I'm contemplating a new bike. I currently ride a 2011 F800R which I overall really enjoy, BUT, is severely lacking in touring capability (as per design 
). I'd like to be able to go on some longer trips, even though the vast majority of my riding is either commuting, or day riding (i.e., not requiring camping gear etc). But for example I'm planning a 3k mile trip including the MOA Rally in June, and strapping everything all over the F800 awkwardly doesn't seem like it's going to work, nor be comfortable with the tiny windscreen and vibey highway performance (see more below).
So, I'm contemplating one of the new XR bikes. I primarily want more touring and long-distance riding comfort, with room for some gear. I know I can get matching luggage for either the F900XR or the S1000XR, and the S1000XR's luggage looks nicer in the one picture on the BMW site (and I'm guessing is slightly more spacious; plus the "hooks" are visible under the pillion seat in the bike pictures, which make it seem like it might be easy to remove the luggage when not in use for example for daily commuting). I know there's almost none of the 900s in the US yet (and maybe no 1000s either?) -- they seem to be single units trickling into dealers now, but if someone has insight on the luggage, or overall thoughts of them vs. the older F800, I'd love to hear them.
Also, as I mentioned, the "vibes" are another reason I'm contemplating a 1000 over the 900. My 800 is pretty vibey in the exact freeway range (~4500rpm), which can get pretty annoying on long rides. I'm assuming the 900 is a bit more balanced out (given that it'll be 9 years later, and at least one engine/balancer generation newer than mine), but I presume (?) the I4 of the s1000 is even smoother (plus maybe sounds cooler, and of course is quite a bit more powerful ). Anyone with good insight into the feel of these two engines?
Another option would be an older used S1000XR, but I like some of the features (keyless, new dashboard) on the 2020 so I'm leaning towards new. Plus I've never bought a brand-new moto so seems exciting But if it's a huge enough bargain I could be convinced if folks think the 1000 is far superior to the 900, and that model year doesn't make a huge difference otherwise.
Any advice appreciated, thanks!
). I'd like to be able to go on some longer trips, even though the vast majority of my riding is either commuting, or day riding (i.e., not requiring camping gear etc). But for example I'm planning a 3k mile trip including the MOA Rally in June, and strapping everything all over the F800 awkwardly doesn't seem like it's going to work, nor be comfortable with the tiny windscreen and vibey highway performance (see more below).So, I'm contemplating one of the new XR bikes. I primarily want more touring and long-distance riding comfort, with room for some gear. I know I can get matching luggage for either the F900XR or the S1000XR, and the S1000XR's luggage looks nicer in the one picture on the BMW site (and I'm guessing is slightly more spacious; plus the "hooks" are visible under the pillion seat in the bike pictures, which make it seem like it might be easy to remove the luggage when not in use for example for daily commuting). I know there's almost none of the 900s in the US yet (and maybe no 1000s either?) -- they seem to be single units trickling into dealers now, but if someone has insight on the luggage, or overall thoughts of them vs. the older F800, I'd love to hear them.
Also, as I mentioned, the "vibes" are another reason I'm contemplating a 1000 over the 900. My 800 is pretty vibey in the exact freeway range (~4500rpm), which can get pretty annoying on long rides. I'm assuming the 900 is a bit more balanced out (given that it'll be 9 years later, and at least one engine/balancer generation newer than mine), but I presume (?) the I4 of the s1000 is even smoother (plus maybe sounds cooler, and of course is quite a bit more powerful
). Anyone with good insight into the feel of these two engines?Another option would be an older used S1000XR, but I like some of the features (keyless, new dashboard) on the 2020 so I'm leaning towards new. Plus I've never bought a brand-new moto so seems exciting
But if it's a huge enough bargain I could be convinced if folks think the 1000 is far superior to the 900, and that model year doesn't make a huge difference otherwise.Any advice appreciated, thanks!
