Had the opportunity to ride the bike everyone is raving about so thought I would supply my own observations about the bike so if you own one or have one on order remember it is just my view.
Set off early to collect the bike rode my GSA 1200 LC rather than take the car it was 2 c this morning so pretty cold it was the manual with fogs,crashbars, few deflectors and heated grips, the bike does look well and although it looks tall you feel as though you are sitting in it,When you first start the bike it sounds fantastic set the traction and heated grips and then off North towards the scottish borders from Newcastle the Gearbox is silky smooth and its the first bike for years I did not wear earplugs it sounds that good.
The roads where pretty dry but B roads where wet and greasy and a bit icy.The bike is more than quick enough no problem there but coming straight off the BMW after the initial WOw you start to think more about how you would live with the bike Im 6" 4 and the bars and seat are to low bike feels like an 800, After the BM you have to get your head around Brake dive.
Above 70 the wind hits your helmet hard took the bike up to 117 on the clock got there easy enough but the wind blast brings you back to earth, also at speed yes it handles alright but but does not feel planted like the BM and turn in is slower one thing you notice especially in that cold is the lack of protection to you lower legs I had sealskin socks ,Goretex boots and Rukka pants Merino bottoms on and my feet where starting to get cold rode through winter on BM never had to even think about that.On the way back had to keep stretching my legs and arse went numb and came back early had enough, would I tour on one No is it a good bike Yes for the right people bet its brilliant off road.(also owned GSA1150, KTm 950, KTM 1190,Caponord 1200 Touring Pack so have tryed a few other Adventure bikes) On the way home fitted some Anakee Wild tyres on the BM as long as it is reliable will definatey keep for planned trips this year cannot wait.
Set off early to collect the bike rode my GSA 1200 LC rather than take the car it was 2 c this morning so pretty cold it was the manual with fogs,crashbars, few deflectors and heated grips, the bike does look well and although it looks tall you feel as though you are sitting in it,When you first start the bike it sounds fantastic set the traction and heated grips and then off North towards the scottish borders from Newcastle the Gearbox is silky smooth and its the first bike for years I did not wear earplugs it sounds that good.
The roads where pretty dry but B roads where wet and greasy and a bit icy.The bike is more than quick enough no problem there but coming straight off the BMW after the initial WOw you start to think more about how you would live with the bike Im 6" 4 and the bars and seat are to low bike feels like an 800, After the BM you have to get your head around Brake dive.
Above 70 the wind hits your helmet hard took the bike up to 117 on the clock got there easy enough but the wind blast brings you back to earth, also at speed yes it handles alright but but does not feel planted like the BM and turn in is slower one thing you notice especially in that cold is the lack of protection to you lower legs I had sealskin socks ,Goretex boots and Rukka pants Merino bottoms on and my feet where starting to get cold rode through winter on BM never had to even think about that.On the way back had to keep stretching my legs and arse went numb and came back early had enough, would I tour on one No is it a good bike Yes for the right people bet its brilliant off road.(also owned GSA1150, KTm 950, KTM 1190,Caponord 1200 Touring Pack so have tryed a few other Adventure bikes) On the way home fitted some Anakee Wild tyres on the BM as long as it is reliable will definatey keep for planned trips this year cannot wait.