Hi, I just registered on the other site to find that it could soon be gone, so therefore saying hello here with the exact same message. Hi everyone.

Hi everyone, just signed up as I am considering an RS for my next bike, lead candidate I think.

I currently own an S1000XR gen 1 which I have had for 5 years. Getting a bit tired of the exceedingly shouty engine, and fancy a twin with lots of low down torque. Also want something less top heavy.

I test rode an RS yesterday, loved the shift cam engine. The quickshifter was not bad, I owned a R1200GS before the XR and the shifter is better than I remember on that. Didn’t like the more forward lean and the wind noise and buffeting off the screen (in both positions). Both of those can be easily rectified. Also noticed very poor steering lock, would welcome thoughts on this.
My riding tends to be the odd short run, all day rides and the occasional 4 or 5 day tour.
My test ride was only an hour as didn’t have any longer, will get on one again if I can.

Welcome to the RSWb Forum Community. Glad to hear that you are considering abs RS. It is quite different from your X-RAY and similar but different from the GS you had.

It is deceptively fast and makes good use of the low down torque, which for your riding use case, would be perfect. As with all big BMW boxer owners with a quick shifter, you will get used to using the clutch the first 2 shifts unless you are in a drag race which is what the QS is designed for. It may be easier to tune the forward lean than the windscreen buffering, although many solutions have been effective in mitigating the effect. The steering lock is what it is for a sport bike and is definitely not the worst. I had an S1000R that was worse.

Thanks very much Grumpy Goat. I guess ref steering lock after years of GS and XR I suppose not used to it, assume just as manouverable. Will probably go for R type bars if I buy.

Quote:Thanks very much Grumpy Goat. I guess ref steering lock after years of GS and XR I suppose not used to it, assume just as manouverable. Will probably go for R type bars if I buy.

Cool, but just in case someone reading this was not aware ... that won't change the lock / turning circle.

Yes! For the riding position that one!

I notice you on the XR forum. I have a 2019 XR and a 2020 RS.

You wrote: I currently own an S1000XR gen 1 which I have had for 5 years. Getting a bit tired of the exceedingly shouty engine, and fancy a twin with lots of low down torque. Also want something less top heavy.

The RS sits lower and it's much easier to maneuver around the garage or a gas station. I like the handlebars and the seat on the RS much better. These are things you should be able to tell in the one hour test ride. The torque and BHP of the RS are great, 70 mph in 6th on the highway, twist the throttle, and you don't have to downshift. Really. I get 55 mpg on the RS and 45 mpg on the XR, US gallons. My RS panniers work on my XR, but the reverse is not true, the muffler on the RS requires the right pannier to have a cut out that the XR does not have.

Is there any other topic you would like more info about?

Welcome to this group. I improved the air flow on me by getting a Puig touring screen which helped. Having come off a 1200RT and a GL1800 Goldwing before that I was used to very still air. Even so I don't find the RS air flow objectionable.

Hi Runnerhiker
Yes indeed, have noticed you on both too. Thanks for the question.
The easier manoeuvrability is an attraction. Loved the engine on it, the shiftcam is a big step forward. I am planning to test ride again this weekend.
My main concern is the additional forward lean, and wind noise, but am hoping a better screen and bar risers will sort that out - condiering a switch to R type bars. (minor back issues that I need to be aware of - but definitely don't want a GS).
Also wondering if the RS is less manoeuvrable (christ that word is hard to spell) than the XR at low speed (u-turns and the like).

Thanks motorhead1977 for the Puig tip.

I have a set of bar risers on my RS and they lift the bars just enough for my comfort. I too have some back issues so it's a welcome improvement though at least for me I could get along with the standard bar position if I had to. It wasn't necessary to change any cables.

(05-12-2022, 05:55 PM)Motorhead1977 Wrote: I have a set of bar risers on my RS and they lift the bars just enough for my comfort. I too have some back issues so it's a welcome improvement though at least for me I could get along with the standard bar position if I had to. It wasn't necessary to change any cables.

What bar risers did you use?

(05-04-2022, 07:33 AM)Becksy Wrote:  Also noticed very poor steering lock, would welcome thoughts on this.

Welcome!  When you say "poor steering lock" are you talking about a larger turning radius compared to the GS?  The RS is very maneuverable and capable of very tight turns, you just need to lean it more than you are used to.

(05-13-2022, 01:32 AM)Becksy Wrote:

(05-12-2022, 05:55 PM)Motorhead1977 Wrote: I have a set of bar risers on my RS and they lift the bars just enough for my comfort. I too have some back issues so it's a welcome improvement though at least for me I could get along with the standard bar position if I had to. It wasn't necessary to change any cables.

What bar risers did you use?

I have these on the bike:

https://voigt-mt.de/VMT-Voigt-MT-Freibur...-pull-back

(05-13-2022, 03:09 PM)TriangleRider Wrote:

(05-04-2022, 07:33 AM)Becksy Wrote:  Also noticed very poor steering lock, would welcome thoughts on this.

Welcome!  When you say "poor steering lock" are you talking about a larger turning radius compared to the GS?  The RS is very maneuverable and capable of very tight turns, you just need to lean it more than you are used to.

Yes compared to a GS. Appreciate there is a wider steering geometry aspect to the whole thing.  test rode again today and found it very manoeuvrable. Inspired more confidence in the corners, easy to u turn.

I have these HeliBar, raises the bar 1" and brings them closer to me 3/4", no cable rerouting required, it's a very simple installation.  The R1250R bars results in an even more upright position than the HeliBars but considerably higher cost.  Two Forums ago, a guy in Germany documented the R1200R bars with a superimposed picture of both, it was a very impressive "back and up" relocation of the hand grips, but that information is lost now.

https://www.helibars.com/comfort/handleb...s-hr05102/

I have bought, here it is. Lovely. Even like the chrome exhaust, must buy some polish. 

The first thing I need to get is a new screen, will conduct some research on existing threads, but if anyone has any immediate recommendations for someone 5'10" and a bit, please let me know. I find the air off the top of the screen currently hits me right at eye level with screen low; in the raised position, not much different but too much wind noise.

(05-22-2022, 05:41 AM)Becksy Wrote: I have bought, here it is. Lovely. Even like the chrome exhaust, must buy some polish. 

Looks nice.
The chrome muffler cleans up easy even after riding in the rain.
Sometimes I'll use a chrome polish on the headers after riding in the rain.

(05-22-2022, 05:41 AM)Becksy Wrote: I have bought, here it is. Lovely. Even like the chrome exhaust, must buy some polish. 

The first thing I need to get is a new screen, will conduct some research on existing threads, but if anyone has any immediate recommendations for someone 5'10" and a bit, please let me know. I find the air off the top of the screen currently hits me right at eye level with screen low; in the raised position, not much different but too much wind noise.

I run the Puig Touring in the lowest position.  But, I also wear earplugs.

Congrats. I also have a black one.

(05-22-2022, 06:46 AM)36654 Wrote:

(05-22-2022, 05:41 AM)Becksy Wrote: I have bought, here it is. Lovely. Even like the chrome exhaust, must buy some polish. 

The first thing I need to get is a new screen, will conduct some research on existing threads, but if anyone has any immediate recommendations for someone 5'10" and a bit, please let me know. I find the air off the top of the screen currently hits me right at eye level with screen low; in the raised position, not much different but too much wind noise.

I run the Puig Touring in the lowest position.  But, I also wear earplugs.

By Puig Touring, so you mean this? I wear earplugs too. 

https://puig.tv/en/tuning-motos/windscre...bike=28013

(05-22-2022, 05:41 AM)Becksy Wrote: I find the air off the top of the screen currently hits me right at eye level with screen low;

Same for me and I don't mind.
It helps to peel the rain off my faceshield.