Newbie from Essex

[Dohboy]

Hi everyone,

I just bought a brand new Gen 2 from the lovely people at Arden BMW in Tunbridge Wells and should take delivery this week with any luck. My first BMW after a life on mainly Kawasakis and Hondas. Looking forward to learning more about the bike and in particular what would be some useful accessories. I already ordered a phone cradle (since I can’t see myself using a Sat Nav), as well as a radiator guard. Will eventually want some luggage and a different (taller) screen but don’t fancy paying full BMW prices so will be looking at alternatives.

My first time on a forum too, so go easy on me. 

Cheers!

[Winger]

Hiya and welcome to the madhouse 😀

If you are used to all things Japanese then it will be a culture shock, not a case of better or worse just different and that’s not just BM it’s anything European, just take your time adjusting.

[Warree]

  Dohboy
What brings you from Essex to buy a XR in TW?

[Dohboy]

Originally Posted by Warree

Dohboy
What brings you from Essex to buy a XR in TW?

Well, it was a nice day for a drive, I was nearby for another reason, they had a couple to choose from and offered me a good deal. 

[Mareng1]

Welcome!

Did you try any other bikes prior to ordering an XR?, and have you test-ridden the XR?

I think I only sat on one at a dealer - a year before ordering one.

25 thousand miles later - still happy with it.

Enjoy the bike!

[Dohboy]

Originally Posted by Mareng1

Welcome!

Did you try any other bikes prior to ordering an XR?, and have you test-ridden the XR?

I think I only sat on one at a dealer - a year before ordering one.

25 thousand miles later - still happy with it.

Enjoy the bike!

Hi Mareng1 and thanks for the welcome,

Yes, I’ve sat on a lot of potential future bikes but I only test rode the XR, the GS and the Triumph Tiger 1200. Most of my miles will be longer trips - usually do a trip to the Alps or similar every year, but I also enjoy the occasional track day, and the XR seems the best fit out of those. I love how comfortable it is, coming from a ZZR1400. And still plenty of power (though not quite the torque of the ZZR…).

Looking forward to taking delivery and for better weather!

[Belco100]

   from another Essex Boy.

[Mareng1]

Living in Essex is quite handy for the tunnel - and then on to the alps (Annecy?).

I think the 1250 GS on road tyres is closing the gap to the XR, and becoming a better do-it-all than before.

[Winger]

In my defence the guy on the GS was one up to my two up but he did put up a spirited effort I have to say, although it did cost me 6 points and 200 quid, would have been interesting to find out what he got done for..😀, but I do get the GS have owned a boxer for over 20 years, but after several years of the X/R thought a KTM GT would run well alongside it and currently a good decision, but multibike ownership is a totally different game to one do it all bike.