BMW S 1000XR

The BMW S 1000 XR – all good things come in fours.
Following on from the S 1000 RR and HP4 superbikes as well as the S 1000 R roadster, BMW Motorrad is now unveiling the fourth member in the BMW Motorrad line-up of high-power motorcycles with straight-four-cylinder engines and a distinctly sporty bias. Building on the tantalising and unique mix of innovative technology, performance and safety already inherent to the existing models in this series, BMW Motorrad has taken the next step by bringing out the S 1000 XR, which offers this repertoire of core characteristics in a brand-new blend dubbed “adventure sport”. This encompasses dynamic touring qualities, sporty performance and high levels of comfort as well as outstanding everyday usability. In short, the new S 1000 XR serves up its own individual mix of sporting and touring flair at the same time as injecting a generous dose of emotion.

Straight-four-cylinder engine for punchy adventure sport performance.
The straight-four-cylinder engine on the new BMW S 1000 XR is basically derived from the S 1000 R roadster. It has an output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 11,000 rpm and generates maximum torque of 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) at 9,250 rpm. This power unit produces torque in abundance, making it ideal for providing the punchy response at low and medium revs that riders seek when powering along country roads or carrying a passenger. The straight-four-cylinder unit combines tremendous pulling power and exhilarating acceleration with a high peak output, while offering the rider a usable rev range that spans over 10,000 rpm. This makes it just as adept at highly pleasurable touring as it is at sporty rides down winding country roads or holiday trips complete with passenger and luggage.
 

Two riding modes and ASC as standard as well as the option of Pro riding modes including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro.

To enable the riding characteristics to be adapted to the prevailing road conditions as effectively as possible, the new S 1000 XR already comes with the “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. The standard-fit Automatic Stability Control (ASC) ensures a high standard of riding safety by optimising traction. The new S 1000 XR can be equipped ex-works with the Pro riding modes option, which includes the additional riding modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” along with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro.

Innovative chassis with a new frame and Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as an option.
The chassis of the new S 1000 XR adventure sport bike is every bit as impressive as the ferocious power delivery of the four-in-line engine. Based on this model series’ existing design, it employs an aluminium-alloy perimeter frame in which the engine forms part of the load-bearing structure. Wheel suspension at the front and rear is handled by an adjustable upside-down fork and a double-sided swing arm with adjustable central spring strut respectively. The chassis geometry has been completely redefined in order to cater to the specific requirements of the XR. When fitted with the optional electronically controlled suspension system BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), meanwhile, the new S 1000 XR takes riding safety, performance and comfort to even greater heights, while also promising adventure sport at its very finest.

ABS Pro available ex-works as part of the Pro riding modes option for even greater safety when braking in a banked position.
Whereas the standard ABS systems from BMW Motorrad to date have ensured an excellent standard of safety when braking while moving in a straight line, the optionally available ABS Pro feature now goes a step further to make braking while cornering safer as well by enabling ABS-assisted braking in a banked position. In such situations, ABS Pro prevents the wheels from locking up even when the brakes are applied sharply. This reduces abrupt changes in steering force, especially in response to panic braking, and thereby limits any undesirable righting of the bike. ABS Pro offers riders the benefit of increased braking and riding stability combined with optimum stopping power, even in corners.

The new S 1000 XR – style and function for both sport and adventuring.
The new BMW S 1000 XR fuses the characters and strengths of the BMW Motorrad GS, Touring and Sport models on a visual level as well to create a new breed of motorcycle tagged “adventure sport”. This is clearly mirrored in every design element and combines with the flawless ergonomics, ingenious wind and weather protection as well as the 20 – 30 mm increase in spring travel and greater ground clearance to make an impressive statement. Whether it’s mountain passes, a tour of the countryside, motorway riding or even rough sections of road – the new S 1000 XR handles it all with aplomb.

Highlights of the new BMW S 1000 XR:
Straight-four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 999 cc. Output 118 kW (160 hp) at 11,000 rpm, maximum torque of 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) at 9,250 rpm.
Dynamic, innovative design with sculptural surface styling.
BMW Motorrad ABS as standard (semi-integral, disengageable).
ABS Pro for even greater safety when braking in a banked position (as part of the Pro riding modes optional extra).

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) as standard for accelerating safely even in low-grip conditions.
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with banking sensor for supreme performance and active riding safety when accelerating (as part of the Pro riding modes optional extra).
Two riding modes that can be selected by the rider at the push of a button as standard (“Rain” and “Road”).
Two additional riding modes available, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” (as part of the Pro riding modes optional extra).
Spring elements with long spring travel for excellent agility and high damping reserves.
Electronically controlled suspension system, Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) for optimum adaptation to the prevailing conditions as an optional extra.
Light-footed handling and raised seating position.
Multifunctional instrument cluster with a wealth of features.
Extensive equipment and bespoke range of accessories made to BMW Motorrad’s customary high standards.

Interview

The XR is an Adventure Sport bike that combines touring functionality with sport riding capability. We caught up with the chap in charge of the project, Josef ‘Sepp’ Maechler, to find out more.

As instigator and overseer of the acclaimed S 1000 R dynamic roadster and HP4 ultimate four-cylinder road superbike, Sepp Maechler’s credentials speak for themselves. So when the idea of a new breed of Adventure Sport motorcycle arose, Sepp and his team of engineers grabbed this exciting project with every available hand.

So what is the S 1000 XR? How would you define this long-suspended machine with a fearsomely endowed engine?

“The R of XR stems from the Double-R (S 1000 RR) and R (S 1000 R) family. The X stands for every kind of road except gravel, or off-road,” he says. “This is the link to why BMW Motorrad classes the XR as an Adventure Sport motorcycle. Everyone recognises an adventure bike, such as the popular R 1200 GS, but because the XR is made specifically for tarmac it successfully combines sporty riding with adventure styling.”

With an output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 11,000rpm and maximum torque of 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) at 9,250 rpm, the XR is not going to be a slouch or your typical ‘go-anywhere’ adventure machine, so who exactly is it aimed at?

“A lot of guys and ladies like the Double-R and the S 1000 R because the four-cylinder engine offers superior acceleration and the chassis delivers completely safe handling,” confirms Sepp. “But they would also like to travel and own a bike with certain types of comfort features like weather protection, cruise control or panniers to ride for long distances or short trips. The XR delivers all of these requirements. It is a new interpretation of sport-touring and will suit people who want to ride at speed with comfort and also have the ability to take pillions.”

It is, therefore, easy to understand that the XR will cover 200, 300, 600 kilometres or more with ease and at a good pace. This is down to two main reasons: the high level of comfort and the addition of a 20-litre fuel tank. Ride the XR with a careful style then 300-plus kilometres are easily achievable on just one tank of unleaded petrol. Not forgetting there will, as an option, be a Gear Shift Assistant Pro quick-shifter that can also help increase the distance covered from the substantial fuel tank. You may be surprised to learn that XR pillions will also receive the same level of rider comfort, thanks to similar ergonomics from the big GS machines.

Development time for the XR project took approximately three-and-a-half years. It took this long because if you want to make a bike like this it is a little trickier to make a version from an existing machine, as Sepp reveals. “For example, you have to adapt the frame and swingarm to make it ride ok; to make it balanced with all the conditions placed upon it, such as with pillion, longer-travel suspension and much more. That is why the XR has a longer swingarm to ensure it is ok to ride with a pillion.”

“With the S 1000 R swingarm in place, the rider would always be pulling wheelies or stoppies!” adds Sepp. “This is also the reason for the longer fork spring movement; it ensures a good balance between adventure-style comfort and sport motorcycling. It is important to remember this bike is not designed for off-road but we took into account all types of roads found across the globe so we can allow riders and pillions to enjoy their trips.”

According to Sepp, there wasn’t a great deal of work to be done with the engine and fuel/ignition management systems to ensure a smooth, yet exhilarating ride on the new XR: “It is all more or less straight off the S 1000 R,” he confirms. “But the XR was made to comply with the new Euro 4 steps of reducing exhaust emissions [carbon monoxide, hydro carbons and nitrogen oxides] and noise limits. In order to do this we had to reduce the acceleration level – not a bad thing if you do not want to wheelie everywhere!

“We did not use any other teams in the physical development process of the XR because we had our own team of inline-four chassis and engine engineers,” confirms Sepp. “But yes, there was some crossover with the GS development team in the ergonomics of the XR. It makes no sense to go in a different direction and not use the ergonomics of the ‘perfect adventure machine’. Also, without the correct seat height and style we would not have achieved a true Adventure Sport motorcycle in the XR. People would think it is fake because it doesn’t give you the comfort, style and function of an Adventure Sport: to ride fast, almost like a sports bike, but in comfort – with or without a pillion.”