Just a little b!tch (and I can sense the piling on already. . . )

[hillbillypolack]

'kay fellas, I thought it was time to vent a bit about my S2R 1000.  Had this beast since new, and I have been going through the "usual" upgrades.  $2000 Termi pipes, headers, ECU.  Looking to do a 520 chain conversion while changing the ratio, $600.  Clutch slave, possibly clutch master, and looking at $500 there with a new 'line.

Sure, I could go on from there, but after seeing the component & wheel improvements done to the new 1100, I have to say I'm a little envious.  Not in the aesthetics, but in the way the newer bike is outfitted.  I can see the costs of upgrades this year alone getting over $1500, and that's just getting the S2R to be something comfortable for my prefernces.

Yes, I understand any bike will be accessorized as its owner sees fit.  That's just what cycles are all about.  But I'm starting to question "how much" money is required to get the bike to where it's usable, I guess I have issue with that.

Case in point.  I test rode a BMW R1200R.  Completely different end of the same standard-bike spectrum.  Know what?  Everything fit.  Components, brakes, clutch pull and effort were right there from the first three feet I was moving.  Same when I tested the Speed Triple and the KTM 990, with exception of the exhaust.  And, yes, these are also at different price points, different "segments" of a standard bike.  But more considered as a total bike, a whole riding package.

I also understand that part of having a Monster is accessorizing it, and "making it your own".  But to be competitive, I'm really surprised that Ducati hasn't offered a better spec on their standard air cooled bikes (Sport Classic included).  The 696 and 1100 go a long way toward that end, but they also ask a higher MSRP.  Before the inevitable Termignoni tax. . .

So, am I foolish in lusting after a different bike?  Looking for something that requires less catalog surfing, and a little more seat time?  Or is it a good time to be attending open houses to see about washing my hands of these shortcomings?

[Popeye the Sailor]

I'd say your foolish for sinking that money into a bike, then deciding you might want something else.


On a personal level, I've always felt that aside from a suspension adjustment, I should not have to sink a large amount of money into a bike to turn it into what it *should* be. I just take issue with taking something brand new, then replacing perfectly good parts to make it into what it should be.


I'd rather buy an older one and put the coin into that.

[Pedro-bot]

So, am I foolish in lusting after a different bike?  Looking for something that requires less catalog surfing, and a little more seat time?  Or is it a good time to be attending open houses to see about washing my hands of these shortcomings?

Not foolish at all. What you're battling with here is rationalization.

Get over it. There's nothing rational about dropping good $$ into a perfectly well operating machine.

If you want to compare apples to apples (read standard to standard moto) with a possibility of changing camps, then don't spend anymore money on your current bike. Instead, spend your time figuring out if you want to change camps, then decide which one.   [moto]

[silentbob]

If you had the BMW for the length of time you had the S2R you would find all kinds of faults with it and things you would want to upgrade.


One more thing.  The clutch slave and 520 conversion won't give you much bang for the buck.  Put a $35 14 tooth front sprocket on and remove 2 (free) springs from your clutch.

[ROBsS4R]

If you had the BMW for the length of time you had the S2R you would find all kinds of faults with it and things you would want to upgrade.


One more thing.  The clutch slave and 520 conversion won't give you much bang for the buck.  Put a $35 14 tooth front sprocket on and remove 2 (free) springs from your clutch.

Of course remove the springs right across from each other for balance. 33% less pull 

[That Nice Guy Beck!]

bmws have no faults germans dont mess around

[Goat_Herder]

Grass is always greener on the other side...

[Labbedds]

I've only bought one motorcycle as new and can feel your pain.  When I got my s4r I liked it stock from the getgo but immediately wanted to do stuff to it.  Whether it was coring the pipes, bar end mirrors, etc.  It all ads up.  I'm on my 5th monster w/in 2 years and the s2r1000 i just got is the badest ass bike I've ever riden, hands down.  Unfreakin' believable.  I started with m750 dark, then s2r800 then s4r then s2r800 then to a s2r1000.  And I think, no I'm sure I am in love with this bike.  Will post pics tomorrow as I should be studying.  Ok went off track for a sec.  I bought the bike after someone did all the "modifications" to it and it's perfect as is, there is literally nothing, well maybe just crg's that I need to do to this thing.  Riding different brands or types of bikes will always make it feel different.  Go with your gut.  And if you stray to the bavarian side no one will mind, but you'll be back sooner than you think.  Ride safe meng. [moto]

[the_Journeyman]

But I'm starting to question "how much" money is required to get the bike to where it's usable, I guess I have issue with that.

The fact you feel upgrades were required to make the bike "usable" makes me question why you bought something you didn't think was "usable." 

I could understand a lower seat or lowering links or something like that for a shorter rider being needed to make a bike usable, also removing a couple springs from the clutch for someone who had difficulty with clutch pull might fall under being needed for usable.The Termis, upgraded brake & clutch lines & related, that and the 520 conversion have no bearing on the bike being usable.

JM

[red baron]

bmws have no faults germans dont mess around

go buy an Audi

better yet talk to someone who owned an Audi 5000

[swampduc]

bmws have no faults germans dont mess around

Sure they do. Go to a Beemer forum and look at the complaints of final drive unit failures, and the complaints that if the tiniest thing is wrong, it takes 2 computers and a BMW dealer to fix it.
Of course, they are very reliable bikes, by and large.

To the OP: I'm with those who wonder why you bought the S2R if you felt there was so much wrong with it. There are plenty of other great bikes out there; I'd consider those  before spending a ton of $ on a bike you don't seem to love.

[amcloud]

Keep the one you have, it sounds like a pretty sweet bike from your description.  I am a big fan of the S*R bikes.  Ride the wheels off it.  My M1100s will be outdated by a newer better model next year.  Half the fun of owning a monster is modding it.  If I had the money, I would own one of the past generation S*R bikes along with my new generation monster.  I guess I am one of the few that love them both, equally.  Keep your bike and make it your own...sounds like you already have.

[Stangman]

'kay fellas, I thought it was time to vent a bit about my S2R 1000.  Had this beast since new, and I have been going through the "usual" upgrades.  $2000 Termi pipes, headers, ECU.  Looking to do a 520 chain conversion while changing the ratio, $600.  Clutch slave, possibly clutch master, and looking at $500 there with a new 'line.
...
Yes, I understand any bike will be accessorized as its owner sees fit.  That's just what cycles are all about.  But I'm starting to question "how much" money is required to get the bike to where it's usable, I guess I have issue with that.

Case in point.  I test rode a BMW R1200R.  Completely different end of the same standard-bike spectrum.  Know what?  Everything fit.  Components, brakes, clutch pull and effort were right there from the first three feet I was moving.  Same when I tested the Speed Triple and the KTM 990, with exception of the exhaust.  And, yes, these are also at different price points, different "segments" of a standard bike.  But more considered as a total bike, a whole riding package.
...
So, am I foolish in lusting after a different bike?  Looking for something that requires less catalog surfing, and a little more seat time?  Or is it a good time to be attending open houses to see about washing my hands of these shortcomings?

I guess you have to ask yourself, what is a better fit for you? A cookie-cutter BMW or a customized Ducati?  Not that there is anything wrong with the BMW, it's just a different attitude bike.... I mean we are talking about A Monster here... a no-frills, no apologies, no creature comforts, all business, scare the kids Monster. 

The stock slave had to go on my bike too, the sprocket change was already done by the previous owner, but my older bike had several of it's own "must do" mods like Dynacoils and an ignition wire upgrade.  As mentioned previously just go with the 14T sprocket and be done with it.  Sounds to me like you've got her very close to perfect... Don't stop now!  Life is way too short to settle, make the bike exactly what you want and then ride the wheels off. 

Besides, lets be honest... if you broke up with her and then saw her with someone else, you'd only start to resent that BMW. 

[Roscoe]

Where does a set of chain and sprockets go for $600? Or a clutch slave and master $500??

[the_Journeyman]

Maybe if you pay the shop labor.  I was about about $140 in parts an about an hour in time when I changed out chain and sprockets ~

JM