Performance

[Sander Abernathy]

I had my 09 up to an indicated 125 when it hit the rev limiter...in 4th gear.
I've long known that it handles great at 90. It's good to know that 70 is an option as well.
I don't want to criticize or name names but I have observed that some of you have bolted an awful lot of stuff on your bikes that must surely slow them down. Personally, I don't accessorize anymore because that's the first stuff to come flying off when I wreck the bike and I don't have the heart to ask my insurer to keep buying me new motorcycles and accessories...just motorcycles is fine.
2011 Smoked Grey Metallic Matte R1200R
2011 Apple Red (RIP), &
'09 Alpine White (RIP)

I understand your concern for your insurer, do you think he would be interested in the first part of your post?
I'll assume this post was meant to be humorous (I got a laugh out of it), liked the accessory part about when I wreck the bike not if I wreck the bike.

Your a lucky man to still be walking around, good luck with the new bike.

Yes the post is intended to be humorous. True but humorous. However, I make no bones about the fact that I didn't buy a motorcycle with more horsepower and torque than my first car to drive the speed limit.

Yes I am indeed lucky to be walking around. I was lucky to walk away from both accidents and I had another very close call with someone making a left turn Sunday night. He acknowledged that he failed to yield the right of way but claimed the near accident was 50% my fault because I was traveling at 45 mph with a 35 mph posted speed limit on a six lane road with one other car in sight...his. Never mind that he had no idea how fast I was going until I told him and he thought the posted speed limit was 25 when in fact it was 35. The fact of the matter is that if I had been going 44 mph rather than 45 mph he would have hit me broadside and only if I'm as lucky as you say would I now be in the hospital.

I debated the theory of comparative negiligence with him until his very drunk girlfriend joined the discussion. At that point it occurred to me that any guy hanging out with a woman that big, that ugly, that drunk and that boring must also be drunk so I threw in the towel on arguing with a drunk guy and got out of there. His erratic driving made sense once I realized alcohol was probably in the mix.

I'm making plans for some auxiliary lights but I'm not a fan of any of them so I'm slow to pull the trigger. I'm probably going to get a set of the micro-Motolights with the caliper mounts. I may get the led versions so I can put three or four sets on the bike with a minimal current draw. When the Atlanta Police pull me over to complain, I'll offer to take them off my bike just as soon as they do their job and track down the hit and run driver from a couple of weeks ago. If I find that driver and he has insurance or assets, one of my two insurance claims evaporates. I'm holding out little hope that the APD will do anything resembling their job however.

I'm the first to admit that I'm pretty flippant about travelling at a high rate of speed. However, that activity is reserved for situations where I'm not subject to being hit by another vehicle. For example, when I hit 125 in fourth as described above I was traveling on a straight rural highway in good condition I had travelled earlier the same day with well over a mile of visibility and not a vehicle in sight in broad daylight. Driving 90 on the interstate when traffic is light and I have a big safety cushion around me doesn't concern me either.

It is an absolute truth that "speed kills". It's also an absolute myth. Facts and circumstances dictate what is safe far more than a number on a speedometer. "Too fast for conditions" kills far more often than a triple digit number on the speedometer.

I've had the same insurer for 28 years and barely a claim before March 1, 2011. My DMV report shows no tickets though I did have one in 2003 and another in 2011. I think the last one before 2003 was 1996 or earlier. I'm in my insurance Company's second lowest risk pool and they don't claims rate motorcycle insurance. I am told that means they won't cancel me because I'm a preferred customer and they won't raise my premiums because the claims aren't considered in determining the premiums.

[deilenberger]

It is an absolute truth that "speed kills". It's also an absolute myth. Facts and circumstances dictate what is safe far more than a number on a speedometer. "Too fast for conditions" kills far more often than a triple digit number on the speedometer.

"Speed doesn't kill. It's the sudden stop that kills" (Jeremy Clarkson I believe..)

Sander,

I'm not going to lecture (much) since I'm known as being notably slow (5-10MPH over the limit except in very rare and unique circumstances - my GPS is showing a top-speed from the recent 1,000 mile ride for dinner of 91MPH.. but that was momentary to clear out of a clog on the slab..)

I do think that most of the people are more concerned for YOU - that you've had two incidents in a short period of time, and since we like most all the people who hang out on this forum, we're concerned. My riding style is such that any "surprises" - I consider a failure. Knowing how idiotic other drivers are - I accept that they ARE idiots, and ride with the attitude that they're not only idiots, they're idiots who have some sort of grudge against me and are out to kill me - so the goal is to avoid giving them the opportunity. I don't ride like they can't see me (although I know a lot won't..) - I ride like they see me and are out to kill me. I know that doesn't make me bulletproof or anything else - but I hope it tips the odds a bit more in my favor.

With left-turners, I always assume that they ARE going to turn in front of me - and how do I avoid having them hit me.. it helps avoid adrenaline moments.

That said - there is always the just bad luck that you can't do a damn thing about. Larry Grodsky said once that if he was killed on a bike it would be because of a deer. He unfortunately and tragically was right in his prediction. Since he realized this was certainly a risk, I wonder what inspired him to ride at night in an area famous for deer problems. Dunno what happened - but because of that happening to him, I am very much no longer a night rider (and I used to love riding at night..) except for a local ride to/from a local club meeting.

OK - 'nuff said. Sander - I'm really glad you're OK and survived two get-offs. Enjoy the new bike!

[SDMAX]

I am always concerned about surviving this new adventure. I'm now a 64 year old grandfather and I don't want to EVER for whatever reason come off the bike; I do not subscribe to the idea that this HAS to happen. Years ago I rode a lot of miles to ski places with an ex CHP officer; was best driver I ever rode with. In the day he never wore a seat belt because he figured he'd never be in an accident; so far I think he's still never been in an accident. He was a motor cop on Harley's before that.

Anyway, I try to get my head into it while I'm zipping into all my gear. Then I get on the bike and think that through; then I fire up...

Ok topic is performance. I have discovered 4th gear. It is good for 100 MPH; didn't' get there today; but looked down and it was pulling toward that number. 100 MPH I think will always be the edge of too much. But, it's nice to have so much torque that 4th is good for a whole lot; almost like an old two speed power glide...I'm going to try 4th on some familiar roads where I've been using 3rd and 5th.

R12 is awesome. Have the safe weekend.

[NakedRider]

It is an absolute truth that "speed kills". It's also an absolute myth. Facts and circumstances dictate what is safe far more than a number on a speedometer. "Too fast for conditions" kills far more often than a triple digit number on the speedometer.

I don't ride like they can't see me (although I know a lot won't..) - I ride like they see me and are out to kill me. I know that doesn't make me bulletproof or anything else - but I hope it tips the odds a bit more in my favor.

Well put. My father taught me to ride with two rules to follow:

1) You're invisible.
2) If you're not invisible they are trying to kill you.

[jkhomes]

I don't think it is inevitable that we will go down eventually, but the odds are against us. Some days I push it harder than others, and some days I can tell I am not at the top of my game. A cop driving without a seatbelt is just arrogant, and we shouldn't be like that.

Cars are a different story. Assuming you are invisible is surely the only way to ride in town. I don't use my bike for anything but getting out of town and onto the mountain roads. On long open stretches (getting there) I can't tell much difference between 85 and 95on the R1200R. Had it up to 115 once, and so far that is good enough for me. Headed up to Durango and the Million Dollar highway in two weeks. Can't wait!

[angellr]

It is an absolute truth that "speed kills". It's also an absolute myth. Facts and circumstances dictate what is safe far more than a number on a speedometer. "Too fast for conditions" kills far more often than a triple digit number on the speedometer.

I don't ride like they can't see me (although I know a lot won't..) - I ride like they see me and are out to kill me. I know that doesn't make me bulletproof or anything else - but I hope it tips the odds a bit more in my favor.

Well put. My father taught me to ride with two rules to follow:

1) You're invisible.
2) If you're not invisible they are trying to kill you.

"Differential Speed" kills or there would be alot of dead people at the Indy 500 and all other races. Along sections of A5/A3 in Germany, I have pushed cars to almost 140+ mph (235+ kmh) without too many ill effects (other than driving way too fast). One time I was going about 150-160 kmh in wet conditions and hydroplaned for a split second (almost had to stop and change underwear at the next stop) ... anyway, it would have turned out badly had it been more of a split second and I also slowed down.

My bike can do 100+ without too much effort (not sure how I know this) and difference between 65 and 85 is not too noticeable.

A modification of the above rules are as follows:

1) You're Invisible *AND* 2) Everyone is OUT TO KILL YOU!

Motto of the above - Be careful, take calculated risks, be alert and ATGATT.

[Caroanbill]

I've seen 220kmh indicated, say 130mph actual. Not that I was there very long - just wanted to see if I could get there.
It was at 35,000km (22,000mi), newish tyres and a loooooooooooong straight outback road - a rare smooth section.

That was on tour, so with panniers, topcase and CalSci screen - before fitting my lights and wunderlich hand / leg / foot shields (and Stebel .. that'd add a lot to drag!). Since those, I've only taken it to about 200kmh (say 120mph actual) a few times .. and then only briefly, to blow out cobwebs before dropping back to sanity. I've done some longish sections at 160 -180, but generally tour at 120-140 out beyond the (thin) blue line.

I'd have to say that at 200, my R12R (2007) still has urge to spare. 220 was not quite the edge of the envelope, either - and not on the rev limiter - but it was losing some oopmh. Compare this to the R1150RS (200 easy, 210 .. just - but I barely got that bike run in) or the K1100LT (205 absolutely flat out .. legal, too, then in the Northern Territory).

I don't notice much difference with / without panniers. BMW advises 180kmh - but they used to advise 140kmh with the old oilhead or early K-brick panniers that would do 160without fuss. These panniers are easily the most stable and aerodynamic I've seen.

... if you really want to experience winding out a scoot - try maxing a Vespa! There's definietly an art: one member here has seen 91mph ... I've managed 135kmh indicated (say 75mph actual), on a loooong slightly downhill freeway run, with a little wind assistance ... after which I vowed I'd never try that again - yikes! 22hp and 12" wheels ... best kept to the city!!

[Woland]

Hmm, I'm getting the urge to actually try for max speed. Only had the girl up to 190km/h so far with the panniers on, didn't want o go further due to the "advised" 180km/h limit on those, but there were plenty of juice left in the engine at that point and it felt perfectly stable.

Ah well, maybe I'll find myself on all lonesome on a straight section of highway some day without panniers and manage to keep the throttle open for a while. Then we'll see what the GPS says.

Must say I'm surprised noone posted a sustained top speed yet, were not all cautious old farts are we?

[Caroanbill]

Must say I'm surprised noone posted a sustained top speed yet, were not all cautious old farts are we?

I have to confess I like the buzz of 200+ (kmh) ... but that urge is satisfied by accelerating hard until the needle flicks past 200 - or 220, that one time. Once the adrenalin rush of the acceleration eases back, my brain starts running other thoughts such as "billy boy, you could die out here - it's a long way from help" and "is that a weave I detect - maybe the front wheel is down on pressure" and "juddery on this surface at this speed, isn't it - d'you think we'll come off soon?" and that kinda takes the fun out of it. Some days I'm in the mood for a sustained run at 160 - 180kmh (say around the imperial ton, allowing for speedo error) - there's an open run along the great divide near Sydney that feels simply amazing at that speed ...

... but mostly I'm on the bike to be "in" the landscape, and above about 140kmh (85mph) I find I lose both the sense of connection to the land around me, and I can't remember the scenery after the run (obviosuly I've been concentrating on the road at higher speeds, so I've seen less of the landscape). Plus the bike does that BMW top-gear 'lope' at around 100-120kmh that reminds me of older boxers, so I often dial in that pace and simply hold it constant in 6th, leave the brakes entirely alone and enjoy the whimsy of running old-fashioned lines through the corners ...

... knowing my old-fart bike has a hoon inside that could double that speed in short shift!

[mogu83]

I've always felt that high speed runs are between you - the bike - God and sometimes the law . Posting them on the net or just talking about it around the wrong people could actually at some point hurt you. Naturally IMHO

and I always zero the Max Speed on my GPS after a run, the last thing you need after an accident around town is for a local cop to turn on the GPS and see 145 MPH in the Max Speed.

[hjsbmw]

When I was younger I had a feeling that road rules and limits were there to repress me. Now I feel they are there for the most part to protect me. All is good as long as nothing unexpected comes along, but if someone disregards my right of way or an animal crosses then I find myself way less in distress to slow down and avoid trouble if I am going at the indicated speed limit.

Side note: the unrestricted speeds on the German Autobahn more often than not tended to stress me. No matter how fast you go there is always someone faster. It takes too much being on edge. You will find drivers who don't slow down regardless whether it rains, snows, or there is fog. There are mass collisions with 50 or more cars a few times in different parts every year. I like the mostly relaxed driving in the US. If I need stress I can go to work. I like my riding to be the antidote to that.

[Woland]

I agree with all of you and I'm not a speed demon myself by any means. I usually travel at or 10-20km/h posted speeds. But like most riders I here I also don't mind going faster sometimes if I find myself in a situation that allows it reasonably safely. If I for example find myself on a good, well maintained highway, have good visibility, no wildlife, no wind and no traffic I have been known to exceed posted speed by a tad more than 10-20km/h.

Having only had my R1200R for about a month I haven't found myself in such an environment yet, but I'm rather surprised no one else have either

[Woland]

I managed to approach top speed tonight on my way home when I found myself alone on a straight piece of highway with no wind, no luggage on and perfect visibility.

I had reached 208km/h on the GPS when I approached traffic and had to let off. Still had some pull left in the engine so I figure 220 is easily achievable.

Bike was perfectly stable, felt effortless and very controlled.