New Member Introductions » Hello from Croatia

Hello everyone,

I must admit I've been lurking unregistered on this forum for quite a while mulling over the RS decision and various threads were extremely helpful in making my decision!

I've recently pulled the trigger on a new 2022 White/Red (I fell in love the moment it was announced) 1250RS with all the packaged goodies ticked bar the 719 and cosmetics. I'll post in the appropriate sections of the forum regarding my assumed picks on the extra bits, bobs, gear, packs etc. in hopeful preparation of delivery in August and some summer/fall touring.

Coming from a lineage of CBR's 500R, then 650R I picked the RS after a long search for a comfortable but pretty and decently sporty machine. I believe my pillion would murder my after another 2 week 3000km summer tour on the 650R with everything we need in a tank bag and a backpack.

I have a thing about adventure bikes and SUV's so anything GS, VStrom, Versys, XR etc. goes right out the window regardless how many swear by them. I've considered/tried the GSXS 1000GT, 1000SX, VFR etc. and eventually walked into a BMW dealership and the RS just clicked.

So far I've mostly toured all over Croatia with the added range and comfort of the RS to slowly expand deeper into Slovenia, Northern Italy, and Austria. And if everything goes well I'd love to pull a summer trip from here to Portugal and back in a few years. If anyone needs some tips about the best roads/routes locally I'd be happy to share what I know.

Cheers!

I live in Zagreb but have gone wide and far all over the country - the central location helps.

Plenty to explore in Istria, visited most of the cities on the coast with Rovinj being my favorite. I'm hoping to explore Lošinj island this year on the RS.

The state D1 road from Zagreb to Split is a good pick, due to the more populated area Plitvice Lakes are a separation point. Once you pass them going south the towns and villages separate, the road opens up and you ride though the plains until you reach Knin and go up/down some mountains. After Knin there also some good stretches winding around Peruča lake. Going off towards the Lika / Gorski Kotar area will provide some magnificent mountain roads that are almost empty bar the peak season late July to mid August.

Further south my favorite road/discovery is Korčula island, the main road from Korčula to Vela luka D118 is highway-level asphalt and breathtaking views. No traffic lights, no stop signs, no populated areas directly on the road you can truly connect long sweeping corners at x2 posted speed and enjoy the view of the nearby islands as the road takes you over the peak of the island. The island itself is also magnificent with lovely small beaches to drive down to and cool off.

Mountains and twisties around Cetina river above Omiš city are also to recommend, but not intense traffic in the peak tourist season and the ever present Dutchies in caravan convoys :) |addpics|y02-1-1877.jpg|/addpics|