2020 BMW S1000XR – Best Sport-Touring?

2020 BMW S1000XR - Best Sport-Touring? 1

Overall Ratings

Ride:
Look:
Value for money:

In a Nutshell

We took the new BMW S1000XR to one of the most beautiful roads in the world to see how good it really is, in real-life riding conditions.

The 2020 BMW S1000XR has nothing to do with the previous version. Only the thing that it features a superbike engine. But this one is different too, and that’s because it’s the one from the new S1000RR, but without the ShiftCam system. The power figure is the same – 165 horsepower, but it’s lighter and it runs smoother. The new S1000XR features a new frame, new brakes, new suspension, new riding position, better weather protection, new looks.

Check the full video review:

What We Liked

The S1000XR offers a lot of power without being intimidating. It’s the most refined inline-four BMW produced so far. You’re fast on road or track without knowing it. It’s fun to ride, but it’s not snatchy. The throttle response is smooth and everything works perfect.

It doesn’t vibe anymore. This is a major improvement compared to the old S1000XR. It’s thanks to some new mounting points for the handlebar and also due to the lower rpm range in which the bike feels better. You don’t have to rev it up to 10,000 rpm in order to get the most out of it.

It looks better: symmetric headlight, LED lights, taillight incorporated in the turning lights, aggressive look, premium build quality.

The new S1000XR offers better weather protection than before, thanks to a wider and taller windscreen and thanks to some larger fairings.

The new luggage system features some discreet mounting points that look much better than the ugly frame used at the old S1000XR.

The new suspension, provided by Marzocchi, feels more plush than before, while offering great feeling and performance on track and sporty rides.

What We Disliked

The 1,000 cc in-line four is heating up, and it’s not very pleasant to ride it in the city or at low speeds during the hot summer days. It’s something usual for a performance-oriented in-line four to heat up, though. BMW made a cover in the knee area, so the things are better than before – you’re not touching the hot frame anymore. However, you’re still going to feel the heat in the ankle area.

The exhaust doesn’t look that nice.

Raw Data

ENGINE

Type: Water/oil-cooled 4-cylinder 4-stroke in-line engine, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts
Bore x stroke: 80 mm x 49.7 mm
Capacity: 999 cc    
Rated output: 165 hp at 11,000 rpm    
Max. torque: 84 lb-ft at 9,250 rpm    
Compression ratio: 12.5 : 1        
Mixture control / engine management: Electronic intake pipe injection    
Emission control: Regulated three-way catalytic converter
CHASSIS/ BRAKES
Frame: Aluminum composite bridge frame, partially self-supporting engine    
Front wheel location / suspension: Upside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA)    
Rear wheel location / suspension: Aluminium double-sided swing-arm, central spring strut, electronic preload adjuster,  electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA)    
Suspension travel front / rear: 5.9″ / 5.9″ (150 mm / 150 mm)
Wheelbase: 59.9″ (1,522 mm)
Castor: 4.5″ (116 mm)
Steering head angle: 65.1°  
Wheels: Cast aluminum wheels
Rim, front: 3.50″ x 17″    
Rim, rear: 6.00″ x 17”    
Tires, front: 120/70 ZR 17    
Tires, rear: 190/55 ZR 17    
Brake, front: Twin disc brakes, diameter 320 mm, floating discs, radial four-piston fixed calipers    
Brake, rear: Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, twin-piston floating caliper    
ABS: BMW Motorrad Race ABS, partially integral   
DIMMENSION/ WEIGHTS
Length: 91.8″ (2,333 mm)
Width (incl. mirrors): 36.1″ (917 mm)
Height (excl. mirrors): 55.5″ (1,411 mm)
Seat height, unladen weight: 33″ (31.1″ with optional lowered suspension)    
Inner leg curve, unladen weight: 74″ (71.2″ with optional lowered suspension)
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fueled: 498 lbs (226 kg)
Permitted total weight: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Payload (with standard equipment): 493 lbs (224 kg)
Usable tank volume: 5.2 gal (20 L)  
Reserve: Approx. 1 gal (4 L)   

 

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