Returning to the dark side

[Nutty]

I’ve had an 18 month fling with an XR.... I stupidly test rode one, and was instantly seduced by the power... it’s wasnt until after a few thousand miles of riding like a knob everywhere that I realised I missed the old boxer. The XR was very comfy, and really naughty, and it’s that part that turned me off. I couldn’t resist trying to give it the beans everywhere, just couldn’t chill out on it and go for a bimble.. it ended up feeling like a mission every time I got on it for some daft reason.

Now on a 1250GS and feel much more relaxed. I can still have a laugh wringing the throttle (well I will properly once it’s had it’s running in service), but it’s much easier to go into sensible mode and just enjoy the journey.

I’m glad I tried one for a while, but much happier back on a boxer....


Plus oiling that damn chain.... what a chore !!!

Yep, same here. I found I was wringing it’s neck everywhere, but that was partly due to the full Akra, and the intoxicating sound it made on full chat.

I’d still have another one though.

I know 3 mates who bought new XRs but all sold them quickly as found the vibes dreadful . I thought BMW had fitted different bar end weights on later models ? It seems some still find an issue with them ? Never ridden one myself

It funny, when I had mine that was all anyone went on about. But mine had no vibes, and most of us on the XR forum couldn’t understand what everyone was on about. It was only after one of the bike rags mentioned it that everyone jumped on the bandwagon.

 

[Nutty]

It’s not even ran in yet have you thrashed a 1250


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I have, and it still runs out of puff at about 125/130, just like the 1200. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.

 

[Warlord]

No worries , how are the new springs

Still waiting for delivery, should be this week?

At powdercoaters being repainted black. So they've been delayed.

Once I've got them home, I need to strip the bike to fit them, set up static and rider sag.... then find time to test it all.

So it'll be another couple of weeks really before I have any sensible opinions on it.

Going to fit the HyperPro steering damper at the same time, so that'll need setting up as well.

Looking forward to it, as very keen to see what Ohlins TTX shocks will feel like on the R1200GSA for road use.

Will it be a big difference compared to standard ESA ???? Don't know...

The one fault identified in the ESA shocks is cavitation and heat buildup. They don't last long at speed over bumpy roads before they lose damping control. So the new setup should last much longer over testing road surfaces. That feature I will appreciate straight away

 

[stick]

I have, and it still runs out of puff at about 125/130, just like the 1200. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.

Strange , mine gets to the 137 / 138 easy and feels like it would go more , but wont , bugger.
Saying that tho my old Multi (147 atrw) was fast but as mentioned before just was too much for a good ride out and even in the Dolomites the GS was better , we took both bikes ( 1200 lc ) and the lc was just faster for some reasons in certain areas , okay on the big fast corners and open stretches the
Multi was fast but only there. IMHO

 

[Arsey]

Strange , mine gets to the 137 / 138 easy and feels like it would go more , but wont , bugger.
Saying that tho my old Multi (147 atrw) was fast but as mentioned before just was too much for a good ride out and even in the Dolomites the GS was better , we took both bikes ( 1200 lc ) and the lc was just faster for some reasons in certain areas , okay on the big fast corners and open stretches the
Multi was fast but only there. IMHO

Must be so frustrating not to be able to achieve double the UK speed limit.I’d sell it and get something more suitable for your needs

 

[stick]

Must be so frustrating not to be able to achieve double the UK speed limit.I’d sell it and get something more suitable for your needs

In my head I was chasing Nutty..

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Must be so frustrating not to be able to achieve double the UK speed limit.I’d sell it and get something more suitable for your needs

Bonneville salt flats comes to mind, however that would open another thread on bike disintegrating...............

 

[Sungaets]

Seems to me BMW build a hybrid, WC engine in an XR frame, no vibes.

 

[Nutty]

In my head I was chasing Nutty..

Chasing, not overtaking!

 

[BigAlSoS]

I’m looking forward to seeing the new XR, as it’s going to have some major revisions, including LED headlights, TFT dash, keyless, and a revised engine. Should be announced later this year.

I will be taking a very close look at it when it come out

 

[ianran]

Simples have both Though I wouldn't bother with the GS, I have an S1000Xr and a GSA, both excellent bikes for different reasons.
The XR is a 2018 model and the vibes are not an issue, I have 9,600 miles on mine in 11 months as well as 5,500 on other bikes.
Took the SR to Annecy in France last year, my missus was on her own one and no issues, great tourer.

The GSA is only a couple of weeks with ,me so only has 1200 of my miles on it, I like it for the fuel range and the different handling.
The S100XR is way quicker on the steering but the GSA more "planted".
Acceleration wise the S pisses all over the GSA but the GSA wasn't bought for that.

As previously said, vibration on the 2018 S are not an issue, its a case of matching your revs to your gear. My wife's is an earlier model and is a little more vibey but its only a deal breaker if you let yourself be talked into it.

 

[10tenmen]

I have just this week sold my 2015 XR and can honestly say it was a lovely bike but I suffered with bad vibes which was cured with a set of heavier bar end weights, the fuel gauge was a pain in sticking at 155 miles range until you got below that level, the chain needs care and attention would I have another definitely. I sold my LC gs to get the Xr. I have now ordered the 1250 Exclusive which should be here Monday/Tuesday so will see how that goes, I hope BMW make a good job of the forthcoming Update to the XR.

 

[RJT_Berlin]

Loved my XR, only sold it as really didnt have the time to ride it. Would definitely have another. Didnt have the vibe issue, thought the finish (apart from the black plastics around the tank) was very good. Be interesting to see the updated model! I had a 2009 GSA, changed (before the XR) to a 2016 GS and was really underwhelmed by the LC bike, found it more uncomfortable than the XR and sou less compared to the 2009 GSA I had. All personal opinions of course, but this was my take on it

 

[iandavid]

One thing I like is back to the old instruments. Don’t have to spend weeks trying to sync everything to a TFT that is still no way fully functional. Just look at the forums with peeps trying to get it to work. ESA, back to one helmet, one plus luggage etc. Works perfect. Also no perceivable vibes at all throughout the rev range.

But above all 17”wheels, no telelever, a 165bhp engine and 228kg puts the grin factor back on riding 24/7.