I like a couple of the newer bikes, the V7 is there, The Kawasaki W800 is very nice but the V-Strom I own is already more powerful, not a huge amount but still.......and it does everything competently, everything, touring, pretending to be boy racer and all the general day to day duties required.
The W and V7 would probably do all those duties just as well....but no better.
But they are just so well put together, both 'pretty' bikes for want of a better word.
Something no one ever said about a DL650...even from those that love them.
I'd probably choose the W in the end because I know and trust the Japanese [ odd how that would appear to earlier generations of Australians] I've always admired Guzzis and have lusted after a Cali for many years but my few experiences with European vehicles have not gone well.
Not always the fault of the vehicle, parts supply and so forth.
But a lesson learned none the less.
Since the jokes already started.
What's the difference between a Hoover and a Harley Davidson ?
On a Harley the dirtbag sits on top.