Was thinking that I'd like to get the XL1200S or XL1200R as a 2nd bike for
those twisty mountain roads up here in Idaho. Erstwhile has more vibration and
lighter while the latter is smoother and a bit heavier. Hard choice there so did
somegoogling.

Came across http://www.american-v.co.uk/roadtest...200r/body.html
which compared the XL1200R with XL1200S and Buell Cyclone. Based on
that, the XL1200R would be my choice *if* I had the moola to spare. Gotta
pay some bills off first.

IIRC, The 2003/4 models have narrow valve stems which eventually resulted in
blue smoke from the exhaust system, andprolly corrected in 2005. Have mixed
feelings about the bigger gas tank on the '08 XL1200R. More range, but prefer
the timeless looks of the smaller tank.

 

both are good bikes.