My planned mission( Plan A) was a gentlemanly 600km-plus cruise down the North Island to Pahiatua, my old stomping ground for the Bushriders MCC annual Christmas trail ride. Of course, I would take in a reasonable amount of gravel roads along the way and perhaps even a few k’ s of the trail ride itself if it wasn’ t too wet. My ol’ mate Rev was booked to carry the extra kit for me as the R12G / S is not all that well equipped for luggage, and, bless his heart, a Husky TE300 for the trail ride itself. Sadly, that trip south was curtailed because the weather forecast was bleak and my‘ princess radar’ was seriously triggered. A car ride suddenly seemed so much more inviting. Plan B had to be engaged, but still meant I’ d still get the full measure of experience on the R12G / S. Everything from deep sand, gravel, sticks, a log or two, dirt terrain and tarmac went under the Anakee Wild 50 / 50 Michelin tyres in the week or so I had it on loan from BMW, so I could get to fully understand the R12G / S.
BAPTISM OF... SAND BMW sent us the R12G / S with the Enduro Package Pro, which updates the stock bike with an 18-inch rear wheel, off-road tyres, enduro footrests, engine bashplate, 20mm‘ bar risers, hand guards, a longer side-stand and an extra riding mode – Enduro Pro. It was also fitted with the Comfort Package, which adds an up / down quick-shifter, Hill-Start, heated grips and cruise-control. My first actual blast was out to the beach to find some sand. To be frank, this is not the G / S’ happy place. It has a mind of its own in deep sand, the front end offers little confidence, with a keenness to tuck. In fairness to the G / S though, all big bikes will happily tuck in deep sand. It’ s a weight thing and a very specific chopper-like setup is what helps most in deep soft sand. Also, the gearing is particularly tall in first gear. The speedo needs 20km / h on it so the bike won’ t stall in deep sand, or the clutch is having a decent workout. Having owned a few GS’ of my own, I was careful not to work the singleplate dry clutch hard, but could still smell the
66 KIWI RIDER