Today 27th December 2012 my scooter clocked 2525 km total after slightly more than a month usage. I pick it up on 23rd November : Here
Use if for commuting occasionally alternating with my SYM VS 150 and done few ride with friend taking twisties at Genting Sempah and Kuala Klawang corners and over longer distance to Penang, Malaysia.
Scooter handling is different from that of a bike, firstly it being a CVT Automatic it doesn't have that engine braking or the "Drop Gear" function as normal bike do. Instead we has to rely on brakes for corner entry and that takes some time to adjust if you don't ride scooter that often
In Kuala Klawang and Genting Sempah, these are stretches where most twisties are. Klawang being the back road which is more dangerous, has many more obstacles short corners as compared to Genting Sempah where it more hilly and longer cornering sweep. Both places this scooter did handle well, with Pirelli Diablo Scooter tyres hugging the road and never once loose grip. I was a bit hesitant initially, being new to this scooter. But after few corners regain my confidence and able to take the turn with feeling of safety and in control.
Its important to feel safe and in control while riding, not overly confident.. but just there otherwise we may ride with a bit of hesitation that could pose danger to oneself. The bike actually can do more that what we can trow at it without problem.
After my Kuala Klawang and Genting Sempah ride its due for the first service. What a whoopa the bill came.
I am expecting somewhere around RM 400 ~ RM 450, nope it turn out to be almost RM 660.00 looking at the bill its actually the engine oil is expensive at RM 422.52 for 4 liter and the Running in Checks at RM 156.00 its a few hours job. Oh well a premium scooter cost a premium to service.
This scooter has 2 years unlimited mileage warranty, so while its still under warranty I had to send it to the authorise service center. Luckily this bike service interval is every 10,000 km so roughly once a year. After which I will do it myself and will cost around RM 200.00 the most.
Next I did a longer ride to Penang with few of my colleague from the Airlines for an overnight stay there. This takes me via the North - South Expressway which I am able to test out some high speed handling. The bike handle superb at high speed, no wobble or shake even at speed until the needle stop on the speedo it still handle well.
On return trip from Penang , I decided to do it solo. This I did via the North - South Expressway till Ipoh then I used the coastal road from Ipoh - Teluk Intan - Sabak Bernam - Tanjung Karang - Kuala Selangor route.
Massive traffic jam at each junction or traffic light this scooter handle it beautifully. Being low C of G due to the low engine location the heaviness of this scooter is not felt and I am able to comfortably ride it at slow speed in between traffic both in Urban environment and outskirt.
Emergency braking done few times, due to some stupid drivers changing lanes without brains. It handles superbly, the rear ABS will trigger early since it will be lighter on the rear during braking, the rear wheel will tend to skid first. ABS action can be felt at the rear brake lever. The front ABS only trigger few times during my ride, mostly in the wet or on sandy stretch. I give the ABS a thumb up, major improvement from my previous Beemer.
This Pirelli Diablo Scooter tyre is superb both in the wet and dry. Once up to temperature I can feel its tackiness to the touch. Never lost control on it and stable at high speed or during cornering. The front screen is good, I adjusted it to middle position and I just left it at that. Able to take the full speed of this scooter without problem
I had made a warranty claim against BMW on this scooter, its the screw holding the screen. Two of those four screw that clamping it, the two top screw it cannot be unscrew or tighten. No problem with the bottom two. The insert is rotating on its mount, suspected over tightening during installation. Apparently this is not the first case, and BMW agreed to replace the entire assembly.
Not a big problem but, I can't remove the screen for some work I need to do like mounting my GPS to this bike. Well it has to wait, since the item need to be ordered.
There are scratches due to stone chips and road debris on the bottom panel, this I need to probably wrap with composite sticker to protect.
Verdict.
I did twisties, riding in the rain, long fast stretch, back roads and hilly stretch on this scooter. How do I feel ? One word - GREAT.
On the twisties its agile enough to compete with sports bike. Not a problem with hills and steep gradient it has enough power to pull through. Riding in the rain the tyre did a good job and the ABS works.
Straight stretch, its a scooter .. cruise comfortable around 140 ~ 160 km/h and able to do 180 km/h without the feeling of fear that it may explode. The engine can take it.
The engine is a twin and it does sound rough, probably a manly growl not like some sweet Japanese Girls kinda sound.. its manly and hunky loud.
I had issue with some screws and BMW agreed to replace the entire parts involved.
The service is a bit on the expensive side, but its only once a year service. Later on I will do it myself so it will be much cheaper. Then again other service center like Welly Sg Buluh, Wunderlich, Chear Motorrad and AH Hoi can do this bike if you are not technically inclined.
On spares, well with Internets spare is no longer an issue, we could get anything from overseas supplier.
This bike is about RM 66+ k on the road with Honda Intergra NC700 at about the same, The Yamaha TMax 2012 at 67+k and the Aprilia SRV at 72k OTR prices.
All in all, most of these big Maxis are priced same and you choose which one is best for you. Look at the specification overall and don't forget to check on warranty and after sales.
Cheers.
