04-07-2019, 03:50 PM
The new engine is excellent, as it met the standards of western environmental requirements yet still bumped up the horsepower. I've never been much of a horsepower-monger, so I still think of my RS1200RS as a pretty peppy ride. I suppose that expecting another game-changer like liquid-cooled heads is unreasonable, but a 9% gain is still pretty substantial.
The GS is heavier and taller than the RS. It also sports Telelever and Hayes brakes. Combined, these differences account for your conclusions. I happen to agree. The RS does everything well on any paved road. It even holds it's own on well graded dirt/gravel roads. I'll be putting the Beemer to the test this year as it will get most of the touring assignments this season. I'm pretty optimistic that this will be a blue ribbon year.
The GS is heavier and taller than the RS. It also sports Telelever and Hayes brakes. Combined, these differences account for your conclusions. I happen to agree. The RS does everything well on any paved road. It even holds it's own on well graded dirt/gravel roads. I'll be putting the Beemer to the test this year as it will get most of the touring assignments this season. I'm pretty optimistic that this will be a blue ribbon year.
"Specialization is for insects." ~ Robert Heinlein