You know, everyone is so excited about German engineering, and it is probably superb, but to me it lacks a certain simplicity and straightforwardness, or maybe I am just too American...
I rented a Jetta after my car got flooded by Sandy. First time I needed gas, I pulled to the gas station... I was going crazy not being able to open the freaking small fuel door which gives you access to the fuel filler. Was looking for a button around the cabin and couldn't find one. Trying to open the fuel door with my fingers... After a good few minutes of struggle and lots of cursing, I finally somehow figured out that you have to bump the fuel door with your fist and it opens up.
I was helping my buddy with S1000RR... First thing I noticed was that the shift rod goes through the frame. I am sure BMW checked their designs and did a stress test, and the frame's strength is not affected. But, man, this just doesn't seem right. Now, as a consequence of that, the shift rod is on the inside of the frame. I had to attach the shift rod to the shifter, and the screw goes from the inside, so there is practically no room to stick your little L-shaped hex wrench there. I kept thinking, who the hell designed it like this?
Oh, and what's the deal with all those fasteners on the bike, many requiring Torx (star-like) wrench? Fasteners requiring hex wrenches work just fine.
This one is purely subjective, but bits of plastic here and there is a far cry from a full faired bike like Hayabusa. Just seems too naked, like incompletely covered.
Oh, did I mention it's really small compared to a Busa? This means less wind protection. This means can be easily thrown by wind left and right.
So, did we talk you out of it?
And, here is the kicker: my buddy sold his Hayabusa to get this S1000RR. He remembers his Busa often, and while he is not saying it out loud, you know what it means..
Like someone said, all the electronics is 99% of the time useless, and most of the time is just a warm thought that you have it. Yes, ABS will save it on sand or in slippery conditions, but it will not compensate for incorrect braking. Yes, TC is great, but it robs you from learning how to feel the bike and what the tires are telling you. Same goes for wheelie control. These are useful tools in the hands of already advanced riders, but should not be perceived as merely the safety features, but also the features shielding a rider from the real world. I would go further and say that all this gadgetry is the first step into turning raw experience of riding a bike into something like a video game - pretending to be real while it's not.
he was like 6ft4 probably 250lbs+ and he looked utterly ridiculous on it. So word 2 the wise everything ain't 4 everybody....
