Welcome aboard the red and white streak known as the S1000XR forums. I followed pretty much the same path as you except I had a Tiger Explorer. Couple years ownership and I found myself trying to ride the Explorer like a sport bike and at nearly 600lbs, it left me wanting. With a couple weeks ownership, I am completely smitten. Just got back from my first run down a rural country HWY 25, a fun and fast turn fest for 72 miles out and 72 miles back. This run I made in record time and the motor on this S1000XR is absolutely sublime, it may not have the insane top end from 100-160+ miles an hour, but out of the corners on these kinds of roads it is absolutely perfect, grunting to screaming in two seconds flat. My face is more sore than my ass is from grinning for two hours straight, actually my ass feels pretty good for that kind of pace for just over two hours hard running, you're gonna love this bike.
