Suggestions invited.(new bike choice)

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

Well folks many thanks for the input. Here are some of my initial musings on some of the bikes suggested so far:

BMW GS1200GS- Despite not being a fan of the aesthetics,I am unwilling to rule out due to the reputation these machines have gained.

I'd rule it out purely on the grounds that the 1200 BMWs, be they IL4 or boxers, are about the most unreliable bikes on the road, just ask any AA or RAC patrolman who deals with bike breakdowns. Gearboxes, electronics, servo brakes and shaft drive bevel boxes are just some of the common failure areas. Also the finish on later BMWs is dire compared to the quality machines they used to make years ago. The early 1150GS is a good bike, but that was about the last decent BMW made.

BMW are yet another company trading on previous successes, and selling a good old name rather than a good new product.

An extreme viewpoint but one with some truth for sure, no doubt about that. But I like my unreliable R1200GS. Its does lots of fun things. Old reliable isnt always most fun though, take Ducati, KTM.
Another idea, Triumph Tiger?

DId somebody mention "Falco" ??

See here

Not to be ignored, but not sure if it will be "agile" enough....

Tiger sounds like a good idea, the sprint ST is meant to be much sportier than it was intended to be. More of a comfortable sports bike than a fast tourer- and it's gorgeous!

Pete I would probably look at the Tiger in your situation. Gets great reviews up against the 1200gs and it looks the business. Great engine and you're buying something British which is actually decent!

Originally Posted by robchester

Pete I would probably look at the Tiger in your situation. Gets great reviews up against the 1200gs and it looks the business. Great engine and you're buying something British which is actually decent!

I say Rob. that appears to be a very inspired suggestion. After just reading a few reports I can see the Tiger is indeed a very highly rated machine. Now placed on short list. Thx.

Originally Posted by cuffy

Still an italian beauty, go for the Tuono (drool, dribble )

Thank god somebody suggested something sensible - page 2 before this got mentioned, tsk!
Speed Triple, the pre cut off rear seat version.

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

I say Rob. that appears to be a very inspired suggestion. After just reading a few reports I can see the Tiger is indeed a very highly rated machine. Now placed on short list. Thx.

The new 1050 Tiger is; great motor and uses normal, i.e. 17", wheels and tyres. More grunt than a sty-full of Saddlebacks

The old Tiger uses a bigger front wheel and this, together with a restricted choice of tyre, limits handling for the sportier rider.

Both dead comfy for pillions, though

What about the www.suzukibking.co.uk Pedro?

Okay, so not quite as nice as the concept bike but...... that engine in a naked!

XJR1300!

Fast, handles well (i can grind my footpegs) brillant 2 up! no so good when it meets salt in winter hence a SV1000s