New ride from Suzuki will be an interesting alternative to the S1000XR.  Name brand components with lots of tech.  Same engine as the GT which is ancient, but rock solid and loved. US$18.5K (side bags included!) is a great value.

https://suzukicycles.com/crossover/2024/...s#overview
https://www.cycleworld.com/bikes/suzuki-...irst-look/

   

Yeah I saw that and can't wait to see the side-by-side comparisons. The S1000XR should have more straight-line performance but then it costs more and is likely not as reliable or as supportable i.e. dealer network etc. Either way it can only put pressure on the BMW to be even better. Nice to see the sport tourer niche coming back.

As for the R1300RS ... BMW better do something significant or else they will lose out big time.

(11-09-2023, 11:47 AM)Grumpy Goat Wrote: As for the R1300RS ... BMW better do something significant or else they will lose out big time.

I think you are saying that the Suzuki GSX range will take buyers from the RS? I know that some people do, but I don't consider anything that is not a twin to be competition to the RS.  Twins and fours are so different in character, that I wouldn't cross-shop them.

The biggest competition to the RS will likely be the R1300GS.  Given the huge margins on the GS, I don't think BMW would mind that at all.

My buddy Matt shopped the 2023 predecessor of Suzuki 1000GSX before deciding on the 1250RS. It was largely the price point but he could very well have bought one had he not ridden my RS extensively.

(11-09-2023, 12:57 PM)TriangleRider Wrote: I think you are saying that the Suzuki GSX range will take buyers from the RS? I know that some people do, but I don't consider anything that is not a twin to be competition to the RS.  Twins and fours are so different in character, that I wouldn't cross-shop them.

That is exactly what I am saying. In terms of sheer numbers, I would bet that feature for feature that Suzuki would kick the RSs butt, since it would be cheaper and the sport tourer market is as it is. I understand the difference between the twins and the fours of course, but it takes an enthusiast like yourself to appreciate the differences. Then there are the triples ...

(11-09-2023, 12:57 PM)TriangleRider Wrote: The biggest competition to the RS will likely be the R1300GS.  Given the huge margins on the GS, I don't think BMW would mind that at all.

Oh, there is no competition between the GS and the RS or the RT among the boxers, that's for sure. The GS wins all the way in terms of sales, even among people who go touring and never go off road.

Not sure the Beemer and Suzuki are direct competitors. That's more the realm of Ducati and Moto Guzzi.
For some reason, Japanese sport tourers don't do it for me, though in my relative youth I wouldn't even consider a bike made anywhere else. The fit and finish seems to have slipped from the era when they were the best bang for your buck.
Honestly, not even interested in this bike - other than as an avid motorcylist - is simply too tall, which is the increasing trend.
Say what you will about Harleys and Triumphs, you can easily swing a leg over most of their offerings.

I also do not cross shop twins and I4s . I love them both, and I'm in the market for either one or the other. That's just one more reason I need multiple bikes.