Newbie

Post by **snowprick** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:55 am

OK I'm ready for ridicule!

I have ridden motorcycles off and on for 42 years.

I am a British national and came to the Philippines on business 10 years ago and forgot to go home. I have ridden twist and go scooters since then.

For the last three or four years I have used a Honda Silverwing scooter. For those who dont know it, its a 600cc twin and it can go FAST particularly off the lights. I use it in and around Manila where agility and defense are paramount.

For reasons that would take a long time to explain I need to upgrade my transport (still two wheels for the freedom it provides).

As I have an aircraft engineering background, I appreciate the BMW motorcycle build quality.

Some years ago I stumbled across an RRT and fell in love with the looks and engineering excellence. I was advised against acquiring one as I am a bit small (5'4" and 29" inseam).

Recently in Manila I came across an R1150R which has a modified rear suspension and low seat. This morning I took it round the block and can flat foot it with ease.

I love this machine but learned two lessons during my short ride: It does not like low RPM and will stall and throw you off if you are not awake. I also learned that the assisted brakes are "HOT" at slow speed and need to be treated with respect.

I can hear the experienced riders passing out as I type this however, in my own defense I would add that I did not reach 60 years old by accident.

To be honest, I am not sure if I am seeking advice or looking for someone to condone my purchase of this bike, but if any of you guys would like to make comment or offer advice on owning one of these magnificent machines I am all ears.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:12 am

Congrats?...Did you buy it?..What color?...BTW you must stay awake..Sleeping while riding might end in a crash..

IMO these bike do like low revs..that's why I like it.

But while you're still learning with it I would advise you to keep the clutch lever covered (with fingers) and be careful on slow turns and taking off.

You will get used to it and love it more and more each day.

Ride safe.

DJ

Post by **snowprick** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:56 am

DJ Downunder wrote:Congrats?...Did you buy it?..What color?...BTW you must stay awake..Sleeping while riding might end in a crash..

IMO these bike do like low revs..that's why I like it.

But while you're still learning with it I would advise you to keep the clutch lever covered (with fingers) and be careful on slow turns and taking off.

You will get used to it and love it more and more each day.

Ride safe.

DJ

Did not buy it yet as I have to do a maint search at the dealer tomorrow. Prob next Sat after the owner comes back to Manila.

Well its BLACK of course.

You bet I will watch the clutch on the slow turns, thats where I almost came to grief today.

I always like to practice riding and manouvering at dead slow speed. I believe if you can do that then the rest is easy. But my experience of today indicates that dead slow manouvers with the BM may require a lot of practice. Have you any tips on that front?

Post by **boxermania** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:53 am

snowprick

I must admit that I chuckled when I read about stalling the BMW. Not because I thought less of you as a rider but because I know exactly what you faced.

The Silverwing has, as you well know, but maybe not others that read this posts, a CVT tranny (continuous variable transmission). Basically a belt that rides between two pulleys, where the pulleys can vary their wigdh axially allowing the belt to ride up and down the pulley. This action allows maximum torque down low and rpm at the top.....without having to shift gears!!!

So, that being said, your problem is nothing more of getting aquainted with the joys of shifting and the sync of throtle and clutch release. Regarding the brakes, the BMW ABS has an interesting history, way too long to discuss here. Personally, being in Manila I would stay away from ABS....nough' said.

Otherwise, you will enjoy the bike and will give you many years of service, specially when you get away from the city hustle and enjoy the open road.

BTW, I'm also around your vintage and like to welcome you aboard....

Post by **towerworker** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:16 am

Snowprick-- (you'll have to explain your handle at some point!)

I too stalled my r several times when I first rode it nearly 5 years ago. But as others have pointed out---it's simply a matter of getting used to it.

Buy it and ride the heck out of it!

Wayne

Post by **snowprick** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:43 am

Thank you gentlemen for the warm welcome. I will try to live up to expectations, and practice coordinating my hands, feet and brain. Got so used to the twist and go I must have got lazy in my old age.

With regard to my handle..... It all started when I joined the Dubai Creek Hash House Harriers many years ago. To "join the gang" you have to be named by existing members based upon what they can find out about you (or even guess). My diminutive stature prompted the name of dwarf which then went round the group and became modified to Snowhite. The following week you are given the opportunity to accept your name (for all time) or object. If you object then you are renamed and thats an end to it. Well someone let slip the fact that I had recently had a vasectomy and well that was it..... done and dusted.

The name has kinda stuck over the years.

Well I hope thats put to bed for good.

Thanks again for the warm welcome and support so far.

Byrdguy · Post by **Byrdguy** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:14 am

Buy it, you'll get used to it, you'll love it.

itimna bundok · Post by **itimna bundok** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:44 am

Mabuhay!

I've made several trips to Manila and from my experience I'd never own an R there.
It's hard to resist the emotions one has when seeing and riding the R but, think of the traffic! You'll be better served with something watercooled and light.
Should you decide to forgo the practical get the R (and a good lock,) you'll love it!

Ingat!

Post by **iowabeakster** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:45 pm

Those "hot" brakes may be the hardest thing to adjust to. Using the rear brake only for the slow speed situations, makes it much easier. I can remember a few posts about newbies dropping their bikes the first few weeks because of the "grabbiness".

The motor is much happier the more RPM's it is spinning. Although it is a big 2 cyl bike, don't ride it like a Harley.

Post by **snowprick** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 5:29 pm

itimna bundok

Mabuhay and thank you for your advice.

My intention is to retain the Silverwing. Although it too is over 500 pounds, I have learned to live with that, possibly due to the feet forward riding position and the auto throttle. I love it around town and would keep it for that purpose.

My desire for the R is to serve my need to explore to the north and south of the capital. But I believe you are right, it would be hard to handle in the traffic here in Manila.

Hope to meet you on a ride somewhere and thanks for your valuable input.

Ingat.

iowabeakster

I think you are right, the brakes could be be the problem for me. I am used to ABS after riding the ABS Silverwing that I currently own, but the power assistance gives me concern. Like you say, it may be best to use the rear brake under these circumstances or amputate three of my fingers from my right hand. (thinks! may inhibit my beer drinking

)

I was surprised at the requirement for revs on such a large motor but seems like everyone is telling me the same.

Riding the R was a lot like slipping on that famous ring in Lord of the Rings, its a very compelling machine.

Let me get on it, let me get out of Manila!

Thanks again guys for the support.

Post by **snowprick** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:29 am

Air cooled horizontal twin in the Philippines (90 deg all year round).

Am I gonna get burnt legs. I lived here 10 years and am used to the heat but I have been hearing some horror stories on this issue, is it true? I know a lot of you guys in the US get "warm days" whats your view? Lets say 2 hours or so between breaks, is that possible?

Need to make an informed decision on this bike this week.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:10 am

...Seriously..

...er..Good question..

We get plenty of stinkers (hot days) in Oz...I've never..ever..noticed any heat coming off the engine..or exhaust.

I think it's one of those wife's tails..

Actually I do feel some heat sometimes..On the back of my calves.

Only when I ride with my legs resting on the cylinder heads with my legs outstretched..like I'm some cool Harley dude..

..I usually only do it for fun.

You must remember to start and ride..Don't leave it idling for too long while it's stopped..If you do..the headers can go a nice orange color..

Don't worry about it...Just buy it.

DJ

Post by **snowprick** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:24 am

Thanks for that Downunder. If anyone knows about heat it would have to be an Aussie.

The guy filling me up with this story was a Harley owner. Maybe just MAYBE he wants me to buy his MC. NO WAY.

OK just a few small issues to resolve with the current owner and hopefully I will be riding north from Manila on Saturday.

If anyone can explain how to post an image I will upload one of the fat boy on the slim bike (intended bike)

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:24 pm

Howdy! I ride the "other" R1150R - Rockster.

I had a tough time at first, getting used to the synchronization of throttle/clutch release from stops. Stalled the bike more than a couple of times.

As for heat off the cylinders. It may have to do with where you "park" your toes as you ride. I find that especially on HOT days, the ends of my toes start to feel a bit broiled from being so near the cylinders. Doesn't happen terribly often, though.

Slow maneuves require a bit of care, but you get used to that as well.

P

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 6:57 pm

I had a Silverwing (in London) before coming to the BMW Boxer. The scooter is a lot easier in town, but much less fun out of it ...

The bike you are talking about is an RT? - ie: fully faired tourer? Wouldn't be my first choice in a hot busy city (weight, bulk, heat, manual box), but it all depends on the type of riding you are planning & if you are keeping the Silverwing too then that changes things.

Many of the people posting here have an 'R' bike, which is a very different proposition to an RT in an urban environment - same basic idea mechanically, but a lot more to cart around on the RT.

R1150RT:

R1150R:

Google Images + 'Manila traffic' ...

Post by **snowprick** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:51 pm

hirsty,

The bike I have my eye on is an R1150R not an RT and I probably would reserve its use for out of town as I will keep my Swing (best toy ever). I think the only time I would use the RR in town would be leaving or coming back from a ride.

The Google photo of Manila looks a lot like Baclaran market. I would not take the RR there as you would be lucky to get out with your boots ha ha.

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

BTW How did you embed those photo's in your post?.

itimna bundok · Post by **itimna bundok** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:47 pm

On the topic of heat coming from the jugs; giving the temeratures and humidity in Manila area; You may find it comfortable... it will be at least a dry heat!

After the purchase be sure to celebrate with balut and San Miguel.

Post by **snowprick** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 12:13 am

itimna bundok wrote:On the topic of heat coming from the jugs; giving the temeratures and humidity in Manila area; You may find it comfortable... it will be at least a dry heat!

After the purchase be sure to celebrate with balut and San Miguel.

Thanks for that itimna bundok, I may pass on the balut but I will make up for it on the SMB front, especially as I will have an extra 600cc to carry my fat body across town.

Ingat.

itimna bundok · Post by **itimna bundok** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 5:53 pm

Can't blame you for passing on the balut, my wife loves the stuff.

One thing the other posters have not mentioned about your concern for motor heat from the jugs... I feel much more heat from the oil cooler vents up near the knees. As long as you're wearing some form of boot and pants (avoid tantarorong and barong-tagalog) you'll not notice the heat.

ingat

Post by **snowprick** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:02 am

Five days to go before delivery.

I have two concerns:-

1. Does my ass look fat on this bike?
And
2. Are those pipes ment to be that colour?