GS vs XR

[Boxerlust]

I got a question for someone who had one of the earlier Euro-3 S 1000 XR and has now rides a 2017 or 2018 XR.My dealer has currently none in stock and I was wondering if the newer ones are still as mental or if the feel weaker in the mid-range ?
I still think the XR is the best more fun bike for the road.Love the handling and power.Basically the only superbike you can actually use on the road.
Only thing is missing are driveshaft and TL...R1300XR...
Until then I might get weak and get one anyways...
Any regrets buying one and getting back on a GS ?
I still love my GS-ADV which probably is the better bike except for the missing 40 hp or so...

 

[malcopopolo]

I have test ridden the XR, fantastic handling bike! Trouble is i struggled to ride it at 30 and 40mph it felt like 20. I would be banned within months. That is the only reason I wont have one.

 

[Boxerlust]

Maybe somebody went from a S1000R to a 2017 on E-4 S1000R and can comment since the engine is basically the same as in the XR...
I'm glad they don't have a all black S1000XR with black forged wheels yet,otherwise I would be in trouble...

 

[fjrden]

Hi. I had a 2015 gsa and after it bought a 2016s1000xr. I believe the XR was the better bike except for the induction noise which couldn't get on with. Even with earplugs I just couldn't live with it. So I bought a 2016 gs which had the 2017 engine and gearbox. Though the gs is faultless I still believe the XR is the better bike. Faultless gear changes and aerodynamics make the xr silky-smooth. Fuel consumption is similar gs is heavier. But for the induction I would still have the xr. But then again gsa, gs,xr good brilliant bikes but the overlooked super tenere is in my opinion a better bike than the 2 gs variants. You purists? Badge collectors or indifferent won't look at the Yamaha why simply because you love to moan at the beemer breaking down being too expensive and extras not included. Which will I change my gs to? I know which I won't that's the gsa and xr so gs or xt1200ze? Have to see.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

 

[Boxerlust]

I like everything about the XR except that I hate chains...
The XT 1200 is boring;engine & handling sucks.
Only bike worse than the 'Super'tenere is the Honda Africa-Twin;even slower & tubed wheels...

 

[Matty589]

There’s no way the XR is similar fuel economy to the GS. I’ve had both and the XR was consistently 10mpg worse, and that’s if you ride it like an old fart. Give it some beans or ride it through heavy traffic and you’ll be lucky to see 130 miles out of a tank. I’d be more interested if they managed to solve the harsh buzzing through bars, tank, seat and pegs. As others have said, a great laugh to ride but very difficult to stay anywhere near the speed limit.

 

[Nutty]

I’ve had loads of GS’s, and bought an XR when they first came out. The XR is an incredible bike, but was at its best when on full chat, so I sold it before I ended up in prison. The torque on the XR wasn’t a patch on the GS.

I’ve now got rid of both and have a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which gives you more torque than the GS, and the same BHP as the XR. The good thing with the KTM is that you don’t need to wring it’s neck all the time to get the best from it.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

The good thing with the KTM is that you don’t need to wring it’s neck all the time to get the best from it.

And that there is the biggest problem with the XR ( or was for me) the fact is it doesn't work well or at its best until you are at jail speed and then it does work soooo well and is IMO unrivalled

problem is you just cant ride it like that very often

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

I’ve had loads of GS’s, and bought an XR when they first came out. The XR is an incredible bike, but was at its best when on full chat, so I sold it before I ended up in prison. The torque on the XR wasn’t a patch on the GS.

I’ve now got rid of both and have a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which gives you more torque than the GS, and the same BHP as the XR. The good thing with the KTM is that you don’t need to wring it’s neck all the time to get the best from it.

Must agree with Nutty on this tried the XR before I bought the GS, actually found myself riding thinking I was something like a ghost rider, it was so awesome, but that XR would have killed me at some stage, license would be in the Police mans pocket in a week, then I looked at my age and said nah, GS for me............

 

[yofi]

I have test ridden the XR, fantastic handling bike! Trouble is i struggled to ride it at 30 and 40mph it felt like 20. I would be banned within months. That is the only reason I wont have one.

I felt the opposite. The induction noise (which I loved) was so great that I'd think I was doing 90 when in fact I was only doing 70. The other big issue I had with the bike was the heavy clutch. Loved the handling of the bike though. If they sort the clutch and the chain out, would reconsider.

 

[Boxerlust]

I rode both the 1260 MS and 1290 SuperADV.The XR is much faster on top as also the steering of the XR is quicker than both.If chaindrive then definitely the S1000XR which feels like a real superbike but as practical and comfortable as a GS...
It would be great when they finally came out with the 150 hp boxer to have a 17 inch wheel version as a R 1300 XR to have it all !
Because as it is you have to decide between the excitement the XR engine gives or the clean driveshaft as also I'm a huge fan of TL ?
No one here who can comment on Euro-3 vs Euro-4 versions ?!

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

I felt the opposite. The induction noise (which I loved) was so great that I'd think I was doing 90 when in fact I was only doing 70. The other big issue I had with the bike was the heavy clutch. Loved the handling of the bike though. If they sort the clutch and the chain out, would reconsider.

Must admit it wasn’t some TL1000S in my eyes, fast when nailed but seemed happy trundling too, gets up to 130 very quick as I found out touring Spain..each day was like a track day.

Mine was new March 2016 . Mpg was about 40mpg 15 down on GS, vibes went away with cymarc bar ends, chain ok, clutch ok not heavy for me, comfort good GS width bars, headlight extremely piss poor, drl led strip gimmick, acceleration ace, quickshifter spot on, handling ace, sat Nav bracket rubbish too low and no lock.

Just not a great tourer compared to the master GS, mainly due to luggage and tank range, chain I could work around. Plus imo it’s pig ugly from some angles esp with aftermarket screen. Seems poor value spec wise too compared to GS.

I’d definitely have another be nice if they gave it bigger tank, nicer front end styling, better luggage, and better sat Nav bracket.

 

[10tenmen]

Sat Nav bracket costs £30 to convert to the locking version same as the GS you have to tilt it towards the screen to unlock but it’s an easy diy job. It’s a totally different bike to the GS but I enjoy the differences I did 160 miles Friday on my 2015 and had to re fuel. I have a Cobra exhaust fitted and it sounds awesome. Next bike will be another BMW but which one who knows.

 

[Boxerlust]

I guess I have to wait and try the E-4 version of the S1000XR myself...all I know that the 2015/16 S1000RR had a stronger midrange than the 2017 E-4 S1000RR I tried.The E-3 was slightly louder,too !
Otherwise I agree that the XR can get you in trouble as it is probably the bike from the 80 or so I owned or test-rode in my live that was the most fun to ride.Except for the chain.
The GS is probably better with driveshaft,top loading bags and TL but not as exiting to ride.
Definitely a tough decision between 2 very good bikes !
Last year the GS won but I can feel that XR-itch again...motorcycles are a sickness.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

I guess I have to wait and try the E-4 version of the S1000XR myself...all I know that the 2015/16 S1000RR had a stronger midrange than the 2017 E-4 S1000RR I tried.The E-3 was slightly louder,too !
Otherwise I agree that the XR can get you in trouble as it is probably the bike from the 80 or so I owned or test-rode in my live that was the most fun to ride.Except for the chain.
The GS is probably better with driveshaft,top loading bags and TL but not as exiting to ride.
Definitely a tough decision between 2 very good bikes !
Last year the GS won but I can feel that XR-itch again...motorcycles are a sickness.

Despite what Nofuck Tiger might come on and say about me and chains

The chain is no big problem Keep it lubed ( a 30 second job after each ride) clean it once every thousand miles or so and mine lasted 15K without adjustment

Way cheaper to replace chain and sprockets than a shaft and its associated bits

 

[Boxerlust]

Chains are still a pain...Imagine todays cars with chaindrive like in the days of the Model T... No one would put up with it.
I think that kills the XR for me a bike that I otherwise love.
Chains are for bicycles !
I a perfect world there would a GS with 17 inch wheels and 150+hp...

 

[Nutty]

Chains are still a pain...Imagine todays cars with chaindrive like in the days of the Model T... No one would put up with it.
I think that kills the XR for me a bike that I otherwise love.
Chains are for bicycles !
I a perfect world there would a GS with 17 inch wheels and 150+hp...

I also hated chains, but after having a few bikes with chains, with the modern cleaners & lubes, it really isn’t a problem.

 

[giticus]

For me the only thing that I regretted about going from the GS to the xr was the loss of lighting, I ride all year and most of journey on unlit roads and in pi$$ing rain pitch black single lane roads you just cant see the hazards. Yes I know that some may think I should go slower, but I think the XR will only be perfect when it gets the led main beam. That said I chopped the xr for the s1000rr cause...well 200hp lunacy. Now just ordered 2018 GSA rallye as have to have bring kid to school each day.

 

[Nutty]

Good point about the lighting. The XR is due an update for the 2019 MY, so hopefully LED headlights will be one of the updates.

 

[Giles]

Don't forget that in one breath peepes are waxing lyrical about the performance and response of the XR, but in the next moaning that it's got a chain. Whilst there's a whole package there that makes for that breath taking performance, part of that package ... deliberately so .... is a chain! Take the chain away, and you'll compromise the performance that you all like !