I used to have a UK ST1100 Pan which I used mostly for day trips and holiday riding, plus the occasional 20 mile commute into central Birmingham. Now retired and living in France, I found the Pan didn't suit me any more - too heavy, too hot in summer, etc so I sold it last year and bought a 2005 R850R.
I find the R offers a better ride than the Pan - lighter and much more agile - and the R's brakes put the Pan to shame. The drop in power isn't really an issue here with the maximum speed limit on local roads of 90kph (56mph) combined with the more leisurely approach to riding here. However, on rideouts with friends, I have no bother keeping up with their more 'sporting' bikes....
The R is fitted with a medium sized touring screen and the windblast is not bad at all (nice and cool in summer) and it's just sufficient to take the pressure off my wrists - a continual problem with the Pan.
I'd recommend you give one a try - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised....
I did it! My 1150R has been in use for the last week on my daily commute - approx 40 miles each way.
So far so good. A few immediate observations;
The windblast is not too bad. My bike has handguards and a flyscreen. Obviously not in the same league as the fully faired FJR but not as bad as I'd feared.
90mph really feels like 90! On the FJR I could do that with gears to spare, without realising just how fast I was going. Perhaps the R will help preserve my driving licence!
Approx 170 miles before the fuel light comes on. Is that about right? I've no idea what that is in MPG. I miss having an accurate fuel gauge.
The engine is strong, in a subdued, quiet sort of way. Needs 2000rpm before things start happening and it's all over by 6000. But it sits there at 80-90mph on the motorway, feeling very relaxed.
It's too quiet! I'm already looking at a Remus can and Y-piece (?) to replace the catalyser. I'm after the fruity burble that Ewan and Charley's bikes had on Long Way Round.
No front end dive when you brake - I knew what to expect but it felt a bit odd at first. Now seems perfectly normal, and the brakes are VERY good.
No probs with the indicators. I've used them before at work (Traffic Cop) and you soon get used to it.
Gearbox - awful. Notchy action and it all feels a bit vague. You can't rush the gearchanges. Having said that, it's no worse than the Yamaha. In my humble opinion, Suzuki make the best gearboxes and always have.
The footrests seem a fraction too high. Comfy enough, but my legs are a bit more bent than I expected - I'm 5ft 10ins tall and weigh 16 1/2 stones - 230lbs.
It's stopped raining so I'm off to rack up a few more miles this afternoon.
If you do not have the taller seat you should get one. Mine came with the std. seat and was very short for me, (6'2", 34 in inseam). With the taller seat and lower bars from a BMW mystic all is well.
Well done that man!
The 1150R is a great bike - not the quickest nor the best looking bike out there but is capable of doing everything quite well. I've had mine for almost 5 years now and no complaints. I agree with your comments about the sound though - get rid of the cat and fit a Remus can and enjoy the sound she makes !
Well done, Bandit. get that can changed and a few other bits and bobs and make the bike your own! I have a QD exhaust (full system) K&N filter, am awaiting a Kisan Signal Minder to arrive and loads of other bits. Done over 20k miles in the last two years and love it. I also had a TDM900 and had to make the agonising decision about 6 months back. Still pine over the TDM but I think I made the right decision.
Let us know when you are up Lincoln way - some good roads out here!
Croc
929bladerunner wrote:Well done that man!
The 1150R is a great bike - not the quickest nor the best looking bike out there but is capable of doing everything quite well. I've had mine for almost 5 years now and no complaints. I agree with your comments about the sound though - get rid of the cat and fit a Remus can and enjoy the sound she makes !
Wow, a 929 & 1150 owner like me - what are the odds? And I too (will - on order) have a Harley (a Road King Classic - an odd bike but perfect for North American highways), you my lost brother or something??
b12bandit, glad you're happy. And it was quite the realization for me too that you don't need warp speed to have fun. It's still my fav. all rounder.
Wow, a 929 & 1150 owner like me - what are the odds? And I too (will - on order) have a Harley (a Road King Classic - an odd bike but perfect for North American highways), you my lost brother or something??