The GS models are heavy and need High Dollar maintenance. ( have had a couple of RT's) I had a Triumph 1050 Tiger, and it was an under powered PIG. I didn't like how the 1200 Triumph felt but may fit you better.
If it were me, I would go for the new VStrom 1000, now available. I had the original version, and on the highway and paved back roads, it was fantastic. Sucked on dirt/gravel, though, (but it had pure street tires). Unsure if the new model is better off road, but on the highway, will probably be a wonderful Adventure bike. I just bought my C14 last week so I am still in the honeymoon stage with it. Good luck and test ride a lot before spending the $$$$ wanted for today's ADV rides. tp
I think the Guzzi and Triumph speak to me louder than the Tenere or KTM, though they're all nice bikes.
It's a rainy day today, so I spent some garage time with the connie and changed out the air filter, tightened up hose clamps, and generally had a good look around.
Figured I might as well go ahead and pull the flies while into it
Who knows, might save myself eight grand after all
I REALLY like my KLR. Sorta misses the acceleration of the C14, but once I'm up to speed, the 35 hp KLR engine keeps it going just fine. It goes anywhere, gets great mpg, is easy to work on, and parts are widely available. got panniers and a tail bag, so I can carry waaay more stuff than I'll ever need.
I rode a demo KTM 1190'Adventure, and it really reminded me of my KLR. Of course, the KTM had five times the power, twice the cylinders, and better brakes, but the handling and riding position immediately brought my KLR to mind. I bought my KLR with 30 miles on it for $4 grand; the KTM was $18. The KTM is a great bike, but it's not worth 4 and a half KLRs. At least, not to me.
If I was forced to pick one solitary bike, it would be a KLR. But I'm truly glad to have the C14 to go with it.
Wally, Have to agree with you on that reasoning on the 1K VStrom. Being new to me, I'm unsure whether the 14 is stable off road, but have an R1150RT, that is rock solid on gravel roads, with PR3's, but not as exciting on the pavement as the 14.
Don't get me wrong. I would never try to take my Connie offroad on anything but hard packed, smooth dirt roads. And then not for long. I'm just saying before I'd buy another bike that wasn't really capable of offroad, I'd just keep the Connie and stay on the pavement. It's got to be much more fun than the new V-Strom could ever be.
From what I've read, the new V-Strom is still a highway queen and not good for any kind of off-road. I'd keep my Connie before I'd go that route.
And a bunch faster, too. The Strom surprised me with it's speed and cornering ability, but the 19" front wheel does change the feel in the twisties. I thought about the new Strom before buying the 14, but the great asking price on the 14 help make up my mind.
An 1190 ADV-R is in my future as my touring bike.
Sat on one last week and found that my feet didn't touch the ground. Was ok on the std , but that R was one tall bike. 5'10" w 31" inseam. They are superb motorcycles, for sure. tpFWIW, I like it that way!! I added the Touratech Extreme rear shock and I added more length, I am on my tippy toes at a stop. Bash plate thanks me, although I did manage to wreck my crash bars on a big pebble in Wickenburg Cracked the stator cover and split the rear mounting point. New bars are on order