Well after taking the R1200GS out for the day yesterday I can only say I think I have a new bike on top of my wish list. Had it for 7 hours, rode 500km with pillion which comprised about 150km of freeway, 140km of open country roads, 150km of tight mountain roads and 60km of dirt/gravel/mud/clay. A lot more sluggish off off a standing start than I'm used to which took a bit of getting used to, and I had expected it would have felt stronger when it was putting along in 5th or 6th gear < 80kph. It really did need a downshift to 4th to get moving, which was strange because in 3rd it would happily accelerate out of a hairpin corner in the dirt/gravel from walking pace without complaint. Not as fast on the straights as my 1200, but quite happily cruised along at 120kph and in the twisties it took the corners as fast as I could go on any bike I've ridden. It handled the dirt and gravel as if it was bitumen. Unfortunately the rear tyre came unstuck at the apex of a hairpin on clay at about 25kph and the bike looped around and came to a stop facing the direction from whence we came. Rider, pillion and bike all ok (handy having a pillion to land on to soften the blow and keep the leathers clean :)) and bike unscathed aside from some very minor scratches on left side rocker cover and bark buster.. stay tuned for forthcoming ebay auctions :) Nev.. '03 ZX12R
