The last time I mentioned this bike around here was in the Superbike Remorse Thread where some people want more more more power. In that thread I mentioned that BMW intended this bike for beginners but the real market has turned out to be experienced riders who don't want 500 lb turds that can't handle single track. I've already dropped mine once and in a feat of awesomeness I could pick it up.
For guys like me, where power is a non issue, but weight is an issue, this is just the ticket.
I wasn't really looking for an adventure bike that I'm going to head out and do 5000 mile adventures on. Not gonna happen. What I really wanted was a dual sport that's comfortable enough to do a 4-500 mile day if I wanted. This bike fits the bill and is actually kind of unique in the regard.
It's lightweight at 350 lbs dry, 373 lbs wet.
Makes in the range of 30-32 hp in fully restricted stock form at the rear wheel depending on the dyno. That's way more than a CRF250L and about 4hp more than a WR250R. Having ridden both, it feels closer to the WR on the top end with much more torque in the middle.
Feels like it has enough power for me. Then again, my "main" bike is a Z125. Hahah.
Plans: Likely seat and tires. That is all. Seat will be a Seat Concepts Tall, tires will likely be Conti TKC 80s. The OEM tires aren't bad though. Not sure if I want the TKC80s - great traction they have been known to only last 1500 miles.
This bike doesn't look like it's built to a price point at all.
Beautiful cast aluminum swingarm
Trellis frame
USD 41mm dia forks
Radial mount calipers
Stainless steel brake lines
Brembo made calipers
ABS switchable standard
Gear Indicator
Fuel level indicator
Tires that don't suck
It goes deeper than that. The fit and finish is excellent and there's a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. A couple reports of failing water pumps and stators. We'll see if that happens to me. The 18's had a kickstand weld failure, fixed on the 19's. Being honest, I'll probably only own it for a year unless I really fall in love. I've been averaging a different bike every year lately. I'm probably just looking to get the excitement back that I miss after retiring from racing.
For guys like me, where power is a non issue, but weight is an issue, this is just the ticket.
I wasn't really looking for an adventure bike that I'm going to head out and do 5000 mile adventures on. Not gonna happen. What I really wanted was a dual sport that's comfortable enough to do a 4-500 mile day if I wanted. This bike fits the bill and is actually kind of unique in the regard.
It's lightweight at 350 lbs dry, 373 lbs wet.
Makes in the range of 30-32 hp in fully restricted stock form at the rear wheel depending on the dyno. That's way more than a CRF250L and about 4hp more than a WR250R. Having ridden both, it feels closer to the WR on the top end with much more torque in the middle.
Feels like it has enough power for me. Then again, my "main" bike is a Z125. Hahah.
Plans: Likely seat and tires. That is all. Seat will be a Seat Concepts Tall, tires will likely be Conti TKC 80s. The OEM tires aren't bad though. Not sure if I want the TKC80s - great traction they have been known to only last 1500 miles.
This bike doesn't look like it's built to a price point at all.
Beautiful cast aluminum swingarm
Trellis frame
USD 41mm dia forks
Radial mount calipers
Stainless steel brake lines
Brembo made calipers
ABS switchable standard
Gear Indicator
Fuel level indicator
Tires that don't suck
It goes deeper than that. The fit and finish is excellent and there's a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. A couple reports of failing water pumps and stators. We'll see if that happens to me. The 18's had a kickstand weld failure, fixed on the 19's. Being honest, I'll probably only own it for a year unless I really fall in love. I've been averaging a different bike every year lately. I'm probably just looking to get the excitement back that I miss after retiring from racing.