2020 BMW S1000XR test: hyper sporty without having the RR
The BMW S1000XR gets new skin, bones and muscles in 2020: launched in 2015 and updated in 2017, the very sporty maxitrail derived from the (new) S1000RR works on its explosiveness, responsiveness and endurance. Site was able to perform a quick first test. Very fast !
S1000XR 2020 test page 2: 136 km quickly and well done
Like the 2019 S1000RR from which it is "closely" derived, the 2020 S1000XR benefits from appreciable finesse … for a motorcycle with a 1000 cc 4-cylinder of course! The frame that goes over – and not around – the engine allows the pilot to better enclose his machine.
The reception of the legs is just as good in terms of length because the knees are not excessively bent. Well designed, the saddle at 840 mm from the ground is thin enough at the level of the tank so that a pilot of 1.80m wearing big – and high – boots puts both heels on the ground.
Bikers who measure less than 1.70m and ride in small boots or sneakers – shells, of course – will have to dance, spike … or order the low saddle (820 mm), or even the lowering kit which reduces 30 mm front and rear travel (saddle at 790 mm therefore).
The original saddle widens copiously behind to accommodate MNC’s small butt, but it is very hollow and seems to lack padding: you sit in it like in a bucket, without really being able to change position afterwards. A weak point for long trips? MNC fears it, although our hundred kilometers traveled in several times does not allow us to be categorical.
Still very high, the handlebars are 30 mm narrower than the previous one and the saddle is advanced by 20 mm: the rider is closer to his front wheel, which should improve his sensations at low and high speed. On the advice of the S1000XR itself, MNC starts off sweet…
Indeed, when the engine is cold, the red zone on the large digital tachometer and color (s) is automatically placed at 6000 rpm. MNC therefore begins his test by sparing the mechanics, which makes us feel good !
The controls (adjustable levers on the right and on the left) are smooth and the well-calibrated quick-shifter allows up and down gears without worrying about the clutch. The 4-legged is benevolent: he can do everything in sixth or almost.
When the traffic gets thicker, it is better to drop the 3 in order to dominate the traffic. The position of the pilot on his "trail" is also perfect: we have excellent vision, far ahead but also straight behind thanks to the well-positioned mirrors..
The S1000XR is easy to handle: its very sharp and precise front axle eliminates any apprehension. Seen from the side especially, with the radiator and its scoops which stick the wheel and a shorter rear part than on the old one, the bike appears extremely massive – therefore heavy? – forward. However, it is not !
To get out of the city as quickly as possible, BMW makes us take a stretch of highway. The opportunity for Site to validate – again – the screen adjustment system, identical to that of the little sister F900XR and easy to use while driving, without any danger.
With the screen in the high position, the S1000XR offers better protection but still incomplete. By standing perfectly straight – which is rare, yes mom … – MNC has two thirds of the helmet unzipped, as well as the bust. But the shoulders and arms are still exposed to the eddies.
Still on the fast track, the new S1000XR differs from the old one by its increased approval thanks to a simple trick: the last gear is lengthened by + 8% (+ 4% in 5th and + 2% in 4th). The crackling that always appears in mid-range is therefore less annoying.
Better protection, less vibrations
Crackling appears well in the footrests from 4000 rpm, go up towards the saddle and reach the handlebars around 6000 rpm, when the motorcycle gallops at 140 km / h meter. But they are more like little tickles.
The really annoying vibrations appear higher up in the towers. This concern will therefore "fortunately" only impact the German motorcyclists tumbling down at full speed on Autobahn. In France, radars – fixed, mobile, on-board, soon to be integrated? – encourage us to drive more slowly. The S1000XR too.
Another advantage of making the new XR take longer: "reduce the noise level and consumption as well as the engine speed", indicates the manufacturer … without ever mentioning the vibrations that reduced, as we have seen, the handlebars less wide and mounted on new silent-blocks.
Question comfort, the S1000XR 2020 is also stronger than the old one thanks to its suspensions controlled by new electronics and new components. Two modes are available, but no "manual" setting is possible. Isn’t that likely to disappoint some perfectionist clients ?
"It is true that some of our competitors offer the owners of maxitrails to select their own suspension settings and to lock them", acknowledges Maximilan Renko, product manager of the S1000XR 2020. "We are also doing it on the" double R " ", but we consider that the two automatic modes are sufficient on the XR".
Handlebars in hand and buttocks on the thin saddle, Site is indeed satisfied with the Road mode which shows excellent damping qualities. Potholes, speed bumps and other stray dogs (cow humor) are crossed smoothly. We really have the feeling of riding on a trail, not on a sports car! And yet….
A frank rotation of the right handle followed by a firm grasp of the lever just in front opens up new perspectives. The engine is hot, so is the Internet Motorcycle Journal … The performance of the XR is always worthy of a Superbike! They even seem superior on the road due to the less clustered and low position.
MNC must then leave the Road suspension mode – too flexible – in order to attack calmly. On the one hand the shock absorber must withstand the liveliness and power of the engine, on the other the fork must withstand the bite and the power (exhilarating, too!) Of braking. Pressing the left stalk and the ESA "energizes" the motorcycle. Magical !
Comfortable or rigorous, your choice
In their sporting mode, the suspensions cope with the constraints much better. Slack and slightly blurry, the front end becomes much more rigorous. Ditto at the rear, with a bike that is less restless on the bumps negotiated without any consideration. The motorcycle is stalled on its trajectory and the rider is no longer rattling.
The site then takes advantage of the full potential of the original equipment: Bridgestone T31s which have really convinced us on dry roads, in good as in bad condition. Nothing to complain about in terms of grip and handling. On the other hand, MNC readers will have to comment on their endurance..
The engine pulls at all speeds without the slightest downtime and without pausing. Admittedly, the extension is less than that of an S1000RR, but it does not feel on the road: it is already necessary to be quite stamped to pull the reports of this XR fully !
For its short ride, MNC adopted the Dynamic drive mode which, like the Road, offers responsive – but perfectly manageable – throttle response and controls torque in the first two gears. It also allows wheelie starters to accelerate as hard as possible.
By activating its "Power Wheelie" function in "Dynamic Pro" mode, the BMW even accepts to let the front wheel go up in the air: the electronics only intervene when the inertial unit raises a nose-up of 30 °. Soon motorcycles will know how to maintain themselves on the rear wheel. The stunt? Too easy…
In "Rain", the mill – water – offers a less responsive accelerator and tempers the accelerations on the first three gears, in addition to more restrictive settings of the engine brakes, traction control and ABS … Site leaves the BMW Motorrad salesmen the right one take care of everything !
The bucket-shaped saddle takes on its full meaning when you operate – or attempt to operate – correctly this bike: the rider is perfectly in line with acceleration! It does not have to contract more on the handlebars during very hard braking because the reservoir offers good support in the pelvis and the legs tighten it effectively.
To test the limit of the front grip, the Journal moto du Net pulls the right lever without thinking and notices that the bike skilfully regulates the pressure of the braking circuit: a part is transferred to the rear caliper in order to seat the bike and slow down a little harder.
The XR’s braking system at the same time ensures that the rear wheel never leaves the ground and can reduce the pressure in the front calipers to a suspicion. A good point to keep control of its trajectory in the event of the unexpected … which hangs over the nose of bikers too generous on the throttle !
MNC can attest that Hayes calipers know how to bite their pair of 320mm rotors fiercely. But it should also be noted that it is quite possible to gently stroke them in order to slow down the motorcycle slowly. The rider can also simply press the rear brake pedal, which is as effective as it is controllable.
Barely enough time to get to know one another, MNC and the new XR must already go their separate ways … Always excellent in sprinting, BMW’s sporty maxitrail is extremely efficient in winding roads and takes more care of its driver on expressways..
The S1000XR 2020 therefore has solid assets to satisfy the most experienced pilots … and the most tired too, whether by their favorite sportswoman, the weight of the years or the many terminals surveyed! It will however be necessary to check the endurance of the machine and the solvency of the man….
On long journeys in fact, the crackling perceptible in the towers could tire – nervously? – the pilot and his passenger. On the other hand, the mechanics and all the electronic equipment – partially in options – will have to prove infallible given the settled bill … to which we must add some provisions for the radars better and better hidden ?
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