From rugged off-road bikes to versatile all-rounders, the transformation of adventure bikes to high performance GT machines appears to be complete with the arrival of the BMW M 1000 XR in 2024.
Hot on the tyre tracks of Ducati’s 180bhp Multistrada V4 RS, the M 1000 XR is the third BMW motorcycle to wear the company’s iconic Motorsport badge. With 201bhp on tap from the 999cc four-cylinder motor, the ‘M XR’ is certainly a bike for riders in a hurry. Combining the engine and electronics from the M 1000 RR superbike with the S 1000 XR’s all-rounder ergonomics, it’s very possibly the ultimate in adventure touring motorcycles.
Of course, the S 1000 XR was always very much an asphalt orientated machine anyway, a crossover as BMW call it, which is no surprise coming from the company with the mighty GS in its catalogue, and the tall suspension and adventure bike ergonomics have found it a strong following among riders looking for sportsbike performance in a more comfortable day-to-day package.
BMW say the machine, which will cost £27,680 in its basic trim, is designed for ‘dynamic riding on country roads, as well as on the race track and long journeys’ possibly making it the most versatile motorcycle on the planet. As if to prove the M XR’s credentials as a track bike, it sports the fashionable MotoGP style aerodynamic winglets for greater aerodynamic downforce and ‘even faster lap times.’ It also gains shorter gearing for stronger acceleration, while the ‘M Competition Package’ a £5100 option, swaps the already lightweight forged aluminium wheels for carbon fibre items and adds special paintwork and a datalogging system for analysing lap times.
Otherwise, it’s more a case of what doesn’t the M 1000 XR have on the spec sheet? Top end brakes like those on the M 1000 RR? Check! Electronic suspension? Check! Cutting edge electronics with pretty much every feature you can imagine? Check!
On one hand the M 1000 RR sounds like complete overkill but, on the other hand, it also makes perfect sense. For years the car world has been offering supercar levels of performance packaged in practical family cars. So while the M 1000 XR might appear completely bonkers, it’s more like BMW Motorrad’s equivalent of the legendary M5 saloon car.
Superbike performance without the spine crushing ergonomics? The M 1000 RR must be the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing.
