[SpeedyATL]

Originally Posted by rs1987

Indeed. I bought my XR in summer 2020 and the new one was already available. After testing both, I bought a very low mileage 2019 demonstrator from a dealer.

The later model feels vaguely neutered by comparison and doesn't sound nearly as good as the 2016 - 2019 model, which can be positively antisocial with its bangs, crackles and pops when you release the throttle. The noise never fails to make me laugh...it's the kind of aural behaviour we wish we could get from our M5s

Yep, I'm over 10k miles on mine (which is a lot for me). Owned it from new and couldn't be more impressed - fast, comfy (even more so than my RT) and great handling.

They really haven't caught on over here all that well (reviews about the buzz scared folks off here), while the tired old GS outsells everything from BMW here. Everyone wants to go the 'long way round' and then never leaves the tarmac.

[rs1987]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

reviews about the buzz scared folks off here

You know, I was a little concerned about the buzz when looking to buy. But on my test ride, I didn't notice much of a buzz. After buying, I added some heavy bar-end weights and I can't say the XR has any more buzz than any of the many other bikes I've owned. I don't even notice it, so it's a non-issue IMHO. Anecdotally, I believe the only year model so afflicted was the 2015 one.

I've got a number of other minor gripes long before I'd complain about vibration through the handlebars. For example, the ridiculously small area of the foot brake pedal that forced me to install an aftermarket shoe. And the extreme angle the bike leans at when putting it on the side stand: any slightly uneven ground makes it feels like the bike is going to drop.

But, despite the minor gripes, it's the first time I've even owned a bike that is so polyvalent. I've always owned two bikes: one a half faired bike with an upright seating position and handlebars for riding in a major city and the other a sports tourer (previous sports tourer was a ZZR1400, I believe known as a ZX14R in the States) for long distances and canyon carving.

With the XR, I only need one bike: it's perfect in town, geared correctly, with the right riding position. Yet out in the countryside on the twisties, it handles better than the ZX. It's razor sharp and handles like a sports bike (which it is if you consider the engine and chassis is the same as the S1000RR).

It's truly a remarkable piece of motorcycle engineering. I love it....

[faloppi88]

Originally Posted by Tico

I had a Night Rod, but sold it. I regret it and will probably try to pick one up again later in the year. It was such a fun bike and always got complements.

I'm not a rider or really into bikes, though I can appreciate most anything with a motor that sucks fossil fuels, but that thing is SICK!

[G30 B58]

My Honda Grom. Had all the big sportbikes when I was younger, this is almost as much fun. Maybe more fun.