Well I picked up my lowered white one yesterday from AJ and rode back home via the dales. wow, what a machine. My last 3 bikes were boxers, RT, GC TC and GS LC. SWIMBO declared that she no longer wants to ride pillion so hence the new toy.
What a brilliant machine.
Some initial thoughts.
1. lowered means that as I'm a short arse, 5'10" i can get both feet flat on the ground which gives you so much confidence.
2. quality & finish seem much better than my GS LC
3. handles absolutely pin sharp much easier to throw around than the GS and it keeps it's line in corners to the mm.
4. the engine, absolutely ballistic. Spent first half in Road then onto Dynamic, overtakes are just unbelievable as is powering out of bends.
5. suspension is harder than the GS but flawless in handling the shit roads we have. Fork dive on breaking is new to me so will need to adjust to that. Brakes however are super powerful.
6. wind noise is about the same as my GS LC, screen in low and no buffeting, quite happy.
7. now the vibes, yes they are there but not much more than my GS which always made my hands go numb after a while. Secret is to use the box, which is gorgeous with the quick shift. Keep out of the narrow vibe band. You've got 9k to play with until the first service, use it all, it's an engine thats meant to rev and oh boy does it respond.
You cannot compare it with the GS (which is just what I've done
), it is a completely different machine, a sports bike with a sit up riding position. If you want to take pillion and luggage in comfort to the South of France get an RT, the XR would be the wrong choice by miles. Want to tour on your own with just a small bag for the skiddies etc and have the time of your life, then yes this is definitely the bike.
For me it was the right choice as I needed to get away from the "adventure to Tesco's" mentality.
The XR is mental but perfectly controllable.
What a brilliant machine.
Some initial thoughts.
1. lowered means that as I'm a short arse, 5'10" i can get both feet flat on the ground which gives you so much confidence.
2. quality & finish seem much better than my GS LC
3. handles absolutely pin sharp much easier to throw around than the GS and it keeps it's line in corners to the mm.
4. the engine, absolutely ballistic. Spent first half in Road then onto Dynamic, overtakes are just unbelievable as is powering out of bends.
5. suspension is harder than the GS but flawless in handling the shit roads we have. Fork dive on breaking is new to me so will need to adjust to that. Brakes however are super powerful.
6. wind noise is about the same as my GS LC, screen in low and no buffeting, quite happy.
7. now the vibes, yes they are there but not much more than my GS which always made my hands go numb after a while. Secret is to use the box, which is gorgeous with the quick shift. Keep out of the narrow vibe band. You've got 9k to play with until the first service, use it all, it's an engine thats meant to rev and oh boy does it respond.
You cannot compare it with the GS (which is just what I've done
), it is a completely different machine, a sports bike with a sit up riding position. If you want to take pillion and luggage in comfort to the South of France get an RT, the XR would be the wrong choice by miles. Want to tour on your own with just a small bag for the skiddies etc and have the time of your life, then yes this is definitely the bike.For me it was the right choice as I needed to get away from the "adventure to Tesco's" mentality.
The XR is mental but perfectly controllable.
