New XSR owner with doubts

18558 Views 14 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Tigerjohn, May 25, 2019

Juleeooo

Discussion Starter · Apr 2, 2018

Hi xsr-mates,

I'm almost ready to buy my amazing xsr, but honestly, I have doubts that need to be asked in this site. Hopefully you can help me with your experiences.

I will use it alone every day going to work and from time to time doing some routes with friends but alone in the bike.

But the thing is that I also want to share it with my gf in the city (lets say once per week), in some routes (let's say one per month), or even in a 2-3days trip (very occassionally).

Both of us are fit and "light" xD

I wonder if Tracer would be a better choice than XSR in terms of multiuse. I have seen the "passenger seat" and looks like small!! I can't test the moto because my dealer doesn't have it.

All your comments and suggestions are welcome.

BR from Spain ✌🏼

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Tigerjohn

· #2 · Apr 2, 2018

I would say the XSR is OK for occasional pillion use but it's really a bike for solo riding. If you are planning 2-3 day trips away with your gf, you probably would be better off with the Tracer....it'll be more comfortable for her, will carry your gear more easily and will give a bit more wind protection.

Reactions: 2

Kranith

· #3 · Apr 3, 2018 (Edited)

The XSR is so nice and it is nearly the best bike for solo rides. I'm also a mainly solo rider and im sure everyone will agree with that. I also have a gf and I've made some little daily trips with her on my XSR and she never said me that the bike is uncofortable.
We also made a daily trip with some friends (4 couples on 4 less or more similar bikes with also a BMW GS with us) and at the end of they day both me and my girl were happy of the xsr's comfort. I've also carried around my brother (184 cm x 75 kg) and a friend of mine (that is around 190 cm x 85+ kg) and they both were surprised on how comfortable was the XSR saddle and the xsr's riding position.
Of course XSR is not a bike made for long days trips so this depends a lot on the use you'll have with that bike.
I'd suggest it to everyone who does:

70% solo riding+
for the additional 30% goes on daily routes with a passeggeri (with nearly no luggage but a back pack) 🙂

Hope this helps! Cheers

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Reactions: 1

Antony Ward

· #4 · Apr 3, 2018

I've not had anyone on the back of the XSR, but if you are going to do the odd 2-3 dayer and have your missus on the back once or twice a week, then I reckon the Tracer will give you more room but not sure about comfort though. I've been on the tracer and to me it was like sitting on a scaffold plank next the XSR's comfy seat.

It's a tough one...The XSR is so nice to ride and look at, that I might be tempted to go with the XSR and put up with the occasional pillion squeeze

Reactions: 1

Tigerjohn

· #5 · Apr 4, 2018

Antony Ward said:
I reckon the Tracer will give you more room but not sure about comfort though. I've been on the tracer and to me it was like sitting on a scaffold plank next the XSR's comfy seat.

For pillion comfort combined with a mid range, responsive engine, I'd go for a 650 V Strom without hesitation. I'd have an XSR as well for solo playing and worshipping in the garage! My wife can't ride pillion on the XSR (arthritic knees get too bent) but she's fine on my Africa twin. The XSR is nearly always my first choice, though, for a solo day out. Best start saving.....!

Reactions: 1

Antony Ward

· #6 · Apr 4, 2018

Tigerjohn said:
For pillion comfort combined with a mid range, responsive engine, I'd go for a 650 V Strom without hesitation.

I have to agree with that TJ. Had my Strom for 3 years and it was so comfortable and such a joy to ride. I only got rid of it as we moved house and had a lot of work to do. I couldn't warrant keeping 2 bikes for the amount of spare time I would have to ride. So kept my VanVan with the intention of getting a bigger bike later! and the XSR was it

Here's me and a friend on a weekend trek around Wales, that's mine at the back

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Reactions: 1

Juleeooo

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 4, 2018

Thanks for your comments, they're very useful.

As my dealer doesn't have XSR or Tracer to test, at least we will go to feel the seats of both bikes. It will be my first moto, so i am quite confused with the final use I will do with it. XSR images is awesome, so at the moment it is my first choice.

Hopefully I will share pics soon! Thx!

Kranith

· #8 · Apr 5, 2018

XSR has been my first moto too

Don't worry bro you will just enjoy it, from the 1st second riding!!

Reactions: 1

hotwheels

· #9 · Apr 5, 2018

Antony Ward said:
I have to agree with that TJ. Had my Strom for 3 years and it was so comfortable and such a joy to ride. I only got rid of it as we moved house and had a lot of work to do. I couldn't warrant keeping 2 bikes for the amount of spare time I would have to ride. So kept my VanVan with the intention of getting a bigger bike later! and the XSR was it

Here's me and a friend on a weekend trek around Wales, that's mine at the back

The first V-Strom in the picture is a Brexit bike ?

Reactions: 1

Antony Ward

· #10 · Apr 5, 2018

hotwheels said:
The first V-Strom in the picture is a Brexit bike ?

Yep he'll need a new plate soon :smile2:

Juleeooo

Discussion Starter · #11 · Apr 13, 2018

Hi!
Finally I got the Tracer. I found an opportunity that couldn't say not.

All the best for you, many thanks, and see you on the roads!

V's

Reactions: 1

GreenForest

· #12 · Nov 3, 2018

Kranith said:
XSR has been my first moto too
Don't worry bro you will just enjoy it, from the 1st second riding!!

It was also my first "real" moto. The others were scooters.

And I don't regret it. 0

Richard6362

· #13 · May 25, 2019

Pillion seat HELP please

Hi All, just about to pull
Trigger on a nice black Xsr 700.. only thing is really need a seat for the mrs to come on . Needs to be a good pillion. Happy to look at any custom seat or even extending the subframe if any bolt on options available . Please help guys

Flyerdon

· #14 · May 25, 2019

Most people would agree that a 400 lb. sport bike isn't really made for two-up riding for any length of time. The seats are too short, and the pillion pegs are way too high. I've also had a V-Strom and although I never rode it with a passenger, it probably would be much better for that particular reason. In my experience, having two people, weighing a combined total of 300-400 lbs on a 400 lb. bike doesn't add up to a safe riding combination. There are plenty of 650-750 cc bikes that do a much better job for that. They just aren't nearly as cool or capable with a single rider as the XSR700.

Tigerjohn

· #15 · May 25, 2019

I agree with Flyerdon's comments. The 650 V Strom is a great bike for two-up comfort. I recently bought a Tracer 700 for the same purpose - my wife can't ride pillion on the XSR. I went for the Tracer rather than another V Strom (which I've had in the past) as it is a fair bit lighter and a bit more sporty for solo trips. I have to say, though, that the wife preferred the V Strom for comfort. I've taken the pillion pegs off my XSR - it's purely for solo fun in my case.

Reactions: 1

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