So, I got an hour to play on the new model S1000XR yesterday.
In the interest of disclosure,
I currently own an S1000XR 2018 “older£ model.
I currently own a Harley Fat Bob,
I have had multiple R1200GSA's and have spent a decent amount of time on the R1250GS as well.
I have owned 41 bikes from multiple manufacturers so am not bike loyal.
Right that is that out of the way, let me begin.
The new bike was a standard height one with a low seat, in undercoat grey! From what I could see its only accessory was the tall screen.
I rode this in town, on fast A roads, not so fast B roads and dual carriageways.
Walking round the bike the obvious changes are the Front Headlights and fairing, the adjustment on the windscreen, the TFT Display, at last, a lockable Sat Nav Bracket ( I retro fitted to mine) the brake lights in indicators thing and the Keyless ignition.
I sat on it, as it was standard it was a bit high, mine is the low frame. The seat was not as plush as mine, I have the HP seat. I started the engine, and the next thing I discovered was, I could reach the clutch lever! A quick check showed that they finally got round to putting an adjuster on this.
Having moved off, to exit the dealers, the next noticeable change was the footrests position, much higher than mine but then I have the HP adjustable set. I thought this would be an immediate ride stopper for me, I have had a new knee fitted in March and its still not to happy with tight bends. I managed to fidget and that it was not too bad, though finding the gear lever was a bit of a struggle.
The second immediate difference on rider ergonomics are the bar, they are narrower which gave a sportier fee to the bike l as the early models have the tillers as used on the GS.
About know I noticed the difference in the engine, it just seemed to be a little less rev happy than mine and more comfortable in the lower gears, I find with mine I’m in 6th before I know it. This may not have the funky cam system of the R but it is still a definite improvement on the original engine without the added complication. It just seemed to have that bit more in terms of acceleration and could, in the wrong hands, go way past national speed limits. Bear in mind this one had the limiter in place as it was pretty much brand new, once it is full run in and unshackled a good rider on this would leave the old model in his wake.
Having got on to my well-known twisty bits I noticed the difference in the handling, this thing was lighter than mine to tip into bends but still felt planted round a bend. The weather conditions were not at their best, so the roads were at times very greasy. At no time did this thing ever feel like I was taking a risk, now I am not a MotoGP rider but I can make progress when needed, the new bike handles just that bit sweeter than mine. This bile can be hustled along very easily, I gave it beans on poor surfaced roads and not once did it complain, maybe the tyres, but just felt more secure than mine. Overtaking was an absolute breeze this thing flies. I did ride sensibly for a while in "head in touring mode", on a bike like this, this was totally relaxing. I sat with cruise on a crappy bit of road and with hands of the bars this thing still just sailed on.
As previously mentioned, I have a dodgy knee so was expecting some grief with the new riding position. After about 40 minutes it dawned on me that I had forgotten about this issue! The low seat on this bike felt hard on initial mounting (oo er matron!) but as with the original S1000xr it just worked. The screen was easy to move up and down buy a lever on the side, this made it easy to adjust for when it was raining or not, I liked the lower position without rain and the upper position when it was inclement.
After a while I stopped for a swig of water and had a good look round, the overall finish looks as good as mine though the Jury is out on the grey colour scheme although it was growing on me. One minor gripe was that, as it does with my model, the side stand seems to be too short, still gives Mr Cymarc some room for product. I had a play around with the TFT and it is as good as it is on any of their other bikes so a step forward for me. AS you look you notice other subtle differences, I did like the little storage place above the filler cap, very useful for Toll Tickets, ear plugs and speeding fine.
So, in conclusion, this bike just grows on you, I would happily take this to the south of France if ever allowed there again.
This is not revolution it is evolution. It is just that bit better in all the major places, Engine? Just that bit better, Handling? Just that bit better, Instruments? Just that bit better, Ergonomics? For me, once again, just that bit better. Quantum leaps forward? An adjustable clutch lever and TFT dash
So are there Any downsides? Two things spring to mind, my HP bits and SHAD panniers won’t fit and the colour schemes are very limited.
Would I swap over? I will let you know when I get the cost of change comes through. The older bike is not a bad bike, mine doesn’t buzz through the bars badly, goes like stink and, in my opinion, wass a much better bike than any other sporty tourer on the market. For me, this new one has taken that title, it just got under my skin in a very good way. Is it my box bike (last one before I die!)? No but I’m hoping to keep looking
In the interest of disclosure,
I currently own an S1000XR 2018 “older£ model.
I currently own a Harley Fat Bob,
I have had multiple R1200GSA's and have spent a decent amount of time on the R1250GS as well.
I have owned 41 bikes from multiple manufacturers so am not bike loyal.
Right that is that out of the way, let me begin.
The new bike was a standard height one with a low seat, in undercoat grey! From what I could see its only accessory was the tall screen.
I rode this in town, on fast A roads, not so fast B roads and dual carriageways.
Walking round the bike the obvious changes are the Front Headlights and fairing, the adjustment on the windscreen, the TFT Display, at last, a lockable Sat Nav Bracket ( I retro fitted to mine) the brake lights in indicators thing and the Keyless ignition.
I sat on it, as it was standard it was a bit high, mine is the low frame. The seat was not as plush as mine, I have the HP seat. I started the engine, and the next thing I discovered was, I could reach the clutch lever! A quick check showed that they finally got round to putting an adjuster on this.
Having moved off, to exit the dealers, the next noticeable change was the footrests position, much higher than mine but then I have the HP adjustable set. I thought this would be an immediate ride stopper for me, I have had a new knee fitted in March and its still not to happy with tight bends. I managed to fidget and that it was not too bad, though finding the gear lever was a bit of a struggle.
The second immediate difference on rider ergonomics are the bar, they are narrower which gave a sportier fee to the bike l as the early models have the tillers as used on the GS.
About know I noticed the difference in the engine, it just seemed to be a little less rev happy than mine and more comfortable in the lower gears, I find with mine I’m in 6th before I know it. This may not have the funky cam system of the R but it is still a definite improvement on the original engine without the added complication. It just seemed to have that bit more in terms of acceleration and could, in the wrong hands, go way past national speed limits. Bear in mind this one had the limiter in place as it was pretty much brand new, once it is full run in and unshackled a good rider on this would leave the old model in his wake.
Having got on to my well-known twisty bits I noticed the difference in the handling, this thing was lighter than mine to tip into bends but still felt planted round a bend. The weather conditions were not at their best, so the roads were at times very greasy. At no time did this thing ever feel like I was taking a risk, now I am not a MotoGP rider but I can make progress when needed, the new bike handles just that bit sweeter than mine. This bile can be hustled along very easily, I gave it beans on poor surfaced roads and not once did it complain, maybe the tyres, but just felt more secure than mine. Overtaking was an absolute breeze this thing flies. I did ride sensibly for a while in "head in touring mode", on a bike like this, this was totally relaxing. I sat with cruise on a crappy bit of road and with hands of the bars this thing still just sailed on.
As previously mentioned, I have a dodgy knee so was expecting some grief with the new riding position. After about 40 minutes it dawned on me that I had forgotten about this issue! The low seat on this bike felt hard on initial mounting (oo er matron!) but as with the original S1000xr it just worked. The screen was easy to move up and down buy a lever on the side, this made it easy to adjust for when it was raining or not, I liked the lower position without rain and the upper position when it was inclement.
After a while I stopped for a swig of water and had a good look round, the overall finish looks as good as mine though the Jury is out on the grey colour scheme although it was growing on me. One minor gripe was that, as it does with my model, the side stand seems to be too short, still gives Mr Cymarc some room for product. I had a play around with the TFT and it is as good as it is on any of their other bikes so a step forward for me. AS you look you notice other subtle differences, I did like the little storage place above the filler cap, very useful for Toll Tickets, ear plugs and speeding fine.
So, in conclusion, this bike just grows on you, I would happily take this to the south of France if ever allowed there again.
This is not revolution it is evolution. It is just that bit better in all the major places, Engine? Just that bit better, Handling? Just that bit better, Instruments? Just that bit better, Ergonomics? For me, once again, just that bit better. Quantum leaps forward? An adjustable clutch lever and TFT dash
So are there Any downsides? Two things spring to mind, my HP bits and SHAD panniers won’t fit and the colour schemes are very limited.
Would I swap over? I will let you know when I get the cost of change comes through. The older bike is not a bad bike, mine doesn’t buzz through the bars badly, goes like stink and, in my opinion, wass a much better bike than any other sporty tourer on the market. For me, this new one has taken that title, it just got under my skin in a very good way. Is it my box bike (last one before I die!)? No but I’m hoping to keep looking
