2020 BMW S1000XR | 1 Year Owner Review

[@fredensminde]

Tak!

[@emirhurem6611]

Dear, Evotech Bar End Weights - BMW S 1000 XR (2020-2023) solved problems with wobling and handlebars vibrations in my case. Also Wunderlich comfort seat is great choice, it change comfort and feeling a lot. Aftermarket windshield needed for long trips. Mirror extension helps me a lot to not looking in my arms instead on traffic behind 😃 Otherwise great motorcycle from factory.

[@Revviews]

Very useful information there. Thank-you. Cheers 🍻

[@jlparsons]

I used Ecotech hand guard protectors which helped a lot, but I injected two part shore 40 silicone into the bars which made the biggest difference. I've posted the measurements before and after on the s1000xr forum somewhere. Bars pretty rock solid now.

[@Revviews]

@@jlparsons great feedback there. Cheers 🍻

[@thenext1]

I agree that hearing your own bike, exhaust and intake, is a big part of the sound experience.

[@Revviews]

Glad it's not just me 😊 part of the experience as you say. The XR was just far too sterile a bike. My new Z H2 if you haven't seen those videos yet is just awesome. Pure love for that bike. Cheers 🍻

[@craigwalker3063]

Thankyou Jonathan for all your S1000XR content. Have been following with much interest as purchased same grey version in July 2020 - so just over a year. I can't say I have experienced the same issues that you highlight in this review - especially the lower speed fueling. I have read some recent comments on XR forums where owners have received a software update from their dealer that they say has improved the fueling and - mysteriously the smoothness of the quickshifter - go figure. Might be worth asking the question of your dealer - agree the BMW customer service is top shelf. I came from a 1999 Honda VFR800 to the XR so was not huge differene in the way they both deliver their torque. You're spot on in pointing out where in the Rev range the XR is happiest - beyond 6000rpm is where all the smiles are. As a result I tend to try and maintain a higher Rev range when out and about aside from freeway droning. Thanks again for all your XR content.

[@Revviews]

Morning Craig, thank you for your support and the information about the software update. I didnt even know that was an option, should have taken the bike in sooner really. That's my fault. Might have fixed some of the minor issues. Good to know now though. Thank again mate. Cheers 🍻

[@franklinschneider1273]

Mr. Views, Mr. Rev-Views. Deep in my bones I feel that there is one bike for you, the one bike that rules them all-even after the V4S-the GS. Find peace my brother. It struck me that this was 25 minutes of minor gripes flying in close formation.

[@Revviews]

Thank you brother 🙏

[@abcusa123mich]

The main thing is one needs to do is just get used to dropping 1,2,3,4 or 5 gears to move the engine into the power range. The quick shifter lets you quickly beat down to a lower gear and then she just screams. The more you thrash it, the happier it is. Once you get comfortable doing this you won't miss the less torque at lower RPMs.

[@Revviews]

Cheers 🍻

[@andyclark8234]

Ace review, thanks. I currently ride the S1000RR, that I’ve noticed lately, has the same jerky fuelling issue when riding at 60ish mph. I ride with a guy that owns a transalp, which is happier at those speeds than his Busa, and the reason I found the issue. I have px’d the rr for the XR, which I pick up tomorrow. I didn’t see your review when I was looking, but that’s life. Although the rr is undeniably an absolute weapon, which I know I’m going to miss,it’s just too much for the British back roads and the types of rides I’m planning. I think I’ve made the right choice, although many would disagree. I guess a decat and ecu flash in the future would keep it interesting, but for now I’m looking forward to some more comfortable longer rides.

[@Revviews]

Hey Andy, thank you mate and congratulations on getting your XR. I think you've made a good choice and I've heard the software updates alone fix the issues. But a proper tune and exhaust system will make it insane. 👌 but it will be the perfect bike for those longer rides and overall is say. I really miss mine tbh but its a case of not having the space or money to keep multiple bikes. BMW do seem to be locking the ECUs on their cars with software updates(stops people flashing), not sure if it's the same on bikes but worth looking into just in case.

[@HaydenAlerte]

Never experienced the tank slapper you mentioned at 130mph. Only thing I changed (so far) is the windshield, which I swapped for an MRA on day one. The MRA windshield is probably one of the best swaps you can make on this bike, imo. No buffeting, no wobbles, and the bike just rips through traffic comfortably. Honestly, I think the stock windshield on the XR isn’t the best for spirited riding.

[@Revviews]

Good feedback, thank you. At the time I had the optional tall bmw screen. Only bike I've ever had that did it. Was odd. Cheers 🍻

[@gianni3774]

Which model of the mra bro?

[@ridingdreamer]

Thanks for sharing your reviews, enjoyed them. Booked my 2022 M Sport Premium and waiting.

[@Revviews]

You're welcome mate and thanks for watching. Ah wow....very nice indeed! Bet you can't wait for that to arrive and take delivery 😁.Cheers 🍻

[@pistolpete6321]

Great video! I’ve have similar experiences with my new XR but I love it even though it does have a few niggles.

[@Revviews]

Thanks Pete, oh yeah its a cracking bike. Everything has small issues. This has lots going for it. Had a blast on the XR. Cheers 🍻

[@franksmith6]

Thank you soooo much for quite frankly an honest review of your S1000XR, I ve actually learned a lot from your review than I did when I test rode the 2021 XR, albeit, a short test ride of about an hour on both the motorway and in town centre.the one I rode was fine in a walking pace traffic non of the jerky fuelling issue you highlighted, I live in London and slow moving traffic is usually the norm here, so maybe I did not spend enough time on it to discover that particular issue. I currently own a 2021 Ninja 1000SX, smooth as you would like no issues with, however, as I’m about 6”2, I feel slightly cramped from my waist down hence why I’m considering the 1000XR or the 1250 GS both TE specks of course, I did find 2 issues with the XR though, firstly, the vibration on the handle bars when I was on the motorway between 63mph and 74mph was a no no for me considering the price of the bike and how smooth my current bike ( ninja 1000sx) is at any speed or rev. Secondly is the restriction of the sitting position, hard to accept those for a premium bike like the 1000xr. More over, following your review and other reviews, the bike is happiest at rev of 6k and above, I fear the bike ll not be for me as London is too busy, restricted and traffic jams that you would hardly ride the bike or such revs.. I’m relatively newish to big bikes world, so for my daily commute withing London, Im thinking a 1250GS WILL SERVE ME better, any suggestion of a good quality bike in these moulds you could recommend please, I like a good all round bike with power for when I need it for fun but essential my daily commute in style and statement. Thanks

[@Revviews]

Hi Frank, firstly thank you for watching and your comments mate, appreciated. The XR is a great bike but for me it just didn't quite suit in the end, and the seat just never felt good to me. In terms of recommendations the big R1250GS is of course amazing, and the engine is just a good low down as it is higher up however it is quite a large bike at the end of the day. If you are planning on long trips out often I'd say it's a cracker, however ones to consider too would be the Tiger 900 GT or perhaps the Tracer 900 GT as both of them pull hard, but are also lighter and just easier to manage around town. Plus both being triples the engines are brilliant fun and sound great with a nice exhaust. You might go on to see I moved on to a Z H2 and although I miss the gadgets of the XR and occasionally the wind protection a little the Z H2 Is just such an incredible bike to ride nothing else matters. So maybe even consider a naked? Lots to choose from there. Happy to help where I can. Cheers 🍻

[@franksmith6]

Thanks mate ll look into those suggested.

[@inked-96]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm on the fence about the XR. I liked it when I test rode one last week. The dilemma I had was that if I was to own one, it would diminish to point of having anything else alongside it from a fast bike point of view. With the state of our roads, even living in the countryside like myself, it's awful riding out the majority of the time. Mobile and fixed speed cameras are getting worse as well. I think as a touring bike, I think the XR wasn't as comfortable as the GS. I understand the XR but don't understand why you'd want all that power, I'd not want to speed in other countries with how strict some can be. For me personally, I'd rather have my XSR900 or R1 with a GS/Tiger for the everyday bike than an XR. If I had to have a 1 bike garage, the XR would be it. I went out today on the XSR and the roads didn't allow me to get above 60 just purely from the state of roads. Take care mate.

[@nelsoncanteroramosgimenez9265]

Hello mate. Good video. I have the 2023 triple black. Looks like the Batman’s bike!

[@Revviews]

Thank you mate, much appreciated 👍 What an awesome machine!! Very jealous, enjoy my friend!! Cheers 🍻

[@vfarias]

There is not a single 4 cylinder bike I can remember that has a satisfying performance in low revs... which is my personal preference...

[@andyclark8234]

Try the R1 Big Bang. Had one for 7 years, absolute animal at any revs 🤣. I really don’t know why more manufacturers don’t go down the cross plane route with the inline fours 🤔

[@donnyazoff980]

I used to own a 2008 Yamaha FZ1 and that thing was a rocket from 3000 - 12000 rpm.

[@borderreiver8288]

I've enjoyed ur reviews - very thorough so thanks. I am very interested in the XR and I am arranging a test ride for one day next week so will check for that throttle at lower speeds - that would put me off from buying as I have gone to a lot of trouble on my existing bike including an ecu flash to get a smoother throttle. Don't want to be going through that again!

[@Revviews]

Hello mate and thank you. Yeah see how you get on, might have just been my bike only. Only minor gripes really but wanted to point them out. Cheers 🍻

[@alexanderd.6473]

Ive had the same issue with my 2016 xr.. same thing with the throttle. I hoped it would be gone or less available on the newer model. Nevertheless I will pick up my new xr in a month and will still try to enjoy it :) but agreed.. it’s kinda annoying but I’ll get over it

[@Revviews]

@@alexanderd.6473 Little thing really. But the Bren tuning box you can now get apparently fixes all plus gives over 15bhp more. Might be worth a look. Plug and play setup.

[@70stirling]

Great review, I’ve had my 2020 model nearly a year now! Rode the previous model too ! Your spot on with the seat !! I did loads of research and wasted money on The Bmw comfort seat ( waste of time) But the oefect solution which is not cheap is a Sargent seat had my on a month now and is perfect so comfortable. Well recommend..

[@Revviews]

Thanks Matt and I appreciate the feedback as well. Plus insight into the seat. You might see on the channel in the end I switched up bikes as felt like my heart was elsewhere. Pretty happy with my decision 😁. Thanks again. Cheers 🍻

[@PreethamRameshNaik]

Hey, I am planning to get one this week… 2016 are selling for $11k and 2020 is for $15k…. I had s1kRR for last 4 years… is it worth paying extra 4 grand for newer model ?

[@chrisright5959]

The intro is quality!

[@Revviews]

Cheers Chris! 🍻

[@chrisright5959]

Very cool mate. 😎

[@Revviews]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Revviews]

New intro and outro plus 1 year review, let me know what you think. Cheers 🍻

[@kevinleighuk]

Interesting review. Sounds like your bike has some specific gremlins. I’ve a 2016 bike and while not an enthusiastic rider the sports shift up and down works perfectly at all speeds and under all loads. It’s just as happy shifting up as I gently accelerate around town as.changing up under load on an open road. And while it loves to be revved the power is instant from low down and simply never stops. My own sense of self preservation kicks in before the bike ever runs out of its enormous linear power. And my seat is very comfy even tho it’s a thinner low ride one. Overall I think I will keep my Gen 1 XR and see no reason to upgrade. I might add the new R18B but that’s a different story.

[@Revviews]

Kevin Leigh Yeah 100%, you would lose that edge yours has and gain an asthmatic Euro 5 version with a bigger screen. Shame really. Can all be fixed with Bren tuning I've heard but not gonna mess with it. Style over substance with the Gen 2 I feel. Cheers 🍻

[@kevinleighuk]

@@Revviews noted. I’ve the MRA Vario screen which I always ride fully up with the spoiler on full deflection. Works perfectly as I ride with an open face helmet (from my HD days). Besides like the dog with its head out of the window you ride for the fresh air!

[@smookinz4747]

you need to replace the cats with link pipe and choose good sounding back muffler plus retune you bike and lower it to have better stability on high speed and cornering ..the XR has high performnace engine and high centre of gravity which doesn"t make sence

[@fredensminde]

Thanks for sharing this. I always enjoy your videos. Did you test ride the 1250RS ( the mainly overlooked Bavarian ) ? It might not be as good looking or fast as the XR. But it pulls 100% clean from 1500 rpm no matter what gear and how heavy it´s loaded. Going smoothly through town in 5th at 50 km/h is no problem.

[@Revviews]

Thank you mate. You know I haven't yet but I will aim to get that done thos year. Just getting back into things slowly after a little time away. Appreciate your support. Cheers 🍻

[@fredensminde]

@@Revviews Well, now you got used to 200 HP the 1250 might not be so interesting😁

[@dougiequick1]

Yeah I think the H2 blows pretty much everything away! What a beast! But what's the old line? "flies past anything but a gas station"

[@Revviews]

@@dougiequick1 lol you're not wrong there. She has a drinking problem. Cheers 🍻

[@gazzale]

pick mine up tomorrow, grey one.

[@Revviews]

Very nice mate. They are awesome bikes. 👌

[@kentbengtsson]

I have the same bike, also in red. My main complaint is the vibrations trough the handlebars. Ive put on some weights and it got a little better. I also had some vibrations trough the seat. I bought a comfort seat and I got rid of almost all vibrations. My gearbox/quickshifter works fine. But I also had the same problem as you with the bad fueling. When i got my last service on the bike in june I asked BMW (Trollhättan, Sweden) to check for a software update. They updated the software and to my surprise my bikes fueling got a lot better in low speeds/low rpm. Now it is ok. (Although not perfect).You should do the same. 🙂 I really like my bike. Its not perfect, but its fun to ride. But next time I will buy a bike with more umpf in low rpm.

[@Revviews]

Hi Ken, that's good to hear about the update. Was only small things at the end of the day, but its a premium machine so little bit annoying. However, bit of insider information for you.... 👀 don't have it anymore. Check out this week's videos. Tomorrow and Friday's. Low rpm torque no longer a problem. Thanks for you support mate. Cheers 🍻

[@Ducatijay72]

I went from a mt09 to my 2019 xr and noticed the lack of low end, almost as though there's something wrong, I'm use to it now but noticed instantly

[@Revviews]

Hello mate, yeah it's kinda annoying, thing is the Gen 2 are even worse than yours due to Euro 5 restrictions. Just makes the bike even more asthmatic. 2nd acceleration looks fast but do the same in 3rd or 4th and a triple would leave it for dust. Shame really. But in the power zone it's class. Thanks for your support mate. Oh and keep an eye out for next Fridays video 🔥 Cheers 🍻

[@petersean777]

Ive got the 2020 XR and love it to bits but had a test ride on the new MT 09 SP oh my god how fast are they getting ing it in September still keeping the XR though

[@Revviews]

@@petersean777 lol totally agree. That CP3 engine is a beast. Great sounding as well.

[@Inked_CR]

im in the posistion to either go for a s1000xr 2020 TE or the new tracer 9gt. Given that you have an s1000xr, would you still stick with it after owning one over the new 9gt?

[@Revviews]

I think IF I had an XR already I wouldn't change to the T9 GT, but if buying new best to hop on both and see which one you like. They are both very good machines indeed. Feel free to ask any other questions. Happy to help. Cheers 🍻

[@Inked_CR]

@@Revviews I'm away at the moment but will be back in 6 weeks. So let's say, you've jumped on both a 2020 TE s1000XR and a new 9GT, I do around a 380 mile round trip up to manchester every 6 weeks, so motorway, some b roads if the weather is nice. What are you picking and why?

[@Revviews]

@Christopher Robinson Honestly, the GT is probably the more comfortable bike but the XR is the faster more focused machine, no doubt about it. If you want performance leaning then it has to be the XR, but if you are happy with GTs engine/power (and it is great) then than could be the better option.

[@PreethamRameshNaik]

Hey, I am planning to get one this week… 2016 are selling for $11k and 2020 is for $15k…. I had s1kRR for last 4 years… is it worth paying extra 4 grand for newer model ?

[@Revviews]

Hello mate. Performance wise the are very similar. However the gen 2 had lots of quality of life improvements, plus the new tft and system is just epic so we'll worth it IF you are planning on keeping the bike for a long time. IF its a shorter term thing then get the cheaper one to have extra money for future bike. Hope that helps. Cheers 🍻

[@brucekendall52]

Good owners analysis.Perhaps trade your bike in on a 1250 or KTM 1290 Adv or triple and get the enjoyment of having good torque.Thanks.

[@Revviews]

Thanks Bruce, pleased you.enjoyed the review. I actually went for a Kawasaki Z H2. Done a few videos on it already. Really like it. Cheers 🍻

[@Fernando90054]

Yeah, you’re absolutely right when you say that the bike from stock comes like a lot restricted by electronics and euro 5 rules. The fundamental problem is that seems this vehicles are being turned anachronistic because of the speed limits and the noise limits and the pollution issues. All the policies seems to be against the concept of this vehicles that we love. So, they are about being considered as alien realities in a western world that wants to abolish this kind of machines, in sake of a greater agenda of principles. New principles that are being waved as new social values of a change in the Society model, perhaps in a near future. That type of restrictions on public roads, like maximum speed limited to 30mph have to crump a bike like the S1000 XR, mainly it’s engine, there is no doubt about it, for me. By the other hand, this engine is a four cilindres which should run smoothly and not behave on low speeds like he’s near to suffer from an heart attack. All this is strange. I can adapt myself to keyless and other evolution steps, but putting the machine’s engine behind bars, and only allowed to express itself freely after 7000 or 8000 rpm’s it’s a cruelty against nature of things. That’s unacceptable for me.

[@Revviews]

Well said mate, well said. The good news is that for now at least with a few tweaks the engine can breath again and the bike pull and sound superb. The only downside is the cost of this (apart from money) would be the warranty if its a new bike. But for some it will be well worth it. Won't be long before all of these beautiful machines we hold dear will be outlawed. Hence we getting the ZH2 and the 540i so I can enjoy them before ots too late. 10 years from now most of us will be on electric bikes if all haven't been banned by then. Thanks for watching. Cheers 🍻

[@Fernando90054]

@@Revviews thank you for doing this nice videos and share with us your personal experience.👌

[@Revviews]

@@Fernando90054 you're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@JonathanCosker]

Have thought of having the ecu remapped ?

[@Revviews]

I did consider it yeah, in the end I went with a Z H2 and px this bike.

[@LIGHTWARRIOR-888]

Whats the difference between the te version and the original?

[@Revviews]

Lots of equipment. The TE is the one to get. I've done a full review video if that helps. On the channel. Cheers 🍻

[@austinmatthews347]

i have just bought a new te from chedter motorrad its the red same as yours except red on top of tank i initially liked the grey but one i saw the red i was sold

[@Revviews]

Very nice Austin 😃 yeah I love the updated paint scheme with fully red tank. She's a great bike. Once you get that run in service done and unlock Dynamic Pro you will be grinning from ear to ear. Thanks for your support mate. Cheers 🍻

[@daithimurphy1832]

Did you ever have suspension or brake light faults up on the screen then bike is dead completely

[@Revviews]

Hello mate. No nothing like that. Do you have any power? Otherwise it sounds like a battery issue effecting all systems. Cheers 🍻

[@daithimurphy1832]

@@Revviews have the bike a week went to start it today faults came up then dead. 2022 bike

[@Revviews]

@Daithi Murphy might be a bad battery in that case. The cold and, if stood around for long periods can drain. Not saying its that 100% but it's possible.

[@daithimurphy1832]

Change to different tyres and see does that cure the wobble issues

[@Revviews]

Hey, I actually changed over to a ZH2. No wobbles so far 😊

[@daithimurphy1832]

@@Revviews great known upgrade on some sas as well

[@trakdoc9528]

@@Revviews what is the ZH2 tire?

[@Revviews]

@@trakdoc9528 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

[@lukaszg74]

Low down torque is what stopping me buying this bike it feels broken compared to 1290 super adventure s

[@rodtheplumb]

hi rev, just found your channel, watched and i thought i know those roads, i live in shoreham work all round lewes uckfield etc, to the point i bit the bullet a year ago or so and have a grey xr, the seat you mention is my biggest gripe and i have been through and still have the various different seats. in the end i made my own, you are more than welcome to ride and do a comparision of my bike,the seat the ignition faults etc, i live in shoreham get in touch if interested.

[@Revviews]

Hello mate, haha yeah local roads. We are lucky down this way. Thank you my friend. I actually traded the XR in for something quite different in the end as it just wasn't the right bike for me it turns out. 🙃 cheers though. It is a great machine and I think mine may have just had a few gremlins. Cheers though 👍

[@TonVerkleijT3]

I can't take bike review serious when the max speed doesn't exceed 40 mph.

[@Revviews]

Lol, OK 👍