Back in the nineties I bought four Honda VFRs. At the time I couldn't find another motorcycle that suited my needs any better. Many motorcycling magazines said 'it was probably the best motorcycle in the world'. I found it difficult to argue.
Time has moved on and the VFR's riding position is too extreme for my ageing bones so my last two bikes have been R1200GS'. Soon it will be the time to update (very nervous about owning a modern motorcycle out of warranty). So, what do I get? The GS appears to be the only motorcycle that ticks all the boxes but why have I come to this conclusion?
Let's consider the opposition (in no particular order) and what don't like about them -
BMW S1000XR - vibration, chain drive, feels low geared.
Ducrapi Multistresser 1200 - bought one in 2010, the most unreliable motorcycle I have every owned, never again.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or T - headlight on S ugly as sin, chain drive, heat from engine, thirsty.
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 - very big and heavy.
Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 - chain drive, bland to look at, only available in black or silver.
Honda Africa Twin - 'only' 94 BNP, chain drive, 21 inch front wheel, no cruise control.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 - chain drive, poor suspension, no cruise control
Aprilia Caponord 1200 - no dealers for miles.
Suzuki V Strom 1000 - low power, chain drive.
OK, so what don't I like about my BMW R1200GS LC TE - err, err I'm thinking, still thinking........
I welcome suggestions any other alternatives to the GS.
Time has moved on and the VFR's riding position is too extreme for my ageing bones so my last two bikes have been R1200GS'. Soon it will be the time to update (very nervous about owning a modern motorcycle out of warranty). So, what do I get? The GS appears to be the only motorcycle that ticks all the boxes but why have I come to this conclusion?
Let's consider the opposition (in no particular order) and what don't like about them -
BMW S1000XR - vibration, chain drive, feels low geared.
Ducrapi Multistresser 1200 - bought one in 2010, the most unreliable motorcycle I have every owned, never again.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S or T - headlight on S ugly as sin, chain drive, heat from engine, thirsty.
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 - very big and heavy.
Triumph Tiger Sport 1050 - chain drive, bland to look at, only available in black or silver.
Honda Africa Twin - 'only' 94 BNP, chain drive, 21 inch front wheel, no cruise control.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 - chain drive, poor suspension, no cruise control
Aprilia Caponord 1200 - no dealers for miles.
Suzuki V Strom 1000 - low power, chain drive.
OK, so what don't I like about my BMW R1200GS LC TE - err, err I'm thinking, still thinking........
I welcome suggestions any other alternatives to the GS.