Well, I finally got a test ride on the often discussed S10.
It was a s/hand low mileage example, and I was very impressed with it.
I didn't have a very long ride (maybe 20 miles or so) but it was much better than I expected it to be.
I thought I'd be put off by the weight and height (I'm just over 5ft 7") and had no trouble at all.
The way the bike loses it's weight as soon as you move is astounding.
I expected it to be flat (if you believe the road tests) but even in "T" mode, goes very well.
The engine and gearbox are superb, although a bit noisy going in to first gear.
It was too cold to go any great distance, and the bike hadn't heated grips.
I'd go as far as saying that it (IMO) is superior to the '09- 1200GS I used to have.
The GS was a superb bike, but the S10 power unit and drive train outclass it.
One or two niggles, apart from noisy first gear engagement; for me the throttle cables obscure part of the clocks ; and the spokes would be better in stainless steel.
All I have to do now is to make up my mind whether to take the plunge!
It was a s/hand low mileage example, and I was very impressed with it.
I didn't have a very long ride (maybe 20 miles or so) but it was much better than I expected it to be.
I thought I'd be put off by the weight and height (I'm just over 5ft 7") and had no trouble at all.
The way the bike loses it's weight as soon as you move is astounding.
I expected it to be flat (if you believe the road tests) but even in "T" mode, goes very well.
The engine and gearbox are superb, although a bit noisy going in to first gear.
It was too cold to go any great distance, and the bike hadn't heated grips.
I'd go as far as saying that it (IMO) is superior to the '09- 1200GS I used to have.
The GS was a superb bike, but the S10 power unit and drive train outclass it.
One or two niggles, apart from noisy first gear engagement; for me the throttle cables obscure part of the clocks ; and the spokes would be better in stainless steel.
All I have to do now is to make up my mind whether to take the plunge!