:(

[Keith Cross]

Well it looks like the Vstrom 650 GT is going.  I am going to the dark side again.  Test rode the new Aprilia Caponord and as I have a nice sized redundancy cheque coming and another job to go to I thought why not

Not sure when this will be but in the spring if I can what that long.

Keith C

[UK_Vstrom650]

Enjoy! I've read a few reviews and they seem positive. Will be good to hear what you think of it.

[loggamatt]

That looks like an interesting bike I must say! Are you getting the one with all the fancy suspension? I saw a review of it being tested in a head to head with the Ducati Skyhook suspension and the Aprilia looked to have it pretty well beat!

The only thing that would put me off is that I've heard the fuel economy isn't great... so I'd be interested in hearing what sort of mpg you get out of it, in case I'm in the market for one in future.

[Keith Cross]

Yep getting the one with the trick suspension.  As for MPG that's a bit of a concern, but as my new job will mean having to use a car for work I won't be using it for commuting.
Owners forums seem to indicate that they do 45 ish to the gallon.  Not as good as the Wee but liveable.
I have had a test ride on different bikes of the same sort of cc and found the following
1200 Yamaha Super tenere.  Good powerful bike but knee indents on the tank don't fit my legs that well so not comfortable.
1200 Triumph Explorer.  Again lots of power and really smooth engine.  But again not comfortable for me.  Brakes were the worst of those tested.
1190 KTM Adventure.  Comfortable and great power, maybe to much.  But vibration was the most noticeable out of al the bikes. Also the most expensive once flitted out with luggage and heated grips.  Great brakes too.
1200 Aprilia Caponord.  When I first took this bike out I hated it.  The wind buffeting was awful and nearly took my head off at 70MPH.  Even once the screen was raised to its maximum it was stil bad at higher speed.  However when I told the shop this they fitted a taller screen and it transformed the bike.  More than enough power, all the bells and whistles as standard, expect for heated grips and a top box.  The suspension was really good as where the brakes.  Overall this was my pick of the bunch.
But and this is a big but.  What about the new 1000 strom.  Its tempting to wait and see but not to sure as to when it will be available and what he final spec will be re luggage etc.
All I have to do now is do the final creeping to the wife (getting good at that after 35 years).

Keith C

[2112]

Best of luck either way, especially with the wife  

[loggamatt]

Out of interest, any reason you ruled out the new GS? Reliability worries I imagine?

From what I hear, the new GS will probably do roughly 5mpg better than the Caponord... whether that's significant enough to make up for the higher purchase price depends on how long you keep them and your annual mileage of course.

[Keith Cross]

I haven't had a test ride on the BMW even though I have been offered one.  I just don't really like the look of them.  I suppose I should try one really, even if its only to confirm what I think.  I just don't see myself as a Charlie or Ewan I suppose
Had a go on a BMW a few years ago, actually thinking about it it may have been 30 years ago and couldn't live with the torque reaction form then longitudinal crankshaft., Same with Moto Guzzis.  Maybe they have overcome that now.

Keith C

[Jacko]

I was like that about Vstroms, for years. Never test rode one, dismissed them for various reasons, looks being one... Then a mate convinced me I have to try every contender before buying the Tiger 800 or I'd be doing myself a disservice. You really do have to test them all to find the one you like best, lesson learned for me.

[Keith Cross]

Well I went and did it, ordered a new Caponord 1200 with the travel pack and factory top box, heated grips and a taller screen in white.  Might have to do something with the Fugly silencer one day soon though.



And to top it all it has attention deficit disorder (ADD)

Down side is the Vstrom 650 has to go, which wil be a sad day to be honest.  Its been a great bike, ideal for commuting (which I have to do in a car now due to a change in job), touring in the UK and main land Europe and general fun.  Se for sale page for details.

Keith C

[Jacko]

It's a nice looking bike, Aprillia is the only Italian marque I'd consider buying into, and we all know they make great mirrors.

[loggamatt]

You know what, the Aprilia Caponord is a weird bike in that the first time I saw a picture of it I thought "Man, that's an ugly bike!" Then the next time I saw a picture of it I thought "actually, that's a gorgeous bike!" I've never changed my opinion so radically and so suddenly on what I think a bike looks like before. I don't know if I was just having a bad day the first time I saw pictures or something...  

But possibly it's because I don't think I like it in grey. So congratulations sir on picking white, which I think is the colour that suits it best!

I bet it'll be a lot of fun too, and also a relaxing way to eat up the miles with that fancy suspension soaking up all the bumps, plus cruise control. Enjoy!

[MartinW]

I don't think that silencer is that ugly. I've seen worse.

Might look a bit more overpowering without the panniers though.