The GS (the TE that is, with the "normal" sized tank) isn't nearly as heavy as it looks and it carries its weight low down. Its all about compromises, as ever. Off road riding might be 10% if that and is sure to involve several days all day riding on tarmac to get there. So road/off-road ability is in that order of priority. The Triumph isn't that heavy either. It looks enormous but its an absolute doddle to ride. I reckon it would actually make a pretty good town bike because it looks imposing and everyone gets out of your way but you can nip and dart around on it like its half the size. Didn't have the low down punch of the GS though. A triple that feels more like a four than a twin. Bloody good bike though. I'm with micky1 on time wasters though. Especially on S/H bikes. Using dealers just to get a joy ride isn't on. Wastes their time, dirties their bikes for nothing and makes it harder for genuine buyers. Joy rides are what open days are for. I love em. You can book rides on bikes you'd think you'd never buy in a million years just out of curiosity. And that's what dealers want, to win a convert. And its a bit of a social and if you're lucky you get coffee and burgers.
I dont know, I did a few joy rides last year and ended up buying a brand new Panigale. Initially I had no intention to buy a new bike as I'd only had my licence for three months and didn't think I was ready for it. I rode the new Fireblades at the Ron Haslam school in Donnington and they were so good compared to my 2003 R1 that I had recently upgraded to from my CBR600f I got after my test. I decided to 'test ride' a new Triumph Daytone 675 just to see if it was as good as the 'blade, that was so good that I nearly bought it, then thought I would test a Panigale 1199 as I was tempted by something bigger than the Triumph and next thing I knew I was a Ducati owner! I'm sure the dealers are aware of the potential sales to the right joy riders.
When my bike is in for a service I usually ask if I can take something out for a demo ride. Always make it clear I've no intention of buying one, just want to see what it's like, never been refused.
