2024 R1250RT - gutless starting from stop?

[pauls1150]

That actually makes sense - too-soft mapping, so pre-loading the engine should tell the computer "More Power" (in a Tim Allen voice).

 

[rhenriksen]

Sir, you are not alone in your initial assessment of that gutless feeling while getting underway from a stop !! (I actually joined the bmwmoa today just so I could respond to your concern that I share!) On my new '23 RT I experienced (and still do to some extent) the sensation of a boggy engine when trying to roll away with brisk efficiency (but by no means aggressively). And my buddy who also has a '23 RT that replaced his 2010 RT has shared the same feeling - the '23 bikes feel identical. Now, all of our previous many bikes of various makes/models have had traditional cable throttles (like your Bandit), where the twist grip movement tends to be very linear with the carb or FI throttle plates, meaning you rotate the grip by, say, 10% and you get 10% of throttle opening, and that linear relationship remains the same regardless of whether you're starting off from a stop or are underway and in a higher gear. (Yes, FI fuel mapping can sometimes vary based on gear, but the cabled relationship of twist grip to throttle opening remains the same.) In contrast, the RT and many newer bikes employ ECU-controlled TBW (Throttle By Wire) where the rider's input to the twist grip is electronically sent to the ECU which can alter the response of the FI throttle plates based on many parameters including bike speed, engine speed, engine load, gear selection, traction control etc. Thus, your twist grip rotation of 10% may result in more or less than 10% throttle plate opening, depending on conditions and the mapping that the developers chose for the various conditions. All that to say, I believe the "gutless" feeling we perceive is a result of overly 'soft' mapping of the TBW from a standstill, presumable to prevent overly potent engine torque from coming into play from a dead stop. (Possibly some lean fuel mapping may be exacerbating the issue.) But it is too benign; As you've described, even a substantial twist of the throttle grip as you're easing out the clutch from a stop just won't induce the expected power and the bike falters, whereas that same twist of the throttle will accelerate the bike spryly if underway in a taller gear even at low rpm. I find it irritating, and even a bit disconcerting when conditions require a rapid rollout, but some mitigation is at hand: I have found, rather than revving the engine and slipping the clutch for a brisk take off, I get a more effective start by making a conscious effort to ease out the clutch and load the engine first before giving it any throttle - the engine seems more willing to respond as desired. It's a subtle difference but after a while it becomes second nature and it's not as bothersome (until you're switching back and forth with other 'normally-responsive' bikes ;-) I hope this helps and sorry for what many might perceive as an over-explanation.

It's reassuring to hear I'm not alone! I agree, I hope it's an engine mapping/throttle by wire issue, rather than a mechanical issue where engine itself.

I'll experiment with the clutch release/engine preload, as you described, thanks. The bike is undergoing two software updates this week @ the dealer; no idea if that's just for the TFT, or could affect the fueling/throttle by wire, as well.

 

[wbrownell9]

The OP may already have tried this but I've not been able to find it in this thread - did you wind up in "rain" mode by any chance? I find "rain" is sluggish (and of course I'm such an expert rider that I have no need of such electronic frippery anyway /s); "road" does everything I need it to; and "sport" mode aggravates my carpal tunnel because repeated minor adjustments are SO minor. YMMV

 

[rhenriksen]

The OP may already have tried this but I've not been able to find it in this thread - did you wind up in "rain" mode by any chance? I find "rain" is sluggish (and of course I'm such an expert rider that I have no need of such electronic frippery anyway /s); "road" does everything I need it to; and "sport" mode aggravates my carpal tunnel because repeated minor adjustments are SO minor. YMMV

Never hurts to ask, thank you.

My initial riding impressions were all in road mode. Changing to Dynamic made... *Maybe* a small improvement in acceleration from a standing start.

I only switched to rain mode after a couple of weeks of riding, during a 3 hour ride through intermittent rain on my way to Wimberley from Houston.