12-10-2023, 12:21 PM
A month after purchase, finally got my Red, White & Blue machine home. Delay was add-ons ordered at time of purchase: Cruise control, bags, low seat, ride mode software upgrade. No ESA. Only rode 40 miles in the cold but here's the initial take.
Riding position: Very comfortable. Screen works better than expected. Reminds me of my 2002 Honda VFR 800i.
Handling: Sweet. But didn't push on 20-25 mph curves due to slick new tires, 40 mph crosswind gusts and extreme cold. Deadly combo. Holds a line really well.
Engine: Currently limited to 6000 rpm until 600 mile service. But revs well, excellent throttle response, but would like more grunt ala a Harley twin or even my high-revving Indian FTR. Not a deal breaker, though.
Farkles: Heated grips and seat work excellently. Sadly, I did not keep the low seat since it does not come with the heated option. I can more than tippie-toe this bike with the standard seat. Don't see much difference in the ride modes, honestly. In fact, I think I prefer "road" to dynamic and dynamic pro.
Bags are peculiar, BMW stuff with the same quirky locking and removal as on my old K-1200GT. Frankly, they make me nuts - but hold a lot of stuff. Nice surprise: Bags came keyed to ignition, even though ordered separately.
Didn't use cruise.
Overall, very pleased with the machine. Harkens back to the VFR, which is the only bike I regret selling. Think VFR @ 105 HP seemed bit faster, but not a fair comparison yet.
FYI: Out the door price $18,100 with all the add-ons including the low seat, which I'm receiving a credit on. Great deal especially with BMW zero financing over 36 months in era of raging inflation. Took loan even though didn't need it - my college economics professor would be proud: Borrow during inflation and pay off with cash worth less.
Riding position: Very comfortable. Screen works better than expected. Reminds me of my 2002 Honda VFR 800i.
Handling: Sweet. But didn't push on 20-25 mph curves due to slick new tires, 40 mph crosswind gusts and extreme cold. Deadly combo. Holds a line really well.
Engine: Currently limited to 6000 rpm until 600 mile service. But revs well, excellent throttle response, but would like more grunt ala a Harley twin or even my high-revving Indian FTR. Not a deal breaker, though.
Farkles: Heated grips and seat work excellently. Sadly, I did not keep the low seat since it does not come with the heated option. I can more than tippie-toe this bike with the standard seat. Don't see much difference in the ride modes, honestly. In fact, I think I prefer "road" to dynamic and dynamic pro.
Bags are peculiar, BMW stuff with the same quirky locking and removal as on my old K-1200GT. Frankly, they make me nuts - but hold a lot of stuff. Nice surprise: Bags came keyed to ignition, even though ordered separately.
Overall, very pleased with the machine. Harkens back to the VFR, which is the only bike I regret selling. Think VFR @ 105 HP seemed bit faster, but not a fair comparison yet.
FYI: Out the door price $18,100 with all the add-ons including the low seat, which I'm receiving a credit on. Great deal especially with BMW zero financing over 36 months in era of raging inflation. Took loan even though didn't need it - my college economics professor would be proud: Borrow during inflation and pay off with cash worth less.