Yeah, the squeaky wheels gets greased....
I do visit forums before I consider any vehicle or bike. But, you have to take that with the assumption you'll hear a lot about problems but usually nothing from those that are happy w/no problems.
My rankings:
#1
My R1250RT is my favorite all-around bike so far, I'll do my own maintenance and other than a recall it will never see a dealership. The boxer has some vibes but I actually like that, keeps me engaged with the bike vs a smooth engine if that makes any sense. The electronics all make sense and I don't really mess with anything once I start riding, other than turning on the heated grips/seat. I don't have to reset the trip meter as the miles-to-empty display is very accurate and resets once you fill up and ride off. The keyless ride is great to not have to mess with keys.
#2
The Tracer 900GT was the most fun I've ever had, love the engine and how light that bike felt. Wind management sucks and had I been able to get that under control I might have kept it... I hate Yamaha fuel gauges but the speedometer was 1mph off. Nothing like a high revving motorcycle... wooohooo.
#3 a Tie
My Super Tenere and ST1300s were very equal to me... I know that sounds odd but each had plusses and minuses that cancelled each other out and it just equals a tie.
ST1300 - long range, smooth, agile - heavy
Super Tenere - ok range, not as smooth or agile but not bad at all, lighter and the ergos were more adjustable - gearing in the twisties was awkward.
#4 GL1800s
I had 2 - 2001 and 2005. They were great long distance bikes and probably the smoothest engines I've had to date.. but, they got heavy in a bunch of twisties, especially if they were in the 10-20 mph. My problem with wings and long distance is they are so smooth and you are disconnected from the ride that I would find myself nodding off on long highway stretches. Reverse was awesome and I do miss that.
#5 V-Strom 650
An ok bike, light and several features for a great price.
But, the alternator was weak and would struggle to support heated gloves and jacket. It had good-enough power and really good gas mileage but once you hit 70+ you'd think you had a hole in your tank.. at 80 mph speeds it was really bad.
Bikes I'd like to try..
The BMW K1600B - I don't care for the looks, specifically the saddlebags but, the low seating, reverse function and highway floorboards would make it a great long distance bike. I sat on one at FerrySTOC and you sit IN the bike vs most sport tourers where you feel like you sit ON the bike. It felt very comfortable but I've heard how smooth the engine is and that may actually be a negative - I know right - what's wrong with me? (don't answer that)
Triumph Tiger 1200
I really like what the new version of the Trophy provides. I can see this as a 2nd bike but I wonder if Yamaha will do anything with the Super Ten in the future as well.
Goldwing F6B
I prefer the non-trunk version of the Wing so I can use any top box and add lights to that up high a lot cheaper than what the wing-accessories would cost. But, again... a smooth engine isn't always very engaging.
