Hey all,
Got my new to me 2011 R1200R last week and had my first longish ride on Sunday. Bike is like new and had less than 1300kms on it. When I first picked up the bike from the dealer and rode home, it handled poorly. The bike seemed to turn slow and the front felt heavy. I thought this was how the bike rode having never owned a boxer before. Went for another quick ride to test it on the highway and the handling wasn't what I was expecting based on the reviews. Went home and checked the tire pressure. Front was less than 20psi after highway riding. Rear was at 30psi. Pumped it up and went for a ride on Sunday. Handling is much better and now turns in the way I expected. Couldn't believe the dealer did an inspection on the bike and didn't check the tire pressure.
So far I really like the bike. Been riding for over 25 years on mainly sport bikes though my last bike was a cruiser. These are my first impressions of the bike. Solid build quality and feels like I can go anywhere with it. I have the Ztechnic windshield which gives decent protection but also gives some buffeting. Boxer engine vibrates more than an in-line 4 or any other engine confirguration I've had. When I twist the throttle hard in first the bike wants to twist a bit which I understand is normal for the boxer engine. Seat is not the best as I was squirming after about 2 hours. A Corbin seat may be required in future. The exhaust sound is little too quiet and I am now considering an Akropovic or Leo Vince slip on. Is it worth it to spend the extra cash for the Akropovic? I love the saddle bags. They're so easy to remove and bike looks good with or without them. Really like the ESA as well and the ability to change suspension setting on the fly. Crash bars are on the way as is a Haynes manual.
PC
Got my new to me 2011 R1200R last week and had my first longish ride on Sunday. Bike is like new and had less than 1300kms on it. When I first picked up the bike from the dealer and rode home, it handled poorly. The bike seemed to turn slow and the front felt heavy. I thought this was how the bike rode having never owned a boxer before. Went for another quick ride to test it on the highway and the handling wasn't what I was expecting based on the reviews. Went home and checked the tire pressure. Front was less than 20psi after highway riding. Rear was at 30psi. Pumped it up and went for a ride on Sunday. Handling is much better and now turns in the way I expected. Couldn't believe the dealer did an inspection on the bike and didn't check the tire pressure.
So far I really like the bike. Been riding for over 25 years on mainly sport bikes though my last bike was a cruiser. These are my first impressions of the bike. Solid build quality and feels like I can go anywhere with it. I have the Ztechnic windshield which gives decent protection but also gives some buffeting. Boxer engine vibrates more than an in-line 4 or any other engine confirguration I've had. When I twist the throttle hard in first the bike wants to twist a bit which I understand is normal for the boxer engine. Seat is not the best as I was squirming after about 2 hours. A Corbin seat may be required in future. The exhaust sound is little too quiet and I am now considering an Akropovic or Leo Vince slip on. Is it worth it to spend the extra cash for the Akropovic? I love the saddle bags. They're so easy to remove and bike looks good with or without them. Really like the ESA as well and the ability to change suspension setting on the fly. Crash bars are on the way as is a Haynes manual.
PC