Good stuff :D

Rich
03-29-2004, 06:21 PM
Lorazepam,

I liked reading the views on your bike, my 04 RT is to me what your RS is to you. I like that seat too.

About the 6th gear, oh yeah, I hear ya there. Today I was doing some playin, and here is what I found:

5th - 4500 RPM - 70 MPH
6th - 3500 RPM - 70 MPH
6th - 4500 RPM - 90 MPH

I can see why these dual plugs with the six speed are getting the mileage they are. Very impressive, to say the least. I have been averaging over 47 mpg, often closer to 50.

Anyway, glad you are enjoying the bike, I have 2800 miles on mine now and it just keeps getting better.

Loving them brakes,

Rich

dlearl476
03-29-2004, 10:19 PM
>I corners well, despite the sucky Micheling Macadam 90 tires. For the price of the bike I would expect better skins.

You bought an '04 RS and it had Mac 90's on it???Pretty scary considering they were discontinued in 2000 for 100s!:eek

I was looking for a pair for my Triumph prior to my trip to BC. I wanted something long wearing but acceptable, handling wise. Ended up with the 100s instead and I liked them. They're no "Pilot Sports" but the were the most stable tire in the wet I've ever ridden on. And the DID last the entire 7500 miles of the trip.

There's only one cure for bad tires, ride 'em to the cords as fast as you can:D and replace 'em!

kbasa
03-30-2004, 09:45 AM
Hey Lorazepam!

Are you starting to feel a little better now that you've got some miles on your new baby?

:bliss

lorazepam
03-30-2004, 07:14 PM
the weather has broken here Dave. The trees are budding out, daffodils are blooming, and spring is in the air!! I am stoked to ride the heck out of this bike over the summer. I feel an iron butt coming, maybe more than one. Getting the service done Friday, and the fork seal replaced at the same time. I am going to ask the owner for a loaner and see what he says. They have an Aprilia Pegaso that was taken in trade, he has had it forever and I would like to see how that thing rides.

lorazepam
04-03-2004, 12:08 PM
dlearl, I will sell you that set of 90's if you want, the dealer had a deal on Conti Force, cheaper than I could get on mail order, so I got those. Someone at the store had a pair and said they liked them, very sticky, but not long wearing. They can't be worse than the others. The rear just never felt secure and I didn't care for them at all.