hey man! glad to see your weighing out your options and trying to get informed the best u can.Personally i spent 3 months of hard looking at all sorts of motorcyclea.I knew that i wanted a dual purpose,or atleast capable of going of road (gravel-hard packed dirt etc. and would allow me to carry a large load.At first i looked at the gs 1200,loved the bike,well everything except the price tag.Really couldnt justify spending 24000 (tax,bags included) so i began looking at something with all the same characteristics and i came across the vstrom 1000.Did look at the tiger,cappnacord,and ktm,and non of those seemed to measure up to the strom in my own opinion.COst was a factor for me,but i would spend more if i was getting a far better machine,and i have to say the dl1000 strom hands down was the best choice.I now have a 2007 sitting in my garage (heated grips,givi crash bars,tank bra) extras and i love it.No regrets, but do your own investigations mate, go to the v strom forum online and there u can research anything u want on the bike and ask questions,but i suggest going through the forum as it is very informative to say the least.Happy hunting and good luck!!!