Alea iacta est !

"The die has been cast !".  Julius Ceasar said this on January 10, 49 BC, after passing the North Italian river Rubicon when there was no point of return, causing a war between the Roman empire and the Pompey and Optimates.

The new BWM R1200RT has been ordered. This will be the third bike I own. After a Yamaha Diversion 900 and a Honda NT700VA ("Deauville") now the real works start. This is the preview:

2011 BMW R1200RT Ostra Grey metallic matt

It has every option our dear Lord ever thought of being on a bike: cruise control, heated seat + handlebars, electronically adjustable suspension, ABS, traction control, electrical adjustable windscreen and almost more luggage room than a Smart. This means serious Touring (with a capital). 

Not extremely much HP or torque in comparison with the FJR, Pan or GT but should be the ultimate touring bike with a "bite" when things got tough. Reviews of this bike shows a really hard time to find negative points. Long distance, heavy curved mountain roads and anything in between can be done easily. Steering and handling is lighter than a moped (also due to its relative light weight).  

So what next? Wait for July 20 for the bike to delivered. We first go on holidays by our Volkswagen, nota bene to Scotland! The land that was created for bike riding! After that first put some mileage on the odometer to get acquainted with the bike. Maybe doing some trips to Germany, Belgium and Luxemburg. There are some panoramic trips available in the navigation device.

Of cause this bike will be enhanced. First thing to apply is a fender extender. I used products from Pyramid Plastics before and they offer good debris protection for a reasonable price. Other mods might be, but are not limited to, LED back light an turning lights, Xenon headlights, reflective tape on wheels and chassis, maybe a second LED brake light or fog light. 

Now first holidays in Scotland and wait for July 20th.