I'm looking for a replacement for my R100GS. We've used this bike for very long distance touring 2 up and it handles the sort of trail riding I expect it to. However, it's now getting on a bit so I'm looking for something with more reliability and, at least for a while, something that doesn't have a never ending list of 'maintenance to do' issues. The GS's shortcomings have always been in the touring part of the compromise - Motorway/A road cruising speed is a bit limited, wind protection is also a bit limited, brakes are feeble by modern standards and the handling on the road is slow and ponderous compared to more modern bikes.

So I tried an 1150GS for 3 years but never really liked it - dangerously heavy off road, didn't like the hot weather and very uncomfortable.

Of course, I could make some improvements to the above bikes, especially the R100GS but it's still 20 years old. I did make some changes to the 1150 but still never got to like it.

The 21" front wheel could be a bit of an issue. It is part of the reason the R100GS is ponderous on the road and it definately felt odd on the F800GS I rode but the 690 enduro handles very well on the road, so perhaps it's more to do with geometry than wheel size.

KTM adventure is still looking like the best option although far from perfect. Would be interested in any feedback on the Stelvio and Multistrada but I think the dealers are even thinner on the ground than KTM dealers.

Just my view on things but it seems to me that KTM comes with good quality rebuidable suspension, good brakes and is generally put together using good quality parts (except wheel rims?). You pay for the quality components. BMW use relatively poor quality parts but charge a lot for the finished product. Other manufacturers build their bikes down to a price and it's generally accepted that aftermarket parts can be a substantial improvement over the OE.