I suppose the ‘too much tech’ issue could be reduced by buying a low mileage used bike rather than a latest model brand-new one. The market is awash with immaculate hardly-used bikes. It would certainly widen the choices.
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That exact argument ends with me deciding to keep the Speed. Thank you.
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I was tempted by a tuono but poor tank range was a bit of a deal breaker, that and you’d struggle to get some luggage strapped to that rear end.
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Again, the 1290 V-twin, pure effortless grunt from everywhere
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I usually write them up and I’ll do one for the Speed Triple. @Motopulcino want to try the Speed Twin 1200. Youle’s in Blackburn have a demonstrator. Too far for you, I know, but maybe I’ll finally get her to put some words down about it. 
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Don’t worry about comfort James, you’d be stopping at every petrol station to fill up. Front tyre wear is minimal too as it’s always on the back wheel…
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Seeing I got an honourable mention from @Dawsy …
If you’re happy with your Speedy have you considered making a few choice mods to perhaps update/retro it and make it “yours”?
You can see mine Here
Mine started as a 94R which has the benefit of Brembo’s, Ohlins shock and forks as fitted to later models, then I attacked it with Arrow cans, etc, etc.
Last year I also bought a S1000XR for 2-up touring, same engine as the S1000R you was considering. My opinion, the XR does that job intended for me but the engine is entirely different character to the Speedy, requiring much higher revs to show any, at sensible road speeds I find it bland. Some of the electricary is useful/entertaining, but some won’t see light of day once the novelty (honeymoon period) has worn off.
Engine and gearbox on my Speed is a peach, I prefer the manual box on the Speed to the q/s’d Beemer. Every time I ride the Speed after a spell on the BM I always have a massive grin on my face.
From numerous posts it seems with the Speedy you either get a good box… or you don’t (is it man’f tolerances or how it was run in?)
If yours is good hang on to it. 
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And sounds absolutely incredible!
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Yes and yes. The pragmatist in me wants to keep this fantastic bike. The fashionable, shiny thing consumer in me, feels like its time to spend/change/ keep up. Its a battle, and Im dizzy. Very helpful to hear your feeling Col_C thank you.
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I have played with the idea of a VFR800 as an OTHER bike, one more bike wouldn’t hurt, eh.
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Im not a fan of animators gigs but that one is brilliant. 
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I had a VFR800 a few years ago. It was the last of the engines without the VTEC technology. It’s a lovely bike but I just couldn’t get excited about it. Sold it after a year.
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Always a difficult decision…
I am completely in love with my 1050 RS. It ticks all your boxes…
Why not go to a reputable dealer with an RS and try one. As per Dawsy, he was umming and ahhhing until he tried one. He now owns one and is enjoying it. You would get a warranty with the bike and if you’ve test ridden it you would know all about the gearbox. Mine has the QS fitted and works
perfectly ( typing with fingers crossed…)
As a comparison , my mate has the Tuono V4 and loves and loathes it day by day. It also uses 50% more fuel than the 1050 RS……
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I’ve got a Speed Triple booked for a test ride on Tuesday. @Towner92 and I are out again - he’s taking a Tiger Explorer this time to try out the bigger engine.
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That makes a lot of sense. A VFR is very reliable, cheap, capable.
A good complement to a roadster.
That was the bike on short list when I finally chose the Sprint ST 1050.
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You chose the better bike.
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As @Andyc1 mentioned earlier, the one stat that jumps out on all of the bikes initially featured is weight. All of them are 200 kg or more. Whereas a Striple is a fraz under 190kg wet.
Two years ago I bought myself another machine as I could see that there would come a day when the riding crouch on my Ducati SS would not be attainable for my old bones for extended periods. So the criteria that needed to be satisfied were a more upright riding style, a lower seat height (I have been tippy toeing my Duke for the last 20 odd years), a reasonable power output, say 120ish, ABS, riding modes, esp wet and an acceptable dash. The 765 Striple satisfied all of my criteria. So much so that having only slung a leg over it in the showroom I agreed to buy it. I only discovered the amazing shift assist when I collected it. Amazing agility and it will exceed twice the National dual carriageway speed limit, so I am advised 
. The wind battering of your helmet at this speed on a naked bike is unbelievable so I question why a bigger, more powerful engine in a heavier bike?
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