Any motorcyclists on here as well?

[Jimbo1959]

Jimbo I forget, r you the guy that came back to bikes a year ago with the 600 suzuki ?

Never ridden one of these - but a guy at work had the 1150GS and loved it, took years before he moved to the newer ones coz the later 1200 (the one I have), lost a lot of bottom end, for a more revvey top end

but that's a bit odd, the Hex 1200, the next one after the 1150 makes good power everywhere, and once the fueling is close, rides well from 1500 to 7800 RPM in every gear. Its gruff and agricultural (but I quite like it)

by 2010 the TC heads came out added 500 rpm to the red line and allegedly 10 bhp more top end - but everyone I rode was gutless everywhere with much less top end than mine ??? but one forgets with time ...and I just bought a mint TC (I still have BOTH and can make valid comparisons), now I'm used to it, it's not as good as the earlier 1200 by miles - it is much slower everywhere, it needs many more gear changes (+40% at least...), the fueling is worse! and the bars vibrate badly, on a 30 mile 70mph run till my right hand tingles badly for 4 hrs afterwards - if you ride slow around 4k rpm on 1/4 throttle and change gear like a madman to keep above 2500rpm it is a much more refined bike - which I guess is why so many old duffers think they are brilliant....

I'd like to try an 1150, as round town its that grunt at 3k you need, and yours is supposed to make a lot more than my Hexhead in this area...


the ONLY big issue you'll have is the ABS - these early ABS units BM used was another level of special... and most delete it
(parts things says you get the second version below)

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/partgrp?id=0447-EUR-01-2003-R22-BMW-R_1150_RS_01_0447%2C0498_

34517685803
Pressure modulator, fully integral ABS
From:01.01.2004 To:- Weight:4.630 kg Price:$2720.72
Supersedes:
34517728205(11.12.2009 — )
Part 34517685803 was found on the following vehicles:•K589 (K 1200 RS, K 1200 LT)   (06/1997 — 12/2003)

34517685788
Pressure modulator, fully integral ABS
From:01.02.2004 To:- Weight:4.610 kg Price:$2720.72
Supersedes:
34517728063(11.12.2009 — )
Part 34517685788 was found on the following vehicles:
•K589 (K 1200 RS, K 1200 LT)   (02/2003 — 07/2008)
•R28 (R 850 R, R 1150 R) (09/1998 — 11/2003)

34517715109
Pressure modulator, Integral ABS, gen. 2
From:01.12.2007 To:- Weight:2.380 kg Price:$2198.08
Supersedes:
34517698969(01.08.2006 — 14.02.2008)
Part 34517715109 was found on the following vehicles:
•K25 (R 1200 GS)   (12/2002 — 12/2012)
•K25 (R 1200 GS Adventure)   (03/2005 — 07/2013)
•K26 (R 900 RT, R 1200 RT)   (11/2003 — 06/2014)
•K27 (R 1200 R)   (11/2005 — 07/2014)
•K28 (R 1200 ST)   (05/2003 — 11/2007)
•K40 (K 1200 S, K 1300 S)   (04/2003 — 09/2015)
•K43 (K 1200 R, Sport, K 1300 R)   (03/2004 — 07/2015)
•K44 (K 1200 GT, K 1300 GT)   (11/2004 — 10/2010)

34519444398
Pressure modulator - people are calling it ABS Gen 4
From: 01/01/2019 To: - Price:
Supersedes:
34519898518 (08/01/2018 — 04/11/2019), Exchangeable retrospectively
34518566956 (07/01/2016 — 07/26/2018), Exchangeable retrospectively
34518561705 (08/01/2015 — 09/24/2018), Exchangeable retrospectively
34518554180 (04/21/2014 — 12/18/2015), Exchangeable retrospectively
34518549461 (08/01/2013 — 05/21/2014), Exchangeable retrospectively
34518534990 (09/01/2012 — 08/01/2014)
Part 34519444398 was found on the following vehicles:
•K50 (R 1200 GS, R 1250 GS)   (10/2011 — 02/2020)
•K51 (R 1200 GS Adv., R 1250 GS Adv.)   (09/2012 — 02/2020)
•K52 (R 1200 RT, R 1250 RT)   (01/2013 — 12/2019)
•K53 (R 1200 R, R 1250 R)   (11/2013 — 12/2019)
•K54 (R 1200 RS, R 1250 RS)   (06/2014 — 12/2019)
•K46 (S 1000 RR)   (10/2013 — 11/2018)
•K47 (S 1000 R)   (02/2013 — 02/2020)
•K49 (S 1000 XR)   (05/2014 — 11/2019)
•K48 (K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL)   (01/2010 — 12/2019)
•K61 (K 1600 Bagger)   (01/2017 — 12/2019)

In answer to your first question yes, I am that guy who came back to bikes on the Suzuki GSX650F after a long break.

Regarding the BMW, all I can say is never meet your heros!
I rode one of these around twenty years ago and at the time I loved it, got made redundant completely unexpectedly the week before I was due to pick it up, and had to back out of the deal.
I've nursed the desire for one since, but, as you are no doubt aware, life gets in the way, after my wife passed away I found myself in the position of being able to afford one again and so bought it when it came up.

BIG MISTAKE!

I hated it, I could go on and bore you to death with the details but the upshot was it lasted six weeks, I just didn't enjoy it at all. The final straw(s) was both the bluudy awful indicator arrangement, three different switches to turn left, right and then turn them off. Who in their right mind thought that was a good idea, and the numb left hand and forearm that riding it even for a short distance induced.

Anyway, I realise that it's a case of different strokes for different folks, but no, not for me, it had to go, I lost a bit of money on the sale/trade-in but, the peace of mind and absolute joy that now owning a Yamaha FJR 1300, even after just one day, has brought, has (A), taught me a lesson, never meet your heros and (B) as much as I still think the BM is a beautiful bike, in this case, for me anyway, function is better than form.
I found the BMW to be agricultural, slow, and the indicator system a complete joke. Fortunately all I had spent on it (a full service) and hours of detailing was just enough of a lesson for me never to forget, or to buy another boxer engined BMW again.

The FJR is smooth, torquey, fast...... you get the idea, I could continue with the superlatives for quite some time and, that's after only one day of ownership. I guess I am just not masochist enough to own and enjoy a boxer BMW.
I can think of absolutely no negatives, so far, in my ownership of the FJR, what a JOY!!!!!

 

[Botus]

Yam FJR 1300 is a great bike - I should probably have bought one but I went with a BM K1300GT - a heavy old tank but loaded with toys - but it didn't like to stop and the engine was buzzy and only made real go after 8k rpm

how many gears on the FJR ? seems to be 3 models, the original, facelift one with upside down forks, and then a much rarer 6 speed one - but that needed a recall as the new box fell to bits

my bike has the silly indicators... the GS kept it up till 2012 - after 10 years I'm sort of use to it - and like it to put them on (I get on a normal bike and can't remember how they work), but the cancel should always have been illegal - the most dim thing was they could have accepted a double tap (or something) on either switch to cancel indication on any side - they could still do it today with 10 mins work and a 4 min re-flash of the module - but they are too stupid

 

[sonic]

Up to 2016 5 speed, then 6 speed until the Euro regs killed it off. Yes there was a recall of the 6 speed, they are still sold in America.
Mine is a 2016 5 speed, works fine I dont miss the 6th gear at all.
I rode an early K1300GT which was a police surveillance bike, quite nice to ride. We were looking at a VFR1200 but the limited tank range ruled it out. View attachment 86064

 

[sonic]

In answer to your first question yes, I am that guy who came back to bikes on the Suzuki GSX650F after a long break.

Regarding the BMW, all I can say is never meet your heros!
I rode one of these around twenty years ago and at the time I loved it, got made redundant completely unexpectedly the week before I was due to pick it up, and had to back out of the deal.
I've nursed the desire for one since, but, as you are no doubt aware, life gets in the way, after my wife passed away I found myself in the position of being able to afford one again and so bought it when it came up.

BIG MISTAKE!

I hated it, I could go on and bore you to death with the details but the upshot was it lasted six weeks, I just didn't enjoy it at all. The final straw(s) was both the bluudy awful indicator arrangement, three different switches to turn left, right and then turn them off. Who in their right mind thought that was a good idea, and the numb left hand and forearm that riding it even for a short distance induced.

Anyway, I realise that it's a case of different strokes for different folks, but no, not for me, it had to go, I lost a bit of money on the sale/trade-in but, the peace of mind and absolute joy that now owning a Yamaha FJR 1300, even after just one day, has brought, has (A), taught me a lesson, never meet your heros and (B) as much as I still think the BM is a beautiful bike, in this case, for me anyway, function is better than form.
I found the BMW to be agricultural, slow, and the indicator system a complete joke. Fortunately all I had spent on it (a full service) and hours of detailing was just enough of a lesson for me never to forget, or to buy another boxer engined BMW again.

The FJR is smooth, torquey, fast...... you get the idea, I could continue with the superlatives for quite some time and, that's after only one day of ownership. I guess I am just not masochist enough to own and enjoy a boxer BMW.
I can think of absolutely no negatives, so far, in my ownership of the FJR, what a JOY!!!!!

Like you very pleased with the FJR, I have toured all over Europe with the wife on the back. A very stable bike, I have had it at 140mph on the autobahn with panniers & a top box fitted.
I had almost forgotten the old BM indicator set up, yes it was confusing.

 

[Jimbo1959]

Yam FJR 1300 is a great bike - I should probably have bought one but I went with a BM K1300GT - a heavy old tank but loaded with toys - but it didn't like to stop and the engine was buzzy and only made real go after 8k rpm

how many gears on the FJR ? seems to be 3 models, the original, facelift one with upside down forks, and then a much rarer 6 speed one - but that needed a recall as the new box fell to bits

my bike has the silly indicators... the GS kept it up till 2012 - after 10 years I'm sort of use to it - and like it to put them on (I get on a normal bike and can't remember how they work), but the cancel should always have been illegal - the most dim thing was they could have accepted a double tap (or something) on either switch to cancel indication on any side - they could still do it today with 10 mins work and a 4 min re-flash of the module - but they are too stupid

Mine is the Gen 1 model, being a 2005 it's the five speed box so, no problems or, issues involved at all.

I seriously considered converting the indicators but, it was just too much work for the benefit and the bike, well I think I'd already made up my mind it was going by then. It was such a disappointment.
The only good thing about it was the comfort level of the seat and riding position they were great. Sadly whatever caused the numb hand/forearm spoiled even that for me too.

 

[Blobcat]

In answer to your first question yes, I am that guy who came back to bikes on the Suzuki GSX650F after a long break.

Regarding the BMW, all I can say is never meet your heros!
I rode one of these around twenty years ago and at the time I loved it, got made redundant completely unexpectedly the week before I was due to pick it up, and had to back out of the deal.
I've nursed the desire for one since, but, as you are no doubt aware, life gets in the way, after my wife passed away I found myself in the position of being able to afford one again and so bought it when it came up.

BIG MISTAKE!

I hated it, I could go on and bore you to death with the details but the upshot was it lasted six weeks, I just didn't enjoy it at all. The final straw(s) was both the bluudy awful indicator arrangement, three different switches to turn left, right and then turn them off. Who in their right mind thought that was a good idea, and the numb left hand and forearm that riding it even for a short distance induced.

Anyway, I realise that it's a case of different strokes for different folks, but no, not for me, it had to go, I lost a bit of money on the sale/trade-in but, the peace of mind and absolute joy that now owning a Yamaha FJR 1300, even after just one day, has brought, has (A), taught me a lesson, never meet your heros and (B) as much as I still think the BM is a beautiful bike, in this case, for me anyway, function is better than form.
I found the BMW to be agricultural, slow, and the indicator system a complete joke. Fortunately all I had spent on it (a full service) and hours of detailing was just enough of a lesson for me never to forget, or to buy another boxer engined BMW again.

The FJR is smooth, torquey, fast...... you get the idea, I could continue with the superlatives for quite some time and, that's after only one day of ownership. I guess I am just not masochist enough to own and enjoy a boxer BMW.
I can think of absolutely no negatives, so far, in my ownership of the FJR, what a JOY!!!!!

Possibly didn’t give it long enough…

I went from a 996sps to an R1100SS as I wanted something equally different/daft.

I really miss the BM indicators - my last 2 have had the UBJ ones

To me it is the same as Mercedes switching to red light = AC on, rather than red light = something is wrong (AC off)

Still hope you enjoy your new toy. Most important thing is get out and enjoy it.

 

[Blobcat]

BM satnav still can’t find a motorway…



~500 miles ridden Friday and Today - +5hrs in the saddle both days. Eats the miles at a prodigious rate of knots… and enjoys the odd gravel track

 

[Botus]

the adventure ones get different steering geometry

I got a 2011 GSA and the difference is quite surprising (I didn't know, even the air-cooled ones had geometry changes) - it makes some sense how people can ride these ones off-road - but it loses lots in braking stability (the LC braked OK, but this current one is quite alarming)

 

[sonic]

I am staying firmly on the road with the FJR. Years back when in the military went off road on Armstrong 500's & Can Am's.

 

[Jimbo1959]

Possibly didn’t give it long enough…

I went from a 996sps to an R1100SS as I wanted something equally different/daft.

I really miss the BM indicators - my last 2 have had the UBJ ones

To me it is the same as Mercedes switching to red light = AC on, rather than red light = something is wrong (AC off)

Still hope you enjoy your new toy. Most important thing is get out and enjoy it.

Between the original road test and my own travels since I got it I've totally enjoyed approximately three hundred and fifty miles in some six hours of riding it on all sorts of roads, A, B, motorway and dual carriageways, not to mention all the little country roads out in the boonies where I live. The FJR has been awesome. I also tried to like the BMW by doing similar variations on the theme but, it just didn't click with me at all and as I mentioned between the stupid indicators and the numb appendages I'd had enough.
Getting onto and riding the FJR was a relevation by comparison, everything just felt ....right.
Goodbye BMW, I didn't need to think twice, life's to short to put up with less than you either need or want.

 

[Blobcat]

I am staying firmly on the road with the FJR. Years back when in the military went off road on Armstrong 500's & Can Am's.

I was very close to Otterburn range in that pic

I also rode the forestry road over the top of Kielder today

One of my best days on a bike today

 

[sonic]

I was very close to Otterburn range in that pic

I also rode the forestry road over the top of Kielder today

One of my best days on a bike today

Ridden hundreds of miles over Otterburn, Catterick, & Warcop ranges.
Managed a pint at the Tan Hill Inn on one occasion.

 

[Blobcat]

I have an R9T Scrambler whilst my GSA is in for service.



It’s a nice enough bike, very small in comparison, seat low / foot pegs high so knees bent more.

Quite a lot of wind at speed (unsurprisingly)

Fine on the commute and changes direction we’ll enough.

Bit of fun, not for me long term

 

[AndySlade]

Go on Blobcat get it dirty, you know you want to!

 

[Blobcat]

Go on Blobcat get it dirty, you know you want to!

Took it back covered in dead flying insects…

GSA had a service and an overnight software update… part of the recall for gearbox shaft.
Also had a recall down for the circlips on the foot pegs - some have been known to break letting the foot peg fall off…
Only the rear pegs on mine possibly affected as the front legs are the billet option 718 ones.

 

[Botus]

I just swapped the GSA flat wide pegs for a secondhand set of the better narrow ones like the pic above - also took 3 turn out of the wrong adjuster BM fit - both ends of a turn buckle have RHD thread ??? , so it sits much lower, with both mods I can change gear properly now

 

[Blobcat]

I just swapped the GSA flat wide pegs for a secondhand set of the better narrow ones like the pic above - also took 3 turn out of the wrong adjuster BM fit - both ends of a turn buckle have RHD thread ??? , so it sits much lower, with both mods I can change gear properly now

Mine have spring loaded rubber inserts in them, very clever pegs (should be given the price…)
No issues changing gear either sitting or standing

 

[Botus]

sounds fairly clever - a lot of strange people remove the rubber bit of the std pegs (its designed - so you can - for better grip if serious off roading) -
hence the no rubber inserts as std on the Adventure model.... however, to aid comfort for the one person standing on the pegs all day, for one week a year, this model is fitted with heavily serrated flat and nearly 2" wide pegs, so one hundred thousand owners can't change gear properly every day

its all a little strange - in 10 years and 30k miles even with the wrong footware and even with diesel spillage on you soles from garage forecourts etc. my feet have never slipped on the standard pegs...

 

[Blobcat]

Not the best picture but the rubber centre sits proud when you’re sitting (so more comfortable and less vibration) but drops down when you stand up.

 

[Blobcat]

Had a nice ride out to Seaways Cafe yesterday with local IAM



Absolutely filthy roads so bike came back not looking its best…



Washed it yesterday, then gave it a proper clean today… followed by lots of ACF50 as it’s going away for the winter



All away, on charge and ready for when I’m mobile again - I’m going in for heel surgery on Friday… cut down the back of the heel, remove Achilles tendon… grind off the calcium build up… then stick the Achilles tendon back on (no doubt with generic pritt stick…) then 6 weeks in a cast and I have to keep my heel higher than my shoulder for 22 out of 24 hours… (no idea how I’m going to accomplish that living on my own and occasionally wanting to eat…)