For the last four decades plus, BMW has ruled the ADV world with the BMW GS, whose reputation is incomparable to none other. The BMW R 1200GS is an impeccably crafted bike featuring the best production technology in BMW Motorrad's garage and has rightfully dominated adventure bike sales and remained the brand's bread and butter. In 2016, BMW decided to add a new beast to their lineup, in the form of the S1000XR, which opened up a new category BMW calls "adventure sport."
The BMW S1000XR was aimed at riders who shied away from an all-out adventure tourer like the GS and shunned the aggressive superbike positioning of the S1000RR. The bike was an answer to the rivals who were releasing bikes with more horsepower, like the Ducati Multistrada. Instead of messing with the GS's formula that has worked for so many years, they built a new product based on their flagship superbike, the BMW S1000RR. The result is a bike that does it all, combining the comfort of a tourer with a superbike's performance. Here are ten reasons we would love the BMW S1000XR.
10 Extreme Practicality
We recently said that the BMW S1000RR is relatively practical by superbike standards, although you can't do so much outside a race track with a screaming beast that just wants to be pushed hard at all times. But with its close S1000XR sibling, BMW provided its insatiable fanbase with a Swiss army knife of motorcycles.
The BMW S1000XR has more sporting and touring characteristics than most sports tourers. Its chassis and ergonomics set up on the bike provide comfort and a planted feeling. It has little compromise and can do everything an average rider could want, from the daily commute to long-distance rides with a lady in the back seat.
9 Very Sport In Dynamic Pro Mode
While the S1000XR doesn't have the S1000RR's hyper-aggressive response, it gives the same incredible acceleration but is more controllable. The Dynamic Pro Mode has to be the most hair-raising mode, as it gets the S1000XR into a very sporty and exciting mood.
The Dynamic Pro mode was developed for when you spot an open road ahead or want a go at the race track. It is the sportiest and most aggressive setting, and it opens up the BMW, providing strong power delivery throughout the rev range.
8 Awesome Exhaust Sound
The last few S1000XR models have come with a straight through-pipe which sounds fantastic, and it gets louder as the revs build up. In Dynamic and Dynamic Pro Mode on the 2021 model, the bike also lets out an intoxicating scream followed by artificial pops and bangs, which are electronically introduced during the exhaust stroke. Rev it hard, and it starts screaming like a superbike.
Also, the newer bikes come with a smaller and sleeker exhaust, with the bulk of the system going to the collector box, which is safely hidden under the engine.
7 Great Load Capacity For Touring
Between the 2016 and 2019 models, the S1000XR maximum load capacity was 477 pounds, and this rose to 493 pounds in 2020. For comparison, a full-fledged adventure tourer in the new BMW R1250 GS has a load capacity of 455 pounds.
That is quite impressive for the adventure sports bike, which gives the bike a big shout for the best sport touring in the market. Also, newer models' luggage system features discreet and better-looking mounting points, a departure from the obnoxious frame on the older bikes.
6 Monstrous Performance
Saying the S1000XR is a detuned version of the RR racing doesn't paint the whole picture. It still is extremely powerful and features a high-revving engine with an impressive output of 165hp and 84lb-ft of torque, which is no child's play. But the detuning results in predictable power and torque delivery.
BMW does a great job providing this much power for a road bike and keeping the performance up there in the newer bikes, even with Euro 5 emission regulations limiting development.
5 Comfortable Over Touring Distance
Few bikes provide a seamless combination of aggression and athleticism while mixing long-distance intentions with supersport-like engine performance, as we see in the S1000XR. It is genuinely the most well-rounded motorcycle money can buy. And, it is relatively comfortable over a touring distance thanks to the upright position and wide bars
Perhaps the only issue is the amount of cushion on the seat, but this can be easily addressed with an aftermarket fix. Also, you can make the S1000XR touring proof with the optional Touring Package, which features dynamic electronic suspension adjustment, GPS preparation, heated grips, luggage rack, and saddlebag mounts. A little price to pay for a bike that provides the best of all worlds.
4 Capable Brake System
The BMW S1000XR's performance is extended to the capable stopping power availed by the twin floating disc brakes in the front measuring 320mm in diameter with a four-piston caliper and a single rear disc of 265mm and twin-piston floating calipers. From the 2020 model onwards, the brakes are BMW-branded Hayes calipers that appear on the R1250GS, replacing the Brembos on older models.
The brakes have all the bite and power, sufficient for the power of this machine. Also, the bike features partially integrated BMW Motorrad Race ABS.
3 Excellent Rider Aids And Electronics
Since its debut, the S1000XR has featured endless electronics, with all functions accessible on the fly with a flip of a switch. The technology conveniently allows the rider freedom to customize their ride accordingly. The centerpiece is the BMW 6.5-inch TFT display that you can seamlessly navigate using the wheel on the left handlebar and is highly usable in any riding condition.
There are four riding modes: Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Dynamic Pro. Extra tech goodies include electronic cruise control, standard Hill Start Control, cornering ABS, traction control, Dynamic Brake Control with linked brakes, and Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment.
2 A Sleeper You Won’t See Coming
The BMW S1000XR is the ultimate sleeper motorcycle that you won't probably see coming. Pull up at the service station with your upright stance, and the sportbike and super-naked riding cool kids won't give you a sniff of a second look. That is, until you smoke them all at the speedway or twisties.
The bike has the characteristics of a tamed superbike disguised by its ergonomics, and it is easy to look down upon it. It is designed to outperform a sportbike at lower speeds while being able to keep up when you want to heat things up.
1 Few Sports Tourer Equals
It is hard to confine the BMW S1000XR in a single category because it seems more of a super-naked than a sport-tourer. It is more of a Yamaha MT-10 on performance-enhancing steroids. Yet it offers a fantastic, refined, comfortable, and fast ride. Regardless, BMW considers the sporty Ducati Multistrada V4 its direct rival.
The Multistrada is undoubtedly the more authentic classic sport touring bike and the better choice for long trips. But the Bimmer is better in the sporting department, thanks to its ability to do it all, on the road and the track.