BMW S1000XR Bike Overview
The BMW S1000XR has been dubbed the child of the 1200GS Adventure motorbike and the S1000RR superbike, creating the hybrid ‘Adventure Sports’ bike. It comes in at 160bhp and has a much bigger and stronger chassis that caters for extra luggage and a pillion – unlike its superbike parent -and it has a much longer suspension that is great for that cross-country adventure. There is also some seat adjusters to enhance the posture of all riders and, as you would expect from BMW, some incredible and reliable electronics.
One of the most impressive features of this bike is its seat; not only can it adjust its height to cater for every style rider but it is so incredibly comfortable that an all day ride is no problem. Its manoeuvring skills around corners couldn’t be easier, even though it is quite a tall, bulky bike. The ESA (or Electronics Suspension Adjustment) is an optional extra and it is a good extra to have. It gives a whole new experience to the ride and, for thrill seekers, it takes you to a whole new riding dimension, especially when you’re reaching around 150mph.
This bike has been set at around £13,000 excluding extras, but if you’re looking to the ultimate ride, then you might consider the BMW S1000XR as a serious contender.
Take a look at the BMW S1000XR in action…
BMW S1000XR Bike Spec
- Weight183kg
- Top speed185mph
- Average fuel consumption43 mpg
- Seat height820mm
- Capacity999cc
- EngineFour stroke, DOHC, 4v
BMW S1000XR Bike Insurance
BMW S1000XR Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Looks awesome & great performance!
Cons
Not a lot now!
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5 for me when you put a Wunderlich gel seat on it 😁
BMW !!
Perfect with my addition of road / race sintered Brembo's!
Love the power and slight rawness!
Awesome
Main dealer service is as expensive as ever!
Pros
Ride quality handling and smooth engine
Cons
Headlights...BUT I don't ride it at night so who cares.
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Only cause I lowered it by 28mm and fitted an MRH screen, larger hand guards and side wind deflectors
Much better than the 2021 model which is plastic city
RR brakes so bullet proof
Silky smooth, 25mph to infinity in 6th
Enough power, more than you ever need.
50+ mpg so not the best but if you want economy but a Honda 90
Pros
Gives me a smile on my face when riding it, love getting out all the time and looks great.
Cons
Would be great if they could lower the price but hey ho, you get what you pay for and this is FANTASTIC, totally different from older model.
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Comfortable seat, great riding position.
Never broken down, reliable.
Superb brakes, and EMU systems work great.
All of the above fantastic, power delivery smooth and gear change great.
Very powerful, have to treat it with manners lol
Don't take any notice to this to be honest, just enjoy going out when weather not crap.
Pros
Comfortable riding position. Superb engine and power. Probably too much for the road. Cruise control is good to maintain speed limits!
Cons
Headlight could be better, fuel tank could be bigger, ambient air temp missing!? Standard screen rubbish however MRA solved that.
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After coming from a BMW 1200 GSA I've been surprised. I don't even think about it! It doesn't look great but sitting on it is very comfortable.
No issues at all.
Superb!
Road is supposed to be the softest but it's still on the firm side.
Why would you need more! Insane and high revving. You get used to the high revs. It just does everything you want it to. Ride it round in sixth if you want as it's still got ample amounts of go!
Average 42 mpg probably not the best but certainly not the worst!
Pros
The looks, the performance and the level of kit is very impressive
Cons
Not found anything.
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It’s a great bike, seat spot on for a 6’3” tall chap.
BMW what more can I say - build quality is top draw.
Stops on a sixpence - the brembos on the front discs are very very good.
As a newly qualified rider, the X-RAY is very easy to ride, very assured and smooth quick shifter.
Very quick...
In line with my expectation for a 999cc bike
Pros
It does everything its asked with sure footed composure and provides confidence in every situation. The suspension copes so well with the crap that passes for roads around here with such ease, you forget how well it must be working. The power delivery is smooth and without hesitation and overall its a great machine.
Cons
Seat padding. Its not uncomfortable, but like everything else out there its the first part to start feeling the miles.
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I've only done short and medium length runs on the bike so far, maximum of about 400 miles at a time, no really long tours, but so far I have no complaints about the comfort. Any issues I do have are all personal age related joint problems and nothing to do with the bike, however in saying that, there is plenty of room to move around to alleviate these issues.
This is my second XR, I wouldn't have bought a second one if there had been problems with the first. I only changed the first one as it was coming to the end of its PCP deal and was happy to have another one. The first was a 2016 model and had a fork leg replaced on warranty due to a chrome fault causing a nick in a fork seal. I've had no no issues at all with the current one, Everything seems well put together and the paint finish is very good.
It would be nice to have a tasty radial master cylinder, but it doesn't actually need anything more than it already has. Power and control are both well up to scratch.
The ride quality provided by the suspension is excellent, I have the electronic suspension fitted on the SE model, its always set in the Dynamic mode as I prefer it on the sporty side and in that mode I have no complaints. I won't comment on other modes as having initially tried them and finding I liked the Dynamic setting I must admit I've never used the other again.
No need whatsoever for any more, but that doesn't mean I don't want more. More is always nice to have. It has plenty of torque available whenever its required and overall, i have no complaints.
Running costs are all as expected. I went from a 2011 Fireblade, to a 2013 S1000rr, to a 2015 S1000rr to a 2016 S1000XR, to my current bike. Running costs have remained fairly constant and within reason throughout. Due to my age and location, insurance is normally around £200 a year full comp and I average about 45mpg. Rear tyres last 2500 miles or 4500 depending on whether I buy M7rr or Roadtech 01's, both of which are way better on the road than I'll ever need.
Pros
Great bike with flaws
Cons
Vibrations
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Vibrations awful
Vibrations
Pros
Comfort with power is the best bit. Worst is the bar vibration (still haven't fitted aftermarket) & after last Anti lock brake failure its an issue ! This style of bike design would seem completely wrong for handling given the power that's on tap, but give it a go, I did & was amazed at how good these machines are.
Cons
Remove the whole Anti lock system until BMW give a lifetime guarantee.
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BMW done their research well on the S1000XR. It would have got 5 stars were it not for the vibration through the handlebars. They should be giving away heavy bar ends, as its clearly a fault given the amount of aftermarket products !
1000cc & 160 bhp with this power & comfort it makes for an exceptional ride.
Remove the whole Anti lock system until BMW give a lifetime guarantee.
Covered 5000 miles so far with no issues. Build quality is as expected from BMW excellent.
Brembo brakes fitted as standard are very good, there's very little "dive feel" when braking hard. BMW have a bad history of failed Anti lock system, my last bike was £1800 to sort a pump. Im advised this system is no different. although its still working to date.
Pros
When choosing a new bike to commute I looked a various makes and types (sports touring, naked, adventure and even scooters) but after 5 mins on the S1000XR it was an easy decision, I'll find it very difficult to choose another when the time comes. So far I've ridden 9000 miles in 12 months.
Cons
Better head light, would be better with an LED.
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Very nimble, easy to maneuver around stationary traffic. It's got a great steering lock and a silky smooth engine.
It's two bike sin one very smart package and with 160bhp, it's quick!
Better head light, would be better with an LED.
It's a BMW!
Very powerful and not too intrusive ABS
Pros
Comfort but has an annoying buzz at 6500 rpm in most gears
Cons
As above
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As above
Pros
This bike is the best I’ve ever owned. It give the best compromise between a sports bike and an adventure tourer. But really it’s a sports bike on stilts!
Cons
Make it a bit less clunky in its design ad features
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The rider modes give you all the options you’ll ever need for fast or relaxed riding along with suspension settings – all at the flick of a switch. Masses of confidence when you throw this bike into corners, though heavy at slow speeds especially two up with a high centre of gravity. You’ll need long legs to keep this bike upright at stops!
The engine is mind blowingly fast, it has a rasp from the OE exhaust which is intoxicating. Put this in sports mode at your peril!!!!! Combined with the quick shifter gearbox and this is an absolute joy to behold. You cannot stop pinning the throttle and flicking it easily through the box. It’s addictive!
Depends how you ride…….I got 4K out of the rear OE Bridgestone tyre which for a bike with this power is amazing. Fuel consumption averages around 47mpg, you can get around 200 miles between fill ups. Insurance for me is the cheapest I’ve ever had considering the performance is a real winner and I can only imagine it’s due to the rider aids which makes it pretty foolproof. My only gripe are the costs of BMW accessories such as the GPS and panniers, quite eye watering and the quality is quite what I’d expect from BMW.
Had the front forks replaced under warranty as the seals leaked and found the forks had been damaged during manufacture/assembly. Pillion footpegs also replaced ed for HPS versions, see above. The switchgear and dials are a big agricultural, but feel solid. Overall bIke feels well built with quality materials.
Brakes have great feel and power. With ABS you always feel sure footed
Pros
I was riding to one my favourite Triumph / Ducati dealers as I am thinking about maybe a second bike. As I rode, I reflected that if I was considering replacing my S1000XR, what would I choose. The resounding conclusion was nothing else would tick so many boxes. That says it all! The best bike I've owned, bar none. As a 'rookie' biker, some said it was way too much of everything for my experience. I can only reply by saying it completely inspire confidence in every situation! I believe it is accelerating both my skill and my confidence more than anything I've owned, or test rode!!
Cons
Because it's a combo of touring bike with the power of a sports bike, it's not the prettiest thing on the planet, but I do some make-up to compensate.
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This is my third bike since passing my test two years ago (age 70) and nothing I've ridden compares. It inspires confidence in cornering and feels so well planted in every situation.
The engine is fabulous, but a touch vibey and perhaps 6th gear is not quite high enough. On motorways, it feels like another gear would make it less revy?
I don't keep any tabs on running costs, but other than servicing, it's fuel consumption averages between 30 and 40, depending how I drive.
Done over five thousand miles in one year of ownership and not had a single flaw, or hiccup!
The brakes are connected so I hardly ever need to use the back brake. The brakes are phenomenal and hard braking unless in an emergency is not needed!
Pros
The engine. 30-130 all in sixth gear without complaint is possible, alternatively redline through the gears and it’s like being launched on an air-to-air missile. Equally it can bimble around town easily. The quickshifter is smooth and works brilliantly.
Cons
The heated grips are so feeble as to be almost useless. They never get hot.
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Semi-active suspension delivers a smooth ride and allows it to corner as if on rails, it’s stable and confidence inspiring
Massively powerful and torquey yet docile and manageable due to the electronics package.
45-50 mpg. Dealer servicing to expebsive though £650 for an 18000 mile service.
Nothing has fallen off and it’s never broken down or failed to start in 20000 miles. Good build quality
Powerful without being overwhelming. It benefits from ABS and conrnering ABS.
Pros
It really does it all, fast ,comfy, reliable, agile, and most importantly FUN.
Cons
Less weight.
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Handles the Twisties beautifully, motorways easily and fast flowing A roads on rails, this bike really does it all effortlessly.
POWER, POWER and then MORE POWER any where in the rev range.
Not as heavy on durables as my GSXR1000, services reasonable but parts quite expensive.
My first BMW and definitely not my last. Customer SERVICE second to NONE...
Brembo perfection, enough said.
Pros
The combination of comfort and speed
Cons
Apart from the licence plate falling off, if it were 20kg lighter...
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Semi-active suspension very good. It's a relatively heavy bike, but wide bars mean levering it over is no problem at all. Doesn't have the weight over the front end of a sportsbike so not quite as precise, but good. Slightly weave heavily-laden with panniers and bag on the back in turns flat out on private roads ahem, but never worrying
Absurdly fast.
Not bad on fuel unless you really press on, unless you think 35-40mpg is bad for a single person vehicle (which it is, of course). OEM pads are expensive - go elsewhere. If you really press on, you can eat rear tyres really fast, but when is that not true? Stay on top of the chain, and it doesn't stretch. BMW servicing is expensive, but is a generally-pleasant experience.
It's a BMW. Build quality is good - some hidden fairing fasteners etc. are a bit 'car', but generally good, and good corrosion resistance. No breakdowns.
Repeated hairpins during spirited use in the mountains, and track use lead to fade on stock OEM pads. Other than that or with replacement pads, brick wall stopping. Brakes are slightly linked - some don't like it, I've never had a problem. Cornering ABS is excellent.