Hi,
I've joined the Ninja forum because I am selling my BMW R1200GS Rallye and replacing it with a sport tourer. I was previously on a Honda VFR1200F, which I really liked, but decided to give the BMW a try, due to the taller seating position. This hasn't turned out the way I would like it. Sure, I have more leg room, but just about everything else pales in comparison to the VFR. For one, the boxer engine isn't anywhere close to the smooth power delivery of the VFR. I thought I could get used to the boxer engine, but, after having the VFR, it is a huge letdown (for me, anyway).
Despite being a very pretty bike, the R1200GS riding experience isn't what I enjoy, mainly because it tends to want to tip left or right all of the time. I have ridden motorcycles for over 30 years, and have never had to make such adjustments, but I have now. By employing more back brake, it seems to have corrected the problem somewhat, but the brakes, being linked, will essentially provide me with the same brake pressure regardless of which brake I use. I did notice an improvement, but here's the issue - after taking the YCRS course, I always ALWAYS cover my front brake to be able to react quicker to any situation. So this means applying it in emergencies.
So....I have had a SPATE of close calls on the BMW this spring, and in three instances, I've covered my front brake, and had the bike start to tip. I've managed to get a foot down and stop from falling, but I can tell that it won't have to tip much further before I cannot recover, and the bike goes down. Two of the instances were people cutting me off as I was turning. The third was ME stalling in third in an intersection turning left, after I missed the downshift somehow. In any event, the problem keeps showing up.
All in all, I want a bike that is 1) Not as tall as the BMW, 2) Not as heavy as the BMW (538lb curb weight), or has less weight up front (I think the Telelever spring system up front must add quite a bit of weight to the front end), and 3) Has a much more of a sporty (VFR-like) engine. I will live with a more bent seating position (than the BMW).
I haven't driven any of the bikes on my shortlist, and, because of COVID, I doubt I will have a chance, so I thought I would see if anyone could comment on my choices for solo riding:
Kawasaki Ninja 1000 - seems pretty ideal. Has the Bosch IMU, has a 1000 cc engine, but not sure of the power characteristics. I've heard some talk of buzziness, but that's just part of motorcycling, unless it is severe. Suspension and handling are what I value most, so comments on that aspect would be appreciated.
Yamaha Tracer GT - the YCRS guys use these bikes as workhorses around the track, and they can really fly on them. My personal instructor actually did some club races on one (he was a former racer), and was highly successful with it. The taller seating position is there, but it's close to the BMW, so there's not much of an improvement there. However, its curb weight is 59 lbs less than the BMW, which probably makes it more manageable. The weight distribution is probably better too, seeing that there's no bulky Telelever suspension system up front (not sure why BMW bothers with this anymore when there are so many good suspension options out there).
Kawasaki H2 SX SE or SE Plus - amazing technology in this bike. However, the curb weight is up (579 lbs) and I do not need all of that horsepower. I am wondering, however, if the chassis and suspension are that much better on the SX than the Ninja 1000? If it is, that would be the reason to go with it. From what I understand, you can use the riding modes to dial the power back considerably on the H2 SX, correct? By how much? In this case, I see the power as a detriment, but perhaps the chassis is a positive. I am not sure if there are really any chassis improvements over the Ninja 1000 or not.
I usually do short day trip rides, with two three-to-four-day rides, and I find being on the "sport" side of sport touring just fine. Curious to hear your thoughts.
I've joined the Ninja forum because I am selling my BMW R1200GS Rallye and replacing it with a sport tourer. I was previously on a Honda VFR1200F, which I really liked, but decided to give the BMW a try, due to the taller seating position. This hasn't turned out the way I would like it. Sure, I have more leg room, but just about everything else pales in comparison to the VFR. For one, the boxer engine isn't anywhere close to the smooth power delivery of the VFR. I thought I could get used to the boxer engine, but, after having the VFR, it is a huge letdown (for me, anyway).
Despite being a very pretty bike, the R1200GS riding experience isn't what I enjoy, mainly because it tends to want to tip left or right all of the time. I have ridden motorcycles for over 30 years, and have never had to make such adjustments, but I have now. By employing more back brake, it seems to have corrected the problem somewhat, but the brakes, being linked, will essentially provide me with the same brake pressure regardless of which brake I use. I did notice an improvement, but here's the issue - after taking the YCRS course, I always ALWAYS cover my front brake to be able to react quicker to any situation. So this means applying it in emergencies.
So....I have had a SPATE of close calls on the BMW this spring, and in three instances, I've covered my front brake, and had the bike start to tip. I've managed to get a foot down and stop from falling, but I can tell that it won't have to tip much further before I cannot recover, and the bike goes down. Two of the instances were people cutting me off as I was turning. The third was ME stalling in third in an intersection turning left, after I missed the downshift somehow. In any event, the problem keeps showing up.
All in all, I want a bike that is 1) Not as tall as the BMW, 2) Not as heavy as the BMW (538lb curb weight), or has less weight up front (I think the Telelever spring system up front must add quite a bit of weight to the front end), and 3) Has a much more of a sporty (VFR-like) engine. I will live with a more bent seating position (than the BMW).
I haven't driven any of the bikes on my shortlist, and, because of COVID, I doubt I will have a chance, so I thought I would see if anyone could comment on my choices for solo riding:
Kawasaki Ninja 1000 - seems pretty ideal. Has the Bosch IMU, has a 1000 cc engine, but not sure of the power characteristics. I've heard some talk of buzziness, but that's just part of motorcycling, unless it is severe. Suspension and handling are what I value most, so comments on that aspect would be appreciated.
Yamaha Tracer GT - the YCRS guys use these bikes as workhorses around the track, and they can really fly on them. My personal instructor actually did some club races on one (he was a former racer), and was highly successful with it. The taller seating position is there, but it's close to the BMW, so there's not much of an improvement there. However, its curb weight is 59 lbs less than the BMW, which probably makes it more manageable. The weight distribution is probably better too, seeing that there's no bulky Telelever suspension system up front (not sure why BMW bothers with this anymore when there are so many good suspension options out there).
Kawasaki H2 SX SE or SE Plus - amazing technology in this bike. However, the curb weight is up (579 lbs) and I do not need all of that horsepower. I am wondering, however, if the chassis and suspension are that much better on the SX than the Ninja 1000? If it is, that would be the reason to go with it. From what I understand, you can use the riding modes to dial the power back considerably on the H2 SX, correct? By how much? In this case, I see the power as a detriment, but perhaps the chassis is a positive. I am not sure if there are really any chassis improvements over the Ninja 1000 or not.
I usually do short day trip rides, with two three-to-four-day rides, and I find being on the "sport" side of sport touring just fine. Curious to hear your thoughts.