cybercarl wrote:I connect well with and that gives me loads of confidence
This IMO is one of the most important factors. So many of us ride on bikes that may give a bit of uncomfort and that nagging thought process is another added danger while riding.
Yep. I tend to buzz around (cautiously) many of the smaller almost single-track lanes around our way and beyond, as there's almost never any other traffic and that suits me fine. These roads are narrow bumpy and unforgiving though, in some cases covered in cow sh&& too. I've got used to it but fact is the VTR suspension struggles, and the sort of tyres you get for VTRs do not cope well with such bumpy uneven surfaces. This is one area where the GS is completely at home and the confidence from it is reassuring.
cybercarl wrote:Your right about the Storm electrics. At least with this you can happily run all the extra's you want including sat nav, grips, usb ports etc etc. Then there is the hard luggage...this will make all the difference on your travels. I bet there's a fair amount of storage under the seat too for a few tools and spare bulbs. I really like these bikes but I'm too short for one and it's most likely a little top heavy for my liking with that massive tank. The same with the Vara's.
Yep, the GS has two DIN power sockets (one on the dash and one under your left leg) plus lots of mounting space in the dash area for GPS etc. I just think the VTR's electrics would fry, or it wouldn't charge the battery properly and I'd find out the next morning!
cybercarl wrote:You will save a fortune in the long run with fuel compared to the Storm. I was looking at alternative bikes recently and thinking more touring style. The VFR1200 are dropping in price now and bizarrely they don't look as ugly as I first though. It depends on the colour combination with the panels. Still a little out my price range so I can see myself ending up with a VRR 800 maybe even one of the later VTEC ones with ABS or I may go down the CB route especially after listening to all the reviews Paul and Bazza give them. I couldn't get rid of my Storm as it's got no real financial value It can go into retirement for the odd blasts on nice sunny days.
VFR1200 are a good looking bike, still got the smallish tank issue with them though and I will never understand why Honda decided to go with that. Believe it or not, I only saw one for the first time 'in the wild' last week. From a sales perspective they have to be a huge fail for Honda, surely? I have seen a few tidy VFR800s on the Bike Bay (Facebook page) for not much money. Great sounding bike and very capable.
Would love to keep the storm but seeing as I got a 4.2 supercharged V8 Jag a few months ago I am already pushing it with Mrs 996!
•Edit•
Meant to say, yes there's loads of room for luggage on it. In fact it's a luggage junkie's paradise. Those panniers are the Vario models, so from how they are in the photos you can open the side panels, pull a huge lever down and they grow sideways by another 30-40%. The top box does the same but mine doesn't come with one, so I'll look out for one secondhand.
Aside from that, you can then strap a tent or more luggage across the pannier-seat-pannier area, and then there are numerous bags and pockets you can buy to go in just about every little space available. Plenty of farkles available basically.
Btw although they look a big bike they don't feel heavy when you're sat on one. It comes up off the side stand just as easily as the VTR and the low speed balance (walking pace) is better than the storm with flat bars.
fecking impressive
