Your last comment has sealed it Chris.
I have watched a couple of youtube videos and I liked everything about the XR.
I particularly liked the engine note which is a great sound for straight 4.
And just to put a slight damper on that...
Be sure to test ride one first for at least an hour, for two reasons:
- they vibrate, and
- you don't have much room for adjusting your position on the seat.
The earlier ones one are worst for vibration. The latest models, not so bad.
The seat is possibly just my problem, but I like to have a little back/forward movement available on long rides. The 'comfort' seat is worst for lack of movement - it's too sculpted. Lovely for 30 mins, then, oooohhh oooh ouch.
However, they are definitely as fun as a K to ride, just be sure you can stay comfy.
Most (all?) BMW dealers offer test rides and are usually relaxed about the amount of time you take a test ride for, if you explain why.