BMW F650 input.

[SmithSwede]

Thanks Ed.  I’ll take you up on that offer!

We are in total agreement as to design simplicity.   I guess that’s a powerful reason why I like the little Guzzi.  The genius that went in to making it simple yet capable.   And sure, various trade-offs are involved, but each one represents an intelligent decision and I’m ok with all of them.  For example, air-cooling but only 50 horsepower?  I’m ok with that.  Etc.

This also relates to machine beauty. 

[Testarossa]

Expanding on my feelings for the '99 Funduro, changing the plugs is a PIA, but it's a once-a-year winter maintenance item. Other than the ignition, no electronics to go bad -- I love that. No ABS, no "security" fob, no cruise control, no rider modes. Nothing on this bike I can't fix myself if necessary. Just like my Tontis and Trumpet.

[steven c]

I keep looking at getting another big signal after owning a KLR a few years back, I have been leaning towards a DR650 but the odd thing is the BMW’s can be had for less money around here.

[SIR REAL ED]

I keep looking at getting another big signal after owning a KLR a few years back, I have been leaning towards a DR650 but the odd thing is the BMW’s can be had for less money around here.

Absolutely true Steven.  DR650's hold their value better than most of the other Japanese bikes.  Tough to find one bellow $3500 that looks like it hasn't been dragged down the road by a truck.  Since the owners tend to be older, know what they want in a bike, and work on it themselves, very few of the used DR650's have been dragged down the road by a truck.  Not that much of an investment new, so often the sellers are not very motivated to sell.  Why sell when I still like the bike and it is as reliable as an anvil?

Add in the fact that the bike is essentially unchanged since 1996 means you can find any used part or farkle you can imagine.  So the pike becomes "yours" and it is therefor harder to "let go!"  Simplicity adds to the enjoyment of tinkering, so that is a feature, not a problem.

[SIR REAL ED]

Thanks Ed.  I’ll take you up on that offer!

We are in total agreement as to design simplicity.   I guess that’s a powerful reason why I like the little Guzzi.  The genius that went in to making it simple yet capable.   And sure, various trade-offs are involved, but each one represents an intelligent decision and I’m ok with all of them.  For example, air-cooling but only 50 horsepower?  I’m ok with that.  Etc.

This also relates to machine beauty.

C'mon up anytime.  I'll show you a plethora of 25 hp roads.  Doesn't matter if you have 25 hp or 200 hp, you'll be traveling those roads at the same pace...

Oddly enough the KTM 690 as a time machine is only partially effective.  Whenever I start really romping on it, I soon come to the realization that either my brain was smaller in the good ole days, or my balls are smaller now....... or both!   

Jumping into the other thread of the 3 new MG models, I suspect 425cc cylinders may be about the limit to meet the current Euro emissions standards without radical redesign.  IE: water cooling and/or four valves per cylinder.  Performance is easy, but emissions are both a design constraint and requirement.