RUST magazine: RUST#37

adventure
throw-off the ergonomics for a rider of
over 6ft.
When riding off-road I wasn’t
convinced about the effectiveness
of the traction control and engine
mapping and very quickly removed
all rider aids to get the ‘feel’ I wanted.
The black and white heads up display
was badly affected by sunlight and the
reflective screen over it seemed like an
afterthought.
Enough of the negatives! The
positives were the USD Showa forks; I
much prefer these to any of the BMW
GS front suspension setups (typically
Telelever). The Showas inspire
confidence and provide more familiar
adjustment capability. I also like the
engine power delivery of the 1000cc
twin. With the weight of the AT it felt
like more like an 800, not docile but not
a fire breather either. If I owned the AT
it would be enough for me in any given
circumstance.
The rear shock could be improved by
allowing for more adjustability. It felt a
little soft and wallowy and I managed
to G-out the shock in the Devon
countryside without too much effort. I
would like either a manual or rider aid
adjustment that would stiffen up the
rear for more extreme terrain.
I also kept inadvertently turning
on the heated grips. The push down
button is on the top part of the grip so
that if you ride in an attack position (a
basic skill taught to all off-road riders)
it comes into contact with your palm
somewhere between your index finger
and thumb). This is very distracting
when your attention is on the job at
hand – off-road. A big foible for me.
In the round, I was impressed by
the DCT version of the AT. It took a
little getting used to, having no clutch
or foot gear-shifter. I did on occasion
30
www.rustsports.com