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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BMW R1200GSA

The first instalment of our new #teaBreakreview - approx read time under 5mins

After racking up a few thousand miles on our R1150GS, we decided to see what a new R1200GSA would be like.

Left: R1150GS, Right: R1200GS Adventure

Official specs:
Seat height: adjustable 35" - 35.8"

Max power: 125 bhp

Max torque: 92 ft-lb

Top speed: 135 mph

Average fuel consumption: 46 mpg

Tank range: 350 miles (it’s already tempting isn’t it)

Autumn mornings are warm on the GSA

The model we test rode had all the goodies which included:

• Shift assist pro
• Electronically adjustable rider modes
• ABS
• LED headlight
• Manually adjustable screen
• Cruise control
• Heated grips
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The engine is punchy and makes riding along country lanes a real pleasure, motorways are comfortable with very good levels of wind protection. The screen can be manually adjusted on the move and there is very little buffeting at motorway speeds. The standard exhaust note is surprisingly good, certainly good enough to think twice about an aftermarket upgrade.

The GSA weighs nearly 300kg but the bike carries the weight surprisingly well. Car park manoeuvres are a doddle and motorway cruising is made effortless with the cruise control and very comfy riding position. Whilst not advisable we are told if you set the cruise control to 70mph and take your hands off the bars, the bike will carry on dead straight.

Enough lights to be seen

BMWs shift assist pro is brilliant, seamless shifts up and down the gear box. The first time we’ve experienced a feature like this and certainly brings a smile to your face, it really livens the bike up and transforms it from what may be considered a boring touring bike to quite the sporty number.

We left the bike in dynamic mode supposedly giving direct throttle response and tighter damping - it certainly made for a thrilling ride and would suggest the brochure is right. It's worth noting those big Brembos up front stop the 300kg beast really well.

Very aggressive in appearance in comparison to the R1150GS

So how much is all this going to set you back? The model we rode, including all the electronic aids, full metal pannier system and satellite navigation mount came to just over £17,000. A big price, but you do get a bike that could take you effortlessly around Europe and provide just as much fun as a modern sports bike on the road - but with added comfort.   

Its certainly a bike we're considering for the garage.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it.

BirotarUK 

#BirotarUK

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