They clearly serve 2 different purposes where my R11S is the bike I can take the gf and luggage on vacation, whereas the driving pleasure the R12S provides is unmatched.
Having 2 (3 counting the R80) bikes is quite a job in terms of maintenance, washing, insurances, tax, tyres etc etc etc and I'd love to combine the purposes of the 2 bikes into one, preferably as new or newer than the R12S so to minimise maintenance.
I figure that if I sell off my 2-3 bikes I can easily fund an R12S and having looked at the specs, but not driven one yet, the following seems to be the case:
Engine-wise the R12RS and R12S seem quite similar, but the weight of the R12RS is the same as the R11S. In terms of dimensions they are similar but the R12RS has 2° more rake than both the S bikes, which indicates slower turning and more touring biased handling.
The luggage capability of the R12RS outmatches the R11S as it has bigger and better panniers and easily fits a top box as well.
In addition it comes with electronic suspension, quick-shifter, ABS and traction control, something I'd love as I often feel i'm loosing grip on the rear tire coming out of sharp corners and roundabouts.
The question really is, for you who have ridden one, is the R12RS the bike that the R12S should have been, a worthy successor of the R11S in the sense of being a Victoriknox version of a bike, one bike does all?
Or is it too heavy and slow turning to provide that driving satisfaction both the R11S and especially the R12S offers on twisty roads?
I have searched without finding an answer to this but apologise if this has been discussed to death previously...
Let me know your thoughts, I'm going to try to book a test drive as soon as possible but who knows when that will be considering the waiting queues at Park Lane...
And styling wise, besides that exhaust, I think it's a pretty stunning bike
