Bashing the Bash
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 4:56 pm
At the PA Bash there were 3 K1200's - two S's and an R Sport. Former Roadster/Beakster guys who turned hooligan. To their credit, the Roadster guys and Beaksteristas put up with that stuff pretty good naturedly. Here is a brief synopsis for anyone interested in the rain riding ability of the K1200: no issues. Fully loaded bags and soft top duffle, rider in a 'Stich.
The arrival trip, 300 miles of rain swinging from drizzle to downpour, was uneventful. The bike remains planted, stable in winds, sure-footed on wet corners. I was a bit concerned about over powering a corner exit and losing the rear, but it never happened. The Sport screen keeps the most wicked weather off the body while the lower legs somehow also remained dry(ish). The roads were mostly clear of debris and gravel but being Pennsylvania ranged in condition from excellent to poorly maintained. A mix of US highways, state highways, and local roads.
The return trip featured a change - fog to go with the drizzle, rain, and drenching rain. Again, sure footed and stable in all conditions. During one transition through a largely populated and traffic heavy area, the range of response from slow and low to high and fast was smooth and had no rough throttle transitions.
Overall, the BMW inline 4, the K12 frame, and Duolever/Paralever suspension make for a good sport-touring setup in the wet stuff.
The arrival trip, 300 miles of rain swinging from drizzle to downpour, was uneventful. The bike remains planted, stable in winds, sure-footed on wet corners. I was a bit concerned about over powering a corner exit and losing the rear, but it never happened. The Sport screen keeps the most wicked weather off the body while the lower legs somehow also remained dry(ish). The roads were mostly clear of debris and gravel but being Pennsylvania ranged in condition from excellent to poorly maintained. A mix of US highways, state highways, and local roads.
The return trip featured a change - fog to go with the drizzle, rain, and drenching rain. Again, sure footed and stable in all conditions. During one transition through a largely populated and traffic heavy area, the range of response from slow and low to high and fast was smooth and had no rough throttle transitions.
Overall, the BMW inline 4, the K12 frame, and Duolever/Paralever suspension make for a good sport-touring setup in the wet stuff.
