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Review: BMW S 1000 XR (Baujahr 2019)

The evil sister of gs

06.07.2019

After all, BMW cheated something into the program? On their website, the Bavarians are mixing the traditional GS models with the fun bikes in the "Adventure" section, which is supposed to be a kind of travel enduros. But what is it? In the middle of it all, instead of just there, there is the BMW S 1000 XR – and with it a bike, which does not want to fit the others, as the test will show.

A Racer in an Adventure Dress

At first, everything seems normal, and even BMW marketing, as always, says: "Sport, Adventure or Touring? You can have everything. Because the BMW S 1000 XR combines the best of these three worlds ..." which the journalist immediately dismisses as the usual description of each adventure bike. But in fact, a few data can be trimmed: The S 1000 XR is not really light at 228 kilos, but a lot lighter than the huge GS models. And it has more power on the chain (not gimbal), because the four-cylinder pushes ahead with 165 hp.

Slowly it becomes clear what is in front of you: BMW sorts the Funduros as more off-road touring motorcycles (which is not true) and the GS as particularly touring bikes (which is true). The XR falls out of the frame, because the four-cylinder normally performs its service in the S 1000 RR, a veritable sports motorcycle.

This puts the BMW S 1000 XR in the ring to the bad boys of the motorcycle world. Step aside, Tourer of this world, appearance of a fierce opponent of Ducati Multistrada and KTM SuperDuke GT. This is an announcement, just like the price: officially it is on the price list with from 15,500 euros, but this is as always a joke, which they probably only find funny in Bavaria. Reasonably equipped like our test bike are at the bottom right of the bill a whopping 19,000 euros.

It is big, very large

But now take a look at the whole bike. That means taking a step back, because like the GS or the F, the X is not cut short – there is a lot of motorcycle standing here. Even if she is an athlete, she can load a whole lot: 444 kilos is the permissible total weight including driver, passenger, 20 liters of fuel and several boxes of beer – there is enough space for everyone.

Especially the passenger takes care of the BMW quite princely, because in addition to the already mentioned space conditions on the comfortable seat, the footrests are very commodified. No complaints from behind.

Not from the front either: Despite its sheer mass and height, the seat height of 840 millimeters is feasible for people who are not quite as tall. If this is not enough, you can take a look at the accessories range and find benches with a seat height of 790 or 855 millimetres.

Overall as always: BMW builds cleanly thought-out motorcycles. Also on the street? Then let's go.

Does that fit together?

Turn the key, press the start button, insert 1st gear and ... Nothing. Especially when it is cold, the gearbox dislikes with an unfamiliar hakelity at BMW. Even warm, this is a finding that is never completely gone. Even more annoying: Finding the empty run often becomes a test of patience. This really doesn't have to be, as does the comparatively heavy-duty and non-adjustable clutch lever.

Adventure-typical is the seating position. Very upright and with the wide handlebars – so an adventure bike through and through? To quote the tester Markus: "I find her quite sporty. I think i can keep up with it on any racetrack like it is." That's it with the purebred adventure bike, BMW has put a pretty tour-ready racer on the wheels here. The engine is fitting: thanks to its huge power, it pushes brutally forward and screams each of its 165 hp into your ears on the way to the summit.

This design is not ideal for an adventure bike, which should not loosen at least on gravel. In fact, the four-cylinder engine is not in its element at low speeds. But what doesn't matter in practice, because he also pulls through there, only the brutality is lacking. Small annoyance: In fact, the engine shows a slight but clearly noticeable constant driving jerk during around 4,000 tours.

On the other hand, the long spring distances are suitable for touring, which does not change loaded. Perhaps the BMW S 1000 XR can best be described against the GS: it is well maintained and in its latest version an equally discreet and incredibly fast bike. So maintained that the speed is always underestimated. The S 1000 XR, on the other hand, is the black sheep of the family: rough, loud and constantly brushed on Rabatz. Fast yes, but just from this speed, which, depending on the driver, causes fear or joy.

Sport = Fight

Overall, the BMW S 1000 XR is a surprise: sporty throughout. If you want to do this, you get a recommendation for this bike, which you wouldn't have expected from BMW. However, there are a few weaknesses that, like the gearbox, annoy more in daily operation than the Bavarians would have expected. Especially when you consider the price, it's more than a casual foul.

Anyone who understands sport as a fight, who likes to give out and can put in for it, is right here.

The test bike came from Bergman & Söhne.

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