RTW easy to put the miles on

Just got back late yesterday afternoon from picking up my new-to-me 2014 R1200RTW.

First, the bike is definitely the best RT I've ridden and the most all-around one. My impression after 2,100 kms is that 99% of the changes are for the better and the bike is almost an RT/RS hybrid. Handling is better than my 2004 R1150RT with full Olhins and close enough to the Ducati for me. I think the Metzeler Z8 tires on it are very close to the Michelin PR4s on the 1150 with just a touch more wandering on grooved surfaces, etc., but perhaps a little less squirming than the PR4, but these are subtle differences. Turn-in is crisper and more precise than the 1150, how much is bike or tire I don't know, but it is almost as good as my Ducati ST3s (Battlax T30) which is fantastic and my feeling is that it is mostly bike than tire for all three. Suspension itself is excellent (Dynamic ESA), the best I've ridden. My deteriorating skills make this bike far more capable than me and definitely one I cannot see myself outgrowing.

The tranny is smoother than my previous RT experiences, or any BMW I've ridden in the past. Still not as smooth an experience as I've had with other makes, but it doesn't do anything wrong and gear spacing is just about perfect for my riding style.

Then there is the motor. Yes Shereef, I do love it. Definitely no forgetting that this is the most powerful Boxer BMW has made since the HP2 and to my way of thinking, better designed and lower maintenance. Passing is right there, it took me by surprise on my first highway on-ramp when the front-end lifted significantly. Lifted three more times (almost as readily as the Ducati) before I got the hang of it.

Picked the bike up with 919 km on it and rolled into the driveway yesterday with 3,016 km. Most of Saturday was spent, after leaving Max BMW in NY riding Route-9 to the White Mountain National Forest, through it, and then Route-2 into Bangor. Even with the GPS showing it did over the "Ton" in the mountains and three major 20-30 minute traffic jams the previous day two in Toronto and then one at the border (Customs were arresting people in the line, using the dogs, etc.) the bike still averaged over 52 mpg with most of my riding between 130-140 kph and all three cases full. Trip-computer showed 450+ km range and after my ride through Route-2 to Bangor and Route-9 to Calais it showed 499 km range when I refuelled. What is surprised me is that I'd run the bike well into reserve without looking for a rest and on both Friday and Saturday rode it the entire day with only stopping long enough to refuel and go another 425+ km.

Now I just need to find more time to ride. ;-)

Congrats on the new wheels!!

Thanks, I'm very happy with it. One of the few times, for me, that a bike has met virtually all of my expectations and left me with very little room for improvements. A very pleasant surprise. ;-)

Allistar Gillis has the twin to my RTW, except he has a few more options, and he pulled into the Aulac Big Stop to refuel just as I'd finished so we naturally started chatting about the bikes, and other things. Anyway, he is as happy with his as I am with mine and he's got a lot more miles under his belt on this one and other  great touring bikes so his impressions reinforced what I was already experiencing.

I was looking forward to bringing it to the Chicken Burger this Thursday, but just got a call this afternoon that will require me to be tied up from 5-9 pm. Such is life.

I volunteer to take it to the chickenburger. Just leave the keys with Anna and I'll be around at about 6:00. I'll have it back by 9:30. Promise!
Deal.
Amédée

I'll need to see if I can wash it first for you Amedee. Hate to give you a bike with road grim on it. ;-)

I doubt anyone at the Chickenburger would see the bike or Amedee. He'd somehow get lost! lol

He might have difficulty selling that story where it has the factory built-in Navigator-V. I suppose he could always say that the sun got in his eyes. ;-)