Got around to riding the XR today, about 40 Klm of fast and slow stuff.
I ordered this in Nov last year and expected it would replace my 15 GSW. My unit was ready for delivery.
I was overwhelmed with the vibes, all the way through the chassis, my hands, my bum and everywhere. I don't think I can live with it. It would be ok for around town in short bursts but would annoy me on my long weekend runs. Also, for what is a road adventure bike why does it have to be taller than a GS? I was only able to tippy toe it whereas I get both feet down on the GS.
The bike was very comfortable both suspension and the seat. It turns quickly as expected and the engine is nice although I think the demo I rode was power restricted. I felt that the low down torque was lacking and felt less than my GS, it felt strained to me. The bars are as wide as the GS, seems too wide to me.
The gearbox was very smooth, no clunks and GSAP executes better than on the GS. I felt that the brakes were better than the GS. The ESA seems to do a better job of keeping the bike level than the GS, similar to the Ducati Skyhook feeling of floating on a magic carpet, I was impressed.
I did not like the foot pegs digging into my legs between the ankle and the knee when I put a foot down.
Another thing that irks me is that Australia at least that the pricing is identical to a GS, I think it should be a little cheaper.
So, for me, I will stick with my 15 GS, I really love it and it suits me for daily and weekend use.