As a refresher, the first one I had was an '18. The engine characteristics put me off, and was mostly the reason why I sold it. I was you tubing, and viewed a lot of the comparos between it and the big Burgman. That, and reading up on the suspension and engine 'upgrades' BMW did got me to thinking. So....what's old, is what's new again. I found a well-maintained '14 w/8k and had it shipped to me. Now that I've put a couple hundred on it, I wanted to post some observations and get some other member input.
The windshield is better, meaning taller, with more coverage. I have already been able to tuck behind without too much slouching, and get out of the wind-noise. When you stop the bike, it does not use-up battery and lower itself, it stays put.
Though the engine still has scads of 'character', I really feel like it's less intrusive both in feel and ambient noise. At in-town speeds, I don't really feel the need for my earplugs. The exhaust still has a growl, although 'seemingly' a bit less obnoxious. In fairness, I have NO idea if it's had upgraded pulley or clutch, as the seller was the 2nd owner. He bought it with 5,500 on it. I say that because I just don't feel the off-line lag that is spoken of. Perhaps it's just because I'm fairly conservative in my riding, anyhow. The roll-on is right-now, and how, and I have lots of confidence in that aspect of it.
Suspension and handling feels more sporty (better) to me. It rides and handles like a larger version of my Tmax. I have no compunction about turning sharply, or parking lot handling. The feel and modulation of the brakes on this one is superior to my '18, which I felt were a bit spongy. Almost as good as the feel of the Max.
The valves are cocked to the RH-side of the bike for ease of access to air-up on the sidestand. Very nice.. I cannot recall that on the '18, but it could be the same and I just forgot. Getting old sucks, you know? I absolutely love the dual, split tail-lights. I can't understand why they changed that out for that smaller single lamp on the newer models. I feel that it's a much safer design.
That's all for now, guys and gals. Thanks for your input.
The windshield is better, meaning taller, with more coverage. I have already been able to tuck behind without too much slouching, and get out of the wind-noise. When you stop the bike, it does not use-up battery and lower itself, it stays put.
Though the engine still has scads of 'character', I really feel like it's less intrusive both in feel and ambient noise. At in-town speeds, I don't really feel the need for my earplugs. The exhaust still has a growl, although 'seemingly' a bit less obnoxious. In fairness, I have NO idea if it's had upgraded pulley or clutch, as the seller was the 2nd owner. He bought it with 5,500 on it. I say that because I just don't feel the off-line lag that is spoken of. Perhaps it's just because I'm fairly conservative in my riding, anyhow. The roll-on is right-now, and how, and I have lots of confidence in that aspect of it.
Suspension and handling feels more sporty (better) to me. It rides and handles like a larger version of my Tmax. I have no compunction about turning sharply, or parking lot handling. The feel and modulation of the brakes on this one is superior to my '18, which I felt were a bit spongy. Almost as good as the feel of the Max.
The valves are cocked to the RH-side of the bike for ease of access to air-up on the sidestand. Very nice.. I cannot recall that on the '18, but it could be the same and I just forgot. Getting old sucks, you know? I absolutely love the dual, split tail-lights. I can't understand why they changed that out for that smaller single lamp on the newer models. I feel that it's a much safer design.
That's all for now, guys and gals. Thanks for your input.
