Lots of lads on Ukgser bought XRs and promptly sold them to retain licences and keep out of jail! The early ones were really plagued with vibration right at motorway speed defeating the reason to buy one as an alternative to a humble GS.
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Yes, the XR will test my self-control over the next week or so, that's for sure. There are some high-frequency vibes in the bars but nothing to really complain about. I heard they added some bushes to the bar mounts to sort that issue.
As for the bike overall, I guess it's simply a case of horses for courses. For me, this bike would probably prove too frantic as I prefer a more relaxed ride, but I can certainly see the attraction.
British and bulletproof http://managementor.co.uk/33A6F723-1...32FCC1EA77.png
4th Armourded Brigade?
Not sure, but the bike was owned by a former Brigadier in the Royal Norfolk Regiment and he told me he chose the insignia as it would have been the one used by his regiment during D Day. It was apparently restored by in REME workshop in Germany. The bike is a 1941 BSA WM20, and will be taking part in local VE Day celebrations in the summer.
the xr is supposed to be a fantastic bike (touring bullet) - though i thought BMW would have solved the handlebar vibe issue - lots of people ive spoken to with 1000r's and rr's have the same problem and end up fitting weighted bar ends (which pretty much solves it)
Good luck! There are wet track days, and then there are those with weather warnings for wind and rain! Keep it rubber side down.
I had some custom made bar ends turned for my 1000RR. They were very effective in reducing the vibes to almost being unnoticeable. Without them though, it was pretty terrible and my fingers were numb and tingly after 30 or so miles. Shame really as it ruins what is a very good missile.
This is what worked for me, it looks bigger on the pic than it did in real life actually, and suited the colour scheme of my bike as it was turned from Stainless Steel.
Stuart
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-R-NIN...cAAOSwft9ct1uW
Tempting to build something like this
I would rather have the Kawasaki behind
I know, i know.
I guess I just get a bit frustrated at all the modified road bikes where the modifications make them prettier to look at (possibly), but less practical, less comfortable and less capable.
I've started typing about carbs and airboxes and fuel injection and filters and injector pumps and the like. But I've stopped. And deleted it. I'll go drink tea and calm down.
So I decided to press ahead with the trackday; checking the forecast , storm Dennis wasn't looking ominous until ~midday
We pitched up at 07:40 to find out that there were plenty of pit garages that were available on a first come first serve basis. Perfect for keeping us out of the rain if it materialised!
Noise testing was a doddle with my bike scoring 98db on the static with the stock can. God knows how some of the bikes passed, I have a feeling that the organisers were somewhat lenient
As we went out for session 1 the track was greasy and there were pockets of standing water at the bottom of paddocks, not the most encouraging for my first track day on my new bike!
As the morning progressed, a dry line began to appear which really improved traction and grip; conversely, straying off the dry line made me stiffen up and grow anxious but all in all, I was very grateful for some dryer parts of the track
The rain began again around midday at which point we were heading out for session 4. A couple of twitchy front end corner entry moments and rear wheel spin ups on corner exit made me take to the puts early. In my view it simply wasn't worth the risk of continuing, particularly given the number of incidents that had occurred throughout the morning
All in all, a fantastic day and I am so glad that I decided to attend. My wet riding technique has improved as a direct consequence of pushing myself on a wet track.
Can't wait to be back in late spring early summer for a dry day! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f6ed948db9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5495018688.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...32204b07d4.jpg
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Riding in NZ is something else. :smug:
https://i.postimg.cc/G21K18vD/F43-FA...-A43-CE669.jpgimage ru
@ oliverte Glad you kept it shiny side up.
Not sure how many track days you intend to do, but if youre really into them, a 2nd set of wheels with wets is possibly a worthwhile investment. Ill never forget the first time I rode on wets - almost unbelievable how hard you can push.
It amazes and saddens me how some people behave like that and do things knowing the consequences their actions will have on others. The others generally only find out whats happened when its way too late. The worst thing for me is he has done this purely to increase his own personal wealth and ridden roughshod and deceived many folk along the way. Sad git who needs to be behind bars if all the emerging stories are true.
Stuart
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Makes sense. Increasingly I'm thinking of getting an SV650 or similar with some wet weather road tyres so that I can take that to a track or out for a spin if the forecast looks iffy
Not the same bang as a litre superbike, but certainly better financially if things go wrong
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Generally a weather gamble due to having to book in advance, although I can often book Oulton a day or two before and the forecast should be reliable by then. If its looking wet then I dont bother, plenty other days over the summer. I had a SV650 track bike for a few years and they are very good value, cheap to fix!
I actually did the equivalent days at Brands in 2018 & 2019 & we were blessed with glorious, sunny days. It really is pot luck this time of year.
I got my first set of wets a few years ago after a couple of washed out days in May & June where I only did a few laps.
My R1200R is in being serviced today so they gave me an R1250R as a courtesy bike.
https://thewatchbloke.files.wordpres...g_1646-1-1.jpg
Very nice to ride, not a whole lot different to my R1200R but it feels a little more punchy at higher revs, it can't just be the extra 50cc capacity so I presume it's due to the vario/shift cam.
The TFT screen's a lot better than my R1200R LCD one, pretty much the same info but it's a lot easier to digest and I do prefer the large digital speed indicator to the analogue speedometer of the R1200R.
https://thewatchbloke.files.wordpres...g_1648-1-1.jpg
It's very customisable with different screens for different needs.
https://thewatchbloke.files.wordpres...g_1650-1-1.jpg
https://thewatchbloke.files.wordpres...g_1649-1-1.jpg
It would be nice to upgrade as mine's 4 years old now but is it worth the cost to change? If money was no object then maybe, but all things considered I don't think so at the moment.
https://thewatchbloke.files.wordpres...g_1644-1-1.jpg
https://thewatchbloke.files.wordpres...g_1645-1-1.jpg
What exactly does this SOS button do?!
https://thewatchbloke.files.wordpres...g_1647-1-1.jpg
R1200R has the worst clocks on any motorbike. That TFT is a huge upgrade even if it comes with nothing else.
SOS is great. It does many smart things including knowing which side of the motorway you're on judging on direction to help the ambulance get there quicker (not arriving on the wrong side) to knowing how serious the accident you're in is based on speed you were going at the time and force of impact etc. However you can just push the SOS button if you witness an accident. There's a loudspeaker phone built in and you get through to a call centre. Pretty good stuff
I wasn't sure about the R1200R clocks at first, and chose to use them in touring mode as the other mode that isn't sport mode was far too busy.
After a few weeks though I got used to the other mode that isn't sport mode and now use it all the time.
I'm not overly impressed with the TFT.
Which is good.
As I own the R1200R and I won't have to buy an R1250R
I'm probably being needlessly harsh. I booked an S1000R when I had a service before but their bloody loaner was stolen in London and they gave me the R1200R. Only rode it home and back - about 20 mins each way - and I just remember raging at the clocks. Didn't explore different modes/know there was any.
There are 3 modes; 0, 1 & 2.
0
Attachment 17450
1
Attachment 17451
and 2
Attachment 17452
I really wish I could get pictures right on here...
I have an R1250R and I love it!
Fair point. I suppose it's a good alternative to red rubber grease?
ShinEtsu is clear, and leaves no mess. At servicing time, it's very easy to clean away with a quick blast of brake cleaner. Like you, I'm a fan of toothbrushes!
Been using it since 1989 on every bike without issue, and during that time never had a siezed or malfunctioning piston. Never experienced damage/scoring to the bores either.
The use of ShinEtsu certainally isn't my idea, was recommended by Yamaha back then for servicing calipers. I think the box on mine actually has a Mitsui Yamaha sticker?
It also offers protection for alloy from internal corrosion caused by moisture suspended in old fluid. (Obvs. fluid change every 18-24 months, or earlier if test indicates it!)