options
This goes back to the days when BMWs and even Mercedes 190s were basic and even came with manual windows, now everything comes with air-con, electric windows etc. etc.
Buying a new car, or bike, is an exciting thing to do, manufacturers capitalise on this behind the banner of "personalisation", with a list of tempting options usually expressed as "only an extra £x a month". It's easy to get carried away, but that's down to willpower! Mini is a classic example, my wife's first Mini One, (list £9995) ended up being £14,538 and our new Mini Cooper D (list £16,180) came out at £21,500. We knew what we were doing, weren't conned so we're happy. Some options will have paid for themselves come resale time e.g alloy wheels, others are just a nice to have.
Factory options are extra profit for manufacturers; if a bike/car already has drive by wire and ABS then cruise control and traction control cost a few pounds to add, but will command £00s as options.
In the end if you want them, you pay, if not don't tick the box, simples.
PS the ESA does make a difference to the RT, very useful on a tourer, probably less so on a sportsbike.
