I thought the 1260 S was supposed to have been made more stable then the 1200S. Picked up a new 1260 a couple of weeks back and I am finding the steering very heavy compared to the 1200 at low speed and needs lots of effort to stop it turning in to quick. As it’s a longer wheel base and more rake I thought it would need les effort to stop the turn in. Also it feelS a bit twitchy especially exiting roundabouts or flicking from left to right and back. anyone got any guidance available for setting up the suspension ... I run the 1200 in factory default settings and its perfect
Also on the suspension, make sure the front preload is as per handbook as a base setting (10 turns out on a 1200S - check your handbook for the 1260S). I find in Touring mode that preload 20 and front harder rear harder works for me great. I think the UI is a bit different on the 1260? How're the other toys like TPMS? Is it a worthwhile upgrade? Must admit I do love my '17 1200S
As already stated, had this with mine and sorted with correct preload, worth checking tyre pressures too
I thought the 1260 had less rake than the 1200 to counteract the longer swingarm? Your comments (without sounding like an arse!) seem to contradict each other, twichty and heavy steering. As mentioned, tyre pressures but also I found touring a much better mode to ride in than sport, you still get full power but a smoother throttle map from the stop. That could be a contributory factor.
Exactly ... Contradictory ... that’s why I asked the question. Exiting bends and roundabouts it was very twitchy Entering bends and rounder outs the bike just wanted to drop in too fast and I had to pull it back with the bars. I went through all the front and rear settings and set to factory default. It’s the front tyre pressure loosing .8 of a bar in a couple of days. Can’t see anything in it to puncture The rear looses .2 over the same time ... I’ve never owned a bike that looses pressure so quick especially from brand new. Used to do 3.5K mile trips on my 1200 and they never lost a psi in the whole of the journey.
Are the tyres on the 1260 exactly the same brand/model as the ones on your old bike. I had a short run on a R1200RT LC which was constantly wanting to tip into turns farther than was needed and wouldnt track straight at all going along the road. Solution was a different make / model of tyres. Different compound and profile transformed the bike. Just a thought.
Check the valves aren’t leaking and the beads are seated correctly. You’re right. They shouldn’t lose pressure like that.
A tyre is a tyre in this day and age unless you are running budget and I don’t even know where to by them Z rated. I’ve run Pirelli Michelin Bridgestone and Conties on my 1200 ... never much difference on price and never noticed the difference and even mixed them front and rear. In 40 years of motorcycling I’ve never seen anyone out ride a tyre on the road but seen plenty exceed their level of competence
Don’t know if your dealer could lend you a demo bike, at least you would know if the issues are specific to your particular bike.
Take your bike in to a specialist, and get the suspension set up for you and your riding style. I had my monster 1200 set up at T3 racing near brands hatch, and it’s transformed the ride and handling. If there are any inherent faults they will identify then and probably in the long run save you money.
I was only trying to point out a possible cause which I have experienced. I haven't got your 40 years riding experience and I'm not going into mine which is clearly different. Sorry for trying to help.
Why sorry? Only stating my opinion as you were yours. I don’t get these forums everyone so sensitive and critical ... must be the modern way. As for not checking the tyre pressures I set them a couple of days before for two up riding .. I don’t expect them to loose so much pressure so quick unless they pick up a nurg ... that’s a nail to you newbies and youngsters Anyway what I found was the Schrader valve wasn’t tight ... hey ho problem sorted * Note use of emoticons (if that’s correct terminolog) for the sensitive
