The bikes have been around for long enough to not spend time on the looks. We all know by now what they look like. The 1190R looks the part. Everybody wants it. For the wrong reasons. It can be forgiven to an extent, because the orange frame and crash bars with the white and black paint with some orange and the one piece seat really do look nice in combination. The "normal" 1190 looks a little dull in comparison. That is where the problem lies. The 1190 Adv is "under rated" and the R is "over rated", both for the wrong reasons.
For starters, I knew I was going to do some miles on the 1190, so I had to check out the tools to make sure I can do whatever needed along the road. The toolkit is nice and comprehensive, like the 990. No need for extra tools for basic jobs like removing a wheel.
And it fits nicely under the back seat, with plenty space for extra stuff.
I knew the electronics from my previous ride, but this bike was now beyond the 1000 km service and I went through all the settings to ensure that I know what goes where and how. I found the new GS simpler to operate. The multi function buttons on the left handlebar are easy to use, but it takes a lot more presses of a button to get to the right screen, select what needs to change and actually changing the setting. I got used to the sequence, and it is not really something that I would use much whilst riding, but if you are going to scroll between trip meters, favourites, suspension settings, riding modes, head light operation, ABS / MTC settings, etc your eyes will be off the road for too long. Adding a GPS will make it even "worse". The GS has a button for each function. Like heated grips you switch on and off with a specific button. Same with ABS, Suspension, etc. On the 1190, you first have to find the right screen, then change the setting. Not a big deal, once the right things are on and off, you don't really need to look at it again. But the temptation to fiddle is there.
The instruments are clear and easily visible. Riding mode, suspension setting, fuel & temp, time, gear position and speed are always displayed on the LCD display. The computer screen on the left shows everything else in a series of scrollable screens.
I settled for Sport mode, Sport suspension, Rider+Pillion, Dim always on, ABS and MTC off, Gear shift indicator at 9000 rpm. Enough about settings....
I changed the front seat to the high position and removed the rubber pads from the pegs, rotated the handlebar mounting posts forward and rotated the bars a little forward in the clamps to make the standing position comfortable. The bike now felt rideable, very rideable....
I had the 1200 GS and the 950 SE at home, and did a small test. Which bike can ride the smallest circle in fig 8 format?
Did some test / practice runs and I was a little surprised. Then took some measurements to make sure. To measure is to know....
What you see it that the GS tuns sharper than the 1190. Therefore it wins the small circle competition hands down. The 990 also turns a smaller circle than the 1190. The stoppers on the 950 SE can turn right in until the forks just miss the frame at full lock. There is no screen to limit the handle bar movement, and it can make a sharp turn. The 1190 has fixed stoppers cast into the bottom triple clamp, no adjustment. It does turn sharper than the 990 / 950 Adv. Anything does. The lesson is that the GS will continue to win the short turning "skills challenge" type competitions.
The new bikes have nice lights. The 1190 is no exception. Works well and very visible. Dim and bright still normal bulbs with the LED daylight riding lights.
The wheel sizes on the Adv are the same as the 1200 GS. 170/17 rear and 120/19 front. The good part is that there will be a larger choice of tyres soon, sharing size range with the BMW will bring the price down as volumes increase. Building a high speed knobbly for the R may be a little more problematic, no other bike shares the sizes and speed capability - so the tyres will have to be specially developed. Personally, I think that it is not a big deal, we have been doing > 160 on TKC's for ever on the 950 / 990's. With the new bike, your ability to be above 160 for extended periods on gravel is limited most of the time by the terrain anyway. On tar, the knobbly weave will probably make you close the throttle before 250. Time will teach some lessons here. Lets hope that a tyre that costs R 500, rated 250 km/h, lasts 20 000 km, with the traction of a Metzeler Karoo on gravel and Anakee on tar will be out soon..... Wishful thinking....
Lets ride the bike....
Topic: 1190 Adv (Non-R) Demo Ride (Read 3071 times)
