Yesterday I took out a Gen 4 RR sport from Cannons BMW. I must admit that as time has passed the styling of the new bike has grown on me. Not sure about the sport models colour of red, as in my mind thats reserved for Ducatis.
First impression upon sitting on the bike, is its narrow waist, wide low bars, and apparent lightness make it feel like a 600. Pegs are slightly higher than the Gen 3, but balanced with the wide bars overall the ergonomics are spacious. Not better or worse than the Gen 3, just different.
The only thing that lets it down is the seat, which is harder and less forgiving than the Gen 3. Im told the M sport is even worse. The general layout of cluster controls is the same as the Gen 3, except for the multi function wheel.
In terms of the new instrument panel display, its obviously light years ahead of the Gen 3 with multiple layouts of rev, speed, lean angle etc available. Its clear even on the brightest day in direct sunlight.
The available menu choices are staggering with some options hiding others. IE. As I found, if race mode is selected in one of the sub menus then dynamic and rain modes disappear and only race and pro race options are available. Not an issue but I hope the manual explains this fully and the user has to figure it out on there own like IPHONES.
Pulling away the bike I rode had a grabby clutch, but given the ultra slick quick shift and auto blipper it didn't cause any issues. Both at low revs (2K) and high up and down shift seemed smoother than the Gen 3 and more refined.
As other have said the engine has a smooth linear power curve, and span up quick. Not sure if this is solely down to the engine lightness and power or a more aggressive throttle map for race, compared with the Gen 3. Compared with the Gen 3 throttle response in race mode is definitely more reactive to inputs but not snatchy in any way.
Filtering and town work was easy due to the real world first gear and excellent fueling. On the open roads overtakes and progressive riding was a doddle and confidence inspiring power delivery. I found the brakes had all the power I needed on the road and the bike was stable and controlled, even when activating the ABS and lighting up all the segments in the brake display bar.
Handling was sharp but stable, which was a mixture of both the K3 tyres fitted and new chassis. For the first couple of roundabouts I had to correct my entry as the bike turned in a lot quicker than the Gen 3. However, in the bends it was stable and at no time felt vague or nervous. Changes in direction whilst at lean was easy and at no point did I feel at risk of paying an insurance excess for dropping it.
All in all it is a step forward and a fantastic toy, given more time im sure I would have discovered even more of what this bike could offer.
But would I by one.......not yet.
The only reason why NOT though is financial as it would cost me an additional ?7K plus my 2017 Gen 3.
Am I still happy with my Gen 3?
On the way home it still put a smile on my face and scared the SH&*t out of me so yes im happy........
First impression upon sitting on the bike, is its narrow waist, wide low bars, and apparent lightness make it feel like a 600. Pegs are slightly higher than the Gen 3, but balanced with the wide bars overall the ergonomics are spacious. Not better or worse than the Gen 3, just different.
The only thing that lets it down is the seat, which is harder and less forgiving than the Gen 3. Im told the M sport is even worse. The general layout of cluster controls is the same as the Gen 3, except for the multi function wheel.
In terms of the new instrument panel display, its obviously light years ahead of the Gen 3 with multiple layouts of rev, speed, lean angle etc available. Its clear even on the brightest day in direct sunlight.
The available menu choices are staggering with some options hiding others. IE. As I found, if race mode is selected in one of the sub menus then dynamic and rain modes disappear and only race and pro race options are available. Not an issue but I hope the manual explains this fully and the user has to figure it out on there own like IPHONES.
Pulling away the bike I rode had a grabby clutch, but given the ultra slick quick shift and auto blipper it didn't cause any issues. Both at low revs (2K) and high up and down shift seemed smoother than the Gen 3 and more refined.
As other have said the engine has a smooth linear power curve, and span up quick. Not sure if this is solely down to the engine lightness and power or a more aggressive throttle map for race, compared with the Gen 3. Compared with the Gen 3 throttle response in race mode is definitely more reactive to inputs but not snatchy in any way.
Filtering and town work was easy due to the real world first gear and excellent fueling. On the open roads overtakes and progressive riding was a doddle and confidence inspiring power delivery. I found the brakes had all the power I needed on the road and the bike was stable and controlled, even when activating the ABS and lighting up all the segments in the brake display bar.
Handling was sharp but stable, which was a mixture of both the K3 tyres fitted and new chassis. For the first couple of roundabouts I had to correct my entry as the bike turned in a lot quicker than the Gen 3. However, in the bends it was stable and at no time felt vague or nervous. Changes in direction whilst at lean was easy and at no point did I feel at risk of paying an insurance excess for dropping it.
All in all it is a step forward and a fantastic toy, given more time im sure I would have discovered even more of what this bike could offer.
But would I by one.......not yet.
The only reason why NOT though is financial as it would cost me an additional ?7K plus my 2017 Gen 3.
Am I still happy with my Gen 3?
On the way home it still put a smile on my face and scared the SH&*t out of me so yes im happy........