Keith, I can´t comment on sales of DL1000´s in the UK, I´m living in the states, I just don´t know. I can tell you that my DL650 is a very competent motorcycle, good on gas, fast, smooth running, fun to ride. It might not rocket around like your Bandit but it should be pretty competitive. Once criticism of the Vstrom I do have is that it is rather tall for me, I´m only 5´6". Other than that it is a fine bike.