Riding 2 up on new LC
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2015 6:19 pm
First I want to state that I like R1150R's a whole bunch. I put 80K on an '02, sold it and bought a twin spark '05 to see what improvements were made. So this is not about old vs. new. I hate that.
The wife and I put about 150 miles in on Sunday. It was our first ride together on the new LC. Thought those who are looking at a new R might be interested in some "two-up" observations.
1. The wet clutch is amazingly smooth. My wife is an experienced rider so she know how to relax, shift weight, blah, blah, all that stuff. On my old R's I had to be conscious of shifting points because the dry clutch, suspension and shaft contributed to a slight abruptness which sometimes caused her to a small degree to be forced forward to where out helmets would touch. Not all the time, but it did happen. I always want her to be comfortable and feel safe. Anyway... the new LC's clutch is like butter and there is no abruptness. It works even better if you use the pro shift mode. Combined with improved shaft and the ESA system, you have a pretty impressive sport tourer with passenger.
2. Purchase the passenger comfort seat. It is only $50 more and adds that little extra for a more pleasant ride.
3. If you carry a passenger often or long distances, save $ for the topcase with pad. $250 for the case, $25 or so for the lock and $60 for the back pad. I plan on getting one before we go on our summer trips. That back support and pad really adds a lot towards comfort.
4. I wish that Pirates Lair made a stealth backrest for the R1200R LC. I owned one of the first he ever made for the '02 R1150R. I would buy that over the top case. He makes one for the water-cooled GS. Maybe there is one coming?
ride safe!
The wife and I put about 150 miles in on Sunday. It was our first ride together on the new LC. Thought those who are looking at a new R might be interested in some "two-up" observations.
1. The wet clutch is amazingly smooth. My wife is an experienced rider so she know how to relax, shift weight, blah, blah, all that stuff. On my old R's I had to be conscious of shifting points because the dry clutch, suspension and shaft contributed to a slight abruptness which sometimes caused her to a small degree to be forced forward to where out helmets would touch. Not all the time, but it did happen. I always want her to be comfortable and feel safe. Anyway... the new LC's clutch is like butter and there is no abruptness. It works even better if you use the pro shift mode. Combined with improved shaft and the ESA system, you have a pretty impressive sport tourer with passenger.
2. Purchase the passenger comfort seat. It is only $50 more and adds that little extra for a more pleasant ride.
3. If you carry a passenger often or long distances, save $ for the topcase with pad. $250 for the case, $25 or so for the lock and $60 for the back pad. I plan on getting one before we go on our summer trips. That back support and pad really adds a lot towards comfort.
4. I wish that Pirates Lair made a stealth backrest for the R1200R LC. I owned one of the first he ever made for the '02 R1150R. I would buy that over the top case. He makes one for the water-cooled GS. Maybe there is one coming?
ride safe!
