Accompanied a mate on a 2 hour test ride today, he coming from an RSV1000, me on 2005 GS.
He really enjoyed it, leant the screen back bit which reduced buffeting, he was surprised (pleasantly) by the turn of pace, the elevated riding position and the handling (although it was pretty horrible today in Yorkshire)
It didn't feel massively heavier than the GS, in fact perhaps the opposite. The engine is a peach and seems to go a fair lick even using up to 6.5k - with the optional can it will make a lovely racket!
Previous comment re the reach to the cruise control was proven to be true (in fact it didn't appear to work on the demonstrator)
Shaft drive looks massive but the torque reaction arm looks a bit Heath Robinson
Switch for the fogs is an afterthought and apparently the grips switch is similar (not fitted to demo and sorely missed)
On the downside the throttle was horrible - it needs more 'inertia', its far too light and worryingly seemed to have freeplay in it which presumably being ride by wire, is not adjustable. I hate any free play in twist grip and must admit, it is something I'm a bit anal about. Coming from a couple of years of tele-lever, the front end dip seems very odd and I was unimpressed by the brakes - perhaps just a different feel to my servo setup.
I would certainly not say no if offered one but would hope that a GS would be a safer place for my money - I would worry about residuals of the trumpet. However the prices of GS's may take a hit next year with the release of the water-cooled model.
Either way I'll be happy if my mate chooses one as he may take on some longer rides on some more interesting roads and thats not a bad thing.
