Thanks for the answers.
Re : the GS I thought they were all superior and I just could not afford one... not sure I want one now...
Re : the powder coating, I have no experience of this process. Does it have to be stripped back to metal for adhesion?
They all suffer from appaling paint on the front cover and fins. Google it and you will be amazed
I'm actually the national events co-ordinator for a BMW motorcycle club and after crashing my RT (hit a fox and smashed the bike up) and replacing with a GS that had a terrible finish even on the visible parts I won't have another.
So now, when I run a club event, I'm the only person there on a non BMW.
But at leasm my engine paint isn't falling off
Al.