You can get a BMW RT1150 for £3-4k. It's shaft drive but it's consistently at the top end of the touring bike ratings. I had one of the earlier NT's and it never left me stranded, however the rear suspension crapped out on a short tour of Devon/Cornwall 2up and I washed out the front a few times because no ABS. Dropped a valve once but still got home.
You can get a BMW RT1150 for £3-4k. It's shaft drive but it's consistently at the top end of the touring bike ratings. I had one of the earlier NT's and it never left me stranded, however the rear suspension crapped out on a short tour of Devon/Cornwall 2up and I washed out the front a few times because no ABS. Dropped a valve once but still got home.