[jjscsix]

If you don’t do any long trips have you considered a Yamaha MT-10? I have not ridden one but have followed it since they came out.

i have owned a S1000R BMW and liked the bike. Engine wise it’s virtually the same as the XR and many components are the same. I’m retired now and want the reliability of Japanese bikes (My 1200 Tiger GT aside). The MT-10 is the closest Japanese bike to the European counterparts in terms of performance and features.

 

[jjscsix]

The new Suzuki GSX-S1000GX also

I thought of that, and it’s the direct competitor to the Ninja1000SX I have. The MT 10 is faster and sportier. Both good bikes. My Ninja1000is my second one and I love it.

 

[jjscsix]

Hey Jim,
I haven't considered the MT-10 as I guess I considered it a "naked" bike. While I've had a couple Ducati Monsters - which I loved, I'm looking for some wind/weather protection as well as removable saddlebags. I suppose I could go with a taller windscreen on the MT-10 that would address some of that. I've had a FJR1300 (as well as some Honda's) and I know what you mean about Japanese reliability. I know the Tracer 9 GT would be a cost-effective sport tourer, but the one time I owned a triple (MV Augusta) my hands went numb after 30 minutes - while it may be bike-specific, I'm avoiding the triples.

I may need to check out and test ride an MT-10. Good price compared to the European BMW's and Ducs.

They offer a windscreen for it that would probably be big enough for me and I think saddle bags are available too. I’ve owned two FJRs. Great bikes. You and I have a lot in common. I had an 1199 Panigale for seven years before I traded it for my CBR 1000rr

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[jjscsix]

I've owned an R1200 naked and a RT1200 - both have tractor-like low end torque and low center of gravity for nimble handling, but they just don't fill the adrenaline fix for me. While I've enjoyed the low maintenance shaft drive in several BMW's, a chain drive saves weight, with less power loss. I'm not concerned about chain maintenance. The Guzzi is an interesting thought. Lower power with the V twin over a I-4 or V-4 but there is some uniqueness to them.

I test rode the Guzzi. I really wanted to like it, but didn’t. It felt really small and I guess the best way to put it is that it just didn’t “speak to me”.

 

[jjscsix]

Here are my only other ideas, since FJRs were already mentioned.

Aprilia Tuono V4*
Suzuki Hayabusa*
Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R*
Kawasaki Concours14 (leftover prior year model ?)**

*Unsure if side cases are a factory option
**Desperately needs ECU flash to unlock potential

Iv owned the Concours, ridden the Hayabusa, ZX14 and H2. the H2 SX was a close friend of mine’s and I put probably at least 100 miles on it. The engine is amazing and the entire bike has a refined and quality feel to it. I would own one but since retirement its more money than im willing on spending. I spent the money on my 1200 Tiger GT because its my long distance trip bike.

The Tuono appeals to me but they have had poor dealers when I was in Houston, and with the miles I put on bikes i just didn’t want to own one.

 

[jjscsix]

That's not even Demo Bike miles. Not even broken in, probably still has the original oil and most of the warranty. Who else besides Kawasaki has the balls to supercharge a bike?
Lots of tech also: Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot detection, electronic suspension, TPMS, hold assist, power outlet, grip heaters, traction control, launch control, ABS, quick shifter, riding modes. 5.0 gallon tank and a somewhat tubby 590.9 pounds.
Finally, the wonderful KIPASS key fob and best of all "6.5" Full-Color TFT Instrumentation" with "Kawasaki SPIN infotainment app". Wonder if that is as good as the BMW CA. Maybe it has a phone cubbyhole.

Unless they have updated the app and not told current owners, their system is totally useless. My 2020 Ninja 1000 has it. I’m not kidding when I tell you it’s useless.

 

[jjscsix]

I have a 2022 H2SXSE, I had a 2019 S1000XR. I like the Kawasaki much better. You sum it up pretty well above, the engine is amazing, much more satisfying than the S1000XR - more powerful, smoother, more refined.
It feels lighter than the 525 lbs of the S1000XR, I don't know why, but it does.
It's the only bike I've ever owned with no chicken strips, meaning I am 100% confident in it.
It has sporty ergo's and that's a personal thing how you like, but bar risers are available and I have done that.
The Kawasaki SPIN ap is even worse than the BMW CA, they are very similar in concept but Kaw worse in execution.
My 2022 K1600 GT was $29k US and the Kawi was also $29k US with the panniers that are not standard. Ouch!

I am a lucky guy to have both. I love both bikes.

It’s a shame they shot the price up so much. It came out without all the high tech features in the high teens. I Would buy the Z version now.

 

[jjscsix]

So assuming I decide to go with the "PIA" 2023 S100XR, I will obviously will need to change out the seat. The question is do I wait for the 2024's to hit dealers (I'm told April - just when it starts to gets hot here in AZ) and pay an additional 4-5K for the updates over the 2023, which includes "improved ergonomics" (as well as 5 more hp, adaptive headlight, keyless ignition, new color options, and the option to go with the low-suspension)?

I didn't think it went up that much. Are you looking at the price of the “M” version with over 200HP?