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I'm excited for you. Let's hope the enjoyment lasts Also, assuming it has the same adjustable suspension and throttle modes as the standard GS, it's worth playing with them as they do make a difference. It's quite nice riding round in Rain mode when you're feeling pretty chilled. Conversely when you want to pretend you're on a sports bike, stick her in Dynamic and be impressed at how fast she goes round corners.
Out of interest, what were the screen/spoiler combos you tried? Thinking about getting the universal MRA spoiler for mine that I wouldn't need if I was a couple of inches shorter...
I'm a bit cynical about them- it is mostly just a change in throttle response, which you can control more with your right hand.
I mostly leave it in Dynamic thought except when it rains, even then most of the time I don't knock it down much.
I tried the MRA universal spoiler today- it sorted wind blast with the stock screen for me.
I've worked out that wind blast is such a personal thing- even changing the seat height by half an inch can make a tangible difference so that puts us in the territory of component variability.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
I notice a difference between pootling (relatively) along and pushing it more on some nice A roads/chasing the Blackbird (I was quite satisfyingly cornering quicker!) I think lower power mode is more noticeable when rolling on at higher speeds. Normal and dynamic it's just throttle response as you said.
Having said that, the suspension setting has as large effect too. Hard provides that slightly sportier edge I find, plus I have the preload on rider + luggage. I do tend to fiddle with it a lot less now mind.
Useful to know about the MRA spoiler too, thanks. Late Christmas present to myself maybe...
The 2017 model is self levelling, do I won't need to change suspension options when adding pillion or luggage. It just knows.
You still have soft/med/hard suspension.
gearbox greatly improved too. No more clunking getting into 1st from neutral which the RT does as well.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
The RT has quite fiddly power roll on in Dynamic- I had a couple of interesting moments when I first got it but once you know it you are fine.
The 2017 GSA seems to be better, but it has a bit less weight to carry about and has some gear box tweaks.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
The other advantage or peace of mind from Rain mode is the extra levels of ABS & traction control, especially for someone like me who twitches if the bike threatens to go sideways at all. Planning on an off-road course maybe next year to improve my non-existent skills. Seeing the demo rider on a GS at the bike show actually jumping the thing over a log by preloading the forks blew my mind.
I rode a 990 Superduke for a couple of years, so I got pretty good at having a 'sensitive' right hand too, though to be fair, the fuelling was better that the '06 Speed Triple I had before that.
Tall first gears also require good clutch control at low speed. The Tracer had a noticeable and irritating on/off throttle response. Yes you can ride round it, but I don't feel I should have to.
I'm basically indulging myself with the GS now!
I find Dynamic to be the best compromise.
Dynamic pro turns it off completely, my S1000R will wheelie in 4th at 80mph, which is pretty terrifying.
Dynamic keeps the front wheel down unless you really give it some.
Road keeps it down most of the time, I've never had it off the ground in this mode.
Rain, I believe is impossible to lift the front wheel (or do a stoppie).
Have you ridden either the S1000R or RR?
I love my R- it is such a tremendous bike, I can't see mine going anywhere- the fueling is as close to perfect as I've ridden.
Also, now I've de-catted and have a full system the ground clearance issues are gone too.
I was out for a blast on it today (don't want to put any miles on the RT as I'm trading it in).
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
I haven't tried either the S1000R or the RR sadly. Looks good in red too, plus very clean! I bet she sounds sweet with the Akra / decat combo too. When the R came out, I thought it would be my ideal bike, i.e. Naked and stupidly powerful, yet with inline 4 smoothness, but I couldn't afford it. Since then the majority of riding I do has changed from mostly short commutes and blasts to longer (20-50 mile) commutes involving dual carriageway for some of it, plus the the occasional longer tour. After doing West Wales to Oxford and back on a CB1000R, inducing all sorts of hip and shoulder pains, I decided it was time to be a softie and get something better suited to longer distances. If I could afford two bikes I'd be sorely tempted to try the R, though I'd also be tempted by the new Speed Trip, even if it's lower powered in comparison. One day...!
@jaytmon - I can recommend the BMW off-road school 2 day course. I don't know whether it's still run by Simon Pavey, but that's the one I did (about 6 or 7 years ago) in the Brecons.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Their stranglehold on parts and especially service information is counterproductive, I wouldn't own one if you paid me after the grief I've had with them.
@MtB I know what you mean about 'almost', but there's no denying the triple engines are delicious. I had a lot of fun on my Speed Triple, though it wasn't without its niggles. And parts aren't cheap either. (Says the BMW owner!)
That is the off-road course I was looking to do next year. I've heard and read very good things about it.
Amazing bike.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Collection on Thursday 29th.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Love this bike.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
I'm envious. I should have bought the Adv. 8 years ago, instead of the standard GS (having already had an 05 GS)