Today I took the M1200S out, barely 100m on the clock. Finish is impressive, love the simple colour scheme and of course always a bit partial to a smattering of gold. Its a great looking bike standing still or on the move. Good seating position on a very ample, comfy seat giving a commanding view of whats ahead. The dash is superb, shows everything you need to see in colour, awesome! Spent almost 3 hours in some pretty poor weather but that didn't dampen my enthusiasm or the bikes. Initially I found the power delivery low down to judder annoyingly and only when shifting along did it feel smooth. Wonder if it needs a fuel remap similar to that when the Hypermotard needed when first launched? Rider position was difficult as I like to ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs but the pillion pegs (arms, brackets whatever they are called) being so big get in the way and I lost count of the amount of times my right foot slipped off the peg. My feet aren't huge but the pegs are stupidly small, not fun at all. Apart from that it was comfortable on the back, wrists and arms and even on the motorway it wasn't uncomfortable given the lack of wind protection. By the end of the test my knees where aching but this could be due to my enforced foot position. Standard exhaust note is nice but needs after market, stating the obvious! Due to the weather I did use all 3 modes and in rain its gruff and ever so slightly vibby in comparison to the other to modes. In sport its fun, good noise and quick, not S1000R quick but still "lose your licence" quick. The monster demands to be chucked through roundabouts and bends, pity the pouring rain restricted the "fun" I bet that is where it excels. Undecided as I don't know if I can live with one as my only road bike?, need to scratch, take the wife (very occasionally) and travel to IOM every year loaded with kit. Unsure it's an all rounder but certainly tempted. + looks! that Ducati appeal, fun, cool, iconic - not an all rounder?? Bloody expensive
