07-24-2021, 03:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-27-2021, 11:19 AM by Grumpy Goat.)
Sorry no video ... just some thoughts on a bike presently listed at one of the dealerships here.
Bike is in excellent condition, only has 2600 miles, and they want $11k. Has the TFT dash, and obligatory (for me) cruise control, quickshifter (up only), 3 ride modes, multiple levels of TC, 3 levels of customizable heated grips, adjustable windshield, etc. Even comes with the god-awful lollipop turn signals - that would be the first to go! Otherwise, aesthetically it is a very good looking bike to these eyes. Mirrors work well and you can actually use them at 75 mph and below.
Took a test ride on the freeway nearby, and then in stop and go traffic in brilliant 95 deg.F Texas noon-day BS. It passed my 75 mph cruising test as wind blast / noise, vibration and engine rpm were acceptable. Fail that test and any potential sale is gone. AAMOF, the wind noise is quieter than the RS even with my MRA screen at one of its quieter (summer positions) That is a plus. I could not note the rpms at 75 mph due to the heavy traffic but the feel was fine.
The triple-cylinder engine is a gem - lots of torque and a revvy nature. Smoother bike than the S1000R but not as smooth as the RS, whose vibration is different. The brakes are probably the weak point of this bike - front is OK and the rear is underwhelming. With my 30" inseam I am on my tiptoes both sides but that was OK. Seating and leg position were comfortable and the seat did not cup my butt so I couldn't move (hate that!). Side to side transitions were quite easy - between the RS and the S1000R and this promises to be a more manoeuverable bike than even the RS. The S1000R is crap in that regard.
The quickshifter was better than the RS from 1st to 2nd but not beyond that - RS was better overall. RS wins on downshifts since it has an autoblipper and the Tracer GT does not. The S1000R beats them both in upshifts. and mine has the same shortcoming as the Tracer GT on the way down. On the Tracer GT I was unable to shift down with the clutch a couple of times ... maybe it needs adjustment or maybe it was because I had just tried to change down without a clutch just before and it as confused. Speaking of the clutch - even though it is not hydraulic it is just as light as the RS's clutch - excellent feel. Neutral was nice and easy to find unlike the sidestand, but at least the footpegs don't poke me in the calf muscle when stopped.
Turn signal throws are irritatingly long - love my BMW switchgear! - but at least they are in the same place w.r.t the horn as BMW unlike Hondas.
Panniers are quite nice and have as much volume as the RS panniers. Neither fit my XL helmet. There are no pannier racks like with the RS so with the panniers off it doesn't look as bad. The ignition key is in a position only a fool could contrive. On top of the triple tree between the handlebar and the TFT dash. Even with smaller hands it is a PITA to reach.
Overall a nice bike that could conceivably displace the S1000R since it is a better fit for my riding style. I want a bike that I could bring offroad very occasionally to reach nice camping spots, nothing too gnarly and I have no need for a dedicated off-road bike that is not so good on the street. Of course the GS is probably the right bike but I can only afford one bike if the GS is involved, and am waiting for the 1300.
Bike is in excellent condition, only has 2600 miles, and they want $11k. Has the TFT dash, and obligatory (for me) cruise control, quickshifter (up only), 3 ride modes, multiple levels of TC, 3 levels of customizable heated grips, adjustable windshield, etc. Even comes with the god-awful lollipop turn signals - that would be the first to go! Otherwise, aesthetically it is a very good looking bike to these eyes. Mirrors work well and you can actually use them at 75 mph and below.
Took a test ride on the freeway nearby, and then in stop and go traffic in brilliant 95 deg.F Texas noon-day BS. It passed my 75 mph cruising test as wind blast / noise, vibration and engine rpm were acceptable. Fail that test and any potential sale is gone. AAMOF, the wind noise is quieter than the RS even with my MRA screen at one of its quieter (summer positions) That is a plus. I could not note the rpms at 75 mph due to the heavy traffic but the feel was fine.
The triple-cylinder engine is a gem - lots of torque and a revvy nature. Smoother bike than the S1000R but not as smooth as the RS, whose vibration is different. The brakes are probably the weak point of this bike - front is OK and the rear is underwhelming. With my 30" inseam I am on my tiptoes both sides but that was OK. Seating and leg position were comfortable and the seat did not cup my butt so I couldn't move (hate that!). Side to side transitions were quite easy - between the RS and the S1000R and this promises to be a more manoeuverable bike than even the RS. The S1000R is crap in that regard.
The quickshifter was better than the RS from 1st to 2nd but not beyond that - RS was better overall. RS wins on downshifts since it has an autoblipper and the Tracer GT does not. The S1000R beats them both in upshifts. and mine has the same shortcoming as the Tracer GT on the way down. On the Tracer GT I was unable to shift down with the clutch a couple of times ... maybe it needs adjustment or maybe it was because I had just tried to change down without a clutch just before and it as confused. Speaking of the clutch - even though it is not hydraulic it is just as light as the RS's clutch - excellent feel. Neutral was nice and easy to find unlike the sidestand, but at least the footpegs don't poke me in the calf muscle when stopped.
Turn signal throws are irritatingly long - love my BMW switchgear! - but at least they are in the same place w.r.t the horn as BMW unlike Hondas.
Panniers are quite nice and have as much volume as the RS panniers. Neither fit my XL helmet. There are no pannier racks like with the RS so with the panniers off it doesn't look as bad. The ignition key is in a position only a fool could contrive. On top of the triple tree between the handlebar and the TFT dash. Even with smaller hands it is a PITA to reach.
Overall a nice bike that could conceivably displace the S1000R since it is a better fit for my riding style. I want a bike that I could bring offroad very occasionally to reach nice camping spots, nothing too gnarly and I have no need for a dedicated off-road bike that is not so good on the street. Of course the GS is probably the right bike but I can only afford one bike if the GS is involved, and am waiting for the 1300.
Regards,
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Grumpy Goat
2016 BMW R1200RS
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro