BMW R1200R report

[Rocky]

Thanks for the update. That is one nicely setup motorcycle.

[ka5ysy]

I have gotten a chance to do some extended rides with tne new hand guards in place on the bike, with the "tall" BMW shields. Remember that you can order medium and tall shields in addition to the standard "low" versions. Interesting thing I noticed immediately with the tall shields is that there is a considerably greater wind noise being generated. This appears to be a result of a "stall burble" (pilots will understand this) due to the air separating from the top of the shield and forming an eddy current behind the shield which generates a lot of noise. The original GS guards that I replaced had the tall shield plus an aftermarket extension that did not make a lot of noise. I suspect that the difference is that the angle of the new version tall shield is too vertical and results in the stall burble.

I put the standard shields on this afternoon and took a ride, and the result was no noise at highway speeds. Of particular interest to me was where the airflow was over my gloves, and it is clearing my hands, so I will probably stay with the low shields in place.

Recommendation: stay with the low shields if you are going to do any high speed cruising. They are quite sufficient.

[ka5ysy]

I finally got a chance to go into the country away from any lighting on a dark, overcast night several days ago, and while riding, pushed the ON button for the HID's. They take about 15 seconds to be noticeable from a cold start, and then come up to full power after about a minute. It is like watching the sun come up on the horizon. The two spots throw a nice pool of light about a mile down the highway, and it is very, very easy to see what, if anything, is in the road. These are well worth the money. Way to go Trail Tech !

BTW: When I turn them on during the day in heavy traffic, the cars and trucks do not move at all for way up the block as I come toward them. All the drivers were looking intently at the brilliant light and the headlight modulator on the main high beam lamp. It is good !!!

[ka5ysy]

I received my custom Rick Mayer seat today and put it on the RR. This seat is the leather 2-up seat. The fit and finish is outstanding, and the initial impression is that it is light-years ahead of the stock BMW torture rack that would become painful after an hour or so.

Ride report to follow ASAP ! The initial "Sit" test is that this is a total winner. I am off for a test ride !

























SEAT COMPARISON PHOTO:

Stock on left and Rick Mayer on the right. The color is correct in this photo.

The difference in the profile of the Mayer seat is apparent from the photo, but is REALLY apparent when you are riding this saddle.

The Big Test will have to wait until next week for Dr. Judy to try the rear, although I can say it is very comfortable just sitting on it in the driveway. This thing will be great when the break-in gets done with some riding.




UPDATE: I just got back from the hour long ride and the comfort is outstanding. Usually after that period of time I had to get off the stock thing because my butt was in pain. This is a good sign !

Before anyone asks... Yes, I can still flatfoot the bike although my legs are spread just a little bit from the slightly wider profile at the front of the saddle.

[Ritten]

Thanks for the update. That is one nicely setup motorcycle.

No kidding! Time to sell that bad boy and start over again with a GS!

[Juice]

Very nice Doug!!!!

[ka5ysy]

No kidding! Time to sell that bad boy and start over again with a GS!

When I get my stimulus check....

[ka5ysy]

Judy and I went for a long ride today.. about 350 miles total to give the Rick Mayer seat a good workout. This was the first time Judy had ridden the RR since the seat was installed, and she formally rated the seat as an absolute winner .

Usually we both had to get off after an hour and walk around with the stock seat, and were uncomfortable for any length of time. Not with this new seat.

The longest run we made was about 2 hours nonstop and the seat was still comfortable.


This seat is a winner, and well worth the price paid for it. Highly recommended .

[ka5ysy]

Today I did a 400 miler up to north Louisiana for business. Seat did outstanding, as did the RR. What a really nice day to get paid to ride the motorcycle on business

[ka5ysy]

Well, I am in the process of changing from the Conti Road Attacks to the Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires. Main reason for change is that I need a new front after 12K miles. It is a little worn now, so need to change. I have about 4K on the current rear, and they tend to run 2 rear to 1 front. The Road Attacks are very good tires, other than for a lot of road use, they tend to develop a square area on the contact patch area which makes for interesting turns when you run over the ridge. Nothing exciting, but still noticeable with the fast turn-in.

The general opinion on the PR2's is that they are a great upgrade from the Conti's, so we shall see starting tomorrow !

Stay Tuned .....