Rode the XR and got gear assist pro on GSA

[thumperbob2002]

Hi All

A bit of info for you all ( who`s interested )

The XR

I had a S1000R for 9 months and really liked it- I always had a GS so it was mainly a comfortable track bike. Whilst it was powerful and a great handling bike, and the electronics were superb- it was unstable on track, at my pace. So I got rid for an RSV4 aprilia ( another story )- now have a zx10R ( incredible track bike )

Took my GSA in for the gear shift assist pro fitting and was given two bikes to ride- the new naked boxer ( cant remember its name or model number ) and an XR. The XR is quite a tall bike, very light, with a great steering lock ( the worst thing about the single R was its steering lock )

Overall- good handling bike, not overpowered by its engine, not as good handling as the single R though- as its so tall the bike is quite vague on the front. Engine just as I remember it-superb, massive power- miles too much for the road. Has a real wheelie problem (I put the bike in Dynamic Pro so least intervention re electronics ) as the bike is so tall it just wants to wheelie everywhere ( much worse than the single R.

Riding position was very nice but a very tingly bike, high frequency vibes abound.

Comparing this bike with the GSA is like comparing apples and oranges- to say this will take sales from the GS is so far from the mark its untrue. Its really a tall sports bike- would I take one on a euro tour- for 12 hr in the saddle days?- no way. The GSA is so comfortable, the engine doesnt overpower the bike, it will wheelie ( when you want - if provoked )- the gSA ( and multistrada for that,) are quite relaxing bikes to ride, if you want to dawdle- the XR is definitely not. BMWs best bike?- to be honest I preferred the naked boxer- now thats a great handling bike- who needs more than that?

Gear Shift Assist Pro

Got this fitted at Marshalls Grimsby for £370. Thoughts- superb quickshifter going up the box- better from 3rd gear up. Bangs like a race bike should!! The autoblipper going down was always going to be a compromise. Its great going down from 6th to 3rd- 2nd and 1st a bit crude. However Ive only done about 60 miles and it seems to be getting smoother as though its learning how I ride. You have to be quite forthright in what you want it to do, and sometimes it will change in its own time. Its great fun though and sounds superb.

I fully expected this not to be as good as the one on the RR or the XR, but my aim was that if it was 60% as good as those two I would be happy. On riding and reflection I think its like 80% as good so well happy.

 

[UK Jon]

Not ridden the XR.

For starters me thinks BMW made a mistake in copying the lines of the MTS. They should have used their own signature and penned something that looked more individualistic and exciting to look at.

Secondly, they should have better spent their time two fold with the current GS/GSA. Firstly by improving the quality of componentary and standard of finish - particularly with regards to their paint. Whilst I appreciate the days of lead based paints are long gone, the quality of finish on a 15 yr old K1100RS I had for a while - was far superior. No problems with corrosion, no water ingress in the switch gear, no problems with pannier locks and barrels, no transmission lash etc, etc.

For owners looking for a bit more excitement in their life, then they should have reintroduced the HP2 for both GS & GSA. The HP2 GS & GSA would come with the latest suspension/braking packages from the S1000RR and carry a tweaked version of the current engine but with VVT tech from their M cars so as to shout just as loudly as the MTS and 1290SA and so on. A bit of carbon would go well with the blue and white paint too.

Regards.

 

[thumperbob2002]

Not ridden the XR.

For starters me thinks BMW made a mistake in copying the lines of the MTS. They should have used their own signature and penned something that looked more individualistic and exciting to look at.

Secondly, they should have better spent their time two fold with the current GS/GSA. Firstly by improving the quality of componentary and standard of finish - particularly with regards to their paint. Whilst I appreciate the days of lead based paints are long gone, the quality of finish on a 15 yr old K1100RS I had for a while - was far superior. No problems with corrosion, no water ingress in the switch gear, no problems with pannier locks and barrels, no transmission lash etc, etc.

For owners looking for a bit more excitement in their life, then they should have reintroduced the HP2 for both GS & GSA. The HP2 GS & GSA would come with the latest suspension/braking packages from the S1000RR and carry a tweaked version of the current engine but with VVT tech from their M cars so as to shout just as loudly as the MTS and 1290SA and so on. A bit of carbon would go well with the blue and white paint too.

Regards.

Ive had no issues with my paint etc, corrosion etc but have seen some horrors. I have done 8K on this bike since I bought it in November so winter miles mostly. For me, the GSA is a great utility bike, great road presence, terrific road and touring bike, even quite good for light off roading. The engine is powerful enough, and cant see why anyone would want more on the road.

Out for a quick ride yesterday and noticed some sports bikes behind me, R1 crossplane crank, Blade and KTM 1290 superduke. Bit of a twisty road and basically lost them all. When arriving at Biker Cafe these chaps couldnt belive how quick the bike is. Nice to leave a few sports bikers wearing full leathers when in jacket and jeans. However, every one should know its really not the bike, unless you have 12 hours to ride big distance, and then it certainly is the bike.

 

[Arsey]

Not ridden the XR.

For starters me thinks BMW made a mistake in copying the lines of the MTS. They should have used their own signature and penned something that looked more individualistic and exciting to look at.

Secondly, they should have better spent their time two fold with the current GS/GSA. Firstly by improving the quality of componentary and standard of finish - particularly with regards to their paint. Whilst I appreciate the days of lead based paints are long gone, the quality of finish on a 15 yr old K1100RS I had for a while - was far superior. No problems with corrosion, no water ingress in the switch gear, no problems with pannier locks and barrels, no transmission lash etc, etc.

For owners looking for a bit more excitement in their life, then they should have reintroduced the HP2 for both GS & GSA. The HP2 GS & GSA would come with the latest suspension/braking packages from the S1000RR and carry a tweaked version of the current engine but with VVT tech from their M cars so as to shout just as loudly as the MTS and 1290SA and so on. A bit of carbon would go well with the blue and white paint too.

Regards.

Good post. Totally agree

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[Georgeeboi]

Exactly how I felt after a test on the xr! Love the GSA each to their own.

 

[Yonkyo]

Exactly how I felt after a test on the xr! Love the GSA each to their own.

Yes, i was totally underwhelmed by the XR that i tested...too powerful and very buzzy through the bars.

The 1200RS however, was an absolute peach of a road bike. just enough power, and brilliant handling.

 

[Nutty]

I traded my S1000R in for an XR, and also have a 2015 GSA, and agree that the GSA is the better all round bike, and the one I would take on a trip to Europe. But, the XR can bimble on the back roads, with no problem (rain or road mode, and some self control take care of that).

Re the buzzing, yes that's been mentioned a lot on forums, but I really don't find it to be an issue. Relaxing my grip on the bars takes care of that, and as it only kicks in between 5000-5500 rpm, it disappears quickly enough in everyday riding. Before I test rode one, I'd read about the buzzing, and when I rode one I noticed the buz. But once I got mine, and spent time on it, I'd forgotten all about it.

Out of the GSA and the XR, the handling on the GSA is much vaguer, but unless you're riding like a complete lunatic, it'll handle all you can throw at it.

I agree that anyone swapping a GS or GSA for one may regret it down the line, but the XR is one heck of a bike.

 

[thumperbob2002]

Yeah I agree that the handling of the XR is better than the GSA when really going for it- but overall the GSA is the better all round bike.

I actually thought that my old S1000R was a better bike than the XR strangely enough. I really got rid of it because I ride on the track so much, would prefer a sports bike for that. Its good having two really different bikes in the garage- ZX10R and GSA.

Sports bikes are truly rubbish on the road though, you either dont enjoy the ride or will be tasting prison food real quick.

 

[bellyboy]

I agree with both views in an odd way,
Ive a GSLC and its a truly great road bike, with limitations,,I also had an S1000RR at the same time which was a stunning bike (2010 model)and what seemed like the perfect garage.. but as has been said,, it was either way too much or licence losing.. so I wanted something different..
nearly two years looking at everything and all makes ..S1000R was 1st choice but thought too close to S,1RR, the KTM super Duke, brilliant bike but unsure about dealer network/service costs and reliability issues at the time, so waited for R1200R took a punt and ordered before launch and after 2500 miles I can say its a really engaging little bike to ride, full of character and great handling for a heavy bike,, its no sports bike or SuperDuke which handles better than most sports bikes on the road but Im happy with it.

The XR I found Tall being 5'8' and really unsure about its looks ( suprising since Ive got two apparantly ugly bikes?)..handling is good but not sports bike.. if you want to go to the mountains in comfort and then rip it up when there.. yes its a good bike for that but then so are many others..I can see people flocking to buy it as the press have raved about it,,( because its good but also because its something different from BMW and huge budgets spent with the media all help)

I reckon its a bike one would need to ride for a while to really know just how good it is and a short demo or a day out probably not enough to really evaluate or judge it.

IMHO

 

[Hamslay]

So bellyboy, do you still have a GSLC and an R1200R? I have a GSLC as my long distance bike and a Yamaha XT660R as my local "toy". I'm seriously considering swapping both for a new R1200R Executive and trying to get down to one bike that does everything. I loved the R1200R but I got slightly chilled on the test ride where I'd been toasty on the GS. If it had been a hotter day, I might have been more tempted at a trade-in.

I agree with both views in an odd way,
Ive a GSLC and its a truly great road bike, with limitations,,I also had an S1000RR at the same time which was a stunning bike (2010 model)and what seemed like the perfect garage.. but as has been said,, it was either way too much or licence losing.. so I wanted something different..
nearly two years looking at everything and all makes ..S1000R was 1st choice but thought too close to S,1RR, the KTM super Duke, brilliant bike but unsure about dealer network/service costs and reliability issues at the time, so waited for R1200R took a punt and ordered before launch and after 2500 miles I can say its a really engaging little bike to ride, full of character and great handling for a heavy bike,, its no sports bike or SuperDuke which handles better than most sports bikes on the road but Im happy with it.

The XR I found Tall being 5'8' and really unsure about its looks ( suprising since Ive got two apparantly ugly bikes?)..handling is good but not sports bike.. if you want to go to the mountains in comfort and then rip it up when there.. yes its a good bike for that but then so are many others..I can see people flocking to buy it as the press have raved about it,,( because its good but also because its something different from BMW and huge budgets spent with the media all help)

I reckon its a bike one would need to ride for a while to really know just how good it is and a short demo or a day out probably not enough to really evaluate or judge it.

IMHO

 

[oxforshirerider]

Hi All

A bit of info for you all ( who`s interested )

The XR

I had a S1000R for 9 months and really liked it- I always had a GS so it was mainly a comfortable track bike. Whilst it was powerful and a great handling bike, and the electronics were superb- it was unstable on track, at my pace. So I got rid for an RSV4 aprilia ( another story )- now have a zx10R ( incredible track bike )

Took my GSA in for the gear shift assist pro fitting and was given two bikes to ride- the new naked boxer ( cant remember its name or model number ) and an XR. The XR is quite a tall bike, very light, with a great steering lock ( the worst thing about the single R was its steering lock )

Overall- good handling bike, not overpowered by its engine, not as good handling as the single R though- as its so tall the bike is quite vague on the front. Engine just as I remember it-superb, massive power- miles too much for the road. Has a real wheelie problem (I put the bike in Dynamic Pro so least intervention re electronics ) as the bike is so tall it just wants to wheelie everywhere ( much worse than the single R.

Riding position was very nice but a very tingly bike, high frequency vibes abound.

Comparing this bike with the GSA is like comparing apples and oranges- to say this will take sales from the GS is so far from the mark its untrue. Its really a tall sports bike- would I take one on a euro tour- for 12 hr in the saddle days?- no way. The GSA is so comfortable, the engine doesnt overpower the bike, it will wheelie ( when you want - if provoked )- the gSA ( and multistrada for that,) are quite relaxing bikes to ride, if you want to dawdle- the XR is definitely not. BMWs best bike?- to be honest I preferred the naked boxer- now thats a great handling bike- who needs more than that?

Gear Shift Assist Pro

Got this fitted at Marshalls Grimsby for £370. Thoughts- superb quickshifter going up the box- better from 3rd gear up. Bangs like a race bike should!! The autoblipper going down was always going to be a compromise. Its great going down from 6th to 3rd- 2nd and 1st a bit crude. However Ive only done about 60 miles and it seems to be getting smoother as though its learning how I ride. You have to be quite forthright in what you want it to do, and sometimes it will change in its own time. Its great fun though and sounds superb.

I fully expected this not to be as good as the one on the RR or the XR, but my aim was that if it was 60% as good as those two I would be happy. On riding and reflection I think its like 80% as good so well happy.

Great write up, but a small word of caution. I have the GSAP fitted too, have had it for a while now and have learned to love and hate it at the same time. When gunning it (lets face it, exactly when its supposed to be used) it works a treat, banging up the gears! Coming back down like you say it can be a bit crude.....BMW say that its not supposed to be used for 1st to 2nd up-shift and 2nd to 1st down-shifts, so guess that could explain the crudeness, but it does sound awesome when you do.

My caution though is that unless you fully commit, I have found myself a few times between gears,yep even around 3/4th gear suddenly no drive, which can be a bit of an issue when exiting corners or halfway through an overtake. Like I say, if you fully commit, generally its not an issue, but its not without its failures and coming down it has more than once dropped me into Neutral out of sync!

All the tech haters will probably say its my fault for relying on gadgets and gizmo's and who needs a quick shifter on an adventure bike ha ha! well, the honest answer is nobody really, but it don't half make it fun and sound great to boot!

Rob

 

[Nutty]

Great write up, but a small word of caution. I have the GSAP fitted too, have had it for a while now and have learned to love and hate it at the same time. When gunning it (lets face it, exactly when its supposed to be used) it works a treat, banging up the gears! Coming back down like you say it can be a bit crude.....BMW say that its not supposed to be used for 1st to 2nd up-shift and 2nd to 1st down-shifts, so guess that could explain the crudeness, but it does sound awesome when you do.

My caution though is that unless you fully commit, I have found myself a few times between gears,yep even around 3/4th gear suddenly no drive, which can be a bit of an issue when exiting corners or halfway through an overtake. Like I say, if you fully commit, generally its not an issue, but its not without its failures and coming down it has more than once dropped me into Neutral out of sync!

All the tech haters will probably say its my fault for relying on gadgets and gizmo's and who needs a quick shifter on an adventure bike ha ha! well, the honest answer is nobody really, but it don't half make it fun and sound great to boot!

Rob

Agreed on the fully committed gear changes on the GSA with gear shift assist. I've also had a couple of moments, when not being firm enough.

On the XR though, it's much better, to use, and can be used all the time, from 1st all the way to 6th, and back down again. You don't even need to be going for it, it just works.

 

[thumperbob2002]

Yeah thought the RR and XR were great systems.


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[matchbox]

I've learned how to get the best out GSAP(on a GS). Changing up must be done on an open throttle and you must make sure the leaver returns to zero before next change. Otherwise problems as mentioned above occur. Similarly changing down the throttle must be closed or it does'nt work!

But I love it! I'm no tearaway so my up changes are usually at 4000rpm on a fixed throttle and it is very smooth - though not 1st to 2nd.. Changing down is where, for me it is best. Especially slowing downhill approaching a bend when you are already braking, it makes snicking down the gears a joy and is almost like having a third brake. And I love the auto blipping.

 

[Troppo]

Yes, I also rode the XR (up and down Passo Gavia..heh...)and came away unimpressed. Too tall, suspension too hard, vibes, bloody ugly...

My S1000R is a much better bike, and the one I would take back to Europe and the IoM.

Just back from 3500 km around European passes on a 2015 GS, and i was not that impressed. My 2014 WC goes much better. The new heavier crank has taken the edge off the engine. Great for smooth cruising, but hopeless when you get excited. I could not catch mates on 2014 GSs...and i was seriously trying....like throttle to the stop trying...

I am very interested in the new R as a replacement for my GS - mate on the tour had a new R, and it handled and went very well. Much lower CoG and less weight.

The RS looks nice, but the bent over position would get annoying after a while for me.

 

[UK Jon]

Yes, I also rode the XR (up and down Passo Gavia..heh...)and came away unimpressed. Too tall, suspension too hard, vibes, bloody ugly...

My S1000R is a much better bike, and the one I would take back to Europe and the IoM.

Just back from 3500 km around European passes on a 2015 GS, and i was not that impressed. My 2014 WC goes much better. The new heavier crank has taken the edge off the engine. Great for smooth cruising, but hopeless when you get excited. I could not catch mates on 2014 GSs...and i was seriously trying....like throttle to the stop trying...

I am very interested in the new R as a replacement for my GS - mate on the tour had a new R, and it handled and went very well. Much lower CoG and less weight.

The RS looks nice, but the bent over position would get annoying after a while for me.

Bar raisers and a bigger screen on the RS for you?

Regards

 

[Troppo]

True, but it kind of defeats the purpose.... In fact, the R bars fit the RS...

 

[UK Jon]

True, but it kind of defeats the purpose.... In fact, the R bars fit the RS...

Think you have just talked yourself into it..............

Have to confess have ridden neither, but from what I have gleaned the RS is very good as is R, but the latter seems a perhaps little underrated like its predecessor? Think have only seen one of the new models on the road. The only other place to see them is the showroom!

For me, hopefully if my partner and me make a full recovery after our accident, then will order my 4th GSA early next year.

Best of luck with whatever you choose, am sure you won't be disappointed long term with either.

Regards

 

[bellyboy]

Hi Hamslay, et al,
Lucky enough to have both at the moment, and The R12R would make a great only bike,, its comfy (I added an MRA sports Screen) and Ive just done 2000 miles in 6 days with one 550 mile day no aches pains,
some say seat thin but im use to a sports bike too ..

Its a lot smaller and more nimble than GS and easier to flick about but surprisingly its weight can be felt when moving it about in the garage etc its no sports bike but if ridden with spirit and smoothly itll hang on to the tails of many sports bike riders,,Its got loads of torque more than GS in midrange.

as you can tell Im very pleased with mine

and ive spoken with a few other owners and we are all in agreement ( not a shock there) that its no doubt going to get overlooked by many but we will know its true potential and for me now if i had to part with one of my bikes...
Itd be the GS,, Id keep the R12R

 

[Troppo]

Think you have just talked yourself into it..............

Have to confess have ridden neither, but from what I have gleaned the RS is very good as is R, but the latter seems a perhaps little underrated like its predecessor? Think have only seen one of the new models on the road. The only other place to see them is the showroom!

For me, hopefully if my partner and me make a full recovery after our accident, then will order my 4th GSA early next year.

Best of luck with whatever you choose, am sure you won't be disappointed long term with either.

Regards

Thanks.