2022 XR in North Carolina

[apehair]

Hello All,

I loved the XR the first time I test rode one back in '16 or so, but chose other bikes because of the vibration in the bars and a preference for twins.

I read somewhere that the mantra you use in meditation varies by age. Maybe it's the same with motorcycles because as I've gotten older, my preference has shifted toward inline fours.

By preference I don't mean what is better for performance, but rather what my body enjoys riding. Twins used to calm me down and revitalize me. Electro-shock therapy to the brain via two wheels, I guess. Now I'm getting the same effect from an inline four, so I bought an XR.

I've got a Ducati Monster 1200R for the local canyons. I love the bike, but after four hours I get tired. I can go all day on it if I have to, but it wears me out. It also lacks storage capacity. And I'd hate to waste that special engine on slab.

I wanted something that let me ride longer but with performance similar to my 1200R, carrying capacity, and an inline 4. I also wanted it to be easy to manage on a sight-seeing ride where I was just cruising from town to town taking in the sights.

I bought a used K1600GT, but that was too far on the TOURING side of things, so I opted for the XR.

So far I'm loving it. But I feel that way about most bikes when I first buy them. I'll know more after 1,000-2,000 miles.

What I enjoy so far:
- Delightful engine
- The bike flows beautifully on good twisty roads
- Comfortable throttle response around town
- Sports-oriented light touring ability
- Comfortable enough for light touring
- Looks pretty good

Not so good so far:
- Buzzing in the bars, which I expect will diminish as the bike breaks in - not bad enough to make my hands numb, though
- Suspension feels like a compromise - fine on smooth roads, but bucks on the rough stuff, maybe I'm spoiled by the Ohlins on my Monster
- Needs lower windshield for clean air, and perhaps a taller one for longer/cold-weather rides
- Seat might need replacement, but giving myself time to get used to it.

Rick

[Becksy]

Welcome to the forum apehair, great intro post.
I think the hankering for a 4 might just be because you have been on twins for so long? I have been on a 4 for years and have a hankering for a twin. A change is as good as a rest so they say.
Buzzingon the bars will get better, put some bar end weights on.
I’ve got an Mra vario screen.
Plenty of replacement seat options, I just use an Airhawk.
You can definitely tour on it, I would say more than light touring (depending on what you define as light!)  Am about to head off on mine to France for the week.

[runnerhiker]

Hello Ape

Vibrations, seat, and windshield were also on my "needs improvement list".  Not suspension, I was ok with it from day one.

Vibrations - will definitely get better with miles.  As a matter of fact, I decided to get my XR after I test rode a used XR with 10K miles on it.  At 12k miles on mine now, the engine is perfectly smooth, it's like magic.  Really.

Seat - my most difficult dislike to correct.  Bought a Sargent, then a Corbin, then a Wunderlich.  Then had the Wunderlich modified by a seat place.  Finally, it's good.

Windshield - a minor issue with buffeting.  An MRA screen has completely solved this one.

Mine is a 2019 Gen 1, but the differences are minor, my comments above should be 100% appropriate for your 2022.

It's a great bike, enjoy it.

[apehair]

Thanks, Becksy and runnerhiker, for the info.

I'll let y'all know how it goes. After trying several different bikes lately and realizing pretty quickly that they weren't going to work, I've got a good feeling about this one.

Rick