In a quandry

[rhobgoblins]

OK, I've had ny S for 6 years now and it's been a good bike and other than replacing the front discs, it's not let me down over 25,000 miles. However, I'm getting itchy feet and feel it's time for a change and have a hankering for either a 700 Honda Deauville or one of the new Honda NC700x - anyone have any experience of these?

The BMW has served me well but as I get older, find the riding position a bit too sporty, fuel tank too small and I don't really need the performance for what I do. The only thing is, it's so damn good for what it is - very reliable, not pristine but in good condition and looks set to go on and on. It almost seems disloyal to think about getting rid. The local dealer has only valued it at £1,200 trade in which doesn't seem a lot for what it is - it's 2000 "W" with 35k, all standard other than cat removal. What could I expect selling it privately? In an ideal world, I'd keep it as well but can't really justify that and don't have the room anyway.

Do I bite the bullet and move on? I can't decide.

Rob

[Fw190]

keep it... you'll regret trading it in... £1200! you'll regret selling it full stop!

Honda Doughbag! oh dear, the 700's Ok though, but have punt around for an 1150RT, fully loaded, truly awesome bike. good range, comfy, and they are pretty useful in the bendy stuff as well...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used ... earch/true

[big rob]

Hi Rob, see the link below, some helpful stuff in there (Lars is a great ambassador for Honda) don't forget they now make a NC750X

Good luck.
Big Rob.

viewtopic.php?t=16721&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[Twinspark]

You'll hate the Hondas. I know you say you don't need the performance of the 11S - but the Hondas are really gutless.

When was looking for a comfy bus this year, I looked at the R1150RT, K1200GT, FJR1300 and Honda ST1300 Pan Euro.

I bought the Pan, and am now happily scraping pegs everywhere

Thoroughly recommended.

But I've kept the S - which is what I'd advise you to do, too.

[nab 301]

Do I bite the bullet and move on? I can't decide.

Rob

I'm lucky enough to have more than one bike which is probably why although I've been in your situation many times over the last ten years ,( I've held onto mine) I can park up the S for a few weeks and then enjoy it again after riding something totally different.
The 700 DV is meant to be a big improvement over the 650 version I owned and enjoyed for a few years. However , while a brilliant bike , it was a bit gutless and heavier than the S, with for me, too much rear weight bias.
Test rides in my part of the world can at times be difficult to arrange but if possible and I was you I'd try as many bikes as possible over extended tests . You have your own reasons for selecting the bikes you have but there are loads of excellent bikes out there.

[rhobgoblins]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I think I need to get out and try a few before I make my mind up. The added complication for me is that I'm lucky enough to have two bikes, the other being an 1100gs. The gs riding position is more comfortable, tank range a lot bigger but the gearbox/clutch is truly awful - works fine but so heavy and clunky. if I could somehow combine the best parts of the two, I would have my perfect bike.

Rob

[Twinspark]

Sounds like you want an R1150gs.

Remember that, although the 11S is an 1100, the engine and gearbox are 1150 spec.

[slparry]

Sounds like you want an R1150gs.

Remember that, although the 11S is an 1100, the engine and gearbox are 1150 spec.

or the much ignored R1150R /R1200R same package but with "better" wheels more suited to road use and a wider range of tyres