Advice required please.

[Sa9818]

Currently riding a 1300GS but I’m never going to use it for what it’s designed for. And I’m not riding it as much as I should after knee surgery. It’s great just a little heavy to haul around when stationary.

I know it’s not much lighter but I was considering test riding a 1000XR Vines have and maybe trading in the GS if I like it.

Has anyone done this switch and if so happy with it? I’ve read all the reviews of the XR and understand they are two different bikes but I’d value some real world info going from a GS to an XR.

Bike is solely used for scratching, no commuting or serious stuff and ridden solo.

 

[AccyStan1200]

Just changed from a 1250GS to a 1000XR, purely for the reasons you stated, just getting a bit heavy moving around. Tried a 1300GS, lot easier to move than the 1250, probably about the same as the XR. Getting used to it, similar riding position, firmer ride, clearly quicker, feels lighter on the move. I’ve had a run of 5 shaft drives, so learning curve on the chain, wouldn’t advise getting a Scottoiler, didn’t work for me, pissed oil all over the tyre, despite numerous attempts at getting the flow right, had no confidence in it so got shut. Sorry if this is not much use, all I would say is get a good long test ride, I had a full day on one before making the move. Scotland this weekend, 1st longish run, not anticipating any issues, enjoying it so far.

 

[Barnoe]

the XR is 227 Kg its only 10Kg lighter than the 1300GS?

 

[RedRick Esq.]

i went from the 1200GSA to the XR ( one of the very first) and it was a revelation for me

Better handling, loony fast and what was in effect the same riding position and with luggage and touring capability almost as good as the GS

IMO the XR is quite possibly the best bike BMW make

The new generation excluding the M variant are more user friendly than the first generation as i feel they have had some of the lunacy dialled out to where they are more civilised

Best quickshifter ever

 

[wessie]

I've owned a R1150GS, Yamaha Super Tenere, Triumph Explorer and until recently I had 2 bikes, an R1200RS and S1000XR. I toured Spain on both bikes but recently sold them and now have a V85TT as I need a more upright riding position due to hip pain on the other two.

My XR was the factory lowered model. It was lovely to ride once you recalibrated to the inline 4. I agree with Rick about the quickshift. It is no lightweight and if this is your priority, you are looking at the wrong bike. You need to aim for a 200kg bike like the Aprilia Tuareg or sportier RS660