Hello from Boston MA

[BostonG]

Thanks for the add. 

Hello, from foggy and cool Boston. A long time GS1200 rider and looking at possibly changing to a XR.  Don't do off-road, only room for 1 bike and a bmw fan.  Looking for comments from others that have made the switch and how it has worked out for them.  ( 34" inseam and like the upright seating in the GS.)  My typical ride is a day trip of about 250 miles, some local riding (errands, etc...) and a couple of overnight trips each year.

Comments appreciated.  Thanks

[Becksy]

Hello BostonG. I too came from a GS over 5 years ago and haven’t looked back. I also do 250 mile day trips, maybe a 4/5 night tour every year, and the odd commute.  It is the perfect bike in my opinion. With 34” inseam  you’ll have no problems.  Are you thinking of a gen 1 or gen 2? I have Gen 1. Get out and test ride one of you haven’t done so already.

[Mareng1]

You need to have an extended test-ride.

Lots of people LOVE the XR, but a significant number - go back to a GS. 

I love mine, but I think I would love the current 1250 GS too.

No amount of "Go for it mate" comments will actually make you like it - Only you can decide, unless you just want to roll the dice.

Oh!   Welcome! 

[BostonG]

Thanks for the comments. Scheduled a test ride this week to get an initial feel of the fit but not able to do an extended ride.  Looked to rent a XR for a couple of days but local dealers rent only GS's. 

[runnerhiker]

A test ride is always advisable.  A new XR will have a high frequency vibration that goes away as the miles pile up.  Mine has 12k miles and is silky smooth now.  The trick for me was that I looked at a used one that had about 10K miles on it and the vibrations were much lower than the new ones I tested.  I have a Gen 1 but the Gen 2 is the same on this issue.

The other part that's important about a test ride is the shape and comfort of the seat.  The shape of the OEM seat sucks, in my opinion, the solution was to add foam, specially near the tank, to stop the forward lean of the seat.  This problem is about personal preference, but it has a solution.  I have a Gen 1 but the Gen 2 is the same on this issue.

Having a chain instead of a shaft will not be a problem, spray it with can'ed lube at 500 to 1000 mile intervals and forget about it.  With 12K miles on mine, the chain adjustment is at the same spot it was when I rode it new out of the dealership.  I pencil marked the position at tire changes and put it back.

The GS is a great bike, the XR is a great bike.  The motors have very different characters, I have an R1250RS also, if you want an in-line 4, the XR will be great.

[BostonG]

Thanks runnerhiker. Yeah, the seating position is where I'm most interested in.  Both for the seating angle and leg positioning.  I like the GS upright position and don't feel comfortable in a lean forward position (age).  A chain is not an issue for me. Thanks

[Antares]

Originally Posted by BostonG

Thanks runnerhiker. Yeah, the seating position is where I'm most interested in.  Both for the seating angle and leg positioning.  I like the GS upright position and don't feel comfortable in a lean forward position (age).  A chain is not an issue for me. Thanks

I feel like the XR's seating position is very similar to the GS, when I sat on one I couldn't tell exactly what's different so I don't think you'll find that an issue on the Gen 1. The Gen 2 however is noticeably more forwards and you're ever so slightly over the bars.

[runnerhiker]

http://cycle-ergo.com

The seating ergonomics of the GS and the XR are almost identical, check cycle-ergo link above.

[jaythedreamer]

For me personally I like the seating position and ergonomics of the XR. I tried both, while GS was fine, on XR everything fell right for me like home! My wrists, hands, body, feet, knee etc were in the correct, relaxed, natural position. I know it might be different for you, but please try.

[Mtbman24]

I agree with others that you should really try to get on a longer test ride before pulling the trigger.
Not sure if it's a thing there, but my local dealer had a dedicated demo model instead of doing the typical demo-day scenario.  I was able to take it for a nice long ride and really get a feel for it. You could also look for a 2020+ that's been traded in as they are usually more relaxed having you it a few more miles on it. That's what I did for my gen 1