2024 R1250RT - gutless starting from stop?

[rhenriksen]

Hi, took UShip delivery of my new-to-me RT (at 1:30am today!), and did some city riding today - both solo, and two-up.

Relevant context: I took off the saddle bags, and left the top box in place (empty). I weigh 195#, and my gf is ~117#.

I'm very much still learning all the buttons & knobs & settings; a lot of my initial riding was in street mode, one-up. I was really surprised that I had to rev up to 4k, and slip the clutch a lot, to get rolling. With my gf on the back, it was even worse. My previous sport-touring bike was a 2007 Suzuki Bandit (aka GSF1250S), stock engine, stock sprocket/gear. It weighed ~550#, and made 80 pound-feet of torque. It was WAY easier to get that bike rolling, than this RT with 105 lb-ft of torque.

I switched to dynamic mode, after some two-up riding in street mode. Getting the bike rolling was *less* effort than road mode; but still a lot more revs, and a lot more clutch slipping, than I'm used to on my previous large/heavy road bike.

Is this just the way the 1250 engine is? I could see a really detuned throttle map on a GS, in offroad mode, but this just seems silly.

Once I get rolling, the bike is more responsive, FWIW.

 

[r0ckrat]

I don't have the RT or the 1250, but have not noticed that issue at all. I usually take off just barely over idle with minimal slipping, and maintaining RPM with throttle as I let the clutch out. Rolls away easily. If you let the clutch out slowly, it even will maintain a couple 100 RPM over idle on it's own as I take off, so can do so without using the right hand at all if I don't fell like it (but a much slower launch.)

 

[dcslowman]

Something doesn't sound right. You shouldn't even notice the amount of clutch slip required to get rolling, even 2 up. I know it sounds like a dumb question, but are you certain that both wheels spin freely? Maybe put it onto the centerstand and check?

 

[etiennelau]

The motor produces enough torque such that as a single rider you should be able to slip the clutch without throttle and be able to roll the motorcycle down the road. Should not need any revs or large amounts of clutch slip.

 

[rhenriksen]

Something doesn't sound right. You shouldn't even notice the amount of clutch slip required to get rolling, even 2 up. I know it sounds like a dumb question, but are you certain that both wheels spin freely? Maybe put it onto the centerstand and check?

I'm happy to entertain dumb questions! Will give that a try as soon as I have a minute. For the record, tire pressure is 38F/42R at the moment, so I'm not trying to roll on 11 psi :-D

 

[rhenriksen]

The motor produces enough torque such that as a single rider you should be able to slip the clutch without throttle and be able to roll the motorcycle down the road. Should not need any revs or large amounts of clutch slip.

I can feather the clutch to do that, but I'd have people behind me honking - it would take a LONG time. Sounds like I might want to have the dealer check it out. Still have 2+ years' warranty on this...

 

[etiennelau]

I can feather the clutch to do that, but I'd have people behind me honking - it would take a LONG time. Sounds like I might want to have the dealer check it out. Still have 2+ years' warranty on this...

Yah, sounds like something is wrong....I have ridden a VFR 800, and that thing requires high revs, ie 3000-4000 RPM to get it going from green light....Same applies G310R.

 

[lee]

I agree that something is wrong and have the dealer look at it.
Maybe it's something goofy like the Hill Start function stuck on.
I have a R1250RS and when loaded for a trip there's been a few times where I could take off in 2nd gear without a problem.
This usually happened after a brain fade problem

 

[r0ckrat]

I have a R1250RS and when loaded for a trip there's been a few times where I could take off in 2nd gear without a problem.
This usually happened after a brain fade problem

BTDT - loaded or not... My R barely notices...

 

[smswy]

I have a GS, an R and a nineT Scrambler. None are like what you experience. even with the GS loaded with Mosko Moto panniers and dufffle for camping trip. All start rolling easily around 1500 rpm.

 

[GTRider]

I'm very much still learning all the buttons & knobs & settings; a lot of my initial riding was in street mode, one-up. I was really surprised that I had to rev up to 4k, and slip the clutch a lot, to get rolling. With my gf on the back, it was even worse. My previous sport-touring bike was a 2007 Suzuki Bandit (aka GSF1250S), stock engine, stock sprocket/gear. It weighed ~550#, and made 80 pound-feet of torque. It was WAY easier to get that bike rolling, than this RT with 105 lb-ft of torque.

So, as a U-Ship delivery you didn’t get the normal introduction to the bike that dealer sales staff would provide. Your issue sounds like one where the Hill Start function is being applied via a hard squeeze on the brakes as the bike is stopped, or just coming to a stop. If that’s the case, another hard application would release the HS hold and allow a normal takeoff. The waterboxers normally require minuscule additions of throttle or rpm to get underway, even two-up. Check that section in the owners manual for a more complete explanation of the HS function and operation.

Best,
DeVern

 

[rhenriksen]

So, as a U-Ship delivery you didn’t get the normal introduction to the bike that dealer sales staff would provide. Your issue sounds like one where the Hill Start function is being applied via a hard squeeze on the brakes as the bike is stopped, or just coming to a stop. If that’s the case, another hard application would release the HS hold and allow a normal takeoff. The waterboxers normally require minuscule additions of throttle or rpm to get underway, even two-up. Check that section in the owners manual for a more complete explanation of the HS function and operation.

Best,
DeVern

Very interesting, thanks! Will do the reading

 

[omega man]

First I’ve heard of this U-Ship delivery deal.
OM

 

[jono]

Very interesting, thanks! Will do the reading

Hill Start Control can be applied automatically - there's an option to change that in the vehicle settings. My RT will launch from idle with minimal clutch slip. With Hill Start Control activated, it requires substantially more throttle and slip.

 

[RPGR90s]

Mechanical issue possibly as the new Boxer is a torque monster.

 

[omega man]

Being old- I have experience with racing “line locks” and “MICO” locks for hydraulic brakes on trucks.

This was interesting-

OM

 

[Seaweed]

Have you seen the hill start icon light up on your dash?

 

[bkkjack]

When I took delivery of my 2023 RS, I noticed something similar trying to pull out of the dealer's lot, which was more than slightly uphill to the street. I thought I just wasn't used to the bike, but I was wrong - it was the bike. The riding mode was set to "ROAD." I changed it to "DYNAMIC" and the bike started to feel like it should.

 

[omega man]

I hope the OP returns to let us know an outcome.
OM

 

[rhenriksen]

When I took delivery of my 2023 RS, I noticed something similar trying to pull out of the dealer's lot, which was more than slightly uphill to the street. I thought I just wasn't used to the bike, but I was wrong - it was the bike. The riding mode was set to "ROAD." I changed it to "DYNAMIC" and the bike started to feel like it should.

I was hoping that'd be the answer, too; but dynamic mode only improved things a little.

Was rainy most of yesterday, and work kept me at my desk. I'll report back, promise!