We now have two 2016 S1000 XR's ... that's just how much I love this 2016 year and this bike... still one 2016 XR behind Cuban Rider
With my bike nearing 30k trouble free miles, I decided to buy this low mileage (6k miles) 2016 unit and then sell my higher mileage 2016 XR, much like Cuban Rider did when he traded bike #1 to an El Paso dealer for a long left over crated 2016.
On this new-to-me 2016 unit with only 6k miles, i could sell off it's panniers, custom seat, Nav IV etc ... I figured I would use the accessory sales $'s to add a bunch of upgrades from Gecko LED lights etc.
Great Deals on used XR's
I'm reminded by the very low prices in the US market for an XR, if you are patient. In my case, I found a low mileage XR, which was owned by a track instructor who's work bike is an RR ...this was his touring setup for he and his wife to take trips together over the last 5 years.
Fortunately,
Matt at Gecko LED lights lives close by the California seller (i live 1500 miles away) , and I asked Matt to pick up the bike and install LED Headlamps, Driving lights, LED Turn signals and to coordinate other work like new tires, new DID chain and sprockets and to wrap my front forks ... and and and ... to lower the bike 1.4" ... My college son and I ran the lowered bike, and the stock XR in Baja Mexico for a few weeks during the Christmas Holiday ... on the lovely winding curves along the Sea of Cortez. It was fascinating to ride the Stock and Lowered XR back to back. The stock rides on new Michelin Road 5 Tyres, and the lowered has new Metzler Road Tec 01's ...
NOTE: I can't speak highly enough about how much I love Matt's products and the incredible integrity and professionalism he demonstrated. If you are ever thinking of doing business with Matt - don't hesitate. He's talented, fairly priced and stands behind his products. Plus Matt owns a triple Black XR himself #SameTribe
BTW - Soupy's lowering link ... we were careful to re-set the rear shock after we lowered the front and rear to our liking ...
late January: ... I flew to Baja and returned via the Ferry to Mainland Mexico on XR #1, 28k miles and Givi hard ugly bags (to let the officer know I am a pokey adventure rider) ... a beautiful ride on the Devils Backbone highway ...
late February: I did the quick return flight to pick up the lowered XR and traveled North to "pet the whales" ... and finally arrived in the US on Sunday.
Both bikes handle and ride much differently. I think I prefer the taller XR #1 even though I am height challenged on my tippy toes ... seems like more precise and comfortable suspension ... might be in my mind, but the lowered feels more like a track setup or around town bike.
Surprised today ... when I saw my wife heading to Cadaver Lab at Medical School on the lowered XR ... when she arrived home she said "I think we should keep both"
Oy Vey ... a 700GS for her, a Ural for her, and two XR's ... I'll never have room for the fuel tanker GSA I need to truly wander around Mainland Mexico
Hope you enjoy some of these images and hope you all consider crossing the Pond to ride Baja and / or Mainland Mexico ... Maybe I'll have a nice XR for you to rent ... I'm happy to Trip Plan and advise if you decide to visit Baja. Smiles, Scott
