Scottish Motorcycle Show 2006

[alistairl]

Sat on every BMW they had on the stand. First time I noticed that the R bikes have their swing arm on the RHS and K on the left - never noticed that before.

The HP2 is a crazy thing, with what I think must be one of the longest side stands around. I must say that the new 800 parallel twins are excellent, the F 800 S has lots of room, though for some reason I didn't find the F 800 ST as comfortable, and the panniers just look strange to me.

They had the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, they are two bikes I really like. I really like the look of the adventure, but a bike that big and heavy to do what it does is another crazy thing.

Disappointingly they didn't have the R 1200 ST this year, or did they have the F 650 enduros either.

I had a sit on the R 1200 S which has the sportiest riding position of all of the new BMW motorcycles, with quite a reach forward and higher pegs. Not as extreme as some sports bikes, but with a couple of inches at least in the more extreme direction than the R 1100 RS I ride.

The stand also featured the new K lineup, with the K 1200 S, K 1200 R and K 1200 GT. I really like the K 1200 S, and still think it is excellent. The only thing I found surprising is that the bike on the stand was beginning to show a bit of wear and tear - or perhaps I weigh too much - but the plastic at the back of the tank moved a little when I was shifting around on the seat.

I'm afraid the K 1200 R just doesn't do it for me, I can't quite put my finger on it but the riding position wasn't right for me. The K 1200 GT is another impressive machine, with all sorts of gadgets - individually heated seats, big panniers that integrate well with the bike, albeit with a look that has large slabs of flat bodywork.

The R 1200 RT was also available on the stand, and from the rider position I wouldn't say there was a big amount to say that was different that the K 1200 GT. Both have been equipped as excellent tourers, with comfort aids and luggage space to go with it.

The only other bike on the stand was one of the Dakar machines used by the BMW team featuring Charlie Boorman, though we weren't allowed to sit on that.

[Scotboxer]

Hi Alistair

Fancy meeting up at the new M'rad Central shop on Saturday? They sent me an invite but I guess it's come one come all!

[bobmin]

Originally Posted by alistairl

I must say that the new 800 parallel twins are excellent, the F 800 S has lots of room, though for some reason I didn't find the F 800 ST as comfortable, and the panniers just look strange to me.

Thanks for the summary, I'm looking forward to the 800's coming to the states, I've gotten it into my head that an F800ST can replace both my RS and my F650ST. So you gotta tell me more. Isn't the ST more upright than the S, I thought it would be a little more relaxed than the S. How about seat height, were you able to get it off the center stand? I believe I've read that the seat is very nearrow in front so that us shorties can still get our feet on the ground even though the seat is not lowest in the lineup.

[alistairl]

Originally Posted by bobmin

Thanks for the summary, I'm looking forward to the 800's coming to the states, I've gotten it into my head that an F800ST can replace both my RS and my F650ST. So you gotta tell me more. Isn't the ST more upright than the S, I thought it would be a little more relaxed than the S. How about seat height, were you able to get it off the center stand? I believe I've read that the seat is very nearrow in front so that us shorties can still get our feet on the ground even though the seat is not lowest in the lineup.

Hi, the tricky thing with the bikes at the show is that they mount them solidly at the front, so it isn't possible to get a proper feel of their weight.

The ST definately felt more relaxed than the S, and the bike certainly felt narrower and had plenty of room. I'm 6'5" though so I'm not a particularly good judge of height!

[alistairl]

Originally Posted by Scotboxer

Hi Alistair

Fancy meeting up at the new M'rad Central shop on Saturday? They sent me an invite but I guess it's come one come all!

Sounds like an excellent idea, providing there isn't any snow. I'd be able to make it down in the afternoon. Do you know where their Dalkeith place is?

[Scotboxer]

Turn left on your way into Dalkeith from Edinburgh road. It's at the east end of the High Street near the entrance to the entrance to Dalkeith Palace.

[alistairl]

Originally Posted by Scotboxer

Turn left on your way into Dalkeith from Edinburgh road. It's at the east end of the High Street near the entrance to the entrance to Dalkeith Palace.

Excellent, thanks. Sounds a lot easier to find than Motorrad Central West (as they are calling their other place now).

http://www.motorradcentraleast.com/ - under construction....