Thinking about jumping ship

I've always liked the look of the GS even before Ewan & Charlie got their hands on them,I've never ridden one though but I'm sure you wouldn't get a much better bike for touring, i think you will regret selling the speed triple though

 

I've had a n 1100GS then an 1150GS and both were excellent fully loaded up long distance bikes (except for the std seat!) but I think you'd be quite surprised how good they are on the Sunday morning blast down some back roads !!!

Re the KTM versus BMW debate I also had a KTM 1190 Adventure and my opinion is that the BM eats it alive. Yes the Kitten was more powerful (150bhp from memory) but the BM GS was a better bike.

 

And of course Triumph parts are sourced from around the world and many are assembled in Taiwan.

 

It sounds like you know what you want to but are trying to talk yourself into it.
The Speed is a fantastic bike,I had 2,but it wont do the same things as a GS.
It took me a long time to get to the GS and only tested one to shut everybody else up and as they say the rest is history.
I haven't done a lot of mileage on it yet as I've only had it a couple of months but I'm pleased with it so far.............apart from the Massey Ferguson gearbox.

 

Before you make the dreaded move I beg you sit yourself on a Triumph Tiger 1050 and give it a whirl.

 

Hi I'm a former Speed Triple owner and wanted to move to a more comfortable adv type machine. Test rode the new R1200GS and it was very good but ridiculously expensive.
After many test rides I opted for the Kawasaki Versys 1000GT, 13,000 miles in its been perfectly reliable, fun and a great touring machine.

 

I'd have had a Tiger Sport but I'd had 2 bikes with the 1050 engine and wanted to try something different.
It's a cracking bike

 

I'll give it another go

Half the touring baggage on a BMW is the oil it guzzles - fact!

Also bear in mind that you need to be in the same physical condition as Jason Statham in order to pick it up.

It is the status symbol that every fat fifty year old who rides upright round corners in the Alps simply has to have.

Having said all that they are decent bikes if you can afford to a) buy b) run and c) maintain them

 

Ahhhh ...

... okay then

 

Fair play, if you don't like it is no good. 6K is also about my average mileage p.a., almost all tours, and I find it supremely comfy, even better than my sofa at home

 

I'll own up to 2 of those,don't do upright corners.

I refused to even try one for a couple of years,wouldn't even go for a look. Came to the decision that an adventure bike was probably my best option. I tried the Explorer but just didn't get on with it.

Some people might have one as a status symbol but for me the combination of comfort,luggage capacity and long distance ability make it the right bike for me.
It doesn't suit everyone and some people just don't like them or BMW and that's fair enough,each to their own.

I'm in littlade's club

 

I know, I know. I've got plenty of mates who swear by them. But you know what it's like. Got to hand out some

 

Don't worry I can take it

I know what this forum is like

 

It can get vicious in there.
As Ade said,just use it for info really.