You can buy the R and if you decide to do long distance - touring on it, you can get the marathon windscreen, handlebar raises and some saddlebags. I did it on mine and I love it.
fair comments. Price difference is not insignificant as well. I will tour on my R and enjoy it more with less weight and more responsive chassis and engine. The R is arguably one of the most fun rides currently on offer and I havent enjoyed riding a bike as much since the first R1. BB
Thanks for the comment. I definitely think the xr is better for touring. Touring is not about responsive engine and chassis. It's about sitting on your ass for hours on end. And to that end (no pun intended) the xr wins by a decent margin. But for everything exciting and commuting related, the R wins.
Yes all you mention is correct, However for one up touring I will stick with the S1KR with a proper windscreen and some luggage. I have had a GS so I am aware of comfort touring rigs. Weight is the enemy.In fact, of all the bikes I have enjoyed most over the years without exception, all of them were light. Cheers
+Martyn B Yup, that's fair. If I was only One upping and wanted to tour as well, you can def make the R work for you. But if your primary use was touring, I'd get the XR or GS.
Test rode the Super Duke GT and Multistrada and went with the XR. Love the bike. Had a busa and some other fun bikes before. I wanted more comfort without sacrificing performance and also be able to take the woman around on some trips. Love this bike! Getting full Akropovic on right now and can't wait to get it back
MotoBoboJones It was a great bike, too. I don't think you can go wrong with either, but I'd rather go with a 4 banger over VTwin. The S1000 just fit better, I guess.
Good review mate! Like your style & keeping it cool in bad traffic! I bought the R. XR much better at serious distance work I reckon :) Looking forward to seeing more of your vids!
Long distance like 500 miles in a day : riding stance comparison : XR vs R Will your weight fall on your wrist if you were to ride the R ? coz i feel on the XR with the handlebar raised higher it wont. [ I am 5 feet 11 inch and 209 lbs. ] This is one huge factor that is going through my mind, i have a Duke 390 right now which is stance wise equal to an R my assumption and i completed 2500 approx miles in 7 day span and had a terrible wrist and palm pain in my right hand. So if that is going to be the case with R i suppose the XR is a clear choice then. Can you help me answer this. Also the lack of windscreen on the R does it affect you at constant high speeds runs ?
Thanks for the review. Quite thorough. I've been researching / shopping pretty hard for a spring purchase. I don't think I'll be able to drop enough coin for a 1200GS or an RT but I still want to be able to do three thousand plus kilometer trips. In your opinion, would you consider the XR to be a solid long range touring machine? Thanks again. Cheers.
I like to take two week long cross country trips each year, but then I just commute for work the rest of the year. Do you think the R would be comfortable enough to do that long of a trip on it? Or would the XR be better suited as an all around bike?
I do the exact same thing, along with many shorter trips throughout the year. funny enough, I'm looking at the R and XR (along with the MT10) for my next bike.
Aaron Wiebe You can buy the R and if you decide to do long distance - touring on it, you can get the marathon windscreen, handlebar raises and some saddlebags. I did it on mine and I love it. You can even put hand guards on it.
Hey Bobo, great videos. Do you still have the Tiger? I came from a 05 BMW R1200RT to a Tiger 800 XRx. Being an 'old guy', I'm kinda liking the lesser weight and that triple engine. Actually love that triple, but I do miss the luxury and big bike feel that the beemer had at highway speeds.
Thanks so much! I had to sell the tiger to afford the bmw. The new tigers are amazing, but yeah the luxury features and power on the Beemer are incredible.
+Mayhem 909 it's a nice to have more than a necessity. Up shift is more important and the down can still be a bit clunky. But ya silly that they don't have it in the 16
I ride a 2015 BMW K 1600 GT. Even put some headers on it. Great riding/handling bike. My woman friend wants to step up from her BMW scooter. I think she has polished her riding skills enough to go with the 1000R. But something in me wants her to go with the S1000RR. I love those bikes but at 6'4" they don't work for me. Is riding the S1000RR vs the 1000R that big of a difference on longer rides?
+Louie Lamoore Scooter to RR? I don't think that's a good idea. Yes big difference. RR is one of the fastest production sports bikes in the world. R is much more comfortable. but both seem a bit aggressive coming from a scooter.
She can ride my BMW K 1600 GT. Maybe a little shaky when it's time to stop but that bike is much heavier than say the SS or R version. But after watching your synopsis I'm now leaning towards the R bike. Thanks for your two cents.
I have a 30'' inseam so the R was an easy choice for me, plus the Mrs. won't ride with me. Friggin love my ride, super silky explosive sex in the palm of my hand. The chills keep coming!
What about touring? XR is way better. I have an XR and the buzzy handlebars are nothing to write home about. Suburban Machinery makes an upgrade for this and kills the problem. If you want a practical machine that kills sport bikes and still allows you to ride; like a sport bike when you get there. Get the XR. Isn't that the joy of motorcycling...the journey, freedom and destination?
+BoboJones touring to me is taking a long haul from the west coast to the east coast. I love my XR. I'm 6'3" and I love the fact that this bike can take me where I want and drive it how I want without cramping up.
+BoboJones NOW after watching your video was leaning towards the R and then I go read this comment and back again at the starting point, you're messing with my head, LOL. I've been undecided bewteen these two for months. I ride always solo & I commute daily on my bike...but also enjoy a couple riding tours each year and I'm 6'3"...so I simply can't make up my mind!! Main problem with the XR is also 25% more expensive...
I'm a lucky squid because I have gotten to ride both the s1kr and the sxr. The xr has such a plush seat but I was tip toed on my toes at each stop (5'10" short legged tall upper)... But once you open the throttle on the sxr for some reason the intake sounded way more beast compared to the s1kr... but on both bikes I got this weird clutch locked up bump/twitch feeling from the lever while shifting. I tried to ride my dream adventure KTM super adventure bike but I was too short to feel comfortable riding it.... ugh KTM... 1290 super duke wayy to over priced... KTM adventure bike wayy too high for the normal human.... what is KTM's target market haha rich basketball players?
I have actually slightly changed my stance a bit. I now think XR is basically as good as the R at most things and much better at other things... But yes, this comment is basically my apology.
You can buy the R and if you decide to do long distance - touring on it, you can get the marathon windscreen, handlebar raises and some saddlebags. I did it on mine and I love it.
You must be shorter than me. Having my legs bent too much/too long causes cramping.
fair comments. Price difference is not insignificant as well. I will tour on my R and enjoy it more with less weight and more responsive chassis and engine. The R is arguably one of the most fun rides currently on offer and I havent enjoyed riding a bike as much since the first R1.
BB
Thanks for the comment. I definitely think the xr is better for touring. Touring is not about responsive engine and chassis. It's about sitting on your ass for hours on end. And to that end (no pun intended) the xr wins by a decent margin. But for everything exciting and commuting related, the R wins.
Yes all you mention is correct, However for one up touring I will stick with the S1KR with a proper windscreen and some luggage.
I have had a GS so I am aware of comfort touring rigs. Weight is the enemy.In fact, of all the bikes I have enjoyed most over the years without exception, all of them were light.
Cheers
+Martyn B Yup, that's fair. If I was only One upping and wanted to tour as well, you can def make the R work for you. But if your primary use was touring, I'd get the XR or GS.
I salute you
whoa you address it as s1kr like an s2k
Fair play mate. That was a very balanced assessment. Own a 2018 S1000R, & a ZZR14 for distance. Keep up the good work :)
I immediately noticed your voice was constantly wavering in this video from the vibration of the bike...
Test rode the Super Duke GT and Multistrada and went with the XR. Love the bike. Had a busa and some other fun bikes before. I wanted more comfort without sacrificing performance and also be able to take the woman around on some trips. Love this bike! Getting full Akropovic on right now and can't wait to get it back
NotDreadYet wow I'm surprised that you got it over the GT. A lot of people really like the GT right now. Great choice though Enjoy it and ride safe!
MotoBoboJones It was a great bike, too. I don't think you can go wrong with either, but I'd rather go with a 4 banger over VTwin. The S1000 just fit better, I guess.
Ride safe too, man!
Good review mate! Like your style & keeping it cool in bad traffic! I bought the R. XR much better at serious distance work I reckon :) Looking forward to seeing more of your vids!
Thanks so much!
Long distance like 500 miles in a day : riding stance comparison : XR vs R
Will your weight fall on your wrist if you were to ride the R ? coz i feel on the XR with the handlebar raised higher it wont.
[ I am 5 feet 11 inch and 209 lbs. ]
This is one huge factor that is going through my mind, i have a Duke 390 right now which is stance wise equal to an R my assumption and i completed 2500 approx miles in 7 day span and had a terrible wrist and palm pain in my right hand.
So if that is going to be the case with R i suppose the XR is a clear choice then.
Can you help me answer this.
Also the lack of windscreen on the R does it affect you at constant high speeds runs ?
I test rode both today and I have a hard time picking which one to bring home lol.
Do like I did and get the XR with the low suspension! Win, Win!
hello Bobo! what is your ideas about S1000XR now? which one would you buy if you were single?
I would get the XR. more versatile and still excellent on track.
XR is more practical for daily commuter as well!
I test rode both and would agree with you on your reasoning for buying XR, I loved both it was a difficult chose.
Don't get me wrong, both are ridiculously incredible bikes. Touring + passenger =xr
Commuting + canyons +track = R
Thanks for the review. Quite thorough. I've been researching / shopping pretty hard for a spring purchase. I don't think I'll be able to drop enough coin for a 1200GS or an RT but I still want to be able to do three thousand plus kilometer trips. In your opinion, would you consider the XR to be a solid long range touring machine? Thanks again. Cheers.
Super Cold !?! lol I see Palm Tree's, come to Canada where I am a Palm Tree wouldn't survive a summer night ! Otherwise good review !
Weather is all relative ;)
Doesn't the XR have better luggage options?
Thanks. good points
I like to take two week long cross country trips each year, but then I just commute for work the rest of the year. Do you think the R would be comfortable enough to do that long of a trip on it? Or would the XR be better suited as an all around bike?
Xr does it all and is equally comfortable touring or on the track
I do the exact same thing, along with many shorter trips throughout the year. funny enough, I'm looking at the R and XR (along with the MT10) for my next bike.
Aaron Wiebe You can buy the R and if you decide to do long distance - touring on it, you can get the marathon windscreen, handlebar raises and some saddlebags. I did it on mine and I love it. You can even put hand guards on it.
Good observations!
Thanks!
Hey Bobo, great videos. Do you still have the Tiger? I came from a 05 BMW R1200RT to a Tiger 800 XRx. Being an 'old guy', I'm kinda liking the lesser weight and that triple engine. Actually love that triple, but I do miss the luxury and big bike feel that the beemer had at highway speeds.
Thanks so much! I had to sell the tiger to afford the bmw. The new tigers are amazing, but yeah the luxury features and power on the Beemer are incredible.
Does the R have gear shift assist pro? Cruise? Panniers? If you're gonna tour... ✌️
Yes, yes and no (I think). But you can always throw a drybag on the rear seat. Xr is definitely better for touring.
+Mayhem 909 it's a nice to have more than a necessity. Up shift is more important and the down can still be a bit clunky. But ya silly that they don't have it in the 16
I ride a 2015 BMW K 1600 GT. Even put some headers on it. Great riding/handling bike. My woman friend wants to step up from her BMW scooter. I think she has polished her riding skills enough to go with the 1000R. But something in me wants her to go with the S1000RR. I love those bikes but at 6'4" they don't work for me. Is riding the S1000RR vs the 1000R that big of a difference on longer rides?
+Louie Lamoore Scooter to RR? I don't think that's a good idea. Yes big difference. RR is one of the fastest production sports bikes in the world. R is much more comfortable. but both seem a bit aggressive coming from a scooter.
She can ride my BMW K 1600 GT. Maybe a little shaky when it's time to stop but that bike is much heavier than say the SS or R version. But after watching your synopsis I'm now leaning towards the R bike. Thanks for your two cents.
Doesn't the XR have dirt road capabilities far better than the R?
Not really, everyone will tell you to never ever take the XR off road. R is just as (un) capable.
Dumb Dumb buy 1200gsa if you want a light offroad
How bad is the buzzy handle bars?
They are fine now
+2391jessie Rode one myself this week. The buzzing is very light in the handlebars. It's totally blown out of proportion.
+Wil Witt I totally agree, the times they really buzz is when you are being a hooligan, which is luckily also when you are least likely to notice :)
Also the XR is for a taller rider. If your 5’9 or shorter, I would go with the R, since the seat is narrower.
Thank you BoboJones, good video!
Np. Thank you and ride safe!
sick video!
I have a 30'' inseam so the R was an easy choice for me, plus the Mrs. won't ride with me. Friggin love my ride, super silky explosive sex in the palm of my hand. The chills keep coming!
enjoy and ride safe!
What about touring? XR is way better. I have an XR and the buzzy handlebars are nothing to write home about. Suburban Machinery makes an upgrade for this and kills the problem. If you want a practical machine that kills sport bikes and still allows you to ride; like a sport bike when you get there. Get the XR. Isn't that the joy of motorcycling...the journey, freedom and destination?
Yup think I covered that. Touring and 2 up is xr. Everything else is R
+BoboJones I guess I'm just pro XR.
+shawroon I think xr is actually better now (besides the price). It is more versatile than the R and almost as fun to ride.
+BoboJones touring to me is taking a long haul from the west coast to the east coast. I love my XR. I'm 6'3" and I love the fact that this bike can take me where I want and drive it how I want without cramping up.
+BoboJones NOW after watching your video was leaning towards the R and then I go read this comment and back again at the starting point, you're messing with my head, LOL. I've been undecided bewteen these two for months. I ride always solo & I commute daily on my bike...but also enjoy a couple riding tours each year and I'm 6'3"...so I simply can't make up my mind!! Main problem with the XR is also 25% more expensive...
Nice review, i have a s1000r myself
+miketeddysoft Thanks! Good choice. Ride safe!
California has the 7th largest economy in the world, and the roads are horrid from top to bottom of the state. Go figure:-/
I'm a lucky squid because I have gotten to ride both the s1kr and the sxr. The xr has such a plush seat but I was tip toed on my toes at each stop (5'10" short legged tall upper)... But once you open the throttle on the sxr for some reason the intake sounded way more beast compared to the s1kr... but on both bikes I got this weird clutch locked up bump/twitch feeling from the lever while shifting. I tried to ride my dream adventure KTM super adventure bike but I was too short to feel comfortable riding it.... ugh KTM... 1290 super duke wayy to over priced... KTM adventure bike wayy too high for the normal human.... what is KTM's target market haha rich basketball players?
There's a nice suspension lowering kit for the XR brings it down to size. Saw one at Irv Seaver.
Xr has luggage too
I hope you apologised to your xr.!!! Haha
I have actually slightly changed my stance a bit. I now think XR is basically as good as the R at most things and much better at other things... But yes, this comment is basically my apology.
+BoboJones comfortable and sporty, couldn't be more happier with my Xr