A few things stand out JB.
- First the build quality is excellent and seems streets ahead of the latest GS.
- It's feels heavier than a GS but because of that feels planted and stable. It reminds me of my old R1100GS but brought bang up to date.
- It's got shaft drive, electronic suspension, cruise etc so has all the things I could every need and it's not over complicated.
- It's the right price with lots of warranty.
- They do have their little niggles but I've not heard of any with major faults and they seem to eat the mileage without hassle.
- People say they are a little dull but it's been ECU flashed and has enough usable power for me anyway.
- I needed another bike to do big miles on tours and don't see the latest GS's being strong enough to last the pace.
Don't get me wrong, the 1250 is a good bike but in my opinion overloaded with electronics and needless farkles which seem to be going wrong and I don't need any undue hassle when I'm leading a group down the Alcan Hwy in Alaska!!
I've been out today and done about 200 miles and it just brings a smile to my face to be honest.