I popped into Blackpool Honda today. 0% PCP on the Africa Twin Adventure Sport. "Any chance of a test ride"? " Yes, could you go now"? " I haven't got my licence or anything"! "That's OK, you do have one don't you"? 10 mins later off I went on a DCT equipped ATAS without signing anything. I could have ridden off on it as they didn't even ask my name.
Anyway, it was very nice and I quite quickly got the hang of the DCT thing, especially after stopping a couple of times and playing with the multiple settings for the gearbox and the engine. Sport 1 for the gearbox and Tour for the engine seemed about right. I am sure the bike can read your mind as it changed up and down just when I would have done anyway. Perhaps lacking a bit of mid range torque compared to the GSs but it was deceptive as every time I looked at the speedo I was going quite a bit quicker than I thought. Sounds nice too. Riding position was good, and its very tall. I need to get Anne on the back for the pillion verdict, but the seat seemed nice and big so should be OK comfort/space wise. I asked for a range of options on the PCP with the best being about £5k deposit (about the value of my GS) and £79 a month for 3 years. £6k to pay off in 3 years.
Tubed tyres are a bit of a turn off though as is the lack of what should be standard stuff like a centre stand, and aux lights. Standard panniers are a bit on the small side. Overall though I quite liked it as a solo bike, it remains to be seen how it takes a pillion - I suspect it need a big handful to get it moving properly. After the GS the fork dive on braking was quite noticeable. I also found it quite noisy, especially after the spread triple which, with its tiny little flyscreen, is very quiet to ride.
There was also a rather nice all black Crosstourer. If the pillion view of the ATAS is a no then the CT will be getting more consideration. Heavy old beast though.
Shame that you aren't closer Austin, you could have had a go on my Midnight Star 1300 for size, ridiculously comfortable. Selling it the end of Summer, and just keeping my KLE while I save up for a used Tenere 700.
Mart, I have had to google what Midnight Star is. Hmm. When (if) the weather ever picks up we may have a trip down welsh Wales and Pembrokeshire way. Are you still there? I will let you know as, 1, its been ages since I saw you, and 2, Yeah, would love to try something like that out.