Re the apparent "Slipping Clutch". The new GS's have a slipper clutch, or "Anti Hopping" as it is called in Europe.
I rode for about 45 minutes yesterday with my grips on high on the new GS. This is something that I never did on my R12R. I would get them warmed up on high, then I would have to go to low because they got too hot. This hasn't happened yet on the new GS.
So it is pretty much common observation that the heated grips suck on new GS. :) I really hope this can be fixed using software (I am not so sure). I wonder how they missed this when Germany is a cold country... More and more things seem to have slipped. Someone inform this guy: http://www.autoevolution.com/ ...as he absolutely loves to bash GS (behind an "objectivity" curtain). I can already see his next blog entry: "LC GS failures pile up! Frostbite from messed up heated grips! 6th recall soon? (he seems to add recalls in doubles) Will they do it right this time or burn the fingers of their customers?"
Nah, they just failed to adapt the heated grips to the demographics of the buyerspublic... Those old guys have bad circulation and need very warm grips... On my previous Beamer I only put them on the low stand, that was enough for me. Almost time to try it out on the GS LC.
Time for a walk (to the dealer). I'll drop off my cylinderheadprotection and ask them to mount it. I got the papers on Tuesday. They didn't have the bike yet. License plate and insurance are already ok.
http://www.motociclismo.it/comparativa-maxienduro-bmw-al-top-nonostante-il-flop-moto-54532 PS Nobody noticed that the new GS1200 WC is actually a (modern interpretation) copy of the Honda CX500 ? Same clutch, gearbox, waterpump, alternator, starter etc, minus reliability. And they say some japanese copy BMW....
Erm... yeah right. I think CX500 actually is better. Anybody care to translate properly the article? (and videos)
Personally I don't use them often, sometimes early mornings it's nice to get them hot. Could also have to do with the new electronic throttle / potentiometer in the grip, maybe the grip simply doesn't like it that hot anymore?
I already stated on my test ride that the heated grips are crap. Surely you would think that all the technical engineers working on the bike would have noticed it. The million kilometres must have been done in a nice sunny location. Nice work if you can get it hope that the BMW bosses send them all off to the Russian front for making such a cock up. Collect the new bike tomorrow and I will pray that BMW will do a recall and fix the grips. Here in the UK it's Baltic so they are a necessity.
main message : some (water + sand) ===> electronic controls K.O but all other bikes working fine in same conditions
I wouldn't say they are crap. A little less hot than others I have owned BUT riding round the past few days at temperatures of 2-4 Celcius they keep my hands nicely warm using winter gloves. Previous heated grips would eventually get too hot necessitating going down to the lower setting which was then too cool, back up to full heat etc etc. For me, with my choice of winter glove (BMW Pro Winter), I am happy. Maybe others prefer thinner gloves? What we really need is the range of temperatures that others have mentioned available on the K1600 series which would suit more riders with different types of glove etc! Probably all controlled by software so let's all keep the pressure on BMW
Ok, update: my bike has arrived. Picking it up tomorrow morning. Pictures??? Don't know yet. My camera is here (planned to take some pics), but my cases haven't arrived yet, so I might not be able to transport my camera. Worst case scenario I will have to use my phone. Problem for the garage is planning the deliveries. it is non-stop.
yihaaa!!! lucky you weather is gonna be cold but dry http://www.meteo.be/meteo/view/nl/65239-Home.html I'm happy for you. Called my dealer and my bike should arrive tomorrow, but all the paperwork & licenseplate still have to be done, so hopefully next week for me...
MHZ or MIA will be your plate, depending upon the speed of request... I had my papers on Tuesday and the bike was probably delivered at the dealer on Wednesday. BTW, it just started snowing here as we speak.