Was down at the bike shop today, picking up an oil filter for my Vee, and happened to look at a few other bikes. I haven't really been out a ton on my bike this year, and not to a new bike shop at all, so I hadn't seen some of these models in person. Saw a new Kawi Versys 1000 - marked $2,000 off the model on the floor. Decent deal. Have to say it's even uglier in person than I thought it looked it pictures. I mean, the V-Strom is somewhat awkward looking, but the fairing/headlight area on this bike has been badly beaten by the ugly stick. I don't know what the designers were thinking. They should be fired, IMO.

Also saw a new Glee, in white, the first I've seen in person. Thought it looked really nice. Honestly, if Suzuki is doing a new DL1000 they could do a lot worse than to just fix the functional issues (FI, clutch, maybe top up the power a little, improved alternator, ABS brakes, etc) and copy this styling. I'd certainly prefer it to the monstrosity they call the 2014 1000 V-Strom concept. Which still isn't as ugly as the aforementioned Versys, though, LOL.

I'd still like a Kawi Concours 1400, but realistically I don't really have a use for a bike with that much weight and power. And anyway, the ergos are a little tight for my liking.

agree with you on the Connie. That bike's riding position seems too sporty
for me to ride too many miles. Saw a brand new Multistrada recently and haven't had moto-lust like that since the Kawasaki H1 was in a showroom.

I wish I had a garage, then maybe my eye could wander.

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Cheap and easy to fix.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2006 DL1000

From your lips to Suzuki's ears!!!

I was disappointed when I saw the "2014 Vee concept" - I've been hoping to see a "liter Glee" - fixed (or replaced) engine, Glee body panels/ styling updates, ABS. I'd buy that in a heart beat if my Glee farkles (seat) could be switched over.

Some dramatically different beast that's not identifiable as a 'Strom would be a harder sell to me.

+1, my legs are at the top of the tank edges or cutouts, I'd need pegs lowered,and or seat raised, weight isn't a big issue, but insurance would be! Cheers--BB

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2012 Wee

Insurance went up $40 per year for me from my 1000 Strom. Risers and lowering pegs totally transform the riding position, adding the LSR handlebar kit is becoming popular too.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2006 DL1000

I remember reading all the press about the 2008 Connie and frankly
was a bit disappointed when I saw and sat on one in the showroom. The bike
seemed heavy and would take some comfort mods for me to spend any time
with. I have never ridden the latest gen concours, though. I know the old
(pre-200 version to be a comfortable tourer. My local shop has Yamaha
and Kawasaki and the Concours was parked next to a FJR. In my eyes, the
Yamaha is better looking.

I rode one of the new generation Concours and it is heavy, like all of those big sport tourers are. Its also a rocket and handles extremely well for its size. Very stable feeling bike, very smooth running engine.
I wasn't on it long enough to figure out the comfort end but thats very individual, I find there aren't many bikes any more that i don't end up doing something to in the quest for comfort.

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Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100