A bike that we knew we would see at the 2019 EICMA show, it didn’t surprise us when the BMW S1000XR rolled onto the stage in Milan, but we are certainly glad that we saw it.
Based off the new BMW S1000RR platform, the 2020 BMW S1000XR takes that superbike DNA, and puts it into an adventure-sport format.
This means long-travel suspension, plenty of wind protection, all the damn farkles, and the horsepower to get it all there with a smile on your face.
If that is the benchmark, then things bode well for the new S1000XR, because BMW Motorrad has improved on the bike in every category.
First off, the 2020 BMW S1000XR shaves 11 lbs (5 kg) off its bulk, compared to the outgoing model. This means a bike that tips the scales 498 lbs (226 kg) at the curb.
Power is a stout 162hp (121 kW) at 11,000 rpm, with peak torque kicking in a 9,250 rpm, to the tune of 84 lbs•ft (114 Nm).
BMW says that the new inline-four engine has better rideability across the entire rev range (hopefully the US model will come without the gaping hole found in the S1000RR’s torque curve).
BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic ESA electronic suspension comes as standard, with the optional Dynamic ESA Pro bringing two more damping modes (Road, Dynamic) to the table. There is also an optional load compensation feature available.
Of course, there is a six-axis IMU onboard now, which helps fuel the rest of the electronics package, which includes traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS. There is also as standard engine brake control, hill start, and MSR function.
Lastly, four riding modes are included into the base package: “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”. You are going to have to shell out extra coin though if you want the up/down quickshifter and cruise control, the latter seeming a bit silly to us as optional equipment.
The chassis uses the superbike engine as more of a stressed member, while the swingarm has been lightened by 19%, according to the Germans. There are LED lights all around, including the symmetrical headlight assembly (thank you).
Always a strong seller for BMW Motorrad, the S1000XR promises to continue that trend. We are certainly eager to swing a leg over the bike and see how she goes.
Source: BMW Motorrad
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