We got the first new R1200RS Water Boxer in the other day and before the happy customer picked it up it needed a PDI in the workshop and a full tank of petrol, though they call it gas here, never mind the fact that gas is a vapour.

I digress. It was a sunny day and I got to ride it. It was sweet. I didn't do any wheelies, intentionally* and enjoyed the pulse of the flat twin boxer motor threshing away beneath me and the slight reach to the bars, very K100RS reminiscent. I was surprised at the lack of fork dive under braking, in a big part because these bikes have a DDC option (Dynamic Damping Control) which firms or softens the suspension as needed by FM (f*ck*ng Magic). It's not equipped with a Telelever front suspension like its sister, the R1200R, but unlike the others in the lineup, the R1200RT and the R1200GS/GSA wasser boxers, do.

I wouldn't mind a bike like this in my garage, well, except for the insurance, monthly payment, worries about damaging the paint, and that brand new bike issue of whether it'll hold up. Nah, I reckon I'm happy with my several older Ks and the R1150RT. I own 'em outright.




*or unintentionally

Good stuff.  i have a friend in Canberra who will definitely be buying one.

The latest R1200R just released in OZ doesnt have a Telelever either.

Al

Working in a motorbike shop you rarely get a chance to go and visit others. The local megaplexmultilinesuperstore down the road was open on Sunday when we went to the farm store for straw and garden implements, so we dropped in for a squiz. My intention was to show my gal the new 1650cc Motus Baby Block V4 - not out quite yet. So this Norton 961 and a Slingshot 3-wheeler made up for it. The new Indian Scout is cool in the flesh, low to the ground and more nimble than I'd pictured from magazines. The Victory isn't my style, but that new Race to the Clouds V-Twin for racing-only that they're collaborating with Roland Sands on is something to watch. The KTMs are intriquing.



The salesmen were hungry. I managed to get away with just the business card of one of them and didn't give away my name and number.



I'd love to take this for a burn!