Four cylinders? In an adventure bike? What is this voodoo? BMW has introduced yet another stylish newcomer to its already extensive range, and the S 1000 XR really is stunning.
The XR slots neatly into the Adventure Sport category. Powered by the detuned S 1000 R four-pot engine, it produces 160bhp at 11,000rpm and kicks out 83lb/ft of torque a bit lower down, at 9,250rpm.
It’s equipped as standard with switchable ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and two riding modes; Rain and Road. Natch. There are also optional riding modes; ‘Pro with DTC’ which offers Dynamic Pro engine mappings and ‘ABS Pro’ to give you added security if you brake when you’re still leaning over mid corner. Is it us or is it all getting a bit overcomplicated?
A high 840mm saddle welcomes you. It isn’t as plush as the GS’s but its shape is less restrictive than the Ducati Multistrada’s so riders have a bit more freedom to move about in the seat.
The dash also hints at the bike’s sporty orientation, with the usual information being displayed like speed and fuel consumption, alongside a lap timer.
With one eye on sports riders, BMW has the other firmly fixed on satisfying the touring market. The XR has an active, but upright and natural riding position.
The two-step adjustable windscreen offers adequate protection although it does generate slightly more turbulence in its highest setting.
The ride is, in general, impressively comfortable and if you’ve loaded your bike with the optional Dynamic ESA, then the suspension damping continually adjusts to the road and your riding style.
It’s all very sophisticated. But fun.
Rain mode reduces the likelihood of throwing 160bhp down on some wet leaves and regretting it. The real fun is packed into the sportier mappings, where a solid midrange rushes relentlessly and flawlessly to the red line.
It’s not intimidating, but in the right hands, it’s certainly strong enough to put some of your sportsbike riding mates to shame.
Strong Brembo brakes scrub speed with just a two-finger squeeze of the lever and if you’ve opted for the ABS Pro, you can even grab a handful mid corner.
Theoretically, at least. Hopefully you won’t need to, as the XR is composed and precise, and with its high, wide handlebars, it’s as easy to flick through hairpins as through standstill traffic. Of course the ground clearance isn’t on a par with a supersports, and if you do dab the front brake in a corner, the adventure Bimmer does have a tendency to sit up.
You might miss the lazy nature of a twin-cylinder engine but the XR benefits from the heady, addictive four-cylinder top end rush. Fuel consumption isn’t great, though.
Sporty riding shows an average of 32mpg, although we saw 43.4mpg with more sensible treatment. That means you could struggle to get more than 145 miles from a full 20-litre tank. Still, you can enhance every one of those miles by treating yourself to goodies from BMW’s extensive (and expensive) list of optional extras.
Alongside the standard model, there are also two other models which have a higher level of factory-fitted kit. The S 1000 XR Sport adds cruise control, daytime riding lights, LED indicators, Dynamic Traction Control, Riding Modes Pro (including ABS Pro, plus Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes), heated hand grips and the Gear Shift Assist Pro which lets you shift up and down through the gearbox without using the clutch.
The Sport SE has even more extras added: Onboard Computer Pro, a centre stand, luggage grid, pannier fastenings, Dynamic ESA, and the preparation for a GPS system.
The S 1000 XR costs £12,400 as standard, the Sport version is £13,645 and the Sport SE £14,750. Depending on just how far you push the boat out on accessories, it could work out cheaper than a GS. So if you’re after a German adventure bike that isn’t a boxer, perhaps the S 1000 XR is just what you’re looking for.
THE FACTS
Model: BMW S 1000 XR
Price: From £12,400
Engine: 999cc in-line four producing 160bhp @ 11,00rpm and 83lb/ft @ 9,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual, chain drive
Kerb weight: 228kg
Seat height: 840mm
Fuel capacity: 20 litres