I suppose I should've realized that someone using the handle
V8Pinto would take a rough proposal of swapping engine parts more
literally than intended.  The point I was making was that if the
company could base the original GS400 on GS750 R/D, then it should be
able to use B12 R/D to produce a GS600 twin reasonably economically
compared to a clean sheet design.  At 4900.00, the GS500's price is
up-to-date while its performance is decidedly not.  No one should
be spending that much hard-earned money then deciding one week later
that the bike's performance isn't cutting the yellow mustard.  That's not
a smart way to build brand loyalty, if that's the purpose of an entry-level
bike.[/quote]

Chuckle... yeah I was already busting out the torch and searching ebay for a B12 head to cut up...  

I see your point now-