BMW R1800

[Ray]

   

So, did some service at the new dealership site for Gateway, today in preparation for some good Ozark/SE US miles in a couple weeks.

(I have sports medicine board certification, but will add an aside here, that my physical therapist is a genius when it comes to ergonomics and mechanics for the "upper half of the motorcycle.")

Rode the R18 pictured. WHAT A PIG. Darrell might be right about cruising the grain elevator museums in central Illinois, but wrestling this beast to hit my turn points in the twisties around Babler State Park (convenient to the new dealership site) were a reminder that I haven't been able to spend as much time in the gym as I would like. And it pulls like a John Deere.

So of course, I returned and took out a new RT.... At low speed, quite the handler, and at low speed, better than the RS (which sports a slightly longer wheel base). Wheelies in 1st and a little in 2nd. In higher speed turns, however, the front end doesn't kneel into the turn under braking like the RS does, so the effects of the shorter wheel base are negated, and frankly, after 7.5 y on the RS (and a couple y on the Truvativ suspension upgrade), I'll take the lighter (by 60-some pounds) and less expensive RS..., for now. (See comments above on necessity of PT consultation and ongoing rehab to stay on the road.)

Ride on.