Hi from Kernow

[Col_C]

Hi folks, 
So a brief history.....
Started riding in my mid 30's, now in my late 60's
20+ years experience of touring in Europe, the Alps our favourite hunting ground but as far as Croatia.
Last 2-up Euro tour was on a Multistrada which I kept for 2 years but it spent too much time back at the dealer's.
But now 7 years since our last visit.  (and looking to put that right)
Mostly owned Hinckley Triumph's, currently a Speed Triple R (& SWMBO rides a Street Triple R).

So as Covid restrictions ease we're now getting withdrawal symptoms and thinking of getting something suitable for comfortable 2-up touring (the Triumphs are keepers - but not ideal tourers in our advancing years  ).
5 years ago as a way of getting a biking holiday we did a fly ride to a BMW test centre - Hotel Weisseespitze in Austria.

https://www.weisseespitze.com/en/motorsports/bmw-test-rides/

Tried most models over the week there and thought the S1000XR suited me (& SWMBO as pillion) best, so now looking in that direction.
Looking for a 2020 onwards as the pannier arrangement looks much neater.
I'm looking for information and experiences of the low height version, I've never needed lower height versions in the past but seen one available near(ish) to me.

Is it just the rear suspension link that is modified or are the forks different too?
Is suspension travel/compliance compromised?
Opinions on low vs standard vs high seats?

And of course any other nuggets of information greatly appreciated.

[Col_C]

So didn't get any gems of wisdom regarding low/standard suspension/seat heights (I was initially looking at a low version) but thought I'd update my post anyway.
So after browsing the BMW Used site a while I found a standard height 2020 Gen2 with only 450 miles which I went for and added luggage and NavigatorVI satnav. Supplied by OceanBMW at Falmouth with 2yr warranty and breakdown cover. So far pleased with it, only issue is some oil showing at fork seals but it seems from forum info this is not unusual for the first 1000mls or so, I'll leave it to settle for a while to see if it clears, the dealer has been informed and happy to sort if required.
So I've put on double the mileage of the previous owner already (not hard), but winter is drawing in and I think it will shortly be tucked away until spring and some proper touring.

[Mareng1]

 

Sorry, I missed your first post - I was on holiday then.

I think the forks can look like they are leaking due to excess grease coming out of the seal space.   I'm not sure if re-greasing is part of the service schedule at the dealers.

450miles on a 2 year old bike is strange - but it has obviously not been a demonstrator.  It's essentially a 'new' bike !

You'll not enjoy having it tucked away in the garage now, but you can cheer yourself up planning next year's trips.

 

[bobdave]

Welcome to the forum. I thought I did well picking up an 8 month old gen 2 with just 1200 miles on it in August - suffice to say it's got nearly 5000 miles on it now. Enjoy the bike.

[Col_C]

Thanks for the welcome guys.
Yes, I had to check they hadn't missed a nought off the mileage when I saw the listing, anyway it certainly is in mint condition. The service record shows the original owner put the 450mls on in the first couple of weeks when it was serviced, the salesman said the owner scared himself on it, not sure about that but whatever, it never turned a wheel after that until I took ownership nearly 2yrs later.
BTW this one is standard height (it certainly leans over a long way on the side stand - still getting used to that).
I added Evotech radiator guards straight away and that might be all I'll do, crash protection might be the only other addition to consider.
My creative juices are already satisfied by quite a few subtle mods to our Triumphs which are both keepers, the XR was bought to correct our missing the 2-up Euro touring in the mountains so will remain stock (& avoids the police attention we might get with our Triumphs  ).
Can't wait for spring now. 

[chuckxr]

Yeah, as mentioned in an earlier post, it's not really oil on the forks but grease used on the seals from the factory and it will eventually go away. I noticed the same thing on my '17 R1200RS and now on my new XR. I'm new to BMW's inline four motors, and am looking forward to seeing how many miles I can put on the new XR. I've had outstanding reliability with my last two boxer motored bikes, and expect nothing less from the XR. Congrats on the bike!