Yup, as I said some days ago, I want:
- shaft drive;
- decent protection;
- integrated luggage (removable - but not cobbled together);
- realistic ergonomics;
- liquid cooling;
- fuel injection;
- good lighting;
- fuel gauge and self-cancelling turn signals;
- Japanese build quality, reliability AND affordable ownership;
- non-ugly looks (i.e. something that does NOT like like it is going to rear-up and change itself into a battle-ready Class 8 truck/robot, refrigerator or hedge trimmer);
Basically, an updated and improved CX650 Silver Wing or modernized GS650G with a fairing and luggage - would be ideal. I don’t need 240 km/hr speed, 150 HP and would even give up long distance two-up capability for a lighter and more compact bike. Anything with an “R” in the designator is not a likely candidate.
Off-road capability is absolutely not a requirement for me. When I go off-road, I’ll be walking with a knapsack.
It is difficult to understand why these specs are so difficult to meet. The manufacturers have tons of great engines and buckets of experience with all of the above components.
It does seem like a classic case of simply not listening to the almighty VOC (voice of the customer). That is how the Pontiac Aztec, the 1 sliding door Ford Windstar minivan and the VW Phaeton were built....