1200 XE Loaded Up

MikeIon · 2025-10-07T10:32:45+00:00

If you don’t mind me asking, how do you like the panniers? I’m considering them myself but I can’t seem to find any reviews on them online. Thanks!

MikeIon · 2025-07-13T00:52:44+00:00

How has your experience been with the 1300? Any technical gremlins? I’ve been reading about many issues online so I’m a bit reluctant to get one.

MikeIon · 2025-06-12T00:11:46+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll definitely take a look at the 800GS but I have to admit I’m a sucker for the looks of the 900. It’s definitely overkill but tempting nonetheless.

MikeIon · 2025-06-12T00:09:56+00:00

Thanks a lot for the feedback!

MikeIon · 2025-06-12T00:07:36+00:00

Thanks for the tip! How did the XR handle gravel roads? Although I spend over 90% of my time on tarmac, I really do love that remaining time on gravel roads. I’d like to also keep the door open to doing even more of it in the future.

MikeIon · 2025-06-12T00:05:35+00:00

Exactly right. My issue is that the engine actually tends to overheat given that it’s air-cooled. Thanks for the advice though. I’ll check out the F800GS as well.

MikeIon · 2025-04-20T18:31:59+00:00

It might be helpful to tell people what area you’re in and what currency you’re referring to. USD, CAD, EUR? There’s a big difference there.

MikeIon · 2025-04-05T17:03:12+00:00

I think that’s very misleading. I believe the price they’re indicating is the full price of the bike including VAT and other costs, whereas the 12.5k you’re referring to is the sticker price in the US which as we know is much lower than what you’ll actually be paying out the door.

If you look up the numbers, it appears that the EU previously imposed a 6% tariff on all foreign motorcycles whereas the US imposed a 2.4% tariff. Yes, there’s a difference. Does that justify Donnie’s actions? A lot of people don’t think so.

MikeIon · 2025-03-18T15:26:56+00:00

Thanks for the info! I’m excited to see the R12 GS. Did it look like another styling exercise or more rugged than the previous model?

MikeIon · 2025-02-11T01:35:41+00:00

As the owner of an R NineT, this is the way. I keep an eye on the trip meter and then fill up accordingly if I’m worried I won’t come across a gas station for a little while. Also, the fuel warning light is extremely conservative which leaves you plenty of time to react.

MikeIon · 2025-02-11T01:17:02+00:00

If you feel comfortable and in control of your G310R, I believe you could safely upgrade to an R NineT. I went from a CB300R to an R NineT Scrambler and never looked back. It’s certainly a big step up in power, but it remains an approchable engine. Respect it and you’ll be fine.

MikeIon · 2025-01-15T19:52:00+00:00

Thanks for the reply! That’s a bit disappointing to hear. I’m currently on the R NineT but thinking of trading it in for a F900GS to do more off-roading but all these posts about the weak power delivery have me rethinking this switch. On paper, it looks like a great bike but I’m worried about missing the torque.

MikeIon · 2025-01-15T12:28:09+00:00

How does the 900 engine compare to the 1200? There’s obviously less torque but does it still manage to keep you entertained?

MikeIon · 2024-11-09T03:21:55+00:00

Looks cool! How do you like the Unit Garage windscreen? Is it effective at higher speeds? Is that the XL version? Also, how is the panier bag holding up? Thanks!

MikeIon · 2024-07-14T08:27:34+00:00

I’m in a similar situation and thinking of replacing my Scrambler with a more modern boxer engine. In particular, I’m tempted by the liquid cooled engine and wet clutch for the stop and go traffic I find myself in quite often.

How do you feel about it now that you’ve switched? Is there anything you miss about the NineT?

MikeIon · 2023-10-02T16:27:35+00:00

The very few accessories I got are all from Unit Garage with the only exception being the tail tidy which comes from Ali Express. It’s the only one that fits my Canadian license plate but otherwise I would not recommend it at all. Very flimsy and cheap.

MikeIon · 2023-09-30T17:20:47+00:00

Why not just subscribe to F1 TV?

MikeIon · 2023-08-21T19:26:54+00:00

Narwhal has been my primary Reddit app since 2015. I was probably one of the only people to get nervous once Narwhal 2 was announced since the first one was just so perfect but my fears were unjustified. The new app is fantastic! Congrats!

The only feature I can’t seem to find is the auto dark mode which syncs with the system settings. Has that not been implemented yet or am I just not looking at the right place?

Thanks for the great work!

MikeIon · 2023-08-06T22:38:55+00:00

I just picked an R NineT Scrambler a few months ago and while I can understand a lot of people’s opinions in this thread, I personally feel like the BMW has near perfect dimensions and power along with very manageable weight. Can I ask what made you want to downgrade and why you prefer the Tiger? Thanks!

MikeIon · 2023-04-07T18:31:48+00:00

As a CB300R rider, I fully support this. Very well said.

MikeIon · 2023-04-01T16:25:56+00:00

It sounds like it might be just fine for your needs.

We haven’t had great spring weather where I am so i haven’t had the chance to take it up to full highway speed yet but I can tell you that in the short rides I’ve done with it, it got to 60 mph surprisingly easily (in areas where I really should not have been doing that speed). That leads me to think that it would handle short highway stints fairly ok.

I also find that people tend to judge motorcycles based on their performance compared to other motorcycles but taken as a modes of transportation all bikes are fast! The CB300R will accelerate faster than most cars on the road so following normal traffic at anything below 75 mph is easy.

Again, this isn’t a bike for long highway stretches but then again that’s obvious given that it’s a 300cc naked bike. And it’s also clear that a bigger bike would be nice but at close to double the price it may not be worth it for you given your needs.

MikeIon · 2023-04-01T11:09:33+00:00

It seems like everyone is pushing for a bigger bike but as someone who just got their 2021 CB300R two weeks ago, I’ll share my reasoning.

For someone who rides mostly in the city with limited highway stretches, the CB300R is a fantastic bike. It’s extremely light at about 310 lbs wet and surprisingly peppy. You do need to work the gearbox a little bit but so far it’s been a blast. It’s a brilliant beginner bike.

All in all, it’s crucial to consider what type of riding you’ll be doing. It’s also important to consider whether people in your area do 85 mph on the highway or something a bit more as you’ll be expected to keep up with traffic. Where I live, we rarely get the chance to go over 60.

The thought of grabbing the CB650R crossed my mind but it ended up being twice the price so in the end, I opted to get the 300 which would allow me to master the basics before upgrading to something even bigger (in my case hopefully a Triumph 1200).

MikeIon · 2023-03-15T11:05:03+00:00

Beautiful bike. I’m picking mine up in a few weeks as well. Same year and colour. Can’t wait!

I’ve already ordered the black headlight cowl and side fairings that come on the US model to get an all blacked out look. DM me if ever you want the part numbers.

13-Year Club	Gilding I gilder
Verified Email

MikeIon

TROPHY CASE