The comfortable super sport based on RR
The new BMW S1000XR is on the market. I will report from the new BMW S1000XR international test-ride event held in Spain.
Among the BMW, the S1000XR is a segment named adventure sports, then it is the big sister position of the F900XR. As the name "XR" shows, the S1000XR gives the impression of crossover road sport. However, the first initial letter is S. Yes, the base model is the S1000RR that is the BMW's strongest 4-cylinder super sport.
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Briefly, the S1000XR is a "comfortable super sport" that is equipped with a long-stroke suspension on the new S1000RR and is tailored with a cowl suitable for high-speed cruising and an easy-riding position.
A completely renewed engine and chassis achieving 10kg weight reduction
By the way, the S1000RR has also been completely redesigned in 2019 with a completely new engine and chassis, so the XR was naturally renewed. Regarding its engine, instead of the "ShiftCam" with the variable valve mechanism adopted in the new RR being forgotten, the low-mid speed torque was strengthened and the 4th-speed to 6th-speed gear was changed to the higher speed. The maximum output of 165ps is the same as before, but the engine alone is 5kg lighter than the previous model.
As for the main frame, the "flex frame" inherited from the new RR has been adopted. The "flex frame" features a supple rigidity balance, and by actively utilizing the engine as a rigidity member, its strength and information from the front are strengthened.
As for the wheel with front and rear suspension, a newly designed lightweight type has been adopted, and the weight has been reduced down to 226kg, which is 8kg (10kg in the full package) lighter than the previous model. If comparing it to a martial artist, the punching power is kept as it is, it feels like the weight has been lowered by one class and the footwork has been refined while the chassis has been supple.
Explosive acceleration feeling unique to 4-cylinders
At first glance, I don't feel much change except for the full-LED symmetry face, but I notice a major changes when I actually ride it. First, the engine has become smoother. The previous model had a slightly rough rotation, and I personally liked its wildness, but the new model is sophisticated and the engine runs smoothly enough to call it silky.
However, the rotational power explodes from around 7000rpm when opening the throttle. It is unique to 4 cylinders that it accelerates like a quadratic curve toward the peak power generation speed of 11,000 rpm. When I looked suddenly at the TFT display, the speedometer numbers jumped up with tremendous momentum, and its surrounding scenery melted. This acceleration is surely a super sport.
However, the point of its maximum torque is demonstrated at 9250rpm, which is nearly 2000rpm lower than the RR. Moreover, it has reached 114Nm, which is slightly higher than the RR. In other words, the S1000XR is clearly targeting practical use on the street.
The handling performance also evolved like an SS
The handling performance has also become more like super sport. Thanks to the wide handlebars, slim and lightweight body, the response to input is improved. The S1000XR is lighter and easier to handle while maintaining majestic dignity of the inline-4 liter class. Smooth engine characteristics and improved suspension also should have been affected.
If the standing position of the former S1000XR was in the middle of the S1000RR and R1250GS, the new S1000XR might be closer to the RR. The more you ride, the more you forget that it is a long suspension model where you want to attack aggressively.
The safety and security of advanced electronic control were also great. A Dynamic ESA technology is linked with the 4 riding modes to optimize suspension setting, and with the new S1000XR, an MSR was introduced to keep the motorcycle stability during sudden deceleration and downshifts in addition to more highly controlled cornering ABS & Traction Control, slipper clutch and up & down shifter. The all-in-one assist mechanism covers the rider's mistakes while keeping the distance safe and comfortable.
You can travel with mixed humming even at over 200 km/h!
Along with the overwhelming stability of the chassis, which conveys the powerful 4-cylinder power to the road surface on the highway, the windscreen, which is 5cm higher than the previous model, and the flexible long suspension further enhances the high-speed cruise performance of the new-model XR. As an image, if the maximum comfortable cruise speed of the parallel twin-cylinder of the F900XR is around 180km/h, the S1000XR seems to be able to mix with humming up to about 230km/h. Well, this is about the unlimited speed like AUTOBAHN.
Anyway, it is a great machine in all aspects. I would definitely recommend F900XR to those who want to enjoy the performance of super sport even on touring.
See BMW Moto Index Page
See Accessories for BMW S1000XR
See Accessories for BMW S1000RR (K46)
See Accessories for BMW R1250GS
See Accessories for BMW F 900 XR
