I test rode the 1200gs to get the idea out of my head. The idea was planted by having read the glowing tributes paid to it by the motorcycle press, whom I always take with a pinch of salt (nice way of saying bunch of






s). A 160 mile test ride sold me on the thing, I did not want to take it back to the dealer. I paid a deposit that day and ordered most of the trimmings to go with the bike. I picked the bike up one year ago and have put 11,000 miles on it since then, touring Norway, a couple of french trips, plus miles of back lanes. I love the machine. Only troubles have been squeaky and juddery brakes, fixed under warranty.
My motorcycle gear is nearly all new BMW stuff, the Santiago suit and system five helmet being the best I have owned in 35 years of biking.
All motorcycling gear/bikes are compromises, but for today I feel I have the compromise that best suits me.
Funnily enough the BMW clothing seems to work just as well on my 650 Transalp and when holidaying in the Dolomites with my wife, who also wears a BMW suit, on our CB1300 and Hedingham SS sidecar outfit.
I have a simple philosophy, if you ride a bike and did'nt nick it, you are all right by me.
Cheers