taken him and what he has seen.
Rolling across the land border between Pakistan and
India was wonderful, he suggests that the border cere-
mony felt like he was being welcomed warmly into India.
“Taking her up the Himalayas,” Michael suggest was
also a favourite. So, we now know that the BMW is fe-
male, despite being younger than the rider perhaps ‘the
R’ is looking out for Michael in only a way that could be
described as ‘motherly’.
He continues that riding through Borneo’s rainforests
was a clear highlight (see Michael’s story in TRAVERSE is-
sue 17 – April), and that Australia’s Great Central Road in
the height of the summer was a great memory. We laugh
that so many Australians had said ‘don’t do it’, ‘it’s too hot’
… ‘the bike won’t make it’.
It made it easily. Was there really any doubt?
The 1000cc air-cooled boxer seems perfect for these
sorts of rides; simple to work on, easier to ride with the
low-down weight and plenty of torque to pull the heavi-
est of loads.
“Thanks to its slightly bigger (18-inch) front wheel,”
Michael adds. “The low centre of weight and the traction
of a shaft drive, some basic off-roading is still possible.”
Michael is often asked why he isn’t riding an ‘adven-
ture bike’, his response is that he likes the simplicity of
‘the R’, it reminds him of the early motorcycle travellers.
There’s no suggestion where ‘the R’ will take Michael
next, it seems Australia will be home for a little while
yet, one thing is certain … when asked whether the bike
will be sold … Michael stares directly and as a matter of
fact answers …
“I think I couldn’t!”
TRAVERSE 57