R12S to GS to XR
Posted: Sun May 21, 2017 10:38 am
I sold my R12S about a year ago now, it was a sad day indeed but having bought a LC R1200GS running two bikes was becoming a problem. No reasonable storage options meant it had to go. . .
The GS and I never really got along however. I seemed to have more than my fair share of gremlins which meant I think I only covered about 1,500 miles of problem free riding. Apart from a glitchy Gear Shift Assist it was dominated by a strange suspension issue. Eventually this was resolved by the dealer but not before I'd had enough and decided to switched to an S1000 XR.
The XR is perhaps the bike I should have bought in 2015 had I waited a few more months. I'd have had the GS and XR as options. . . maybe even the RS. . .
I've covered about 4k miles so far on the XR and I've enjoyed every single one of them. It's an incredible bike. I do fear for my license and this may well become more of an issue as I get more familiar with the bike and comfortable with the use of its power. I have never had to constrain myself so much riding a bike before it's quite a challenge. If I was to call out one downside I'd admit the XR is not the most relaxing bike to cover big miles on. I'm limited to touring Scotland at the moment and that's OK because Scotland is kind of 'bite size', the XR is just fine. However, I harbour a plan to ride up the Norwegian coastline to visit the Arctic circle - the XR would probably drive me nuts. Its restless throttle and super keen engine would have me over the bonnet of the local cop car in no time and perhaps a little frustrated with its constant effort to urge you on. . .
In a few years time I may well look back to a more relaxing boxer engined bike . . I have a keen eye on the next gen R1200GSA. . . and maybe if storage allows, another R1200S alongside.
Some pics below. . .
The GS and I never really got along however. I seemed to have more than my fair share of gremlins which meant I think I only covered about 1,500 miles of problem free riding. Apart from a glitchy Gear Shift Assist it was dominated by a strange suspension issue. Eventually this was resolved by the dealer but not before I'd had enough and decided to switched to an S1000 XR.
The XR is perhaps the bike I should have bought in 2015 had I waited a few more months. I'd have had the GS and XR as options. . . maybe even the RS. . .
I've covered about 4k miles so far on the XR and I've enjoyed every single one of them. It's an incredible bike. I do fear for my license and this may well become more of an issue as I get more familiar with the bike and comfortable with the use of its power. I have never had to constrain myself so much riding a bike before it's quite a challenge. If I was to call out one downside I'd admit the XR is not the most relaxing bike to cover big miles on. I'm limited to touring Scotland at the moment and that's OK because Scotland is kind of 'bite size', the XR is just fine. However, I harbour a plan to ride up the Norwegian coastline to visit the Arctic circle - the XR would probably drive me nuts. Its restless throttle and super keen engine would have me over the bonnet of the local cop car in no time and perhaps a little frustrated with its constant effort to urge you on. . .
In a few years time I may well look back to a more relaxing boxer engined bike . . I have a keen eye on the next gen R1200GSA. . . and maybe if storage allows, another R1200S alongside.
Some pics below. . .
