The year is now up for our long-term test of the HP2 and I am very sad to see it go. Thinking back on all the great rides I had done on it over the last twelve months brings me joyful memories.

I remember when Michele got one to test at the beginning of winter last year. We went on a ride in some mine dumps west of Jo’burg. It was the first time I had laid my eyes on an HP2 when he arrived mounted on what I thought to be a rather peculiar looking bike.

With a bit of a giggle, I reminded him that we were going to ride in tight rutty sections amongst trees, soft sand on steep mine dumps and plenty of rocks. Well he knew something I didn’t, but I still wasn’t convinced since I did not get to ride it that day because I crashed my bike and broke my finger.

The first time I did get to ride one though was a week before the GS Challenge. Well that confirmed it for me and it just kept getting better. After having covered vast parts of South Africa in all kinds of conditions I realised this bike is really awesome.

LONG-TERM LOGBOOK: BMW R 1200 GS HP2
Test commenced	September '06
Price new	R139 000
Price now	R139 000
Options price	n/a
Options	CiA sticker
Odometer on arrival	8km
Odometer now	5810km
We like	The ultimate all-rounder - ride your superbike to the enduro, win, ride it home...
We don't	Price, annihilates rear tyres.
Summary	Multi-tasking champ.
Fuel Capacity	13 litres
Average fuel use	5.4 l/100km
CiA Rating	9
Range	142km