I've always liked bikes that were, perhaps all-rounders is not the word, but at least capable of doing fun and comfort without too much compromise. Admittedly, I've had a ZXR750H2 and a TL1000S, being my two most single-minded models and I managed to tour on the H2, but in fact, it was after the TL that I got my first TDM. A '97 850, IIRR (I'm sure the reg plate had "R" in it).
It seems to me that once the 90s were over, bikes started getting super focussed and specific and at that point I started to move away from the high performers as they were no longer the all-rounders the CBRs had been. I guess it reflects the move for bikes of being a transport choice in their own right to being luxury toys and status symbols.
Now, having taken out my TDM last week for a ride to my forest cabin, I found the TDM to be more like the "all-rounders" I once sought: comfy, yet capable and surprisingly fast.
So, here's my scenario: if TDMs suddenly ceased to exist and all you were left with was a blank cheque by way of consolation, which bike would you have in its stead. To make things a bit more contemporary, let's say no bike design older than 2010. In other words only models that were launched in 2010 or later.
Now I've put myself at a disadvantage as I've not kept up to speed with the bike market and the relative merits of the models released but probably I'd go for something like an F800GT. I test rode an F800ST and I had been impressed with its grunt and I'm a twin man myself. "V" where possible but I'll take parallel and boxer if needed. If not the GT, then perhaps the GS. So, longer rides without a chiropractor as pillion as well as spirited rides without an Trauma Surgeon as pillion would be possible.
Hopefully, some other members' answers will also educate me about the models that are now about and note-worthy.
So, what about you? What would fill your TDM's spot if the TDMs of the world were replaced with a bike-voucher instead?
Naturally, why you would choose it is half the fun, so please give a few details.
(To the one responsible: thanks for moving the thread. Just as I posted it I thought it was probably the wrong forum)
Edited by SeizedBalt, 10 May 2020 - 07:05 am.