When I was looking for a new bike I really wanted to test ride the XSR700 as a replacement for my VStrom 650, but the 700 was a new model and booked solid on the demo day. I hadn't intended to try the XSR900, but it was available so I took it out for the demo anyway. My main recollection of the ride was that the power was absolutely ridiculous and that I had no need for such a bike. I filed that info away in the back of my brain and sat on the decision for another year, but the 900 kept whispering to me.
One thing about demo days is that the more powerful bikes are more likely to make an impression. My VStrom feels like a tractor after riding the 900, and not just because of the power: the v-twin vibes are so different from the triple's smoothness, the brakes are wooden, and the seating position is like a kitchen chair. The XSR900 usually makes me giggle within seconds, whereas I often don't appreciate the VStrom until after an hour or so when I notice that my butt doesn't hurt and I'm thinking maybe I'll extend the ride and take a loop up to Lindsay or Bobcaygeon just for the hell of it.
To me, it came down to whether I wanted a single bike to do it all (XSR700 or one of the other 650/700 twins), or whether I was willing to deal with two street bikes (keep the VStrom for practicality/distance, and add the XSR900 for quick rips around the countryside). The VStrom is an appliance or a tool, and the XSR900 is a pure toy. That's partly because the VStrom is so ugly that I don't mind bolting on all sorts of practical crap like a top case, but the XSR900 is too pretty for that.
