7 Days, 6 x 100 miles

[sven]

I picked up my new RT last week. A few quick observations after 600 miles, which isn't bad considering work has me tethered to my home base.

The engine has the distinctive rumble that you want out of a boxer, but is smooth through all gears, at all speeds. I won't even mention the "S" word, but suffice to say I don't detect a bit of hestitation or hunting. Not once.

The gearing is solid, and getting better as the miles build up. The first to second motion needs to be a distinctive thwack rather than a lazy pop of the left foot. I find a slight preload to the shifter helps a bit, but this isn't needed in any other gears.

And now the brakes, yes the Integral EVO ABS that is the bane of the motorcycle press and the whipping children of certain posters on this board. I have one word for the brakes: F-ing awesome. OK, two words (my VIN # indicates that I have the newer modulator). Yes, they took a little practice in the neighborhood behind my BMW dealer before going onto the road, but only for a few miles. These brakes stop you, period. Which, when you think about it, is the reason for brakes in the first place. Yes, the motorcycle press can wax poetic about how they can't do a stacatto number on the rear brakes as they enter a sweeper at 70 mph. I say these guys are smoking crack. For 98% of riders in 99% of road situations, these brakes rock. Just yesterday, I am rounding a curve on an interstate doing about 80 mph and a little blue-haired lady thought it would be helpful to stop her 1990 Crown Vic (with 9,000 miles on it) in the middle lane while she figured out her next move. I grabbed the front brake and stopped in gonad-crushing, face-in-the-Multivario fashion. But I stopped in a line, on a dime. So, yes, I like the brakes.

Beyond that, somehow BMW has figured out how to design a bike that feels very nimble in the city, and positively solid on the highway. I thought I would have a problem with the heavier weight of the bike, but it is balanced to perfection. How a recent cycle mag (I think Rider) ranked the ST1100 over the R1150RT in the sport-tourer class is beyond me. (And the V-Strom as Bike of the Year. Huh?).

My bottom line is that you expect a great bike when you shell out this kind of money. But I feel I really got exceptional value. And I enjoy the Black Beast even more every time I take it out on the road. I'll keep looking for nits to pick, but I haven't found any yet. OK, maybe the shield could be an inch or two taller--but I like to feel a bit of the wind--this is a motorcycle, after all.

And I am definitely biased, but I think the RT kicks ass in black.

Your mileage may vary; my mileage is rapidly building.

Time to ride--see ya!

Sven
02 R1150RT Black

[Moot]

Originally posted by sven

And I am definitely biased, but I think the RT kicks ass in black.

Your mileage may vary; my mileage is rapidly building.

Time to ride--see ya!

Sven
02 R1150RT Black

Good luck with your new toy Sven! Ah yes, the understated controversy surrounding the RT braking system... youv'e come to the right place!

May you have many happy returns for your hard earned bannana's! Oh, last but not least... my condolences about your choice of colour, did they run out of the blue ones?

[sven]

Originally posted by Moot


Oh, last but not least... my condolences about your choice of colour, did they run out of the blue ones?

Alas, they had a blue one but the black one just screamed at me to buy it. As soon as I have a few spare minutes, the decals are coming off. Also, since I usually ride without the side cases, I just may put a "Potted Meat Food Product" sticker on my cannister. Or maybe this would be more descriptive:






Sven

[farquharson]

Congrats on the new machine - excellent bike, most excellent color other than Silver.

Watch the screws which secure the front mudguard (fender) to the forks. I did 600 miles last Tuesday and by my Saturday ride one screw had fallen out an another 2 were backing out and loose. It looks like they used Loctite Blue on the fastners but not much of it...fyi. Fortunately at least 3 fastners have to fall out before the guard actually meets the tire.

These are little things which , IMHO, fail to lessen the appeal of the RT.

[Rod]

G'day and Congrats on the new wheels one day it will turn Silver and you will have the best colour

[Moot]

Originally posted by Rod
one day it will turn Silver and you will have the best colour

Hey Rod... don't they use that Silber shit for undercoat before the real paint (Blue) is applied?

[Rod]

Originally posted by Moot


Hey Rod... don't they use that Silber shit for undercoat before the real paint (Blue) is applied?

YEP..thats why the silver is the FAAAASTEST as it is lighter

[sven]

Originally posted by Taws
Congrats on the new machine - excellent bike, most excellent color other than Silver.

Watch the screws which secure the front mudguard (fender) to the forks. I did 600 miles last Tuesday and by my Saturday ride one screw had fallen out an another 2 were backing out and loose. It looks like they used Loctite Blue on the fastners but not much of it...fyi. Fortunately at least 3 fastners have to fall out before the guard actually meets the tire.

Thanks Taws, I'll check it out.

Sven

[palouis]

Yeah - I got "disassembled" myself.

I re-Loctitied every little allen headed bastard I could find.

Enjoy your bike ... and watch the oil, really closely :-)

More is not better.

Paul

[palouis]

Freudian slip ... I meant

"lock titties" ?

Ouch

paul