Had a R1200S which I loved, so took my chance and ordered an HP2 sport before I even saw a picture, thinking it must be better. To say I was not disappointed is an understatement. No matter where you look it is very special and then when you ride it, it gets even better. It handles and goes like a sport 600 with grunt, much more so than the R1200S, which you have to work much harder. It is so stable when cranked over it just asks you to open the throttle up that little bit more – on smooth A roads and rough B roads, which is remarkable. It seems to change direction with thought alone and the brakes are full of feel are very stable. As for the toys; the dash will keep me busy for the next few months trying to work it all out, but the best toy is the quick-changer, so long you don't use it on a closed throttle and you remember to keep it open. It really does help you make smooth rapid progress but the ‘pop’ sound it makes as you change gear is reason enough alone to use it – its fab. The down side compared to the R1200S is that it’s not as comfortable, the seat is harder and the bars are lower, but still much better than most, similar to the RC8, which I had a test ride on. However the mirrors are a real joke – you cannot see behind you without climbing out of the seat, which is dangerous, so I will look to change this.
I love this bike. It’s a true work of art, exclusive, rapid, fun and still quite comfortable – what more can you ask.
