Follows this weekend evaluation of the two bikes considered as replacement of beloved K1300S:
MV F4 vs S1000RR:
Evaluated bikes:
MV F4: São Paulo dealer bike with 480km, ECU set to Sport, Traction control off, 15 min ride in busy traffic in one of the main avenues in São Paulo.
S1000RR: colleague bike with 6700km, Sport mode, 60 min ride mixing highway, local montain road and small city traffic.
Positive points:
2012 MV F4:
Finish and apparent building quality well above average.
Smooth and precise gear shift.
Mirrors very good for city driving.
Firm but not harsh suspension. Absorbs well surface irregularities.
Practical and safe side stand with positive lock spring.
2010 S1000RR:
Gear shift assistance very good and effective.
Engine response good through rpm range.
Clever instrument cluster layout.
Negative points:
2012 MV F4:
Engine response flat spot around 3.5-4 rpm requiring constant gear shifts in city traffic.
LCD multiple function instrument with cluttered and confusing layout, without hour display.
2010 S1000RR:
Clunky and noisy gear box (BMW).
Spongy neutral, sometimes dificult to select.
Harsh and hard suspension. Surface irregularities may alter the trajectorie.
Short, wrong angled sidestand, with a weak spring, unsafe like that of K1300Ss.
Both bikes:
Quick and smooth responding, easy to control trajectory.
Sporty but reasonable riding position, for less than 60min.
Surprisingly good mirrors.
Excelent brakes, even if F4 does not have ABS.
Wind protection deficient above 200 km/h (both much worse than K1300S in this aspect).
Not decided for any of the two yet. Opinions welcome!
