View Full Version : One bike to do everything?
Steve_God
07-04-15, 05:41 PM
Update:
In case anyone's interested, have got it down to a select handful to test ride:
BMW (ESA): K1300S / R1200RS / R1200RT
Yamaha (electronic suspension adjustment): FJR 1300AS / 1300AE
Aprillia (aDD Active Suspension): Caponord 1200 Travel Pack / 1200 Rally
Ducati (Ducati Skyhook Suspension): Multistrada 1200 S / 1200 S D|Air
If anyone has any particular opinions on these, feel free to share :)
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TL: DR; Can you recommend a bike that will do the jobs of both a sportsbike, and also good for long distance touring. Specifically when it comes to suspension/handling.
So, I've currently got two bikes: the SV (K6S) and an old Ninja (ZX-6R: F1).
My long term goal in life (for biking anyway) was to aim for having three bikes:
The everyday rat bike: For commuting, and general bimbling around. Been bashed around, but does the job. (Currently the SV)
The sportsbike: For those rare weekends when the weather is perfect, and you get the itch. (Currently the Ninja)
The tourer: For the week long tours. (Currently... borrowing my Dads DL650 V-Strom when going on a tour)
Life then changes, and I now no-longer need a commuter bike, and due to work, I'm also struggling to find the time to keep up with the servicing of the two bikes, let along three...
So, I'm now looking at selling both, and swapping them for a bike that will do the job of all of them. My main key area is something that's got good suspension for being able to handle well when you're in the mood to, but you can also ride for all day.
So far, the best I've managed to find that will do the job (and by that I mostly mean have the suspension capable of doing everything) are BMWs with the adjustable electronic suspension, alongside the various modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport) that also tweak the ECU side of things.
Problem is, I can't find one I actually like, they're all either city bikes that don't have the tech, or MAHOOOOSIVE tourers that drown me, nothing quite fits the middle ground. Some of the K1200s were manageable, but the new K-series bikes (like the K1600) feel just too big for me.
Any good recommendations for bikes that will do everything?
LiquidFlux
07-04-15, 05:47 PM
I've been eyeing up the MT-09 Tracer recently, plenty of horsepower with the modern equipment you'd want whilst also being a decent touring platform.
I'm getting a bit tired of clip-ons, I wouldn't mind a taller bike, but I'm not at a point where I'd want to make a compromise to get those things. The Tracer is basically an MT-09, there doesn't seem to be that much of a trade-off.
aesmith
07-04-15, 05:47 PM
Someone's going to say VFR.
I had a go on the tracer, and I am likely to get one to replace the Street R and V Strom. Fast enough to get into silly speeds and handled very well in the corners with me on.
littleoldman2
07-04-15, 05:52 PM
I love my K1200GT. At 250Kg it's not light. I have been astonished at how good it is as an all rounder, I would not have believed a beast this big could corner so well. Gravel tracks and mud slow you down and you have to be smooth with planning in to corners. With 152bhp they can get a wiggle on when you need to as well. This weekend in Wales we did over 900 miles 2 up with everything from mud / gravel tracks to motorway and only got overtaken by one bike. Do yourself a favour and try one.
Biker Biggles
07-04-15, 05:56 PM
Someone's going to say VFR.
You just did:D
How about a Fazer thou,preferably one of the old ones without the sticky throttle?
nutzboutbikes
07-04-15, 06:08 PM
The new Suzuki GSX-S1000.
Balky001
07-04-15, 06:20 PM
I had the 2012 CBR600F which I would have kept had I not started to go track day'ing again. The CBR650F would be my choice if you are not after something like a tourer or adventure bike. I put a PC5 on mine and was 91hp at the rear wheel, plenty for summer days
carelesschucca
07-04-15, 06:28 PM
I had a go on the tracer, and I am likely to get one to replace the Street R and V Strom. Fast enough to get into silly speeds and handled very well in the corners with me on.
I'm quite tempted by the Tracer. It's a little ugly but it seems to tick all the boxes above.
Or a R1200RT no pipe or slippers required!
All day comfort + loads of use-able power and a still a twin (of sorts)
suzukigt380paul
07-04-15, 07:07 PM
Someone's going to say VFR.
A vfr800 pre vtec,even being 16 or 17 years old,it is still said my many to be the best all round sports tourer on the road,110hp 150+ mph,With a engine good for 250k,long service intervals,if you can find a low milage good condition one you won't be disappointed,failing that go for second best and go for a vtec,and as second best they will still be better then a sprint,also have a look at the 1250 faired bandit or gsx1250 or what ever they call the fully faired version
make a short list and then go test ride them.
personally if i were to get rid of the SV i would go for a stripple R or a GSXR 750 with a comfort kit but my SV does everything i ask of it and at 60mpg i dont think i will be changing it any time soon. yes it has cost a small fortune but its been worth every single penny and still a lot cheaper than a lot of the bikes out there of the same spec.
andrewsmith
07-04-15, 07:50 PM
GSXS1000 or gsx1000f
I'm waiting for the demonstration bikes to come into the UK as I'm really considering trying one.
The Mt09 and it's variants are a good one bike option
maviczap
07-04-15, 08:05 PM
Did anyone say VFR ;)
That'd be my choice
Red Herring
08-04-15, 07:55 AM
Bikes only need servicing if you ride them, and you can only ride one at a time so I've always argued it's best to have the right bike for what you specifically want to do rather than one that is a compromise at everything..... Sure you need to keep an eye on things like batteries if you don't use it often, and I've a whiteboard in my garage with all the various MOT and tax dates on, but it's really nice to "treat" yourself to something different as the mood or season takes you.
Having said all that I've hung onto my 1997 Honda 600 Hornet and that's now got over 50k on it because it tends to be the best all rounder. I've done everything from touring to trackday instruction on it and it's been 100% reliable along the way. I do occasionally miss the raw power of a litre plus bike, but unless you live life in three figures it's just overkill on the road.
If you do want something bigger then have you looked at the Tiger? Haven't ridden the latest one but certainly the model they bought out a few years ago could hang out with the best of them.......
Steve_God
08-04-15, 08:12 AM
MT-09 Tracertracer
Tracer
I like the positioning of that bike, and the throttle modes, but no electronic suspension on that one... although given the feedback, might have to give one a test ride at least to compare.
K1200GT
That's my current frame of mind as it happens, find a second hand one in decent condition - but wanted to see what non-BMW alternatives there were to compare it properly against.
Fazer thouVFR
CBR650F
vfr800/1250 faired bandit/gsx1250
Problem which all of these if they're middle of the road, and will do pretty much anything, pretty good. Whereas I'm looking at something that will do pretty much anything 'very' well - which means anything with standard style suspensions (non-electronic / without quick adjustment) aren't going to cut it.
Suzuki GSX-S1000.
Intrigued by the traction control aspect, but still standard style suspension.
R1200RT
Specs wise, it's perfect! Problem is, I'm not the biggest of blokes, and it kinda drowns me :p
Luckypants
08-04-15, 08:33 AM
If you think a BMW 1200RT will do the 'sports bike' bit as well as a VFR, then I suggest you go test ride them back to back. I am biased as I love my VFR, but it is still a strong contender. I'd say the suspension is the thing most likely to disappoint especially when you are in the mood for a sports bike, probably a little soft. It's also a big lump for a daily ride / hacking about (when I have room I'll get something smaller in addition to the VFR).
It might be worth taking a look at the very latest VFR800 if its in your price range, they are meant to be very, very good.
Also if you like lots of electronic do-dahs, VFR1200?
Finally, one bike that might fit the bill completely Aprillia Tuono V4 APRC!!
https://cdn.rideapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013%2F07%2FAprilia-Tuono-V4-ABS.jpg
I've a whiteboard in my garage with all the various MOT and tax dates on
Sheer genius.
*off to ebay for a whiteboard*
I did 10k on a VFR, in 2 years. It's okay, but that's it, just okay. From day 1 I started getting bored with it. While some might say it's perfect for everything I would say it's comprimised in every way. The new VFR however does seem a bit more exciting.
I spent yesterday riding 2 of the big tourers you mention and found them both much better than the VFR. More info here (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=165165&page=9).
Red Herring
08-04-15, 02:59 PM
Problem which all of these if they're middle of the road, and will do pretty much anything, pretty good. Whereas I'm looking at something that will do pretty much anything 'very' well - which means anything with standard style suspensions (non-electronic / without quick adjustment) aren't going to cut it.
Such a bike doesn't exist, although your definition of "very well" will obviously be a very personal thing closely linked in with your ability to actually make use of what is available.
Put it this way, you won't find a bike that will allow you to tour two up around Europe for two weeks in complete comfort before finishing up at the Nurburgring where you will be able to worry the lap record...... Most people seeking such a thing find it is far more effective and considerably cheaper to buy a competent all rounder like many of the bikes mentioned and then invest in tuning the nut that holds the handlebars. Good luck though.
nutzboutbikes
08-04-15, 07:32 PM
Finally, one bike that might fit the bill completely Aprillia Tuono V4 APRC!!
https://cdn.rideapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013%2F07%2FAprilia-Tuono-V4-ABS.jpg[/QUOTE]
Mmmm very nice, good call sir!
Red Herring
08-04-15, 08:05 PM
Have you ridden one? One of the few bikes where the expression "it will rip your arms out" really does apply. Absolutely blistering performance, far more than the lack of a screen allows.....
nutzboutbikes
08-04-15, 09:00 PM
no I haven't but I sure would like to experience the arm ripping terror just once, this type of bike (for me anyway) is what a road bike should be
Red Herring
08-04-15, 09:54 PM
You'll need to persuade whoever lends you one (a dealer in my case) to turn some of the electrics down a bit if you want the full experience. The first time I rode it I had a warning light of some description continually flashing at me but with the anti wheelie and traction control etc calmed down a bit it's a proper tool.....for a short while!
allantheboss
08-04-15, 10:19 PM
Xjr1300
allantheboss
08-04-15, 10:21 PM
I drove my XJR Swindon>Rome no problem.
Accelerates faster than I can manage and I've owned the bike for 3 years and 15k miles.
Had it at over 150mph.
Ohlins suspension rear and adjustable both ends.
And I think they're only £8000-9000
Steve_God
08-04-15, 11:23 PM
[Insert VFR Stuff here]
Finally, one bike that might fit the bill completely Aprillia Tuono V4 APRC!!Given how many people rate the VFRs, I'd be stupid not to give it a good test ride to compare it, so will see how it compared.
As for the Aprilla, spotted this last week, and it's one on the list for me to have a look at! If it's as good as the right-up was for it, it could be a forerunner! :) (Although, would want a bigger screen on it mind for the long runs...)
I spent yesterday riding 2 of the big tourers you mention and found them both much better than the VFR.Will be having a proper read through that whole thread tomorrow! Hadn't spotted it, cheers for the link :)
XJR/Accelerates faster than I can manage/Had it at over 150mph/Ohlins suspension rear and adjustable both ends. I want something that will either adjust the suspension automatically, or at the flick of a switch/turn of a dial while on the go. If I need to get a spanner out, I may as well keep what I've got. As for speed, really not fussed about it - I'd rather have something that can hold the speed in the corners, than get up to speed quicker.
Multistrada.Added to the list to test! :) How had I not spotted that before...
Adventure Bikes.
They have very good suspension as standard, let alone when you add ESA/DDC and whatever other electronic names there are. The engines are strong, plenty of torque to get up to speed, perform overtakes and tour effortlessly. Comfy seating position, good screen sizes and wide bars mean an comfortable riding position all day long. With all that you get a lot of luggage options, accessories & options to make the bike fit you ad your needs better. Not many other bikes allow you to change so much, or have as many aftermarket parts to make it your bike.
BMW R1200GS
Ducati Multistrada-chain drive
Yamaha Tenere XT1200Z/ZE
V Strom 1000-chain drive
Triumph Explorer
suzukigt380paul
11-04-15, 12:14 PM
Adventure Bikes.
They have very good suspension as standard, let alone when you add ESA/DDC and whatever other electronic names there are. The engines are strong, plenty of torque to get up to speed, perform overtakes and tour effortlessly. Comfy seating position, good screen sizes and wide bars mean an comfortable riding position all day long. With all that you get a lot of luggage options, accessories & options to make the bike fit you ad your needs better. Not many other bikes allow you to change so much, or have as many aftermarket parts to make it your bike.
BMW R1200GS
Ducati Multistrada-chain drive
Yamaha Tenere XT1200Z/ZE
V Strom 1000-chain drive
Triumph Explorer
Opinions are like ass holes, every one has one.But adventure bikes are not cheap, normally have a high seat,top heavy,and arnt any good in general as a adventure bike,Mcreggor and Boorman have a lot to answer for,and they don't fit into the sports part off sports tourer anywhere,YOU ask my mate who has been across africa and the sahara 4 time what bike he uses,and how many brand new bmw bikes he has seen left behind,and been paid to go back and retrieve them
Opinions are like ass holes, every one has one.But adventure bikes are not cheap, normally have a high seat,top heavy,and arnt any good in general as a adventure bike,Mcreggor and Boorman have a lot to answer for,and they don't fit into the sports part off sports tourer anywhere
I'm guessing you missed the bit where he was wanting electronic suspension? That doesn't usually come on cheap, low end bikes . . .
I'm 5'9" or there about and average build. Even I can confidently ride and manoeuvre a 240KG adventure bike around easily. Bikes like the Tenere & BMW carry the weight low and have a very low centre of gravity compared to a lot of bikes.
Again, you haven't read my post properly about the amount of aftermarket parts available for the bikes. BMW manufacturer different height seats and even subframes if you so wish! Other bikes have adjustable seats already on the bike. I can ride the same bike my 6' 7" brother can because of these features.
The term adventure bike is not really what it once was. Adventure being the journey you now go on, not the terrain.
Tourer: comfortable, ergonomic, economic, good weather protection, good luggage, high MGW . . . did I miss anything?
The OP has not mentioned about the bike being majorly sporty, only that the bike is capable of holding speed round corners and handling well.
was browsing the BMW site and noticed the new 2015 F800R. ticks all my boxes.
seems that BMW are the only real candidate for having the hight of a bike changed at the factory, standard/short/tall options on almost all of their range.
something to consider about electronic suspension, unless it has telelever then as far as i can make out it only affects the rear suspension setting. so whats the point. once a bike has been set up for a rider then there should be no need to change anything. £500-1500 will see most bikes suspension fettled for the rider and the kind of riding they do. the difference a new valve and shim change makes to cartridge forks is astonishing, gone is that roughness but still kept under control. suspension does not have to be hard to be good and on public roads more so.
people are reluctant to spend money on things they cant see but until you have ridden a bike with properly fettled suspension they you will never know its worth.
It works on the front & rear to keep the bike balanced:
http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/safety_concept/safetyconcept_ddc.html&prm_action=¬rack=1
littleoldman2
11-04-15, 01:20 PM
When I was looking at the F800GS a couple of years ago, when the lowered chassis was fitted it lowered the MGW to the point that two up weekends away where not possible.
At 5 foot 4 I cannot get my feet firmly on the floor on an R1200GS with lowered chassis and lowered seat, whereas I can just manage a standard R1200RT with the standard seat in it's lowest position.
It works on the front & rear to keep the bike balanced:
http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/safety_concept/safetyconcept_ddc.html&prm_action=¬rack=1
yes but which models have DDC
I don't know every model they come on, but I am fairly certain that its probably an option on the majority of the models.
was browsing the BMW site and noticed the new 2015 F800R. ticks all my boxes.
Nice bike hatted the clutch
In the past week I've ridden 6 different adventure bikes and I'm very much of the opinion now that they are very much sports touring bikes.
I don't think any would be great off road, but on road they are superb, the V-Strom isn't expensive, neither is the Tracer or the Tiger, granted none have electronic suspension but IMO they don't need them. The only reason the GS needs it is because it's such a fatty and is the only one that will probably be taken off road. All the others allow you to make the same suspension adjustments, just manually.
They all handle great, don't feel too heavy once you get going and with the exception of the 800 Tiger, plenty fast enough for the road.
The latest specs from 2015 models, wet weights (according to manufacturers website).
VStrom 228KG
GS 256KG
Tenere 257KG
Multistrada 232KG
Explorer 267KG
The latest specs from 2015 models, wet weights (according to manufacturers website).
VStrom 228KG
GS 256KG
Tenere 257KG
Multistrada 232KG
Explorer 267KG
Most litre sports bikes are ~200Kg so not a huge difference.
True, especially if you take into consideration that every bike bar the V strom has 1200CC, and all except the VStrom & Multistrada are also Shaft Drive.
Phoenix22
11-04-15, 08:18 PM
I asked myself this question 13 years ago after having a choice of many. Possibly a bit outdated now but 13 years on still suits my criteria. It does everything perfectly & still after 68K hasn't missed a beat so I rekon time has proved i made the right choice.
Certainly still plenty quick enough to show off the modern day pocket rocket only come out on a dry day brigade anyway.
The yamaha Tracer or its more road style (but less wind protection) is a serious contender to the big V twin adventure bikes.
They are quite responsive ;)
Steve_God
13-04-15, 07:46 AM
Adventure Bikes.
I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head.
The fact most of then are shaft drive is a bonus for me too - one less thing to worry about when it comes to maintenance (The fact I have to keep topping up my Scottoiler as often as I do, even on a low setting, annoys me enough :p )
BMW manufacturer different height seats and even subframes if you so wish!
That's something I didn't realise... might need to revisit a dealer to see quite how much they compare - as it's the size of them had had been putting me off some of them (I'm only 5'7...)
Steve_God
13-05-15, 06:00 PM
In case anyone's interested, have got it down to a select handful to test ride:
BMW (ESA): K1300S / R1200RS / R1200RT
Yamaha (electronic suspension adjustment): FJR 1300AS / 1300AE
Aprillia (aDD Active Suspension): Caponord 1200 Travel Pack / 1200 Rally
Ducati (Ducati Skyhook Suspension): Multistrada 1200 S / 1200 S D|Air
If anyone has any particular opinions on these, feel free to share :)
Surprised you're not going to test the GS, that has electronic suspension too.
Balky001
15-05-15, 02:14 PM
S_G. I notice BMW say their S1000 XR is their all rounder. Never seen one before though.
From your list, I'd go for the Ducati but glad you are test riding first. Interested in what you think of them all
S_G. I notice BMW say their S1000 XR is their all rounder. Never seen one before though.
From your list, I'd go for the Ducati but glad you are test riding first. Interested in what you think of them all
Hasn't been release yet. Looks set to be a fine motorcycle though. No price on UK site, US site says $16,000 so it'll probably be at least £12,000 which is a lot.
Balky001
15-05-15, 08:55 PM
ah, that's why I've never seen one then :o:o
STRAMASHER
16-05-15, 12:11 AM
Yam super ten has leccy suspension now too... will get you to your work everyday and to sunnier climes for a week or two on its own two wheels, not on the back of a recovery truck. Will make the fjr seem like a barge too.
Big tank, shaft, cheap rubber, 24k valve checks ...and wide bars so you can really boss it. Fun then.
The money saved goes on an ecu remap and full exhaust.
Happy shopping!
Steve_God
17-05-15, 11:04 AM
Surprised you're not going to test the GS, that has electronic suspension too.Was very tempted, but comparing the GS to the RT/RS, it's bit taller as standard (and I'm only a short @r$e, lol), plus more pricey, which considering I'm not likely to use it off road there's not much benefit for the extra. Haven't 100% ruled it out completely though...
S_G. I notice BMW say their S1000 XR is their all rounder. Never seen one before though.It would be perfect... if it wasn't that it's chain drive instead of shaft, plus more pricey than the 1200 RS.
Yam super ten has leccy suspension now too...
I looked at that one but couldn't find any reference to it - is it an optional add-on for it?
You can get a lowered GS, I'm 5ft 8 and struggled on the standard GS but the lowered one I could get both feet flat.
The R1200RS looks like it's going to be awesome though
http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-motorcycles/2015-bmw-r1200rs/2015-bmw-r1200rs.jpg
Steve_God
25-05-15, 05:55 PM
Ok, went on a Triumph Trophy (happened to pop in, and figured I'd try it given it's the only bike they have with electronic suspension) on Saturday, and on a BMW R1200RS and R1200RT today, so here are my initial reviews:
BMW R1200RS
[Pictures to follow here]
TL;DR: Brilliant, just brilliant.
Upright position, perfect, could sit in that position all day! Getting back on the SV (albeit, with lower bars than normal with my GSXR front end conversion), felt terrible in comparison on my back.
Decent enough wind shield to keep enough wind off.
The boxer engine gives and gives and gives on the power front. It's exactly what I like in terms of of low down power, but all the way through the rev range. Decent, and consistent power, wherever you want. Admittedly, I'm sure you could get more powerful litre sports bikes in terms of raw power/acceleration, but I'd rather have decent torque throughout, than to have to have a few extra horses that I'd never use unless on a track.
On handling, the balance was incredible. With the engine being low down, and no unneeded weight up top, it felt as good as the SV - throw it in however you liked, with no traumas at all. I was expecting the higher seating position to have an impact, but the extra weight low down countered that out completely.
Then came the toys... OH MY THE TOYS!!!
First, gear shifting... once you're into first, no need to use the gear lever after that. When accelerating, it changes up using your foot alone. When slowing down, it changes down using your foot alone. It was brilliant for launching up to... high speeds, ahem, without any effort at all. Just keep the throttle pinned, notch up with your foot for the gears, and makes it much easier to hang on!!
Cruise control... traction control... abs... heated grips... does what it says on the tin...
Then the suspension. Oddly, I was expecting it to have their ESA II system, which alongside the initial setup (how many riders/luggage), also allows for hard/normal/soft riding conditions. Instead it had their Dynamic ESA settings. Managed to change the settings from 'Road' to 'Dynamic' which stiffened things up, was very good indeed! Although, struggled to get it into a softer setting... Having got back home and read up on it, it looks like it also links into the traction control system to alter the suspension too, so probably needed to have more of a play with that to get it softer, but in the main, I couldn't complain at all! May need to do another test-rise with the Mrs on to check it ticks the boxes on that front.
In summary, it was amazing, and being shaft-drive too is an extra bonus. Something else would really need to wow me, for me to not have bought this by the end of Summer.
BMW R1200RT
[Pictures to follow here]
TL;DR: Brilliant, but a bit big for what I'm after.
Going to keep this much shorter than the previous review (the RS), given it's pretty much the same bike. So instead, I'm just going to outline the differences.
Upright position, pretty much same as the RS. Going back to back, I noticed that the RT is a slightly more neutral position, but not much at all.
Decent enough wind shield to keep enough wind off.
The same boxer engine as the RS (pretty much). Only noticeable difference in performance was purely due to the larger bulk of the bike, and only noticeable at higher speeds (ie, more air resistance effect).
Even though it had the extra bulk, braking was still good and sharp, and it wasn't noticeable on that front.
On handling, for it's size, still very good! Not quite as honed as the RS, but still very very good! Again, can only put it down to the engine being low down to counteract the bulk up top.
Onto the toys again... all the same as the RS, gear shifting cleverness... Cruise control... traction control... abs... heated grips... only extra was heated seat. Nice, but could live without it.
Onto suspension, it had their ESA II system, which was very impressive! setting it on hard made it feel more like a top spec sports tourer in the corners, and setting it to soft made it like an armchair. Perfect!
In summary, the main downside I found was it's size. If I was touring Europe several time a year, or doing lots of motorway miles, I'd pick this over the RS. Slightly better coverage at the front from wind, and is very much kitted to be in the saddle for hours on end. Not much in it on performance, and handling either. For me, I prefer to filter, and the extra width of the bike (just at the front, ignoring the panniers) was that bit too much for me.
Triumph Trophy
TL;DR: It's an armchair.
Their Electronic Suspension system, to change to soft/normal/hard on the go works well, but even on hard, it wasn't 'quite' hard enough for my personal tastes. Soft however was brilliant, like being sat in an armchair at home!
Plenty of power, all good on that front, but it was so heavy that the braking was really affected. So noticeable that it made me feel nervous of really making the most of the decent suspension, for fear of it simply not stopping!
On handling, it felt very top heavy too. Again, what you'd expect from a big tourer.
It had the usual standard gadgets you'd expect from a big tourer, so not going to go into the details on that, but they worked (although the menu system wasn't an intuitive as you'd have hoped).
In summary, it was WAY too big for me... confirmed that I'm too small for a fully blown tourer.
Steve_God
26-05-15, 07:24 PM
Managed to find an hour for another test ride today...
Yamaha FJR1300AE
TL;DR: Better than I expected! But not sure if it's quite for me.
Seating position was odd - was a mostly upright position, but by the end of the hour my shoulders were aching as if I'd been leaning much more forward than I was. Not sure it it was due to the 'slightly' forward lean, or just needing to use more effort with it being a bigger bike... not sure. Maybe a combination of both.
Wind shield was massive, barely needed to even put my visor down.
The engine... loads of power... throughout the whole rev range too. Only thing it lacked was character. Can't put my finger on quite what, as it felt a tad quicker than the BMWs, but lacked 'something'.
On handling, the balance was very good indeed. In particular when it was set for hard suspension - when in soft, didn't fill me with as much confidence. But for the size of it, I was expecting it to be more top heavy, and it wasn't at all.
Not to many toys on this one... apparently next model up, the AS version does have electronic gear shifting (not even a clutch). Had the usual Cruise control... traction control... abs... heated grips... etc...
The electronic suspension was good too. As well as setting up the pre-ride settings, you also have 7 settings to fiddle with from soft to hard, and can pre-set three settings for being selected on the go. Very much the same as the rest mind, but worked well. Only downside, is that on sharp braking, it still had a good bit of dive, and didn't register it as quickly to counteract it.
In summary, I preferred it to the R1200RT, as it was slightly narrower, and I felt more 'sports' than 'tourer', but not sure it quite won me over from the R1200RS...
If its the air cooled R1200RT then the panniers are no wider than the mirrors. If its the water cooled model then im not sure. If it helps!!!
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