Hi
I'm in Cheshire. I've had the R for about four years, and if you keep <70, then it's all day comfortable, and the brakes are just fine.
I tried an X but found the seat less comfortable and the bars a bit vibey. Good, but I sold it and kept the R.
Been touring round Ireland on it, but motorways are awful so not been to Scotland on it yet.
I *highly* recommend the R. If I could think of a better second bike then I'd have it by now (other bike's a Guzzi too)
Rob