Long term update: What's it like in the wet?
The rain outside hammers against the windows of my warm and cosy home. The task of collecting various items of warm and waterproof clothing is done with a certain dread. I only have a 20-mile commute to work, but it’s taken me 15 minutes just to get ready.
At least with the R1200RS I can chuck my dry clothes for the day ahead in the panniers. And I can just load up my laptop and other work-associated paraphernalia. Oh no I can’t as my laptop barely fits into the slightly-too-small panniers. I can get it in but without any sort of covering or protection and in this rain I am not risking the chance of moisture sneaking in and dissolving next week’s MCN.
So it’s on with a rucksack, which is pretty galling when you’ve got hard luggage costing nearly a grand (including the BMW top box, which I rarely use).
I don’t normally like riding in the rain and I question the sanity of those that do. Especially those that do when they don’t have to. But within a few miles, I’m settling into a rhythm.
The heated grips are on full and the warmth is seeping through my body giving me an impression of complete dryness. The sticky-out cylinders of the brilliant 125bhp Boxer motor offer protection to my feet and lower legs and the screen is doing a good job of deflecting wind and rain – it’s in the most upright position and works well.
I’d like to say the riding modes are helpful in the wet too, but I can’t get on with the Rain setting. It just dulls everything down. I can tell if it’s in Rain mode, simply by revving the engine. It feels like it’s not running properly. I have used Dynamic mode most of the time and flick it into Road if it’s really wet to soften the power delivery a bit.
Jerky gear changes are avoided thanks to the quick-shifter and autoblipper. Just change up with a flick of the left foot and the change is smooth and seamless. The riding position is neutral and offers an impressive view of the hazards ahead.
I still don’t LIKE riding in the wet, but the R1200RS makes it utterly bearable.
