Wow Jimmy, just wow, that first photo! My jaw literally dropped! It?s incredible, where is it/where were you? Tell me more lol.
It is in Antofagasta, Chile Oli. The photograph was taken by an Italian Valentino Rossi fan who happened to be there at the same time.
I rode across the Andes mountains from Argentina then north through Chile to Peru across the Atacama desert in 2014, for absolutely no reason other than I remember Jeremy Clarkson saying if you break down or crash you are pretty much going to die. The desert is so barren that microscopic life is void, kinda wanted to test my mental resolve so did it solo with no back up plan or indeed any plan, lol. Was told by more than one local, "you cannot go that way you will not make it." I love a challenge.
I could bore you to death with other stories Oli but there are much more seasoned travellers than me that I have met and make my wee soirees seem like a day trip to the local bikers cafe, lol.
I will return to South America, it is such a diverse continent, however my Spanish is woeful to say the least, but its amazing the reactions you get when you smile.
JimmyMac[/QUOTE]
That?s a great story Jimmy, I highly doubt I?d ever get bored hearing of your travels, I mean after all everyone enjoys an adventure! [emoji4]
The XR was a bike that I thought was very good but not Great. Imo it is not a taller S1000RR, it is heavier although this is hidden well as it handles pretty good for its size, I was a little worried (as always) about dropping the demo bike so didn't really push it hard but hard enough to realise that my RR is far better at cornering, this was partly due to the electronic suspension feeling a little laboured ie slow to react. I tried all modes but could not dial it in the way I like it. The brakes were exceptional. The sound of the engine made me want to thrash it which I hardly ever do when riding and those that have ridden with me will know I take it easy.. There was a slight vibration felt around 70 - 80 MPH, this I found to be annoying and when I tested it 2 up Louise said it was awful, the room for the pillion was less than the Tiger although my feet were further away from Louise's compared to the Tiger (1050). The luggage on the XR Imo looks bland and the luggage rack looks like it was designed by a scaffolder during his lunch break.
After test riding 2 different XR's I decided that the XR just didnt set my pants on fire!! It was similar to the RR and the Tiger but Imo both are better in their own ways. I would not have the XR as a second Bike to the RR, maybe as a my only bike but that is a maybe.
I agree it?s certainly not an RR on stilts, the handling and engine just aren?t comparable. However, my recollection was that it made for a good all rounder if it were ones only bike. That being said I did come away from the test ride thinking I certainly wouldn?t want to substitute my RR for it ...
The vibration issue is interesting because it?s a very common criticism of the XR, between 70 and 80 mph. I think I must have either test rode a Unicorn example or that I didn?t spend sufficient time at that speed to notice it.
I?m surprised Louise didn?t find it at all comfortable as a pillion, from the photos I always assumed it would be pretty much identical to say a GS pillion experience.
Re luggage, I agree the XR?s design could be improved, KTM for example seem to have a very neat idea on the SDgt!
Really starting to think the KTM SD GT is the all rounder to have. Must ride one, one day. We'll have to do a mini-meet at your dealer sometime Phil
+1
The 1299 Super Duke has certainly been a successful range for KTM and I agree the GT makes for a brilliant all-rounder.
Jim Aim Motorcycles are a wonderful family owned dealership, I?ve had 3 KTM?s from them in the past and can whole heartedly recommend them. If I were in the market for a KTM I?d look no further
This vid is for Oli, the words to the song really speak to me and the video is quite well made too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74rFH2OKc68
The band is called Electric Sun with the song - Cold Light of Day.
Enjoy
JimmyMac
Great video Jimmy, made me want to go for a ride big time!
Oh and the song is now in my music library lol ...