Took the Beast out to the WV mountains today. It's official, I love this bike.
Did a bunch of local windy-windy roads getting out there, then hopped onto 66 to make some time. The bike is equally adept at carving corners as it is with the cruise set at 75. Stretched out on the highway pegs I could have ridden all the way to Kentucky if I had the time. A better stereo would be nice, but really won't be an issue when I've got one of my Sena-equipped helmets on.
I hopped on old 55 at Strasburg and took it out to Moorefield. It's a great stretch of road that's all but abandoned since the bypass was built, but WV has seen fit to keep the road in excellent shape. I was really able to stretch out here and see what the bike could do. Simply put, it's staggering how easy it is to ride this bike at a good clip and never feel like you're pushing it too hard. I loved the Telelever front end on my RT and GS/A; the Duolever takes it to the next level. Pick your line, move your body, trail brake in, power out. It's like a German slingshot. I easily exceeded the pace I was able to set with my Ultra and it was half the work. I need to establish new braking zone markers, as the old ones are way too early now. I can't imagine what this thing would do with an Ohlins or Wilburs suspension.
BMW would do well to offer the 2-piece GT seat on the GTL. For people who are long of leg or who have knee issues (yes on both), the taller seat makes the bike much more comfortable, and the lack of bolstering makes moving around when you're going to work in the mountains much easier.
13 days of ownership and I'm just shy of 2,000 miles. This thing's a keeper.
Sent from my iPad, probably while I'm pooping.