Test Ride

[Deleted account Cooperman]

I'm looking to trade down from a K1600 as Mrs C has called time on touring. The XR looks a good candidate.

I so wanted to like this bike but I didn't.

Maybe it's because I have no sports bike heritage and the bike is attracting folk with sore wrists and backs

Yes its fast.

But...

The engine is lumpy and rotary

Feck all protection. Picked out a nice moorland road, but ended up hanging on for dear life at speeds I would normally exceed. Lid down all the time which takes away some of the experience.

It's tall - I don't really want a lowered chassis model.

Flat suspension.

I returned very disappointed and decided to take out a GS for an instant comparison.

A grin hit my chops as soon as I started rolling. Great position, some protection and suspension, and an engine that feels real.

Just my view, but it would be a GS or GSA for me.

 

[ymfb]

I know how you feel, i wanted to like both the XR and KTM SA, but both let me down in the test ride. Both great bikes but missing something in the case of the KTM and something unwelcome on the XR. I just cant get past the vibration, it disappears after a few 1000 miles, is not good enough.

Neither bike was really comfortable either.

Im sure Ive got it right trading my F800 & MTS1200 for a new GSA.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Yes its fast.

But...

The engine is lumpy and rotary

Feck all protection. Picked out a nice moorland road, but ended up hanging on for dear life at speeds I would normally exceed. Lid down all the time which takes away some of the experience.

It's tall - I don't really want a lowered chassis model.

Flat suspension.

I returned very disappointed ................

I know how you feel, i wanted to like both the XR and KTM SA, but both let me down in the test ride. Both great bikes but missing something in the case of the KTM and something unwelcome on the XR. I just cant get past the vibration, it disappears after a few 1000 miles, is not good enough.

Neither bike was really comfortable either.

...........

Its a motorbike, they all do that

Andres

 

[GS-Jonesy]

My only advice would be test ride a GSA as well as a GS. As many on here have pointed out previously, they feel different. Some prefer the GS, some the GSA.

Enjoy your bike shopping


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nutty]

It's not for everyone.

The GS/ GSA does take some beating though.

 

[Giles]

Thank God you've got rid of that shite avatar Nutty ....

 

[prop]

Trading down

Try a multistrada, new pikes peak is lovely and you get a lot more for your loot

Prop

 

[Troppo]

Heh.....a lot of people who love the XR are intoxicated by the power.

If you come from an I4 background (like me), you are less easily impressed and tend to be more analytical in your judgement.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Try a multistrada, new pikes peak is lovely and you get a lot more for your loot

Prop

You need small cohunas to get comfy on that curved seat. Torture rack.

 

[patzx12]

With speed comes responsibility.
The last thing I need a motorcycle that wakes up at 90mph
Low down grunt all the time for me, as with most on here "been there done that".