BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Had the black beauty for 24 hours already and I love it.

I decided to challenge my fear of the clutch (slow speed maneuvering) and the dreaded front brake. So I took it on a two hour ride thru the Manila traffic. I now have blisters on the top if my left foot and middle finger of my left hand, but the acquisition of decent MC boots and gloves should cure this. At one point while waiting in traffic my left foot got warm (OAT 95+) so I turned off the engine and waited for some movement otherwise no problem on that front.

After what must have been MANY HUNDRED start/stops I have absolutely no fear of the clutch but the PA front brake and I, may never get along. Why oh why did BM ever imagine that we wanted that. Am I missing something?.

Small irritation:-

I find the round rear view mirrors inadequate in the heavy Manila traffic as they have big blind spots for me. Taking a swift glance rearwards on the Manila roads is a risky business, so is lane switching into blind spots. Anyone else have this problem? What to do?

After the trial of patience in town I took a trip up and down the 10 kilometer stretch of toll road. I AM IMPRESSED, what a fun bike, and it has lots of balls. Now all I need to do is find some twisties out of town and I will be in heaven.

Thanks to everyone who provided me with support and feedback during my pre purchase jitters. It can only get better now.

Anyone want to buy a 600cc scootzilla?

Hi Snow. as I said before do not go near the front break at slow speeds or you will end up with the front wheel slipping away. Clutch and rear break only in slow speed traffic and manovering. Spend a bit time practicing and you will be able to do U Turns in Manila traffic with no problem. The R has got a reasonable turning lock and I can mannage a U turn on narrow UK country b roads.

allanj255 wrote:Hi Snow. as I said before do not go near the front break at slow speeds or you will end up with the front wheel slipping away. Clutch and rear break only in slow speed traffic and manovering. Spend a bit time practicing and you will be able to do U Turns in Manila traffic with no problem. The R has got a reasonable turning lock and I can mannage a U turn on narrow UK country b roads.

Allan

I'm up to speed with the clutch but I feel uneasey pulling up behind a car or truck with only the foot brake much as I try. I will practice as you say. At what speed would you discontinue the front brake?

I tend to release front brake at about 10 mph but this is my personal choice. I have seen people drop a bike by using front brake at low speed. I would say build up confidence in slow speed stopping using your rear break on a quiet road. The back break on the R is very good and again you need to use it with control and confidence.
Regards
AllanJ

X2 on using the rear brake at slow speeds...if that front brake gabs too much at slow speeds and front wheel is turned, the bike will fall right over.

The stock mirrors are useless. I and many others use K RS mirrors. Only a small bit of grinding on the left one allows the fast idle lever to operate. I also apply those little round convex mirrors on the outside corner to allow a full view of what is behind me.
I use the front brake at all speeds, but only with two fingers. At first the front was scary, now I love them. Patience with this bike it will quickly become second nature to ride.

mcollect wrote:The stock mirrors are useless. I and many others use K RS mirrors. Only a small bit of grinding on the left one allows the fast idle lever to operate. I also apply those little round convex mirrors on the outside corner to allow a full view of what is behind me.
I use the front brake at all speeds, but only with two fingers. At first the front was scary, now I love them. Patience with this bike it will quickly become second nature to ride.

mcollect,

Thanks for that. Do you have any photo's of that installiation?

Mabuhay... After some few hours on the seat you'll be rolling like the R is a part of you. FWIW, I use both brakes at low speeds when brakes are necessary.

Donno what kind of helmet you have (or if you wear one) but I've seen one with a visor that had very small convex mirrors mounted near the "bill." much like a bicycle helmet mirror.

Ingat

After a few rides I developed a feel fro the brakes.

itimna bundok wrote:Mabuhay... After some few hours on the seat you'll be rolling like the R is a part of you. FWIW, I use both brakes at low speeds when brakes are necessary.

Donno what kind of helmet you have (or if you wear one) but I've seen one with a visor that had very small convex mirrors mounted near the "bill." much like a bicycle helmet mirror.

Ingat

I use a C2 and I am definately rolling with this bike now its GREATTTTTTT

now I want a 12R Aw sayang.

Thanks I may get some small mirrors and mount them in some convenient spot.

Ingat Po

Biff's R wrote:After a few rides I developed a feel fro the brakes.

Yea, I think thats the answer. I'm doing a lot of Manila riding at the moment and its good practice for me. I may just have to be patient.

Brakes! oh yes....Brakes...You will find your way with all of this.
It is all about finesse on this bike. I agree you need miles and mile of experience as well, but the braking is a matter of gentle finesse.
you can stop this bike on a dime by nailing both brakes...but you better know what a straight line is before you try it. I think of it as 4 brakes,
clutch, shift, rear and front brake....rather like a lion that is leaping on its prey....all four legs are engaged in the attack.

But most of the time it is a gentler persuasion.

It seems out of place sometimes when I am riding hard, hot weather, long days...really 'going after it' so to speak...then to genlty redirect the bike...whether stopping, turning or getting on it. This bike responds to subtle, gentle redirection. It is just so capable!
I have often compared riding the R to using the shaped snow skis.
Think left you go left, think right you go right. After 30k miles on my bike I don't really think about the aproach/technique I use for braking....It has become instinctual.
It is also the reason I will never sell this mightly little bike. Sappy as it sounds...to my bike...I say that famous line... 'You complete me'.

JB

I use the front brakes 90 percent of my braking. It has the most power to stop in emergency situations. I also use it when coming to a stop. As long as I am not turning in/out. With time, you will notice how much power you have at you finger tips when braking. Enjoy the new ride!
Steve