Can't help it... it's turning into a favourite past time
Came across an very interesting shootout for this year: http://www.ridermagazine.com/manufac...-shootout.htm/ (while uh, reading the Concourse Owners Group forum)
BMWs on top, then Triumph, then Yamaha and Kawasaki tied at the bottom.
So (in case anyone is actually seriously considering options), here are my thoughts.
Kawasaki Concours 14
Looks bloody sexy in my opinion, stonking motor, heat issues have been addressed. Let down by a small fuel capacity, no cruise control, handling may be dubious. The last can be fixed obviously, then again, at those dollars so could the cruise control. Factory fitted cruise would require a shift to fly by wire I believe, first gen of that may not be executed too well. The next release could be interesting.
Honda ST1300
Oldest of the group, no heated grips, cruise control, traction control (debatable if required) and basically showing it's age all round. Price is fantastic however, reflected in lack of features but the large fuel tank keeps it at arms length (or is that a long walk) from its competitors. Oddball tyres limit options for someone who is picky about their tyres. Plenty of people are waiting to see it's replacement.
Yamaha FJR1300
Brand new for this year, packing quite a punch in features, cruise control, heated grips, adjustable seat height and a decent tank capacity of 25L. I don't like how it looks, the wind protection is a little lacking and I'm not sure about a suitable dealer, as most Yamaha reps in Auckland at least, have closed down over the last few years. Dealer support and relationship is crucial for me and I'll rule a bike out on dealer alone. Apparently Yamaha advises panniers OR top box, as both might exceed weight limits... uh... that's damn stupid.
BMW R1200RT
An old favourite for reviews, puzzling how on paper it shouldn't beat its competitors and yet almost always does. All the fruit like cruise control, heated grips etc plus electronic suspension it's one of the lightest options with excellent balance and low speed handling as well as handling in general. Its long term maintenance costs are its achilles heal, including the cops (clutch jobs are inevitable for them and expensive). The likes of Kawasaki focus on these aspects as they fight for their cut of the police bike market. The biggest issue for me is... what does the RT offer over the GSA? Cruise control would be one of the biggest, but you lose features from the GSA instead. As mentioned, this is what shuts down the comparison every time. I'm also interested in the new model which should launch in the next year or two (and spy shots have been published already).
BMW K1600GT
I'd always ruled out on cost alone, but they've come down in price and 2nd hand ones are hitting the market. However, these have suffered some teething issues (who buys a year one BMW anyway) around gearbox and jerky throttle. It's also the biggest heaviest bike of the options, but just look at the videos of Chris Pfeiffer stunting it... The bike is capable alright. I want it's headlight (and maybe the RT replacement will have it). Like the other BMW, it's a BMW so maintenance isn't cheap, but then the GSA, while more costly than a jap has also been rock solid when I've done stupid things that would have broken other bikes...
So uh... once again, got a GSA
Originally Posted by Jane Omorogbe from UK MSN on the KTM990SM
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The cost of the GSA (and select market for one) does mean I'm likely to continue riding it for quite some time. Most buyers would run a mile when they find out a 2010 bike has 80k+ on it (and it basically sat still for the first year).
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