This afternoon we unpacked a new RT and I had the pleasure of a quick test ride.
Initial impressions:
The new engine is very, very smooth, even compared to the Hexhead it is replacing. On the initial startup after fueling, everybody around the RT commented immediately that there was no "ticking". In other words there is no push rod or rocker arm noise out of the cylinder covers.
A walk-around of the bike reveals the changes visually. Everybody commented that the bike looked slimmer or smaller than the prior model. We actually put the 2010 beside the 2009 model and were able to spot some more changes not obvious to the eye, mostly small details in the cowling.
The windscreen is noticeably different with the "wings" at the upper edge. More on this later.
This bike is the Ostra Gray metallic matte. The interesting thing is that when you view this color scheme in the light, it is variously described as light brown, bronze, golden, or pewter. The only thing obviously gray on the bike is the trim under the saddle etc. Somebody in Germany is color blind. I cannot wait to see the other colors, especially the Polar metallic that seems to be a pale bluish coloration.
So to the ride: The quick look on the switch gear confirms that the turn signals are all on the left now, and the starter is now combined with the engine cutoff switch. This appears to be a good idea. The brake and clutch fluid reservoirs are sticking out in the air, and are very apparent when compared with the previous version. This will cause a lot of commentary from riders due to the change.
Starting the bike reveals another bit of information about the reservoirs. They shake ! I initially thought they were loose and shut down the engine to check. Surprise ! They are on a rubber mount, they are flexible thus the shake at idle. Curious setup here !!
The headlight switch will require some relearning of muscle memory to locate, as will not having the split turn signals we all have grown to love.
Restarting the RT, I departed the dealership for my usual test route, and instantly noticed that the engine torque curve is very different from the prior models and is very, very smooth in application of power. Running up through the gears is a joy with all the available torque. Cruising at 70 in 6th, I tried a rapid acceleration to do a pass maneuver and was rewarded with a hard shove in the seat. There is a lot of available reserve in this engine, and considering it is not yet broken in, it should become even smoother in the future, making for a very nice long range cruiser.
At highway speed, I played with the windscreen setting and I will rate the change in screen design, for me, to be an improvement. In the full up position, the wind buffet was non-existent and I was actually looking about 1" over the top of the screen which is ideal for most screens. That placed the wind buffet over the top of my helmet about 2", and I was able to open the Shoei Multitech without any buffet getting into the helmet. Altogether a great improvement over the prior screen for me. The wings on the screen appear to move the edge of the buffeting outward several inches at cruise speed, so I had a nice quiet ride without any wind rumble even with the helmet fully open (Chin bar up).
I usually ride a 2007 R1200R which is a delightful machine with low CG and flicks easily. The RT carries about 80 pounds more weight, and has a higher CG, but I was impressed with how well the bike handled. I had the suspension set for "comfort" and single rider, and then played with the sport setting. I did not note much difference, however I must say that I was riding the RT on brand new tires and did not push it hard to avoid any traction problem.
Slow maneuvers are a joy also. The RT is very well balanced. One of my favorite activities when riding is to see how long you can stay up at very slow speed without putting down a foot. While doing this at a stoplight, someone on a scooter came up beside me and had to put a foot down. I was still very slowly moving when the light changed and I noticed he was looking hard at the activity. At the next light, he asked me how I was able to do that on such a large motorcycle !
Moving to some sweeper turns also proved out the cruise control and the maneuvering capability of the RT. Again a joy to ride this machine.
First impression is that this is a winner of a machine that will be a joy to own for anyone needing a great motorcycle. I look forward to taking it out again when I have more time, and the tires get scrubbed a bit, to play and do my 80 mile loop on some real twisties to see how the suspension setups play.
Run, do not walk, and take a test ride on this motorcycle, It is great fun with the new engine !
Now where is my checkbook..... My RR is lonesome and needs a stablemate !
:bike:
Initial impressions:
The new engine is very, very smooth, even compared to the Hexhead it is replacing. On the initial startup after fueling, everybody around the RT commented immediately that there was no "ticking". In other words there is no push rod or rocker arm noise out of the cylinder covers.
A walk-around of the bike reveals the changes visually. Everybody commented that the bike looked slimmer or smaller than the prior model. We actually put the 2010 beside the 2009 model and were able to spot some more changes not obvious to the eye, mostly small details in the cowling.
The windscreen is noticeably different with the "wings" at the upper edge. More on this later.
This bike is the Ostra Gray metallic matte. The interesting thing is that when you view this color scheme in the light, it is variously described as light brown, bronze, golden, or pewter. The only thing obviously gray on the bike is the trim under the saddle etc. Somebody in Germany is color blind. I cannot wait to see the other colors, especially the Polar metallic that seems to be a pale bluish coloration.
So to the ride: The quick look on the switch gear confirms that the turn signals are all on the left now, and the starter is now combined with the engine cutoff switch. This appears to be a good idea. The brake and clutch fluid reservoirs are sticking out in the air, and are very apparent when compared with the previous version. This will cause a lot of commentary from riders due to the change.
Starting the bike reveals another bit of information about the reservoirs. They shake ! I initially thought they were loose and shut down the engine to check. Surprise ! They are on a rubber mount, they are flexible thus the shake at idle. Curious setup here !!
The headlight switch will require some relearning of muscle memory to locate, as will not having the split turn signals we all have grown to love.
Restarting the RT, I departed the dealership for my usual test route, and instantly noticed that the engine torque curve is very different from the prior models and is very, very smooth in application of power. Running up through the gears is a joy with all the available torque. Cruising at 70 in 6th, I tried a rapid acceleration to do a pass maneuver and was rewarded with a hard shove in the seat. There is a lot of available reserve in this engine, and considering it is not yet broken in, it should become even smoother in the future, making for a very nice long range cruiser.
At highway speed, I played with the windscreen setting and I will rate the change in screen design, for me, to be an improvement. In the full up position, the wind buffet was non-existent and I was actually looking about 1" over the top of the screen which is ideal for most screens. That placed the wind buffet over the top of my helmet about 2", and I was able to open the Shoei Multitech without any buffet getting into the helmet. Altogether a great improvement over the prior screen for me. The wings on the screen appear to move the edge of the buffeting outward several inches at cruise speed, so I had a nice quiet ride without any wind rumble even with the helmet fully open (Chin bar up).
I usually ride a 2007 R1200R which is a delightful machine with low CG and flicks easily. The RT carries about 80 pounds more weight, and has a higher CG, but I was impressed with how well the bike handled. I had the suspension set for "comfort" and single rider, and then played with the sport setting. I did not note much difference, however I must say that I was riding the RT on brand new tires and did not push it hard to avoid any traction problem.
Slow maneuvers are a joy also. The RT is very well balanced. One of my favorite activities when riding is to see how long you can stay up at very slow speed without putting down a foot. While doing this at a stoplight, someone on a scooter came up beside me and had to put a foot down. I was still very slowly moving when the light changed and I noticed he was looking hard at the activity. At the next light, he asked me how I was able to do that on such a large motorcycle !
Moving to some sweeper turns also proved out the cruise control and the maneuvering capability of the RT. Again a joy to ride this machine.
First impression is that this is a winner of a machine that will be a joy to own for anyone needing a great motorcycle. I look forward to taking it out again when I have more time, and the tires get scrubbed a bit, to play and do my 80 mile loop on some real twisties to see how the suspension setups play.
Run, do not walk, and take a test ride on this motorcycle, It is great fun with the new engine !
Now where is my checkbook..... My RR is lonesome and needs a stablemate !
:bike:
