I often read of those poor folk who are torn between their current sports machine and the option of a trade in/up to a GS. Now then, let me enlighten you. Our machine is a '52 plate 1150, 27,000 miles. We do most of our riding two up and like to get out when we can. Owing to our chosen style of riding two up (sensible) we dont often have to use the GS in anger .....however, on a recent trip to Filey for chips on the Howden road we were 'troubled' by a Fireblade rider. Now I dont want to stereotype
but he
was the stereotypical character - all in black, black visor, black helmet, black bike. He shot up our proverbial back end in the middle of nowhere but seemed a bit reluctant to pass. So I turned it up a bit, did a few overtakes which I may not have ordinarily done with SWIMBO on board , and after a short while I looked in my mirrors to see the 'dark one' behind. Now I should say two things here (1) I am an advanced rider - to the highest attainable professional standard - both on and off road (if you get my drift), and (2) I can therefore ride a bike just a bit. Now it became quite apparent that Mr Blade was begining to tie himself up in knots trying to keep up with us. He was the type that lost it on the bendy bits and then raced up on the straights - but just wasnt looking far enough ahead to make his moves in advance of actually carrying them out. In the end he went past us on a clearly visible series of bends which were covered in double white lines. It made me cringe to see him commit himself to a series of moves which were not necessary and totally wrong. We let him go because he turned out to be an embarassment.What Im trying to say is that you should NOT doubt the overall ability and adaptability of the GS. Its an awesome tool and will do most things without any question. The newer models do look nice and Ive heard mostly good reports. Pesonally Ive had great back up from Rainbow and if you are even remotely thinking of getting a GS then you should do it. Ive had tens and tens of bikes over the years and this is trully the first one I simply cannot let go - Rainbow have recently offered me £5250 against a second hand 1200 - so they most certainly do hold their price.