35000 miles in 2 years

[forestboy]

As the header says my bike is now 2 years old and has done 35000 miles and toured 18 countries so heres a few thoughts on my 2 years ownership.
BMW Mottorad Gloucester have been fantastic to deal with as always and their customer support is second to none.
Cost of ownership has been reasonable except for the 24000 mile service which was very expensive and the amount of tyres it eats.
One new set chain and sprockets at 19500 miles need another soon, try DID next.
On my 3rd set of brake pads but still on original discs.
Numerous sets of tyres used but now settled on Meztler Roadtec 01 getting 5000 ish from a rear  and 8000 ish from the front which is far better than the Bridgestones plus brilliant handling in all conditions.
Mechanically the bike has been superb it hasn't missed a beat.
Vibrations were non existent until I fitted the bar risers then were pretty bad but were improved by the bar ends and virtually non existent again by 4000 miles a total non issue for me.
Body and paint work is still superb despite being used all year round regardless of weather, wash regular especially in winter and use plenty of Colonite wax.
Performance, brakes and handling are already legendary on this bike so no need for me to comment on those.
Regularly ride with the wife as pillion and a top box and panniers fully loaded, find with ESA set on 2 helmets the handling and performance is superb and we have done 300 plus miles in a day many times with ease.
Done many  continental trips and done more high cols and mountain passes in the Alps, Pyrenees, Sierras and Dolomites than I can count and in that environment this bike is sublime. Having said that I also find this bike to be an excellent touring bike despite what a few others have said and have completed many 500 plus mile days and numerous trips from 3000 to 5000 mile in total comfort. When touring I get a max of 185 miles from a tank of fuel running between 80 / 95 mph, when having fun that goes down to 150 / 160 miles, I spend most of the time in Dynamic but will use Rain if conditions are very bad ie standing water.

Mods
MRA Vario screen £100 ish
Wundelich bar risers £??
Pair of Cree spot lights Ebay £75.00
Memory foam insert in seat Sussex motorcycles £75.00
Heavy bar ends HVMP £80.00 ish
Radiator guards Evotech £90.00 ish
Touratech hand guard extenders £??
Givi quick release pannier racks plus Kappa panniers Motostorm £350.00
SW Motech footrests Ebay £90.00
Colour coded the front mudguard and panniers.

Faults
Headlights are crap and it eats bulbs
Heated grips are useless just buy Gerbing gloves

Thats it.
Every now and then I look at what else is on the market and have a good look around but can never find anything that gets even close to my S1XR and even after 35000 miles it still brings a massive smile to my face every time I ride it which is nearly everyday. If I had to buy a new bike today it would be another S1XR as nothing else does it for me so it won't be going anywhere soon except Valencia in November.
Do another review at 50000.

[otrp]

Awesome review forestboy.  Thanks for that. You should be published in a magazine.   

[ampj8]

 
Thanks for these facts. Compliments this bike a lot.

[mike k]

 forestboy - Thanks for the review, pretty darn good. Also, it's great to hear, and very impressive that you ride so much!! As for my, 2016 XR, its heated grips work excellent for me/ no problems (other than its switch, which is not easy to get to).

[Gbjbany]

Forestboy,  glad your still Loving it, on the foam insert was that rider and pillion seats ?  My wife road 250 with me last weekend and the seat nearly killed her.

Jeff

[Mareng1]

Not too shabby mileage there!

A good endorsement of tyres, too - 7+ rears, will form a good opinion.

cheers!

[Winger]

How much was the 24thou service.

[forestboy]

Originally Posted by Gbjbany

Forestboy,  glad your still Loving it, on the foam insert was that rider and pillion seats ?  My wife road 250 with me last weekend and the seat nearly killed her.

Jeff

Hi Jeff
No I only had the foam in the drivers section, the reason being my wife prefers to use a Airhawk pad, she has the small oblong shaped one used it on the GS as well.

[forestboy]

Originally Posted by Winger

How much was the 24thou service.

Hi Winger
Just looked at the paperwork it wasn't the 24000 mile service that was expensive it was the 18000 mile service and it was £514.00
Sorry about the mis-inforrmation.

[Fordy99]

Great review mate - many thanks.

Not done as many miles as you - only 4500 this year, but that did include 750 miles in one day from southern France to home in Cambridgeshire. It was so comfortable I could have done more !!  No faults apart from VERY bad vibes which I fixed with two sets of bar ends  and now the handlebar fix.

I did spec the lowered suspension and lower seat which really makes you sit 'in' the bike.  I have the same screen which gives no buffeting, especially as I'm sat low.

It does need better lights though, so interested in your Cree lights.  How did you mount them?  I'm loathe to cut the fairing.

Cheers

Forty