- Joined
- Apr 6, 2005
- Messages
- 1,898
- Age
- 64
- Location
- Out in the sticks of NE SC
- Bike
- R1200 GSA / S1000XR
@Bmacleod I had to go back a couple of pages to understand your train of thought. From what I can gather, you initially was looking at an R1250RT, then looked at an R1250GS, but then got absolutely mesmerized after looking at an S1000XR.@Tor to the batphone please! Tor has both. His information would be better than mine, but I don't see the ergos as comparable and the buzz and frenetic nature of the S1000 is not my cuppa Joe. Plus, I am not mature enough to manage it without show-stopping law enforcement implications.
If you are looking for a touring bike, the S1000XR is not it. The S1000XR has the same engine as the S1000RR, but tuned a little different (more torque mid-range). It is still basically a very angry-acting S1000 superbike engine, and its inline four runs at about 5K at ~70 mph.. You will love the XR on twisty mountain roads, as it is VERY planted, nimble, with a smooth power delivery that will do whatever you tell it to, whether it be sick acceleration out of corners, or power wheelies in first to fourth gear. A touring bike it is not.
The R1200GS / R12050GS is a very capable touring bike, and the GSA more so due to larger tank, longer suspension travel, and more wind protection up front. No real change between the 1200 and the 1250. The 1250 has a few more HP, and the new shiftcam engine. A GSA is just as good a touring bike as the RT. The GSA seat height is taller. Mine is a 2015 GSA, and have used it for touring since.
Now if I wanted to have some serious fun in the western NC mountains, I take the XR, because it is simply a dream and a beast to ride on those roads. You can't compare the two, even though they both have an upright riding position. Completely different temperaments.
Both have (if you choose the package), dynamic traction control / electronic suspension control / ABS Pro (leaning ABS) / Ride modes. These are still much more refined on the XR than on the GSA. The XR also has shift assist Pro (butter smooth clutch-less up and down, regardless of engine load). My GSA has shift assist, but is far from the shift assist Pro on the XR.
If you have more detailed questions, let me know, and I'll try to answer.
Edit: Sorry I didnt see your reply while I was typing this. The vibes in the XR handlebars @ ~5000 rpm did never bother me. I still installed heavy Evotech bar ends, which all but removed the vibes completely.
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