Any experience of BMW boxers, and in particular their gearbox.

[Dudeofrude]

I think that's true of most of the rider aids fitted to bikes these days and while those of us without will hark on about not needing them and it not being a 'real' riding experience I suppose the truth of it is they make the job of riding a lot easier which in turn leaves more of your attention to be focused on the road ie safer

Im sure it would have been the same with cars when they introduced things like power steering and syncromesh gearboxes. I'm too young to have driven cars without them but I'm positive that if I tried to then more of my focus would be on trying to get a gear than it would be on the road

With the beemer, as with most things I'm sure you'd get used to it in no time and after a year of ownership you'd probably never have a bike without one again haha

But here’s a thought Dude.  I was reading about the latest R1 and how easy it is to ride.  Much much easier to ride than the original R1 apparently :eek .  Over 200bhp :eek  Is there a risk that some, or much of this stuff, will allow people to ride way beyond their capability, and have them going far faster than they would other wise go in turn putting them and others at risk.  Will electronics turn ordinary road riders into riding gods – perhaps riding gods awaiting a rude awakening.

Oh without a doubt but then to be honest I think most riders often ride outside their capabilities when they are out having a hoon. Doesnt matter if your on a 70bhp 650cc or a 210bhp 1000cc, going into a corner way too quick usually results in being hurt. That's where I think these rider aids are brilliant.... when you fuck up.
And I think if someone is riding like an idiot then being on a 200bhp bike that has abs, anti wheelie, adaptive traction control etc will still be safer than a 100bhp bike with nothing