Do you live around alot of mud? If so I say go ahead get the xmr. I live around alot of mud being down in the South. I did move my rad up top made my own rad relocate frame. But I went 2 yrs without doing that. I have the bike in my sig. I think the XMR's have a lower ratio rear end than the xt-p. Buddy of mine has the xmr with the air compressor he doesn't like it. It also has 30" Silverbacks it's ok. I ride alot of logging roads and pipelines and highlines. Your choice I would get whatever your riding style is going to be more than 50% of the time. Mine is alot of mud would like to get some 29.5 outlaws 1. But until these Zillas wear out I am stuck with them and they go pretty good in the mud. Don't know if I answered your question or not.