There is manual rebound adjustment as well . My basic interpretation of all this is that the further through the travel you get the firmer the damping can be – up to 100 %, if need be , thanks to ASC – automatic stability control – electronic adjustment . I found the suspension action to be on the firm side . The shock in particular can be a tad harsh when confronted by our all too common poor road surfaces . The forks feel firm but compliant , a nice mix . On decent surfaces the balance and control is great with no excess drive under braking and generally a firm yet comfortable and controlled ride . As a suspension performance overview , very few road machines offer a great ride on our terrible roads . The steering head angle is 27.7 degrees . This seemed to me to be on the slow side when reading the spec sheet and indicates a stable machine and a chassis most suited to quick open roads and flowing turns – planted handling in favour of pure agility . And sure enough , that pretty much sums up the R1250R natural tendencies . In quick , open turns it is rock solid with a very secure and planted feeling . It also feels like the weight bias tends to be on the nose or front forward . This doesn ’ t mean it can ’ t be fired up a tight and twisty road with aplomb , it can . It just means a little more muscle is required at turn in time for initial direction changes , the reward being greater stability at speed in the turn . Compared to my GS 1250 ... the GS has lighter turn-in and is generally more effortless in
64 KIWI RIDER