The new 2020 BMW S1000XR has been given a complete overhaul which includes a new, lighter and more powerful engine, new suspension, new technology and a styling makeover too.
The BMW S1000XR was introduced in 2015 and quickly established itself as a big seller and a bike ideally placed to stagger the gap between sportsbikes and adventure bikes.
BMW S1000XR ENGINE
The new engine is a derivative of the all-new motor first seen earlier this year in the new BMW S1000RR superbike. The ShiftCam variable valve timing (VVT) system has not been carried over as there is less need for the power-boosting effects of VVT in this engine as it produces 165bhp and not the 215bhp in the superbike.
The engine overall is now 5kg lighter than the outgoing model and when compared to the S1000RR it has different gear ratios with the aim of reducing noise, fuel consumption and engine speed levels. This will come as a welcome change to the S1000XR which was sometimes not as relaxed in higher gears as some would like.
BMW S1000XR SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
The chassis is also completely new for 2020 with the frame and swingarm all-new as well. The new frame and swingarm contribute a 2.1kg weight saving of the total 10kg claimed by BMW when combined.
The electronic suspension has been updated to work with the new bike but the S1000XR already had the Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) as standard. ESA Pro is available as an optional extra and an emergency brake assistance called Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) is now available for the first time.
BMW S1000XR TECHNOLOGY
The S1000XR comes with four riding modes; Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro with the latter being configurable by the rider for the first time. The configuration with the Dynamic Pro mode means the rider can adjust throttle response, engine braking, the ABS control, traction control, wheelie control (which now includes the new ‘Power Wheelie’ setting) can all be adjusted to suit the rider’s preference.
ABS Pro is BMW’s name for cornering ABS which is now available for the first time on the S1000XR.
The S1000XR is the latest BMW to benefit from the introduction of the 6.5in Thin Film Transistor (TFT) dashboard screen which are being introduced across the range since first being seen in 2017. This large, full-colour screen can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences in what information they want to see and can also run a basic navigation system using a smartphone app.
New LED lights have been added for the first time and this includes front and rear lights as well as indicators. An optional Headlight Pro features cornering lights for better vision when cornering.
