Photos: Here is the 2015 BMW S1000XR

It has taken various names in the press (e.g. the BMW S1000F), but trademark applications in Germany and in the USA tell us that the Bavarians have settled on calling their new sport-tourer the BMW S1000XR — and it is debuting in just a few weeks’ time at the INTERMOT show in Cologne.

Luckily for us, a spy photographer has caught the 2015 BMW S1000XR out testing ahead of its debut, with only the badges and headlights covered in tape. While we already had a good view of the BMW S1000XR when it was testing, these photos reveal the off-the-assemblyline shape of the latest Bavarian machine, and we like what we see.

As the name suggests, the S1000XR is based for the S1000RR platform, which has recently given birth to the S1000R streetfighter. Sensing competition from the Ducati Multistrada 1200, which itself was a response to the R1200GS, BMW seems hellbent on defending its adventure-sport-touring all-rounder long-way-around hold, and is bringing this machine to market next year.

Expected to have similar power figures and engine characteristics as the S1000R, the S1000XR brings longer suspension travel and ample luggage space to the already stout performance package.

The more sporty cousin to the GS, BMW is perhaps crowding the venerable ADV bike’s space, but also making it hard for consumers to land anywhere other than the blue and white checkered brand.

As such, we can expect a variety of packages to be available, as is the norm from BMW, with traction control, electronic suspension, and ABS available. It is also likely that we will see the Bosch MSC stability control unit added, which will allow riders to confidently grab the brakes mid-corner without fear of a lowside crash.

Expect pricing to be competitive against the Ducati Multistrada 1200, and would-be GS owners to have a hard time deciding between the venerable “Swiss Army knives of motorcycles” and this latest offering. To its credit, BMW have made the S1000XR quite a looker — seemingly dropping the winking headlight design for something a bit more symmetrical.

We can’t wait to see it in the flesh. Be sure to follow Asphalt & Rubber for all the new model releases, as we’ll be live from both INTERMOT and EICMA this year.