Closest new(er) successor to an XS11?

[gtem]

I've ruminated over this question at length: what newer bike (made within the last several decades, doesn't have to be a Yamaha) comes closest to replicating the XS1100 formula of a powerful comfortable/upright standard-ish touring capable bike (bonus if it's a shaft drive but not necessary)? Yamaha's own successor seems to be the FJR1300, but it's just a bit too sporty and too much fairings for me. I'm jealous of the overseas XJR1300. Something like a Kawasaki Versys 1000? I like the idea, but also happen to think that it's hideous and too full of electronics/rider aids/etc. Yamaha XSR900 perhaps, though I have some qualms with the pseudo-cafe racer styling elements (looks like one of those cafe racer projects built with ali-baba parts some guy is trying to sell on facebook marketplace). Z900RS? Neat looking, a bit too far on the sporty side, ditto something like a Bandit 1250 or FZ1/MT09/FJ09 etc. One thing I like about the UJMs is the ability to explore gravel roads and the 19" front wheels and decent rake and suspension travel help a lot with that. Honda CB1100? Aside from the chain drive, seems to be the closest thing out there, though they are surprisingly detuned it seems.

[LAB3]

I'd often considered getting a VStrom which is considered the "Swiss Army Knife" of motorcycles. About as close to UJM you can get these days.

[gtem]

I'd often considered getting a VStrom which is considered the "Swiss Army Knife" of motorcycles. About as close to UJM you can get these days.

There's something to be said for those things. A few of my long time "serious motorcyclist" buddies have owned them as long term bikes. Stone-ax reliable, really plush ride, decent torquey power. They're high on my list to consider. Bummer about the looks of them though, IMO the 2014-2019 DL1000 looks mostly palatable and didn't have *too* much tech, ditto the 2012+ DL650. I can't help but factor aesthetics into the equation I guess.

[DEEBS11]

It's a trick question. There is nothing. It's like riding a unicorn. Ask Bob Jones.

[Socer4m]

I have an 07 Suzuki V strom 650, and it is a do it all bike,,,fantastic short touring, traffic splitter, two up shorter distance, bullet proof reliable, 55 mpg,,,,,fun....downsides, chain needs lubing every 500 miles, stock windshield sucks, two up over 80mph is struggling, they are everywhere here in Calif., but are very cheap and plentiful, cruises at 80mph one up all day no problem,tops out at 115 mph,,,The new vstrom 800 is even better at everything, no longer a v but a twin parellel,,,,anyway I have had numerous xs and xj 1100's and there really is nothing that feels like them,,,especially a tuned, taken care of one. Love the shaft drive and power,,,way ahead of its time,,,,if they had better suspension they probably would be selling even today. For those of us that have at least one decent xs,xj may they live forever.....Mike in San Diego and PA

[gtem]

It's a trick question. There is nothing. It's like riding a unicorn. Ask Bob Jones.

I'm honestly inclined to agree, I just wish I could buy a factory fresh new one!

[jetmechmarty]

Triumph 1200 Speed Twin. Retro style, upright seating, 100+ HP, and lovely exhaust note.

[Desert Dave]

Gtem - You got to stay on top of these things. A brand new one sold at auction a few months ago! 😄

[gtem]

Triumph 1200 Speed Twin. Retro style, upright seating, 100+ HP, and lovely exhaust note.

I like the idea, I'll have to do some more research. Even though I started my motorcycling career on an XS500 8 valve twin, these days I am parallel-twin averse (don't care for the exhaust note/feel).