I swapped bikes the other day with a good friend who has a 2012 R1200GS. He warned me that it was going to feel like a diesel but that was it's personality. He rode my 2012 V-Strom 1000 which is considered a low cost competitor.
I hate to say, but I wasn't all that impressed especially since he told me that he had almost $20,000 in it.
Yes, it was a good ride but I expected more personality from the motor. I liked the linked braking but hated the turn signal switches. The ride was good.....just can't get over the price...and dang it was wide!
My V-Strom Adventure was $10,800 out the door. Has all the hard bags. Yes, I needed to spend a grand making it mine (typical Suzuki) but overall it has turned out to be a great tourer.
My friend really liked the Strom and was impressed with the motor. Can't imagine why
Just an FYI, Suzuki is getting ready to put a new V-Strom into production. It will have a lot of up-dates and it's v-twin to carry around 110-120 hp (up from a stock 98 hp) and projected to be available in 2013.
I may just have a 2012 for sale in a few months!