The Bavarian crossover presents itself in a new aesthetic guise, with improved performance and more convincing ergonomics
April 27, 2024
BMW literally invented the sports crosstourer segment with the S1000XRmotion that knew best combine sportsmanship and vocation for granturismo. A motorcycle much appreciated on the markets, in particular on our own, where it has been able to carve out a well-defined space and with sales numbers that have allowed it to remain in the top of the sales ranking.
The BMW S1000XR 2024 presents itself with a moderate reinterpretation of the aesthetic appearancenew look, thanks to the adaptive LED headlights and “beak” in the same color as the bodywork, new radiator covers and above all a tail section with new side panels and a saddle with an updated profile which improves the general ergonomics and raises the seating surface by a centimeter.
SThey are changes that they do not change the overall appearancewhich remains that of a sporty and very powerful crossover, suitable for riding with friends as well as for the Traveling as a couple with luggage in tow.
BMW S 1000 XR: Turismo Superbike!
Motor
THEthe S1000XR engine has always been one of the protagonists of its success, and in this 2024 version, it maintains the tradition and in order not to make a bad impression, it also gains 5 hp reaching 170 hpthanks also to the adoption of the head borrowed from its sister S1000RR, plus some refinements in the electronic management.
So we have a crossover with 170 hp at 11,00 rpm, a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm.
Considering i 227 kg curb weight, with the 20 liter tank level, you can see the weight-power ratio that would be the envy of the real road superbikes of a few years ago. Without bothering with accessories that can further reduce weight, such as carbon fiber rims and bodywork components, or simply forged rims. The former guarantee a saving of approximately 1.5 kg, the latter of 963 g.
BMW S 1000 XR: Turismo Superbike!
Accessories
THEL starting price of 19,950 Euroswhich includes very complete equipment (even if two usually standard accessories such as heated grips and cruise control are paid separately, 250 and 380 Euros respectively), it can grow immeasurably to please the vices of the most demanding motorcyclists. For this reason, a visit to the BMW configurator is recommended to take you into a dimension of out-of-the-ordinary motorcycle perversion.
They range from purely aesthetic features, graphics, footrests, anodization, to more technical ones, such as carbon components.
Of the available packages, two are particularly interestingnot to mention indispensable, and I’m the Dynamic (€900), which includes the automatic setting guaranteed by the Dynamic ESA PRO suspension, the quick shift and the cruise control, while the Pack Touring (€950), includes heated grips, hand guards, luggage rack, central stand, navigator preparation, central stand and RDC (tire pressure control).
How is it going
NoThere are no technical changes that could make us think of a personality change of the S 1000 XR 2024, but the perception you have as soon as you get on the bike pleases us.
There different saddle shape allows you to move and find the ideal position much more easily than on the previous version (we never digested that “spoon” style saddle… and in fact it has disappeared!, ed). Furthermore, in the list of options there are more or less high saddles which allow different heights of the seat surface, from the standard one at 850 mm, to the raised one at 870 and then down to 820 mm. For those with “short legs” but he doesn’t want to give up this Teutonic crossover, a version with modified suspension is also planned which lowers the seat surface even at 790 mmIn short, you can please everyone a bit.
The hills of Parma and the related winding roads with some nice stretches act as a test bench for the German GT, which once again proves to be a motorcycle with a dual personality. High-level grand tourer on one side, very fast and sporty motorbike on the other.
Land engine changes are difficult to perceiveit was good before and still is, fluid and with a perfect throttle response (even by selecting the Dynamic Riding Mode from which one would expect a minimum of “nervousness” the throttle openings remain manageable even when going for a walk), on the other hand after 8,000 it takes you into another dimensionwith monstrous accelerations and a noteworthy exhaust note (even if the 2017 one screamed like a maniac…).
The four-cylinder delivers exhilarating performance, but we must always keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, firstly because we are not on the track and opening two gears with the “XR” means reaching speeds that would pulverize your licence, secondly because more than the 227 kg of weight, what matters is the center of gravity, and that of the German crossover is not exactly flush with the ground. High center of gravity and crossover suspension deserve a little attention.
BMW S 1000 XR: Turismo Superbike!
Qhen it’s 170 hp pushing and braking is a powerful braking system, well load transfers can be felt, even more so when the riding position is the upright one typical of these motorbikes. Even changes in direction, although rapid, must be accompanied with the body, but the response of the “XR” is always gratifying.
The comfort, even by intervening “manually” on the preload and exiting the “Auto” mode, it always remains supported and controlled. It is difficult to feel and see the bike “rock or sink” on a dip, the set-up is always rather controlled, becoming reactive and sporty in Dynamic mode.
BMW S 1000 XR: Turismo Superbike!
THEIn short, we must always remember that the S1000XR is still a GT and not a SBKand I assure you that sometimes it is really difficult!
Another aspect that seems decidedly improved to us and which was certainly not among the merits of the previous versions (in fact it was problematic on the first versions), the level of vibrations appears significantly reduced, much better on the footpegs, almost disappeared on the handlebars. As well as the heat coming from the four cylinders, still present but perhaps also thanks to the spring temperatures which are not yet fully operational, but perhaps less annoying (maybe…). We intend to take up both of these aspects perhaps in a longer and more in-depth test, and above all in different contexts, such as motorway and city ones.
Summing up, we can say that this 2024 version has smoothed out a couple of the edges of the previous version, guaranteeing greater comfort and rideability, thanks to the new saddle and lower vibrations, always remaining at the top in terms of performance and driving pleasure.
But now we have to return to base, where a surprise awaits us that begins with “M”….stay tuned!
More info
MNote: BMW S 1000 XR
Weather: Sun 15°
Location: Varano de’ Melegari
Terrain: Road
Photos and videos – Alex photos
Pros and cons
BMW S 1000 XR: Turismo Superbike!
