A Quick Break
All the bike most of us will ever need
Many moons ago one of the development techs from BMW confided in me that the company were working on building their own GSXR 1000. He’d had a few beers and I laughed at the very idea that such a traditional company as BMW could even think of doing such a thing!
Then a few short years later the S1000RR appeared. I wasn’t laughing then. Now it’s been nearly 15 years since the RR appeared and during that time the engine has been used in both the, much loved, naked S1000R as well as one of the fastest touring bikes on the planet, the S1000XR. Not being a company to rest on their laurels, BMW have re done the XR once again.
Well Protected
What they’ve done is start with the engine. This has now been re mapped and benefits from a clever and better set of optimised intake channels. As a result it puts out an impressive 170 BHP. Perhaps touring two up on one gives new meaning to the term ‘a quick break’. Seeing one move fast with a pillion is still a thing to behold. No matter how fresh or well turned out something more traditional, such as the companies own RT is, the XR is going to make it look dated. And the same goes for a lot of their competition.
Making Touring More Dynamic
Not being happy with just breathing on the engine, the ergonomics have also been tweaked with the seat being raised by 10mm. In addition the seat itself allows for more movement and a bigger seating position. There are still three different heights available. The back end looks a lot more sporty when compared with the previous model. A detail that hints at the bikes origins and its intentions. Standard fitments include some bits that were previously only available as optional extras. Included on the list are a USB charging port, an adaptive turning light, a more powerful 12 Ah battery as well as keyless ride all now come fitted as standard to the ‘basic’ bike. The companies own Shift Assistant pro is also part of the pack.
The Same Motor As The Mighty RR
Now that list of extras include really cool addons such as a GPS enabled lap timer and even carbon wheels. Like I said, it all makes up for a very quick break! Or a bike that will take on the best the Alps have to show it as well as the best that a few days on the Navarra circuit has to put it through.
The optional extra equipment available for the S 1000 XR includes a GPS lap trigger, and the availability of a pair of M Carbon wheels. You can have these specified from the factory as an optional extra or aftermarket from the substantial accessories list from the dealer network.The S1000XR is available from your local friendly BMW dealer in a choice of new colours, including the metallic blue or black or a non metallic white. Talk to Dee on 0215003600.