[ArbOl]

Hi all, just passed 3 years since the loss of my 1250r. I remember Panzerman being ironic about holding out for a larger cc back then, reckon I should twiddle thumbs a while longer for the 1500

But seriously, now I’ve got over the pain of separation it got me on a test ride waiting list of the ‘other side’ - a Moto Guzzi Stelvio due out in the new year.

Loved the engine feel and thud of both the 85TT and 100V and of course the essential shaft drive. It’s just that I can’t shake the feeling they’re second best (classic BMWitis) so a test ride of the latest R or even the lighter GS is necessary.

But is it worth risking temptation by making a comparison to the 2019? Maybe better to stay in remission.

 

[ArbOl]

The headlight actually makes sense on that version.

 

[ArbOl]

Had a back to back test ride last week on both an 1300 ASA R and standard RS. Though better looking the latter was noticeably less sprightly with the full fairing - a different application afterall. But two things stood out completely against expectation. The ASA is a revelation even tho I was sure it was going to be abominable, inwardly shaking my head at the foolishness. Yet it was more enjoyable, and point and squirt intuitive than it ought to be. The absence of a lever is still deeply disturbing for the first 10-20 minutes tho’. Yes the front is an axe job - but. Heading out at 130kph and briefly above on the nearest motorway there was yet more juju. The damned thing had less buffering and chest pressure than the RS. So the droopy headlight and barrage-like upper assembly must be a deliberate design to splice and deflect airflow. It’d need a longer test ride to verify for ingrained R bias - just feels like the RS is a little too ponderous for the city. If true I may need to buy a hat in order to eat it.