BMW S 1000 XR

It is probably the most perfect motorcycle in the world right now in terms of versatility and the application of modern technology, engineering and design, which provides an excellent ride, maximum safety and a driving experience that we have never known before. Today the motorcycle world is divided into niches, with a very individual approach to each motorcyclist individually. If you just look at how modern motorcycles can be equipped or customized, it becomes clear that the choice is really huge. However, bikes like this BMW are literally the engine of progress. And this, of course, worries us. What we thought was impossible many years ago is now here, now, and very real. The competition is fierce and bad bikes are long gone, at least if we look at the larger manufacturers.

With that in mind, we just wonder where Tomos would be today if, at some turning point, someone made the right decision and continued development. Of course, there is no time to mourn for lost opportunities, but what a modern motorcycle offers today is science fiction compared to what they did 50 years ago. And that's what worries us! The BMW S1000 XR is a clear overkill in every area. When I shifted it from turn to turn on the winding mountain roads around Barcelona in sixth gear, I couldn't believe it was possible to make an engine that was so good that it only needed a clutch to start and everything else between sixth gear is 160. “horsepower”, 112 Nm of torque and a racing quickshifter or a few hundred euros on the gear lever that interrupts the ignition every time you shift up and down and allows you to accelerate like in a race.

Of course, with a fantastic sound, which at times, on top of that, cracks or growls when those few vapors of excess gas are burned. But in fact, the driver practically does not need all the gears between first and sixth for everyday driving. The engine is so beautiful and powerful that any turn can be done in sixth gear, and from 40 km / h you can simply open the throttle and the S1000 XR will advance to the next corner. Frame, suspension and geometry work in perfect harmony and therefore follow the intended direction reliably. The bike plunges easily into turns, be it sharp and short or long fast, where you drive at over 120 kilometers per hour with a fairly deep incline towards the tarmac. Incredibly accurate and reliable, with no hint of twisting or distortion. I haven't tried anything like this before.

But with all that, it's also impressive that this bike, as a superbike race car, is like a summer arrow in the corners, if that's what you want. When you feel the adrenaline and sharp acceleration, you just play with the gearbox, lower the engine so that it spins in a range of more than 10 rpm, and suddenly hop into a supercar like the S 1000 RR. The four-cylinder engine glows after a sporty ride, and it just depends on the riding style, whether you're cornering with the bike lying like a supermoto or with a knee on the pavement and a deep body slope to balance. All this is provided by the modern sports system ABS Pro, which also allows braking in corners when the motorcycle is tilted sharply, and the rear wheel slip control system, which prevents the rear wheel from idling and slipping when accelerating. ... But in order to get to this point at all, you need to act very quickly.

The electronic aids come on when really needed, and the driver only notices it when one of the warning lights comes on, they work so softly and non-aggressively! It would be very interesting to compare the S 1000 XR and its sporty cousin S 1000 RR on the racetrack. The results are likely to be very interesting, especially on a circuit with a lot of turns and shorter planes, where the weightlifter would develop so much speed over short distances, but of course he would run off on the first longer plane, because this is the longest. a big difference is noticed. An adventurous traveler really does not need a speed higher than 200 kilometers per hour, and a supercar, judging by the experience on the Monteblanco track, shoots well at a speed of about 300 kilometers per hour when an airplane is enough for it under the wheels. But when it comes to comfort and XR versus RR comparisons, there is no longer any doubt who has the edge, here the winner is known. Upright posture, wide flat handlebars and excellent positioning ensure a tireless ride as well as exceptional control over everything that happens under the wheels. With the ABS and rear wheel traction deactivated, the S 1000 XR can also be used to “pass” slight slip in a corner, as well as for attractive acceleration from the corner with the front wheel up. The frame, suspension and engine work in such perfect harmony that even the most dynamic sports ride with it becomes light and full of adrenaline. BMW was the first to install an electronic suspension control system on its motorcycle.

This means you can choose how the suspension works with the simple push of a button. Whether it is soft, comfortable for travel, or sporty, hard for the most precise ride, whether you are riding alone or in pairs, it is all just one click from your left thumb. I must point out that BMW has made these systems logical and quickly accessible in terms of the ease of use of all these electronic devices and exceptional customization options. The large and clear gauges also show clearly which program the Dynamic ESA (Suspension) Dynamic Rear Wheel Traction Control (DTC) is operating in.

Otherwise, you can easily navigate your trip computer or the original GPS developed by BMW for Garmin using the rotary knob on the left side of the steering wheel, so you can quickly access all the data you need easily. From how far you can still drive with the remaining fuel, to the ambient temperature, only the weather forecast for the next 100 kilometers does not yet predict! For everyone who wants to drive uncompromisingly and without the help of electronics or with minimal use of them, in addition to rain (rain - for slippery asphalt) and road (road - for normal use on dry asphalt), there are also dynamic programs. and dynamic professional driving programs. But these two must be turned on separately in exactly three minutes of operation, since the switch is made under the seat on a special fuse, all for safety reasons, since the decision to intervene must be very thoughtful, so that later there are no unpleasant surprises by mistake. But make no mistake, the BMW S 1000 XR is also, or mostly, a sport touring bike that can tackle many tarmac roads due to its longer suspension travel and therefore rightfully earns the label of adventure.

So it also has this adventurous BMW genetic history taken from the legendary R 1200 GS. The handling and landing on it is as light and precise as the aforementioned large touring enduro, or even a shade better. I also love how simple they came up with for adjusting the height of the windshield. You can simply push it down with your hand or lift it in the opposite direction while driving if you need extra wind protection. This protection is sufficient, as is the case with the R 1200 GS touring enduro, but you can buy an even larger windshield for cold weather driving.

With the original side housings, the S 1000 XR looks very traveling or more dynamic. Last but not least, it is designed for this type of rider, those who want a four-cylinder engine and a sporty character but prefer comfort over tiresome sport in super-powerful supercars. BMW says it's a two-wheeled version of their X5 SUV. It will, only the price will be much, much cheaper and, at least for those of us who like more than two bikes for two, a lot more fun.

text: Petr Kavchich