The 12 Monster looks wrong - like the wheelbase has been stretched - or the frame has been bobbed? Just not pleasing to the eye. IMHO? I can vouch for the K1300R - turbine smooth engine, with seemingly endless torque, it'll never leave you thinking you need more power! Handling is very stable - but not keen to change line mid-corner. Unreal mpg figures - minimum 45mpg, usually more. Personally I love them, but wanted a change and a Ducati ('cos I've never had one before). Try before you buy though - you might think it a bit - soulless?
Have you compared an S1000R to the K13? I haven't tried a K13R as yet but did test ride a K13S and figure it would be quite similar. In the K's favour, you have the immense stability, bigger real estate for pillions and luggage and the ability to take factory panniers, topbox, etc. As for cons, the long wheelbase would be a pain for me in hairpins and tight roads and the clocks are pretty dated and cheesy looking. The S1000R is just superb value and does most things well. I was very impressed with it. I'm not sure about the XR but will check it out at the show. It has a whiff of TDM about it but I feel that way about any 'adv' bike that isn't a flat twin or v-twin.
I think that's the change of rear mudguard that has done that. Compared to the recent aircooled models, the tail still finishes in about the same place but the lack of rear guard/plate hanging off it makes it look stumpier. Would be getting rid of that rear wheel mount and going to a small tail tidy instead.
That's the bit that worries, too many horror stories in the past. Also hard to pin the residuals on this, Norton are claiming practically zero depreciation but then they would.
Yeah, your right, quite a few horror stories people paying there deposits and not getting bikes when they expected, not good business practice!! Don't think I would have risked putting my money down and waiting..? Norton claims about zero depreciation are bold and brave I agree, but I think its still a pretty safe purchase as far as depreciation is concerned, at least it shouldn't lose as much as my Ducati has!!
Had a look at/sit on the new bike on Saturday at the NEC. Very disappointed in the bike. It looks big, is big and seems to have lost ALL of the compactness of the S1000R. Tall, fat, bulky and ugly are what I took away from it. Like a GS. By comparison there was an S1000R with a decent size screen fitted. Very nice indeed.
Will have a look and sit on Wednesday and it'll be interesting to see what impression V the 2015 Multi. But inline 4 would rule it out for me and even if quicker than the Multi, I don't think I'd enjoy it as much. Lack of soul and for me, the wrong badge. The roadtest of an S1000RX/ KTM/ MTS1200 will be interesting next year.
Passing resemblance methinks ... Far too ugly to be a Ducati! Silencer is nearly as vile as the Caponord's. And it's a BMW. They haven't made a good-looking bike since the 80s-vintage R100RS.
Yuk. Like all their bikes. Theyve never made a nice one. Why anyone would prefer this to a multi is beyond me. A BMW badge is meaningless. Ducati at least have kudos, whether deserved or not. A BMW is just another indifferent bike made in Germany. Sooner have the KTM. That name has kudos also.
