Hi from the East Midlands

[david_s]

Hi all,

I'm new to S1000XR ownership having bought my first Gen 1 last week. I have been tentatively looking to replace my Honda CBR 650R for a while now, having owned that since I passed 18 months ago. Decent bike but completely souless and not particularly fun. I wanted a bike that I could have some fun on but was also comfortable and was capable of covering some miles. Was also looking at the Ninja 1000SX and even a MT09 although not in the same class, however spotted this little beauty tooked away in the corner of a local dealer and couldn't take me eyes off it as it is in such amazing condition....



Fully loaded 2015 SE Sport.

I'd already test ridden a Gen 2 and loved it so I had a good idea what the bike is about.

I've already added Evotech bar ends and intend to change the screen to a MRA Vario, purchase a BMW sat nav and also some luggage.

A week in and I'm absolutely loving the bike, favourite things have to be it's agility and ridiculously smooth quickshifter.

[Antares]

 

Good buy! Love the blue XR stickers!

I still maintain Gen 1 is way more exciting and handles better than the Gen 2 so if it's excitement you're after, you chose the right bike! The Ninja 1000SX is bland as porridge by comparison.

[david_s]

Yes I think it's the blue decals that turned my head to start off with, a lovely little unique touch. Not even sure where they came from as I can't find them online so thinking they must have been custom made.

I didn't ride the Gen 2 long enough to notice to be honest, I do remember the Gen 2 being much more keen to raise it's front wheel than my bike though (not sure what mode I had it in), the one I rode was a right wheelie monster of a thing.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by david_s

Yes I think it's the blue decals that turned my head to start off with, a lovely little unique touch. Not even sure where they came from as I can't find them online so thinking they must have been custom made.

I didn't ride the Gen 2 long enough to notice to be honest, I do remember the Gen 2 being much more keen to raise it's front wheel than my bike though (not sure what mode I had it in), the one I rode was a right wheelie monster of a thing.

Did you check the gearing on this? Putting 42t on the rear is a very common mod lengthening the gearing.

Dynamic/Dynamic Pro is where one should spend most of their time. Most fun factor. I found Gen 2s to be a but mute low down myself tbh.

[david_s]

I'll have a check, never thought to be honest. I don't suppose being an early model and being 5hp down would really make a lot of difference would it?

[Antares]

Originally Posted by david_s

I'll have a check, never thought to be honest. I don't suppose being an early model and being 5hp down would really make a lot of difference would it?

No, like for like the Gen 1 is definitely just as if not quicker off the line as the Gen 2, at least definitely feels it, the Gen 2 is a lot softer down low but a tiny bit stronger up top, mainly due to aero.

[david_s]

I just remember the Gen 2 power wheeling in 2nd and 3rd gear with no effort from myself at all. I put mine in to Dynamic Pro, pinned the throttle in 2nd and couldn't get the front wheel to come up.

To be honest it's not what I've bought the bike for and if anything as an inexperienced rider I'd be better off with the front wheel on the ground really! 

[Antares]

Originally Posted by david_s

I just remember the Gen 2 power wheeling in 2nd and 3rd gear with no effort from myself at all. I put mine in to Dynamic Pro, pinned the throttle in 2nd and couldn't get the front wheel to come up.

To be honest it's not what I've bought the bike for and if anything as an inexperienced rider I'd be better off with the front wheel on the ground really! 

Oh it should most definitely lift in 3rd gear on light crest going through the power, but generally on flat ground 2nd gear it just about comes up at 50 if you whack the throttle. Obviously softer preload helps it come up easier. Gen 2 is way softer than the Gen 1. Gen 2 also has a fair bit shorter wheelbase.

[Winger]

End can,Akra headers and a PC to fill the hole in the fuel map courtesy of the TUV and you you’ll have a completely different ball game on your hands, and theirs another level after that if your prepared to pay.

[david_s]

Originally Posted by Winger

End can,Akra headers and a PC to fill the hole in the fuel map courtesy of the TUV and you you’ll have a completely different ball game on your hands, and theirs another level after that if your prepared to pay.

Well the end can is there unless the Akra one isn't great! Headers would be nice but not cheap.