large arc compared to the reasonably low Triumph position , but I love quick back roads , and the BMW is a great way to play there , and its biddable behaviour belies its rather looming static profile . It is true that the bike has the silhouette of the adventure bike stylings , and maybe that look doesn ’ t have as much brute sex appeal as , say , the Thruxton RS or a Panigale might , but knowing what it does and how brilliantly it does it , it elicits a real unflinching fondness for the machine .
A PAIR OF UNDIES AND A CREDIT CARD Lockdown was cruel , particularly the second phase here in Auckland , which gave limited motorcycle use , and no touring . Every day I passed the parked bike , however , I fantasised about an upcoming South Island tour I have planned . I expect every northern rider was feeling the same , but it ’ s exacerbated by knowing that now I have the perfect bike to do it on . I ’ m not a great fan of boxes on bikes and it was the legendary Dick Driver who said to
me “ the touring kit should be small ; one spare pair of undies and a credit card ”, and there ’ s a certain allure to that , not least of which is not carting even more weight about . I do stow some light , wet weather over-gear , but if it ’ s that torrential I find a place to stop or stay . Simple . A helmet box might useful , and maybe even a tank bag , but personally I prefer to be as unencumbered as possible . So , not for me . I once toured the South Island carrying a tent and sleeping bag , air mattress , gas cooker , and utensils , spare rope , first aid kit and tyre repair kit , and never unpacked any of it in two weeks . The S1000XR has not been the first choice of bike for the touring set , and I find myself wondering why not . On paper the bike does everything you want and more . On track , it ’ s a blisteringly fast inline-four race machine with a pedigree and superb mechanicals . I wouldn ’ t go searching out gravel roads on the , admittedly , tarmac-focused XR , but they would hold few fears for a rider . On road it can be used conservatively and calmly with considerable ease , but on the wide open roads of back country ,
52 KIWI RIDER