BMW’s sport-adventure monster enters its third generation in a new and improved version. The bike, first introduced in 2015, took the upright seating position of adventure bikes but, devilishly and racer-like, placed inside the monstrous power unit of the company's sport bike, the S1000RR, in an attempt to enjoy all worlds (and also to compete with rivals).
The design has become more aggressive, the air intake duct has been redesigned, the ergonomics have changed, and the seat now comes in three heights. Most importantly, the seating position, which received complaints in the previous model, has been improved.
The model taken for a ride is the M S1000XRM version (as opposed to the even more extreme and expensive M1000XR version). Among other things, it features M stitching on the seat, lightweight alloy wheels, carbon wings, a lighter lithium battery, an Akrapovic exhaust, and an M Endurance chain, making it about 5 kg lighter than the standard model.
Starting it up comes with a sort of bark to make it clear to everyone that the lion has awakened, with the thunder accompanying you along the way, making it clear that there are a lot of horses here. The engine now produces 170 hp, five more than the previous model, reaching its peak at 11,000 rpm, and the torque has also been improved to 14.6 kgm.
The quickshifter has been improved and is particularly buttery, one of the best we’ve encountered. The adjustable windscreen is somewhat in the sport bike style and requires a slight lean at high speeds. The brakes, which were already strong, have been further strengthened, and the steering is simply phenomenal, sharp, and precise. This is a bike that asks to be taken to the track.
The exotic M XR model comes very close to the sport bike and offers even more horses and more power (201 hp and torque of 11.3 kgm) with a light weight of 223 kg, with shorter transmission ratios in the fourth, fifth, and sixth gears and stronger brakes.
The screen is clear: a flashing engine speedometer along with the gear shift indicator light, lap times for the track, tilt angles, braking force, and of course, plenty of electronics like electronic cruise control, heated grips, an adjustable steering damper, upgraded dynamic traction control, an advanced 6-axis sensor, four standard riding modes (Road, Dynamic, Race, and Rain), plus three additional Race Pro riding modes intended for the race track.
The Race Pro mode also includes an engine braking setting option, including a system for sliding during braking, allowing those brave enough to play around with drifting fun.
In conclusion, this is a machine that urges you to ride fast. With great power comes great responsibility, and it requires a particularly considerate and thoughtful rider to enjoy all this fun and still get home in one piece.
BMW S1000 XR: Technical Specifications
- Engine: 999 cc, 4 cylinders, 170 hp, 11.4 kgm torque
- Transmission: Manual, 6 gears
- Performance: Top speed over 250 km/h, 16.1 km per liter
Dimensions:
- Length (mm): 2,156
- Seat height (mm): 850
- Fuel tank (liters): 20
- Curb weight (kg): 223
- Tires: 70/120R17 front, 755/190R17 rear
- Price: 160,000 ILS for the base model, 163,000 ILS for the sport version, 190,000 ILS for the M model we rode, and 245,000 ILS for the M1000XRM.
- Loved: Performance, rare sporty capabilities in the category
- Didn't love: Price
- Rating: 9/10