BMW S1000XR

We're back with another installment of our #teaBreakreview - approx read time under 5mins 

Cast your mind back a week, we took a R1200GSA out for a ride. If you missed it you can read it here. Whilst on the GS we thought about touring on something a bit sportier, 160bhp kind of sportier to be precise.

Photo credit: Wil Collins

Official Specs:
Max power: 160 bhp
Max torque: 83 lb-ft
Top speed: 155 mph
Seat height: 840mm
Average fuel consumption: 43 mpg
Weight: 228kg

A wet ride on the S1000XR

 With the XR you get the same 999cc inline four that's in the heart of the S1000RR, the engine has been tamed slightly for use in the XR. It makes peak power at 11,000 rpm instead of 13,500, and peak torque at 9,250 rpm instead of 10,500. 
The model we rode had all the optional extras including;

• Quickshifter
• Dynamic Traction Control
• Cruise control
• Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjust)

So what does it actually feel like to ride? Well, the 160bhp engine is a peach, high revving and certainly packs a punch at the top end but it feels somewhat lacking lower down in the revs. It feels like you really have to give it some to get the bike moving, the non adjustable clutch lever doesn't help with that either. As we started the day in typical British fashion, lots of rain, it was a good opportunity to test out the rain mode. Rain mode cuts even more low down power which makes pulling away from a junction around towns painfully slow.With rain mode off and heading out to clearer roads it was time to open the throttle, there are lights on the dash that flash letting you know the traction control is keeping things under control. For us, the handling of the bike felt quite sluggish compared to what we'd been expecting but maybe some more time in the saddle would change our views on this.

Photo credit: BMW Motorrad

 The riding position is upright and comfortable with nice wide bars, the mirrors are next to useless though which is a shame on a brand new bike. The adjustable screen provides a good level of protection, even keeping things relatively quiet at motorway speeds. The XR provides plenty of pillion space even with a top box on. A real bug bear for us is the lack of locking sat nav mount that can be found on the GS however there are modifications/alternatives available.
BMW shift assist pro is a brilliant addition to the bike, seamless up and down shifts which really emphasize this bike is still a sporty number a heart. The standard exhaust note is good, loud enough to induce a smile whilst pushing on in the higher revs yet quite enough whilst you sit back and engage cruise control.
The standard seat height is a modest 840mm, not the tallest on the market and making it easy to put a foot flat on the floor for us 5ft somethings. BMW offer a lower seat option for an additional £172, reducing the height to 820mm, the same as a S1000RR. 

Overall the S1000XR left us a bit underwhelmed, it wasn't a bike we could hop on and unleash the potential quickly. It's a bike we'd need more time on and some big miles to get to grips with. We can however really understand the appeal of the XR, for those not wanting to leave the power of their trusty sports bike behind but want to tour two up or with a full set of hard luggage.

A wet and wild ride on the S1000XR

The model we rode can be had for £15,000, not a bad price tag for a super sport engine and comfortable touring capability. Hopefully we can get some more miles in the saddle soon and see if our views change on the handling.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it.

BirotarUK 

#BirotarUK

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