so what are the alternatives you would consider?

I have a bit of an advantage in this particular debate as I own an NC700XA, which I commute to work on (55 miles each way) and I own an R1200GSA, which is my fun ride. The NC is a smaller bike, both physically and power output wise. It handles well and gives me 80 plus mpg on my commute. The power delivery is concentrated in the lower rpm bands so it pulls well enough to take the skin off any custard you could point to. I have driven this 2 up, top box, 2 panniers at 80 to 85 around the M25 - even I was surprised how well it managed it. The storage space is fantastic for day to day work as is the rest of the bike.

It is only 670 CC, though, so it loses out on overtake performance, for example, when the low redline means you have to change gear during the manoeuvre. It doesn't perform like a Tiger 800 or my R1200 - but it is not designed to. I can't see myself getting rid of the NC700 anytime soon as it does such a good job for the vast majority of the riding I do.

If you are in the Tunbridge Wells area and you want to give it a try, let me know.

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For me it would be a KTM SMT, don't know why they stopped making this. Lighter, better handling and quicker but still comfy. And if that was a bit too full-on then a Tiger 800. I did have a good test ride on a Tiger before buying the GS and I liked it a lot and found it easy to ride at any speed and way cheaper than the GS. The logical choice: head said Tiger, heart said GS.

What ever you buy you've got to want it, or else you'll end up changing it in a year's time. As I was afraid I would have done with the Tiger.
 
I also came to the conclusion that only a GS or better GSA would suit. I've not regretted the decision. Finding a replacement won't be easy. But it's a good excuse to get (even) more bikes. We don't want to wear out the GSA now do we ;)

So I would add a classic Yamaha DT250 and a Honda F6C Valkyrie the bling version of course. To sit alongside the Suzuki Kettle :D
 
KTM 1290 SuperDuke.

I've ridden the previous SD's and they are something else, so the extra capacity and trickery would have this at the top of my list,

Their Adventure bike is also a nice bike, but with Adventure style I'd stick with my GSA.
 
Booked an NC750 DTC test ride for Friday. It's an itch that needs scratching to see what it's all about. The GS will probably be going next year so I need a good summer for test rides.
 
The newly announced S1000f could be good... If it took panniers, and if the mpg and tank size were reasonable - then they might have another winner on their hands!
 
Having called into Benham's today, I really would consider a K1600GT but it would have to be used and probably alongside the the Hexhead GSA.

Now, where's that mortgage advisor.....
 
Would also suggest the Ducati Diavel, just sit on it and the riding position is pure GS, make sure the rear preload is cranked up and it will corner too, new model out so older 2011 will be cheaper, rear tyre £10 more than my GS12 and insurance £137, What's not to like
 
birdseye said:
I am on my third 1200gs and much as I like it, my mind is idly turning towards "what next?". Like most people I use my GS as a comfortable upright riding position road bike so I guess the alternatives would be the triumph explorer, the crosstourer or maybe going more tarmac focussed with the likes of an FJR. But pondering the subject in bed last night, I couldnt think of a convincing replace.

If you felt like a change next time round, what would you be thinking of as an alternative to the GS of similar quality?
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I just took home an R1200R. After 6 years of enjoying a GS12. Can't see any down side as I don't ride off road and won't be going round the world with Charlie. No brainer.
 
Boxerboy55 said:
I just took home an R1200R. After 6 years of enjoying a GS12....
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Wonderful motorcycles, lower, better braking, and better on the streets than a GS. I like that they have a low pipe allowing full size bags on both sides. I have the grandfather of your bike (R100R) and just took it out today for the first time this season. An R1200R, especially a Camhead could be a classic.
 
A part of me wants a CB1000F not sure why I guess it may be a bit of a boring choice but it looks so sorted. In Black of course :cool:
 
luckylucian said:
Would also suggest the Ducati Diavel, just sit on it and the riding position is pure GS, make sure the rear preload is cranked up and it will corner too, new model out so older 2011 will be cheaper, rear tyre £10 more than my GS12 and insurance £137, What's not to like
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Are they thirsty?
 
Does it matter? If you worry about the cost you buy jap. If you buy ducati you are already throwing money about
 
I was told the service on a diavel was 1300€ - the bloke who told me was then offered part ex +3k€ for a new one - what do you think he did ;-)
 
Grizzly GS said:
A part of me wants a CB1000F not sure why I guess it may be a bit of a boring choice but it looks so sorted. In Black of course :cool:
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AH, now. Case in point.

5 years ago I was punted off my long term 1200GSA by a young blade in a hotted up Rover 200, a fortnight before a trip to the 'Ring with a bunch of GS riding nutters, as usual.
Carole Nash sorted me out with a loan bike but I was deeply dissapointed that it was to be CB1000F. Without panniers. "What good's that when I'm taking Mrs L", I said hoping for a tourer of some sort.
Black CB turned up with panniers and a top box. I turned my nose up, determined to dislike it.
How narrow minded can one get?
The best thing I can say is that when we got home there wasn't a single thing I could moan about. What ever we did, it just did it. Comfortably and with no fuss. Decent fuel, never missed a beat, comfy for Mrs L and I got both feet flat down (there's a thing!). The only thing I had to do was press the start button.
I learned a lesson about being a bit precious in the bike-style dept and re-learnt that riding is riding no matter what it's on.
Would I buy one, well, not until I can't manage the Guzz or XR650R and probably not then.
CB1000F? Good tool, if it suits you, Sir!

Fluff.
 
As a bike that does everything, commuting, touring, shopping and having fun I am hard pushed to find anything as suited as a standard GS.

I caught a glimpse of MCN today and on the cover was the new VFR800 so I bought a copy and read their review. I thought that a new VFR might just be a possibility if it was bloody good - however it appears to be bland, underpowered (105 bhp), lacking in torque and too heavy - it is actually heavier than a standard GS, what's that all about? So sadly there isn't a single bike that comes close to the GS as far as my needs go.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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