2020 BMW S 1000 XR Launch Review

At the launch of the new BMW S 1000 XR in Spain recently, I was given a cold stare as I took the keys to my ride ahead of the first session. “You’re the last one to check in,” said the BMW rep. She didn’t need to say much more. It was like when you fail your school assignment and your parents aren't angry, just disappointed. The Germans are known for their precision and punctuality, and I had messed with that, even if only by a couple of minutes.

The high level of expectation is evident in BMW’s products too. I only had to take one look at the latest iteration of the BMW S 1000 XR to know the Germans mean business. The sleek yet aggressive lines, exceptional components, detailed TFT screen, wide array of controls and smart ‘Ice Grey’ colour scheme (‘Racing Red’ is also available), make for a beautiful looking bike. But looks only tell part of the story.

In the beginning…

Introduced in 2015, the original BMW S 1000 XR was a surprise hit. It gave birth to the Adventure Sport segment, a category that didn’t really exist before. The bike combined sports bike performance and adventure comfort into a blissfully balanced product. It utilised the same power plant as the BMW S 1000 R, and provided more road-going sportiness than the GS range.

Most ‘dual-sport’ bikes are a compromise. They take a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Not the S 1000 XR. BMW somehow managed to get this bike to do both sport and long distance travel exceptionally well. As a result, the bike received rave reviews from the world’s media.

By 2019, the BMW S 1000 XR hadn’t changed much. It didn’t really need to either. But BMW decided to give it an overhaul anyway, so it set about making the changes that took me to Almeria in Spain to ride the 2020 iteration.

The big question for BMW was, how does it make a great thing even better? The company has made some small changes and some big changes. BMW claims the new bike is lighter, faster, more agile and more versatile, but the reality is that this isn’t a vastly different bike from its predecessor; it’s just a little more refined.

Same, same, but different 

The engine department is arguably where the biggest changes were made. BMW completely overhauled the engine, which is now derived directly from the recently-updated S 1000 RR power plant. But those expecting more power and BMW’s ShiftCam technology, think again. The bike maintains the exact same power figures as the previous version. Those figures are 165hp at 11,000rpm and 114Nm of torque at 9,250rpm.

Instead, BMW has gone for improved rideability, reduced fuel consumption and reduced noise levels. The Euro5 emissions regulations played a big part in BMW’s decision-making. However the bike still manages a balance between touring and sports-style riding, with BMW claiming the new engines offers a little more power at low and mid-range engine speeds compared to its predecessor.

And ShiftCam? Well, BMW reckons it’s not needed. On the RR, it’s designed to improve performance higher in the rev range. The XR does most of its work at a lower RPM, meaning ShiftCam is kind of useless. I’ll take BMW’s word for it.

Weight reduction was also a focus, with the newly-configured engine offering a lighter and more compact package. All up, BMW claims the new engine weighs 5kg less than the previous model.

Electric circus

Electronically, there is plenty on offer. For the first time, BMW has added engine drag torque control (MSR) as standard. MSR prevents the rear-wheel from slipping as result of abrupt throttling or downshifting. There are also four rider modes, with Dynamic and Dynamic Pro added as standard (unlike the F 900 R and F 900 XR, where those modes are optional extras). With Dynamic Pro, there is a wide range of configuration options. Throttle response, engine braking, ABS control, traction control and wheelie control can all be configured separately.

Electronic suspension adjustment is also standard in the form of Dynamic ESA. Dynamic ESA Pro is optional and adds two damping modes and automatic load compensation. There is also a dynamic brake assistance called DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) which is designed to support the rider during braking manoeuvres. ABS Pro is standard and offers increased safety when braking and in banking position.

The 6.5-inch TFT screen initially appears complex, but it’s actually very intuitive and offers a heap of information and customisation options. Everything is operated by BMW’s handlebar-mounted controls and unique multi-controller wheel.

I’ll be honest, this bike is like a spaceship to me. I found myself getting lost in all the technical detail and electronic wizardry. But what really matters is how the bike works on the road. It’s easy to make a high-tech bike, but if the tech doesn’t enhance the riding experience, then what’s the point?

Art attack

Fortunately, there are no concerns with the S 1000 XR. In line with the high expectations and perfection mentioned earlier, BMW has ensured that everything on this machine serves a purpose. The bike is so finely crafted that it feels like a piece of art from the Lourve.

From the moment I entered the motorway outside Almeria and opened the throttle wide, I knew that this was something special. This bike is fast, crazy fast. But it won’t rip your arms off either, which is a credit to BMW’s ability to find a good balance between performance and comfort.

I initially had the bike set to ‘Rain’ mode, the most user-friendly mode, but with the flick of the handlebar-mounted switch, I changed to ‘Road’ and then to ‘Dynamic’, which completely changed the power delivery and opened up the bikes performance potential.

There was some vibration through the seat and handlebar, but with a four-cylinder 1000cc motor, you have to expect that. There was also a lack of engine braking, something that I personally would have liked more of, although I’ve since learnt that it’s possible to adjust the level of engine brake.

Speaking of braking, the 320mm twin-discs at the front and 265mm single-disc at the rear are extremely sensitive and will stop the bike in no time at all. It actually took me a little time to put faith in the impeccable ABS and safety features when stopping in a hurry, but there is no worries there; the bike will stop as soon as you need it to.

Couch surfing

Ergonomically, the BMW S 1000 XR is geared towards comfort. An upright riding position (but not too upright) and a lounge-like seat, make for an incredibly comfy ride. It’s almost a strange contrast between the fire-breathing, maniacal engine and the luxurious riding position. If it wasn’t for the unbelievable performance, you’d almost fall asleep. The bike is that comfortable.

The suspension package is also very impressive. Dynamic ESA Pro allows you to switch settings on the fly, and this helps take the suspension from a soft touring setting to a stiffer, sportier setting. Overall, I found the suspension to be a little on the soft side, but I am a heavier-than-average rider, so most people should be satisfied.

Perhaps the most impressive attribute is the agility of the S 1000 XR. BMW promised a more agile bike and it certainly delivered. Riding the S 1000 XR almost feels like a video game. It flicks from side-to-side like it weighs 100kg, not the claimed wet weight of 226kg. It’s a surreal feeling, and that coupled with the exceptional, but manageable power delivery, make this bike an absolute joy to ride.

Easy to ride

Maybe the problem with this bike is that it is too easy to ride. In some ways, the bike kind of rides itself. Unlike the F 900 R and F 900 XR, which both require significant rider input to unleash their full potential, the S 1000 XR feels like cheating. Then again, for a tourer that can both give you supreme comfort and unbelievable performance, I think a few cheat codes are okay.

I could write all day about the list of features, rider aids, creature comforts and optional extras. Things like adaptive headlights, keyless ignition, quickshifter, cruise control, heated grips and intelligent emergency call, are all available, but the reality is that the BMW S 1000 XR is still a superb package without any add-ons or gadgets.

Who is it for?

I keep asking myself though, who is this bike for? In a world where young blokes buy sportsbikes and dirt bikes, and old blokes buy adventure bikes or cruisers, the S 1000 XR kind of feels like no man’s land. On one hand, it wants to be a sports bike, and on the other, an adventure bike. But as the Old El Paso commercial once asked, why can’t we have both?

BMW’s experts probably explained it best during their presentation in Almeria. In short, the S 1000 XR is aimed at sportsbike riders who want something a little more practical and comfortable, but doesn’t compromise too much on performance. If you’ve spent your 20s and 30s doing track days, and you're starting to feel the effects of getting old, then the S 1000 XR is for you. Dirt bike riders grow up to buy adventure bikes and sportsbike riders grow up to buy the S 1000 XR. Simple.

The Bavarian’s absolutely nailed the design brief for the S 1000 XR, and having now experienced the German’s penchant for perfection, I didn't really expect anything different. BMW promised sports bike performance and adventure comfort, and that is exactly what it delivered.

Specs: 2020 BMW S 1000 XR

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder
Capacity: 999cc
Bore x stroke: 80mm x 49.7mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 165hp (121kW) at 11000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 114Nm at 9250rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed constant-mesh (Gear Shift Assist Pro optional)
Clutch: Wet multi-plate (anti-hopping)
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Aluminium composite bridge frame, self-supporting engine
Front suspension: USD telescopic fork, 45mm, Dynamic ESA, 150mm travel
Rear suspension: Aluminium double-sided swingarm, central spring strut, Dynamic ESA, 150mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 320mm discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers (BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard)
Rear brake: 265mm single disc, 1-piston floating caliper (BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard)
Tyres: Bridgestone Battleax
Tyre sizes: 120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear

DIMENSIONS
Claimed wet weight: 226kg
Length: 2333mm
Seat height: 840mm
Fuel capacity: 20l

OTHER STUFF
Price: TBA
Colours: Ice Grey and Racing Red/White Aluminium
Bike supplied by: BMW Motorrad