Test: BMW S1000 xr (2020) // Usability knows no bounds

Three seasons in a row without noticeable modifications in the world of motorcycles mean only one thing - time to thoroughly freshen up. However, before I say anything else about the new XR, I find it important to remember everything I remember the old one from.... Well, that certainly includes a great inline-four, tiny vibrations and vibrations and, of course, the "quickshifter" that was just making its way into motorcycle production at the time. Memories also include cycling, excellent electronically adjustable suspension and excellent ergonomics. No really bad memories.

The engine is lighter, cleaner and just as powerful. And, unfortunately, it is still in the running-in stage.

With the update, the transmission has lost as much as five kilograms, and at the same time, in parallel with stricter environmental standards, it has also become cleaner and supposedly more economical. The engine on the brand new motorcycle was still running.Which for BMW means, above all, a circuit breaker interrupts the fun at much lower revs than usual.

Just when things get interesting. However, thanks to the plateau plotted on the torque and power chart, I couldn't claim I was in a particularly disadvantageous position. Plus, I still remember pretty darn well what this basically equally powerful engine was capable of its predecessor.

So, only the best in the engine, smooth and delicate up to 6.000 rpm, then gradually becomes more and more alive, decisive and flashy. I did not feel any special differences from its predecessor, at least from memory, but this certainly does not apply to the gearbox. This one is now significantly longer in the last three gears. And one more thing: there are four engine maps available, three of which, I think, are too many. Choose the most responsive and sporty Dynamic folder and just enjoy exemplary responsiveness and all that this device has to offer.

What the eyes see

Of course, the new look will not go unnoticed. This applies to almost the entire motorcycle, and, of course, the most outstanding ones. fresh light LED signature that also illuminates the inside of the bend. Older model owners will also notice a much larger difference in levels between the front and rear seats. The front is now a little deeper and the back is higher. For me personally, she sits too high in the back, but Urshka was impressed with the greater transparency and less bent knees.

The central information screen is also new. It is highly regarded all over the world, but I am not particularly enthusiastic about the current generation BMW screens, although they are really great. Despite the extraordinary transparency, fast scrolling of the menu and easy search of various data, it seems to me that something is always missing... Wouldn't it be better, with all the possibilities offered by modern technology, to randomly "overlay" on the screen all the data that I consider important?

Ergonomics and comfort - no comment

The 1000 XR has always had a bike that sits a little closer to the front wheel, but that doesn't affect seat space and comfort. Namely, the wide handlebar is also pushed forward, which of course also affects the weight distribution and therefore the driving performance. The electronically adjustable suspension cannot make all adjustments, but it really isn't necessary.

Choose hard if you are driving fast, or soft if you choose to cross your favorite road section in an elegant and dynamic way. The engineers took care of the rest, not you. Well, if you love to drive at high revs, the vibrations will travel with you as well. They are not too disturbing, however, so I would say they did not elude the Bavarians, but were carefully dosed.

Uh, how he rides

It seems completely logical to me that the man with the motorcycle, for which he paid the rich 20 thousand, loves to ride around the city here and there. The XR does not resist this, and at times like this its smoothness and quietness at low revs is especially noticeable. However, my feelings and perception of this bike changed dramatically the moment I rode it on a more open road and allowed it to breathe full of breath.

Even at high speeds, due to the good aerodynamics, I did not cling to the steering wheel, but I liked the extreme precision of the front model for this concept bike and the joy that the rear suspension gave when the damping speed was too high. in the bend ensures the safety of the electronics. If the driver wants, he can also skate, aided by a very fast gearbox that, at open throttle, provides entertainment that is highly fun.

In fact, there are very few motorcycles that are so motivated for a dynamic ride. No hesitation, no wobbling, and security interventions are very rare and almost invisible, so the soul is also nourished after every trip.

If you ask me if I recommend buying XR, I'll say yes.... However, under certain conditions. It is good that you are not quite petite, but it is even more desirable that you have a positive attitude towards dynamic and fast driving. There is no point in driving too slow with the XR. Simply because it is not what you are going to pay for.

• Basic data

  Sales: BMW Motorrad Slovenia

  Base model price: 17.750 €

  Test model cost: 20.805 €

• Technical information

  engine: 999 cc XNUMX, four-cylinder, water-cooled

  Power: 121 kW (165 hp) at 11.000 rpm

  Torque: 114 Nm at 9.250 rpm

  Energy transfer: foot, six-speed

  Frame: aluminum frame

  brakes: front floating disc 320 mm, radial caliper, rear disc 265 mm, ABS, traction control, partially combined

  Suspension: USD 45mm front fork, electronically adjustable, rear twin swingarm, single shock, electronically adjustable, Dynamic ESA

  Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 190/55 R17

  Growth: 840 mm (reduced version 790 mm)

  Fuel tank: 20 liters

  Weight: 226 kg (ready to ride)

We praise and reproach

appearance

driving performance, electronic package

ergonomics, comfort

engine, brakes

vibrations at higher speeds

transparency in the rear-view mirrors

tightness in the area of ​​the gear lever

final grade

The BMW S1000 XR is a motorcycle that I think was designed according to some algorithm that follows all the wishes of social media users. Sporty for those who like to rush, safe for those who like to live, and beautiful for those who like to take selfies. Unfortunately, it's only available to those who have it.