[Steve Carlton]

With a GS, you're looking at 1150s or 1200s, each in base model or Adventure. The Adventures are "cool," but they're Panzer tanks and overkill for 99% of the riders. The new Tiger is highly regarded, but the older 1050 Tiger is a major sleeper and probably a used bargain. They're cushy compared to the GS and KTMs. The Adventure comes in a base model and a taller S, and they come in silver and black as well as orange and are the most dirt-worthy. You should ride some of each. There's even Cagiva Gran Canyons, with an air-cooled Ducati motor. Really cool looking, but supposedly a major PITA to service.

I don't think you save enough money on the R1100S to justify 30-40K miles. '04s have the 2-spark motor and updated transmissions, and don't cost that much more than the earlier ones. You might even find one still under warranty, as a few were sold new about a year ago. The '05s only came as Boxer Cup Replikas with a unique red/white/blue paint scheme. They have Laser exhaust cans, a taller suspension, and a taller, softer seat than all prior. I don't think any came with ABS (which I would highly recommend), Ohlins and luggage might be hard to find on one, too.