K-Bike Komfort Kit

K-BIKE KOMFORT KIT

BMW K1200RS owners have the option of a new "comfort" package. Potential buy ers who may have balked at the big Bavarian's ergonomics will find the kitted RS closer to the touring end of the sport-touring spectrum. New handlebar brackets ($118) move the grips 1.6 inches closer to the rider, and an al ternate seat ($244) raises the perch nearly an inch. Combined with the RS's standard, three-position footpegs, the bike can be made quite comfy.

With the two-position saddle in its upper slot, and the footpegs in their lowest position, cornering clearance is reduced a bit, but that's the only downside. The Stretch-Armstrong reach to the handlebars is gone, and there's more legroom. As a result, this very large mo torcycle has the roominess it deserves, creating an u!tra-capable two-up tarmac-muncher.

The RS has never been happy in the tight stuff-its slow speed dynamics are not aided by these additions-but nothing feels as happy on the interstate, two-up, with bags, at triple-digit speeds. If you have a long-enough in-

seam, the kit is highly recommended.

Paul Seredynski