Owned my carb converted 1100GS for a few years now and felt the need to try out one of the new 1250's because I fancied something a bit faster and shinier. Was really ready to splurge the cash. 10 minutes into test ride I knew it wasn't going to happen. Digital speedo shoots up so quickly compared to my old girl and finally BMW have managed to sort fuelling so the bike can dawdle comfortably at 30 mph without complaint. But for me the hard to describe satisfaction of controlling a grunty engine on the throttle is replaced by a need to just continually wind the thing up bit like riding a revvy in line 4. On the 1100 if I want to go faster I can twist the throttle a little harder and it responds well with always something in reserve. Working the engine is fun and the vibes let you know you are pushing on. Similarly the utter smoothness of cruising along at low revs satisfies like a Swiss watch mechanism or the comfort of some old slippers. The 1250 is like riding a computer. Straight line acceleration is fun for a while but my real thrills are from cornering where it's perfectly easy to ride to the limits of my confidence speed wise on the 1100. Even entering motorways where the 1250 would excell I have never really had a problem with enough accessible acceleration. My sargeant seat and ohlins rear shock gave a plusher ride than anything I could dial into the ESA. I am afraid that in adding all the gizmos and meeting euro 5 etc some of the basic simple brilliance of the original GS has been lost. No way I would pay 6 times what my bike is worth for something that I would always worry was actually worse in some ways. So a worthwhile exercise in scratching the itch and I'm sticking with 1100, will invest some time and effort smartening it up and for now enjoying it even more. Just a personal view and not intended to diss or antagonise LC owners who I am sure will also enjoy their bikes a lot. 
