I have owned a number of bikes in the past including a BMW1100GS, in my opionion the V-strom out performs all, hands down. It is a tall bike, and I can not comment on how handling may change if lowered. My wife and I have traveled on every possible road condition, including gravel and sand, I can honestly say that the bike handles as well two up as it does when solo. Even though it is classified as a dual sport, its 80% road 20% dirt, it handles wonderfully on twisty roads. I do have side as well as top case, all Givi. Jim