You may have seen this across on BMWLT.com but thought I'd share it here too!
Today (Oct 8th) was my first opportunity to do some back to back riding.
It was a chilly 5'c (41'F), dark and wet commute first thing. I had the heated grips on 2 whilst wearing summer gloves. No problem at all with any part of me feeling cold. The fairing and windscreen seem to offer a very good shield (because of my reynauds/circulation problem any riding under 10'c on the Fazer resulted in freezing hands and feet!). The headlight was fantastic, a real good spread across the carriageway although I may need to drop the aim a little as I've been flashed by oncoming vehicles a few times. The main beam is also very good.
On to the work stead. I've been upgraded from an '09 to a '12 :-)
Straight away I was more conscious of the engine noise and vibes. I did 220 miles during my shift, it started wet, dried out then got very wet. I suffered my usual numbness in my right hand from the vibes. The seating position meant my upper thighs ached a little, probably the higher foot pegs.
The screen was positioned so I got minimal wind noise around my ears. I've found I get more wind noise on the '14 despite playing with the height. If I duck down about 2 inches on the '14 that cures it so I can see me investing in the Comfort screen (I am 6 feet 6 inches tall).
Winter gloves used with the heated grips set on 1 of 2.
No real issues all day, got the ASC activating a few times whilst making progress.
Homeward bound on the '14. It was wet, really wet so used the Rain mode. I am super confident on the '12 but seem to be riding mine like a fanny! I can only put it down to it being new bike syndrome and me not wishing to drop it!
The first major thing I noticed was the change in grips size. The grips on the '12 start small in circumference at the thumb/forefinger end and increases across the palm, whereas on the '14 the circumference remains the same throughout and on the small size. I actually found my hands, particularly the throttle side, aching after about 10 minutes. I will try grip puppies.
Overall, the '14 feels sharper and smoother in it's handling, easier to ride. You are more isolated from the external wind and I've found myself cracking on a little more than I expected or realised in the speed department, albeit briefly!
It feels lighter on the move, even when wheeling both round in the yard by hand.
I've also been playing with the shift assist which is now coming along nicely. Holding the throttle and engaging the gear lever slowly seems to work fine for me, but I still prefer manual shifting coming down the box.
The overall verdict so far is that the '09/'12 and '14 are chalk and cheese, totally different bikes.
Now for some gratuitous pics!! Cheers, Craig.
The 14 had it's 600 mile service this week @ £155.97 (includes £6.40 for fitting the BMW cylinder guards). Now the restrictions are off I had a spirited 150 mile run home. I think my retinence to explore the capeabilities and lack of confidence probably relate to the running in limits as I soon got into the 14 big time along dry and wet roads.
I've fitted an Avent fender extender, SW motech under tray, Wünderlich tornado hub, swinging arm covers and side stand enlarger, rubber tank protectors and pannier paint protectors.
Today I swopped the horn for an old stebel and wired up the Optimate III connector. I've also started the comms installation by hard wiring in the Fuzeblock panel. Next will be the autocom, Bluetooth module an IR803 radio!
Pictures to follow once I'm sorted.
