2020 BMW S 1000 XR Review

BMW has released a new version of its four-cylinder sports-tourer - the S1000XR. Mat Durrans is in Germany having a go.

[@WillPower46]

Those roads were pristine and you were complaining about the harsh seat, where I live the roads are full of potholes and rough af, that bike would be so hard and unforgiving.

[@BlissfullyFun]

I'm 6'2" (188 cm), a bigger guy at around 250lbs (114kg) and ride this bike - Ice Grey even. My biggest complaint is with the seat. Just no room for me on long ride comfort. I suppose I take this as a sign to drop some weight :-) Nice review! Overall I experience all the things you've outline in this video. Thanks for sharing!

[@superbike1]

I've owned 2 previous gen XR's and now have the new one on order,it is a nice improvement in every single area. More refined,smoother engine,gearbox,quickshifter, low speed handling better,motorway cruising much easier, no vibes, just slightly weaker in 6th but you can't have it all.

[@EEEBA1]

I had the 2018 version and loved it. Is the 2020 noticeable better? I am looking at the RR but the upright seating position is very tempting on the XR. Thank you.

[@superbike1]

@@EEEBA1 I have a 2021 motorsport version which is basically the M endurance chain ,akrapovic end can and screen and obviously the motorsport colours. I would never go for an RR unless you plan on doing regular track days,otherwise the new XR is every bike anyone can need. Very different bike from the previous version but just as quick and more refined. You will need very good tyres to unlock the handling, I have Metzeler M9rr.

[@EEEBA1]

@@superbike1 That's a beautiful bike. Thank you and ride safe.

[@nortondlcl]

Great review and I know how much you loved previous model , I currently own a 2016 and plan on keeping it. I love its rough around the edges and raw feeling !

[@NoirRobert]

Same here.

[@adammfharris]

Same here

[@sahelhabashieh]

Every time I watch a review of the bike show, I tell myself: that is it, I am going to buy this bike... that is until I watch the next video :). Very hard to decide!

[@harryballector]

I am so glad i’m not the only one with this issue

[@burnerjack01]

IMHO, track bikes make mediocre street bikes and vice-versa. It's your money, but before you spend it, be honest with yourself about how you would REALLY ride and WHERE.

[@sahelhabashieh]

@@burnerjack01 I 100% agree with you, thanks for the advice man!!

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Lol. Same

[@thinkof100]

The seat Mmmm , now we know why Donovan isn't reviewing this one :-)

[@esstee9595]

Glad to see you finally got honest about the nasty I-4 vibes on the previous model, after down playing them on a previous review. Nobody needs that annoying pain on a long tour especially when they show up right at the rpm sweet spot. Also glad to hear the comment on the excess power and possibly landing in jail, rather easily. Real world isn't a race track, even in Germany.

[@GregsRandomShite]

Australia still has unrestricted speed limits, on the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory. Of course you have to dodge kangaroos and emus in the late afternoon and early morning, but during the day, you can go as fast as you like and have it pretty much to yourself too.

[@darthvader8433]

Pity they don't make a S1000RT. Morph that engine into a stunner with shift cam, marry it with the luxury of a RT's size and fairing and include the bits like Satnav and stereo. I'd buy one tomorrow.

[@craigurquhart7622]

Does the rock under the side stand at 4:31 come as standard or is it an optional extra? Would a common garden rock do or does it need to be an OEM part?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

I see you have returned to KZbin. Same with Zach and Ari.

[@parkwayrider5200]

To keep from kicking the bags you grab handle bars put your left foot on the peg then sling your leg over.

[@nealbeard1]

Good tip

[@nnickingram]

Not many bikes on the market at the moment that provide sport and touring together eh? That seat is good for about an hour of my test ride before I took it back early. I’ve been riding since 1976, and this bike has easily the most uncomfortable saddle I have ever used!!

[@gradimirilic3999]

There is no possibility to move in de saddle.

[@user-nt9nd7xm5f]

I think the reality is you've got to spend another 300 quid and have Viking Seats foam gel re size and recover it. It’s on the money then, and still cheaper than a KTM

[@Loiczzr]

Zx 14 is one, he'll even the h2 se sx (or sx se...lol) is considered a sport touring. The busa is also considered sport touring

[@phantombigballs8165]

I can empty the tank touring eurpoe on it and not uncomfortable at all.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Well done, Matt! 👏 Great review!! 👍

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

If not extremely tall, mount the bike by stepping on the left side footpeg to elevate yourself, and THEN swing your leg over!

[@dashford06]

And for 2021 it's coming in Motorsport colors... it's making me consider trading my 2019 R1250GS for this one. Went back to the big cow after years on S1000RRs (track and sport riding), and I really, really, miss the RR. This might bridge the gap.

[@paulhemi3157]

Today I had two test rides first one was the 2021 S1000 XR and straight after 2019 r1250 GS Adventure and I can’t make my mind both bikes are amazing and different the power on XR is insane where the comfort on the GS is like driving range Rover .Could you please give me your opinion about the GS ? Thanks Paul

[@EEEBA1]

​@@paulhemi3157 What did you end up getting and how do you like it? Thank you

[@EEEBA1]

I just recently sold my RR for this bike :). Currently shopping for the XR.

[@johnharvey5338]

I have had the old one 5 years and put 43,000 miles on it, was underwhelmed with the new bike, don’t think the styling is as good, prefer the XR 900 for the looks, to refined, lost its sports bike edge, vibes never an issue and balancing improved that area allot. Only bit I like are the new lights and you can get them for the old bike, tried the RR and the bottom end feels stronger, would like to see the both on a Dyno at the same time, the argument it doesn’t rev so high doesn’t work when the GS has it as that revs allot lower, bet thy fit it later when the V4 Multistrada comes along.

[@nortondlcl]

I concour

[@mnnic4292]

@@nortondlcl me too

[@user-nt9nd7xm5f]

I think the reality is you've got to spend another 300 quid and have Viking Seats foam gel and recover it. It’s on the money then, and still cheaper than a KTM

[@ybliga]

You talk about all the improvements and yet don’t mention the single, most important oversight by BMW - not just on this bike but also the S1000RR. To sell this bike with tin foil radiators and no guards is nothing short of scandalous. You WILL hole your radiator, it’ s when not if. I bought a brand new S1K and the the rad was holed by the very first minor ding to hit it after only 800 miles from new. I replaced it myself at a cost of over £500 for a new rad. I also have a BMW M140i, similarly notorious for holing its radiator and guess what - no guards!!!!! BMW need to fit guards as standard or make their rads sufficiently strong so that they can withstand more than a 60mph head on collision with a housefly. I won’t be buying another anytime soon!!!!

[@ravenmoto5948]

What bikes come with Rad quards?

[@ybliga]

Raven007 - a good question. Most don’t but a few do. However, the point is that if a mainstream manufacturer like BMW is going to make their radiators so fragile then they need protection. My Beemer cost me an extra £500 and a whole load of my time to fix - it really shouldn’t happen so easily if the vehicle is fit for purpose!!

[@ravenmoto5948]

@@ybliga I understand all bikes should come with them. I've owned a lot of bikes and not one ever came with a guard, sad to say.

[@ravenmoto5948]

I pretty much put a guard on the day I get the bike!

[@charliedekadens3348]

To clear the panniers left foot on the peg then throw ya leg over, sit then kick up the stand. Not ridden a real horse?

[@nealbeard1]

That's a good tip

[@mujtabakamal]

Good to see Matt back in saddle after long time

[@bowenmarco5028]

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[@allanjeremias6060]

@Bowen Marco Instablaster =)

[@bowenmarco5028]

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[@bowenmarco5028]

@Allan Jeremias It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass!

[@allanjeremias6060]

@Bowen Marco You are welcome :)

[@mnnic4292]

Great clear review. Cheers.

[@lalvarez63]

Nice video and great review !! How do you carry your motorcycle with the motorhome?

[@ralphwarom2514]

XD hehehe. I just want to acknowledge that I watched the BMW s1000RR review with unfinished Audio before you pulled it XD. Can't wait for it to be done and brought back. @The Bike Show

[@timcochrane4245]

I had the previous XR. The new XR feels so much more tame and quiet and refined and slow to turn that it feels dull. Like it's been neutered for the older gentleman. So I completely disagree I'm afraid, from a previous XR ownership point of view. Try riding the new and old back to back, not just with old memories of the old one

[@mikeybikey106]

yes totally agree, i have the previous modeland , 26k of smiles miles . The new one is a lot quieter and does not pull well from low revs , probably due to the loner gearing.

[@helgejohan3604]

Looks better, more sporty and faster🤙🔥🔥

[@MUSICREELS2023]

in Bayern???

[@edwardsp1916]

Bike aside, what a well produced video. Bike is nice too!

[@arabianjules]

ridden both the F900XR and the 1000XR, as well as the new ninja 1000sx, love both the bmws , going to be hard to decide on which to replace my 02 VFR Vtec 800. And bmws tft dash is the best on the market imo and the app works and links to the bike so quickly.

[@sergeykogut8085]

I own BMW R1200GS LC and what I'm really missing about driving this bike is acceleration which gives you four cylinger engine. New BMW S1000XR needs bigger motor up to 1200cc and must to remove oil radiator from the bottom to the top of the bike, like it's done in case of Ducati Multistrada. Then I will mull over about its purchasing.

[@rjbarbour]

It’s a great bike, but no significant negatives? I’ve ridden this for a day and agree with most of the comments by The Missenden Flyer in his more balanced review.

[@MYTvlad]

01:49 - Your first step must be on left peg, Mat.

[@michaeljkasnter]

You would think a so called Motorcycle Journalist would know how to mount a motorcycle with bags

[@MYTvlad]

@@michaeljkasnter The only reason he could do that was because of the soft surface (grass). He was worried about dropping the bike off the side stand.

[@wethenorth269]

I love this motorcycle

[@TheMototoro]

Mat is back on the bike! Touring Europe and coming to Holland?

[@Loiczzr]

I'm sure it's a good bike but can't say it's the best sport tourer. Seems also "cargo" capacity (weight) is pretty low. BTW, Triumph also have 3 years, unlimited mileage warranty.

[@mpsmyth3000]

Yet another great review 👍

[@mariotodorov4396]

dream bike

[@lold6130]

Sat on 1 of these recently & the seat was SO uncomfortable. It pushes you forward so your nuts gets crushed by the tank. Women & eunochs should be fine.

[@gianni3774]

Hmm i wanted to buy one

[@danielpedro2867]

The bike is a rocket, the top speed as limited by software to 250 KM/H ?

[@jamesfisher1827]

Great review. I was considering the XR until I sat on that seat at the bike show at Excel. Truly horrible seat.

[@abymathew295]

How tall are you Matt, that thing looks like a Shire horse...

[@medraut9]

Doo ka tee Multistrada 1260? The thing about "few if any other bikes on the market combining sports and touring"?

[@b1gd312]

I rode one and had buzzy hand/tingley fingers after 30mins, part of the reason I sold my s1000r, its still there people

[@chetiada862]

Beautiful machine beautiful place 👍

[@losteden]

the short gear issue was corrected now have longer gear?

[@prashantgusain8157]

Nice presentation & review 👍

[@gunton21]

Love mine, good video. 👍

[@1MrBryn]

I do wish BMW made a more traditional four cylinder sports tourer. I understand why people by the ADV style bikes, but I just don't like the styling.

[@natchachaweewan5886]

BMW is perfect heaven !

[@sweebeyh4327]

Good review, thanks. 👍

[@hezrimustapha6906]

Really disappointed with the seat. Why oh why BMW!!!??

[@kgb3410]

I have 2018 xr,only ride in dynamic pro,occasionally switch suspension between road n dynamic depending on if I'm ringing its neck or not,wallows a bit in road when giving it some, other than that great , can move about a little in seat too if sat forward ,also ride with arms bent a little not straight and you'll find there's only other better riders not bikes out there as there's nowt it can't stay with or pass 😁

[@toofastnobrakes]

So it’s sporty, a decent tourer, and an adventure bike.... sports adventure tourer????

[@tomtraynor5384]

Superduke GT 1290, which comes stock with bags--over this. ESPECIALLY when the immensely improved Gen 3 GT (Based on the on well-reviewed 2020 Superduke R) arrives next spring. Convince me I'm wrong.

[@jieiks]

In Trondheim Norway they cant deliver this bike before 2023:(

[@brucekendall52]

Thanks.

[@fyorbane]

Mmmmmm! Would argue strongly with that last point. I think the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is as good for a whole lot less money. If anything the Ninja has more low down grunt than this bike making it a superb all round sports tourer.

[@shashi4576]

I ride z1000sx, and due to shorter gearing ratio, the low down grunt and acceleration is not at all issue, above 2000 rpm the engine pulls like a loco

[@David-xg6ws]

I have a 2020 Ninja 1000 SX. 8,000 miles so far. For $12,500 USD you really can't beat it. No problems whatsoever. The only thing I don't like is riding position.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Excellent channel here, subscribe to support guys! Interesting delivery, quality camera work, devilish banter... what's not to like?

[@janimara3578]

Hello to owners of this wonderful bike, regardless of year. A question to you : How is the heat management on hot summer days ? Do you feel it on your legs or it is a cool bike ? Thanks in advance.

[@ALEXdaG]

I rode an xr today for a demo ride. It’s cool outside now and so I noticed only my ankle were feeling hot air from the engine. I imagine in the summer it being slightly annoying but no big deal in my opinion. What a great bike. The handling and balance was so perfect.

[@awesomeagnihotrisvlog]

It does get hot..if you extra sensitive to heat then opt for 1250 GS ( o heat )

[@janimara3578]

Thank you kindly.

[@ronanrogers4127]

I took my 1290SA up to 277kmh on the A4 Autobahn in Germany with my SW Motech Trax Adventure panniers fitted. It was thumping along fine, and then I remembered my tyres had a 190kmh speed limit, so I backed it off. That as a couple of years ago when I was living there.

[@richardmustang4]

and you thought this is interesting for this S1000XR review video ?

[@MrPtholt]

the bike older sports bike riders would buy? I don't think so personally. Try a KTM SuperDuke gt, its got panniers, a better engine and is bonkers fast, has a much better engine note than this (that four did not sound nice to me at all!) now THATS the bike former sports bike riders should be riding in their twilight years, the BMW sounded and looked like the motorcycling equivalent of a volvo saloon, almost grey in colour, its a sports tourer for those that have never ridden a sports bike and never would. Both the multi and the ktm would be a much better choice for those with any sporting desires.

[@CBRboy1717]

I would halfheartedly agree with the Duke GT. I personally would definitely choose it over the XR. But the KTM dealer network is spotty is some areas, and we all know KTM have some occasional quality and mechanical issues.

[@STF_YVR]

I have 2 problems with the 1290 GT: 1- It’s looks ugly to me 2- That big twin heating up the saddle can be an issue in warmer climates

[@MrPtholt]

STF YVR certainly grant you it’s no looker, however are there many sports tourers that are? The multi is like something from angry birds, the ktm insectoid and transformer like, however it looks fine and don’t from the riding seat so I care less about the front end as it just looks like it’s about to pounce. They are a toasty bike (so was my 916 back in the day), how much of it is big twin and how much is heat from the cats I am not sure, I plan to de cat the link pipe at some stage so would be interesting to see if it makes a difference heat wise (certainly will noise and hp wise).

[@moonvee1859]

5.6 height rider can ride this bike?

[@mandiwacker]

Only with the lower seat and the lower suspension option! I am 1,73 and have only the lower seat and it is often difficult to handle it….

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Do we assume that the s1000r will be retired in favour of this S1000XR? If so, we are witnessing the death of BMW commitment to naken hyper-naked motorcycling. Not a fan at all.

[@miguelsotto-mayor9173]

You put your foot on the pedal and you are able to go over the saddlebags. 🇵🇹

[@humanbeing1675]

Had the same idea😀

[@miguelsotto-mayor9173]

@@humanbeing1675 😂

[@humanbeing1675]

@@miguelsotto-mayor9173 I have a Tenere with 91cm seat height. 😁

[@winner1338]

Thinking of trading my Tuono V4 2020 for this S1000XR. Can't decide T-T

[@Nekminute]

Buy the Kawasaki

[@shashi4576]

Please make a comparison with Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx

[@thewoodster8607]

For all those moaning about the seat, just change it. Jesus. If you can afford one, you can afford to change the seat.

[@splodge5714]

Or you can go buy a Kawasaki Z1000SX. Better bike with a better seat.

[@hsk22689]

What about the Kawasaki Ninja 1000, isnt that capable enough?

[@esstee9595]

No centre stand on a touring bike = not capable. Good to see BMW had the good sense Kawi lacked.

[@Balunliinfi]

Seat height too high for me

[@iedco4]

Older Sport Bike Riders ride Honda Blackbirds with straight bar conversion ! 😎

[@jamest5149]

Just stand on the peg first then swing you leg over… its not hard 👍

[@trish9614]

I’m watching from America so I’m assuming that was KM/h not MPH 😜It was fast!

[@mickangel3945]

I have a GTR1400. To avoid kicking one or both of the panniers I get on the bike by standing up on the left footpeg with my left foot then step over the bike with my right. Piece of piss. Get off the same way too.

[@ramishrambarran3998]

This was a most excellent review ! Age and experience ! Yes, I know, because I am 66 ! 8:27 " Time, that has been made even shorter by the dodgy weather."........AND MY AGE !!!! Hahahaha ! Trinidad & Tobago.

[@specialandroid1603]

The XR makes the Multi Strada look like a suckling infant

[@36moto]

Hi guys, I Ride this bike a few weeks ago, I loved it, seat is bucket shaped but what a great bike.... @threesixmoto

[@marcboriss187]

prove to me that you are even one second faster on public roads with sliding your bum from one side to the other, then i let you off! This stupid emulation of racing drivers on racetracks has no place on the road, especially since it doesn't make anyone faster. Not only does it look stupid, it is also dangerous. This is absolutely nonsense! do not criticize a motorcycle that is not made for it. Other then this I really like your reviews 😉

[@Ukmongoose3]

Hey there chap, how one rides is a personal choice. I like to hang off a bit and I can be slower than my mates, but that is just how I learned to ride. Its not dangerous at all really. Have a go, you may find that you like it. Have a nice day 🙂

[@CharlieboySLONDON]

Leaning of your bike reduces the bike lean angle creating more contact patch = less dangerous.... I'd suggest some training before you criticise others about stuff you obviously don't know.

[@marcboriss187]

@@CharlieboySLONDON well some understand my message some dont. Obviously u have to do the monkey thing convincing yourself having more grip though. I was racing over 10 years mate and I won some hard battles. Just come along and I will show u how fast I can go without jumping arround especially on a touring bike. Time doesnt count! Just joy. I am sure ure a good rider and I am sure ure riding style fits your joy. Drive save and greetings

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Chain drive: No thanks....

[@kl9518]

Looks like a Ducati multistrada.

[@martin4819]

Sat on this and the seat is horrible! The sides dug into my thighs just sitting on it.

[@michaeldobson8859]

I have to say that that exhaust collector is BF Ugly for sure. Ive seen better looking welded SS in Power Plants.

[@rgthomson100]

Nice bike for six footers, i will have to pass

[@rollingstone1689]

I went to BMW dealership sat on the 2019 xr low chassis low seat now I'm tempted to get one I'm 5'7 . Don't be intimidated like I was go an sit on one

[@splodge5714]

That seat even looks uncomfortable. A deal breaker for me along with the vibes.

[@motolover5697]

The complaints about the seat were that one cannot easily move around, not that it is uncomfortable. And there are virtually no vibes at the new model. Did you actually watch the review?

[@splodge5714]

He said the ridge of the seat is "really uncomfortable" and 'virtualy' no vibes to me means it vibes. I prefer the Kawasaki Z1000SX. Just sayin' 😀

[@colinbell6461]

I cannot be hard to put a quality seat on a bike at this price! KTM are no better. And the colour; the grey could not be more BMW ( car ).

[@13260daniel]

Yes the xr is very sharp ,plenty of power ,reasonable handling ,ass hating seat ,too tall for shorter riders ,vibes around 5 to 6 thousand revs ,electronic suspension way to harsh for lighter riders ,not a tourer not even close,its a disappointment indeed 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@phukatchodu]

Ducati? 😂😂

[@user-mw1oh4hx6w]

무슨말인지 하나도모르겠네,아무튼굿이여

[@michaeldobson8859]

I have a better looking air compressor in my garage than this bike.

[@nikiforosf4824]

Don't be foolish to buy these expensive bikes... This kills the bike's fantastic world...

[@michaeldobson8859]

It’s such an ugly bike.

[@EEEBA1]

That maybe true. But when you ride it you don't see any of its ugliness :) It's one of the best bikes (out of 13) I ever had.

[@gianni3774]

Yes? Better than ktm.adventure?​@@EEEBA1

[@user-cd6dc3wi6q]

The worst bike in the world