BMW S1000XR 2020 - First Ride Review

My BMW S1000XR 2020 review is a bit late to the party, this is a bike many of you have asked me to ride, especially since I didn't exactly gel with the first generation model back in 2017. I finally got the opportunity to take this latest incarnation of the S1000RR/GS Frankenstein baby out, and I can only tell you this... it didn't disappoint!
Hope you enjoy the vid folks, keep SUBSCRIBING, keep SHARING, keep LIKING, and keep letting me know what you think in the COMMENTS section below!
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REMEMBER to submit your questions for the QnA sections of the vids via any of the social media with HASHTAG #qnaTP1. Or just email me at [e-mail]

[@veljkovic92]

For me, BMW made this XR amazing. That power delivery is just as it should be for bike which is supposed to be sporty and comfortable tourer. I love that it's so calm when i ride calmly and if i want to go full power i just go high revs. Other way, if it was sensitive to power on lower revs also it would not be comfortable for daily commuting, enjoying in cruising. That's why i didn't go with KTM GT cause it has that "always wild" nature. I love inline 4 and it's nature. XR is overally amazing package and especially great for two up rides. Mine just has slight vibrations in right footpegs at specific higher revs, but it isn't so present to be bothering.

[@austinmatthews347]

I have one bought it new in april i agree with you its dosile low down and not scary at all but if you want to scratch you ride it like a inline 4 its amazing also its very near the gs on mpg i dont drop below 47mpg. But take it easy and she goes up around 53mpg i love mine its such an all rounder. Mines called beatrix

[@schemkesa]

Totally agree with you. It's a supersmooth and easy to ride luxurious ride in low rpm. But a beast in the upper revs (above 8k) its sporty between 4k and 8k ideal for touring.

[@ridingdreamer]

Dear Mr. TPO, this was one of the most entertaining and wholehearted review of the mighty XR. You started slowly, expressed some genuine concerns, took your time to adjust and then thoroughly enjoyed. This is how it should be. In the first quarter you were like 10mph 1st gear, 20 mph 2nd gear and by the time 35-40mph you were on 5th gear. Then you realized this is a true 60mph 1st gear bike (or at least 40mph and so on) and got in to the correct gearing. Rest was fun. Thanks for sharing this!

[@rossm9676]

Although I liked your normal intro, the shortened intro on this vid works well, probably better. Still worth introducing the beauty shots at some point, maybe shorter length than previously. Anyway great, honest review as always. 👍.

[@Thewoodmiester]

Purchased one of these brand new on 2nd Sept. have to admit I was a tad underwhelmed at first but once I ‘ran it in’ and did the 600 Miles I started to enjoy it because I could use the full capacity and WOW what a machine. When the Mrs is on the back I’m in ‘Road’ mode but alone I’m in Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. It’s an awesome bit of kit but also very good at low speeds. Quick shifter is smooth as silk up and down the box. Loved the review. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@fictiveaudio]

Great review. I went from a 2018 R1200GS to a 2020 S100XR, got tired of the agricultural feel and weight of the GS. I agree with you that there's an apparent lack of power low down, especially noticeable coming from a GS, but it's horses for courses. I really like the buttery smooth feel of the bike. In the two years I had the GS I never took it off-road, so a purely road-focused bike like the XR is a better choice for me (until the next bike LOL!). Best wishes.

[@TheAskme32]

i suppose you are from greece, right? how is this bike in the hot greek summer in city traffic? do you feel a lot the heat from the engine? unfortunately for many months i cannot find any available for test driving.

[@richardpriestley1419]

As a long term XR owner, it’s really nice to see you’ve found out why we XR owners love it, Bruce. Wind it on, brings the grin factor! Nice candid review.

[@awesomeagnihotrisvlog]

Hey mate 🙌🙌excellent review of the X-R 🙌….could you please try n review th 2022 X-R 🙏 pleeease🙏

[@Bruttus4377]

I bought a new one and am totally in love what a ride

[@motos-passion42]

Nice vidéo and good analysis ... as usual ! After 10 years of driving twin cylinders, I would never have thought that the test of this four cylinders, enchants me so much .... yet I had not you all liked the first version...I think i'm in love with it, poor me.

[@aspectcarl]

Just love the sound to bits, I'm an old man, but I'd still forego the ease of access to drive of twins for that heart racing sound. I ride an old FZ1 and recognise the power delivery review. Lovely review Mr Teapot ❤️

[@jbcXR]

Hiya Bruce, I thrash my RR in 2nd and 3rd and it's absolutely mental, I'm changing it for a 2020 XR, just waiting for it to be delivered and looking forward to it being a bit more refined before ending up going through a hedge somewhere 😂 so the XR is going to suit me now and do a bit of touring about on it ....👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@austinmatthews347]

Cant blame you fella i have had alsorts and low grunt is nice but smooth linear power is also smooth. I came from 3 bikes to 1 bike to do it all i had z1000sx gen 1 tuono a 05 r1200rt. The xr is lighter than sx woith more power its bottom end beats the sx it handles on rails and its a tech monster you will love the xr

[@curnobullen]

I bought a new XR about 2 months ago. I love it , what a bike. The quick shifter and exhaust tone is brilliant. Nice one Bruce , hope all is well with you. 👍

[@teapotone]

All good here thanks Curno, wish you and yours well too bud 👍

[@miserablemongoose1670]

Love the sound that bike makes!!!! Can’t afford one, but it would definitely be on my test drive list!! No one has a bad word to say about it which says a lot!!

[@JBLMotovlogs]

Oh yes! My paps just picked a grey model up! Waiting for the new year to have a blast in it! I can’t wait! Good first ride sir!

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud, hope you’re doing well 👍

[@JBLMotovlogs]

@@teapotone I am thank You! Hope all well with you and family too! 😁

[@markmurphy1995]

If it sounds that good through my iPad speakers, it must be amazing on those country roads! Thanks Bruce! 😁👍🏻

[@neilb4297]

Exactly Bruce, thats why I prefer twins, you can use the torque and power and still keep your license. You just can’t tap into the power of these in line four super bikes without getting into ridiculous speeds. Just not usable on normal roads unfortunately.

[@davidread2198]

I was riding bike's since the 80's and have lots of different bike over the years their is no bad bikes any more 😁👍

[@maxflight777]

You could argue Suzuki Kawasaki seem to have stayed in the 90’s ... (not exactly “bad” , but a bit of a limp line up ?)

[@dragospetrovici8616]

I have a 2018 one and it's absolute fun , especially the sound of the Cobra exhaust . i Have done 31.000 miles on it and i love it. I commute , go on trips with my wife or go on trips with the boys and every time i ride this bike it just puts a smile on my face . For me it's like a swiss army knife and i will probably replace it with the new model next year.

[@barney3417]

Morning Bruce, had a new 2018 XR HP for 3 months having gone from a GSA wanting something lighter..You are right it is a hoot when ridden spirited , kept it 3 months!! You are right to suggest it's for sports bike riders who are not as old as us and don't want a full adventure bike yet !!!! As you said not much low down grunt, which I prefer.(now back to a GS) found I had to rev it all the time to get anywhere which made it feel whizzy and wore off after a few ride outs. Having to use the revs gave me a lot of fun, at a cost, about 38 mpg and a half worn rear tyre at 1100 miles :) I wouldn't like that on tour. keep up the good work. Dave

[@billiondollardan]

There's a youtuber who tracks his S1000XR called cubanrider. It's a pretty swift ride in the right hands.

[@autogenome9129]

Having a 2020 XR since March, I was smiling bigger and bigger anticipating exactly what I knew was gonna happen in your review. I had the same experience - buying without testing for more than a couple miles. The bike is unreal and refined but you don’t find out until you get up above 7k. Also, the seat- you find it “livable” until you ride for more than 20 minutes and then it’s horrible for anyone over 6 foot. I dare say it’s the worst seat I’ve ever experienced. Not sure what BMW were thinking. *** however, if anyone out there is truly interested in this bike or have one, do NOT hesitate to order a full Akra header / slip-on AND a Brentune RIGHT NOW. There has never been a larger transformation in the history of bikes than what getting rid of the EURO5 lead can underneath and the de-tune will do. The torque curve is moved down to just below 4K and the even pull from there is UNreal. I’m a very picky / princess & the pea type of guy and I cannot emphasize enough what this bike is when you make those adjustments! The seat (after a Sargent re-working) is STILL horrible although a bit better than stock. Cheers all. Thanks for the honest / genuine reviews TP1!

[@davidcardinal9900]

Thanks! I have a 2016, tried one of these and was wondering about remapping. Although you.may have just cost me a lot of money!

[@autogenome9129]

@@davidcardinal9900 Great Bike after the re-map / tune. Pretty incredible actually. If you're under 6' tall, it's just a comfortable bike. Over 6' and the seat is nearly not bearable. Still no aftermarket seats that work. Selling the bike right now because of the seat.. everything else about this bike is a masterpiece.

[@ridingdreamer]

Im waiting for my 22 M Sport with factory Akra can. Would a header void warranty and emission test? I have already planned headers at some point in future.

[@teapotone]

I’ve had headers fitted by my dealership before and they’ve always honoured any warranty work. The mot is a different story though, as long as the end can is road legal then they should pass it - but if they check emissions then it could be a different story. I’ve always got my bikes on finance so never keep them long enough to require an mot 🤷‍♂️👍

[@OatCakeProductions]

Now that looks a nice bike and I'm not a fan of beemers (not normally the best lookers on the road). Nice first initial review. "Oooh Fishing" you remind me of the dog from the film 'UP' I agree; Most in-line fours have to be ragged to get the most out of them, especially sports bikes. The only ones I've owned that don't are the Suzuki Bandits, they had more grunt than a truck load of pigs. even from very low revs.

[@paulchandler5004]

The power on my Gen 5 VFR only really starts to be interesting above 6000 revs and above 9000 the V4 was a rocket ship and sounds glorious

[@tonykisvardai2346]

Great review but I’m not an in-line 4 fan, I just signed up for an F900XR, trading my 2004 R1200 GS. The low and mid range grunt of the 900 is addictive and intoxicating and plenty quick enough for the road.

[@SB-Kiwi]

I was one of those XR owners telling you to try one out. Glad this round you got the revs up into the party zone. Another enjoyable review. Cheers 👍

[@teapotone]

Cheers bud 👍

[@MuscleBandit]

This is why I love my gen1 1200 Bandit (tuned of course) I have the low down grunt of a twin of similar capacity but with 125bhp and a 5 speed box it takes leader bikes and 100mph plus to gap me. Thinking of chopping in my 701 sumo for an adv as it thinks all roads are "NATIONALSSSSS". Great review as always sir 👌

[@simonrobinson7536]

Must be a much more engaging bike to ride than the old version as you didn’t like that one. I think you always give a balanced review and if you don’t like anything you say so, and like you said there aren’t any really bad bikes anymore. Top review Bruce.

[@teapotone]

Thanks Simon 👍

[@markteal5669]

Mine is getting delivered today .triple black sport se .can’t wait 👍

[@MrAlgar2000]

BMW have mastered the knack of making really fast bikes,,,, which don't scare the pants off you when you ride them. Superb! Possibly my next bike. Incidentally, I think your reviews are very fair..

[@teapotone]

Thanks very much bud, greatly appreciated 👍

[@Ducatijay72]

I struggled with my 2019 xr after coming from a mt10, I thought there was something wrong with it, as you say the power is all up top but getting use to it now and because of the delivery the fuel economy is good and as a day to day bike and using in the rain it's a very easy bike to ride, as a daily bike it's a pussycat, if you want to scare yourself silly it's also very capable , check out the Cuban rider and see what these bikes can do, great video btw 😃

[@AntaresSQ01]

The bike has insane amounts of restrictions from factory. Getting a good tune on it gives it the same grunt you get around 7k all the way down at 5k, it's not hard to get 170-180 bhp out of these with a couple light mods (exhaust, filter, tune) but to be honest the MT10 is really torquey bike anyway for comparison. On the 2020 model they also lengthened the 4th, 5th and 6th gears so it's much less punchy if you try to get going from those gears.

[@Mtbjitsu]

A tracer with the Mt 10 engine would be the perfect bike.

[@adrianwatkins9629]

Awesome initial first thoughts Bruce... absolutely loving mine... ride safe and take care...

[@teapotone]

Cheers bud, you too 👍

[@JPHOT100]

I've done 15,000 miles on my old model XR. It reminds me of my GPz's back in the 80's and I love it for all the reasons lots of folk didn't. I've not been touring but have done 350 miles in a day and I find the seat very comfortable (I must have a German shaped ass!). Seems I'll be talking to Bahnstormer in spring about a new XR.

[@benkelly2190]

I read a 2016 XR.. I struggled with it for the same reasons.. great when on it but a bit flat on normal road riding..back to the GS and I’m much happier. A speedy triple RS helps.

[@grumpsrides6074]

Another great video Bruce. Got to agree with your comments about power delivery differences between twins and inline 4's. I'm lucky to own 2 bikes, Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 (V-twin) and Kawasaki Versys 1000 (inline 4). The difference in power delivery is quite noticeable, even with though the Ape is 93bhp and the Versys is 120bhp. I would like to see what you think of the Versys? As its an inline 4, but has similar bhp figure to your tractor?! Keep up the awesome work mate, ride safe, be safe and have fun. Grumps.

[@teapotone]

Cheers bud, yeah I’ve ridden very few Kwaks and Yamaha’s actually, need to sort that really 👍

[@tonyhannam8]

Nice video 👍100% with you Bruce they are no more bad bikes anymore which makes it even harder when you want to buy a new one 🤣🤪

[@EthanS93]

Awesome vid mate, another good review. Im not sure why they do it but after hearing quite a few BMW's now, they seem to have an engine rattle at idle? Other than that, i cant fault it. Id like to see the fork bottoms in black, i dont like silver.

[@ianwilliams4832]

Got to be worth doing a vid on the pros and cons of twins, triples and inline 4s. As a road rider I think you just can't beat a v twin. (great review)

[@motor_ma77]

Let’s be honest. Reviewing 12-15k+ you’d expect there not to be many if any negative points. She sounds nice in 2nd with the stock 🔥. Keep it up TP1 7k+ revs 😈

[@firestorm755]

I think your right about 4s, your chasing the power. It's there but it's way up in the revs. I used to have a ZZR11 years ago and it was exactly that. Chasing the power. I got rid of it eventually and bought a firestorm. I've had it for 21 years now and while it's way down on power to the ZZR it's more fun and easier to ride. Instant grunt and no need to chase the revs. Big twins also sound great with free breathing cans. It's an easy way to ride and at road speeds has the instant pull that you don't get on a 4. It's not mega fast but to be honest the penalty's now are so steep if you get caught. Big twins, that's what you want. Sorry mate. This one isn't for me.

[@giovannigullo1882]

Awesome review! cheers from Brazil

[@teapotone]

Thanks Giovanni 👏👍

[@craigpearson2189]

I sold a R1200 GS Rallye (same one you had) and moved over to the S1000xr in Aug this year. I loves the 1000XR. Its everything you could possible need from a road bike. Will be interested to hear your views on the seat once you have done a 5 + hour day out. I'm not enjoying my seat and currently have it in at a specialist for some foam padding sculpting to make life a bit easier on the ass. Other than that - top review as usual Bruce.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Craig 👍

[@garktnieus]

Great review as always Bruce!

[@teapotone]

Thanks very much 👍

[@andrewgibbs5135]

In line fours. Recently changed from an elderly (but nice) Triumph Sprint to an FJR1300 and was underwhelmed, initially. Recalibrating your brain/ears/throttle is the secret ! The XR sounds so throaty and looks like the ideal seating position. Seat padding looked slim compared to GS 🤔 Looking forward to your future comments.....👋🏻

[@moarmoto9]

I used to have a sprint 1050 great ride but miserably unreliable mine spent more time in pieces than on the road. I test rode an fjr1300 and thought it was great but it sold before I put my hand in my pocket. I bought an XJR1300 instead and that's an even better ride but I do wish I had the shaft drive from the fjr!

[@mrmickeysmiles]

Test rode one myself to compare with my 2018 and 2015 models. Agree that it seems a bit laid back, but I actually think pick up is quicker than the 2018 model, but in a subtle way. As with any XR on UK roads, 2nd gear is definitely your best friend!

[@abritablondeabike]

9000 is peak torque. I had one for 4 years I love the XR. Amazing. Keep up the good work mate. Your total right about road speeds. Its the reason we had to get rid of it. Doesn't come alive until you are in losing license territory. 🙂👍🤣

[@SweeneyTTodd]

What a superb review , Seen other reviews on the bike , but i think you nailed exactly what to say about it , brilliant Looking forward to next episode Best regards Shaun .

[@teapotone]

Cheers Shaun 👏👍

[@marklintell631]

Hi Bruce you say you have to get this bike above 4k for it to do anything. Just what I found. Prior to test riding this bike I tested a Versys 1000. A z1000sx and a tracer 9. All of these I found had more bottom end. Well I ended up buying. 2014 z1000sx. Man what a bike. This bike feels quicker than the 2022 sx I took out. (Could be to do with the cat missing) anyway keep up the videos and take out the ninja 1000. Sorted bike.

[@peterbrewer6104]

Much better intro, although the music volume is still a little loud. Great vid, loved the side stand stall at the beginning of the ride 😂 Keep safe

[@jayalexander8027]

There’s no such thing as a bad motorbike. Keep doing what you’re doing Bruce. Would like to see some more harley stuff though. Particularly the custom side

[@nealharris2574]

Looks great in red!

[@oliverwood5989]

I like the new intro. Good work as usual Bruce.

[@teapotone]

Thanks Oliver 👍

[@StormAutoAdventures]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these incredible videos for us! Much appreciated! My father owned a new at the time and fully loaded, 2012 BMW K1600GTL... Absolutely amazing machine! My second motorcycle will be a BMW! I think I'm already subscribed, but if I'm not, I'll do so after this comment. Cheers, -Chris

[@markreynolds8630]

Nice review ! Would this Bike suit blasting about the Picos? Or too heavy? Its on my short list...

[@teapotone]

No it’d be fine in the Pico’s, I’ve taken many people away on yours who ride them 👍

[@TheBBros-iq1wk]

Enjoyed the video and great review! Not sure what it is about that dual screen setup but really dig it and the sound is 👌

[@sintjinansley6107]

Mine and EBDans local patch, always nice to recognize the roads. Calimoto has a habit of leading to some... Interesting country roads around here, unfortunately the road surfaces aren't the best but they are quite twisty 🤷

[@beemer4950]

Agreed - much better than last version although I still found it a bit vibey. The brakes are eye popping, same as GS but seem to be in a different league. As a 6 footer I did find my legs were a bit scrunched up compared to my GSA. I enjoyed my test ride but still not all round good enough to tempt me away from GSA. If I could afford a 2nd bike this would be on the list without doubt.

[@autogenome9129]

@Beemer I totally agree that the XR is a good second bike. I've got a 2020 GSA and a 2020 XR and they compliment each other well. However, the new GSA is so good (so so much better in terms of power and excitement because of the ShiftCam) that I'm considering unloading my new XR already. Putting the BrenTune and Akra header on have made it a near perfect bike. The powerband is honestly NOTICEABLY improved and the additional power down low is unreal. However, not sure the XR does enough in terms of long, enjoyable rides when I can jump on this improved GSA. For now though, I've got this perfect 1-2 punch and enjoying it until the snow flies.

[@raycollington4310]

I kept laughing every time you wound that thing up. If it wasn't run-in before you got, it well and truly will be by the time to give it back. Just hope all the engine internals are still internal 😂 cheers Bruce.

[@teapotone]

Nothing goes like a loan bike 😉👍✊

[@Brad-RB]

Well done. It would be interesting to compare the XR to the new Multistrada V4S.

[@garethmayfield4014]

Great Vid Bruce. I too rode one when they first came out. Didn't Gell with it. Maybe time to have another look, as it's a great looking bike. One thing that is glaring missing. Have BMW sorted the vibrations? Thats what put me off the first one.

[@teapotone]

I genuinely didn’t notice the vibrations until the next vid. Just before I got on it for the last ride, someone mentioned in a comment that they’d ridden this new bike and it still had vibey bars - then when I rode it I noticed it! Only very slight but it’s certainly there - wouldn’t put me off though

[@davidovenden5321]

Great video and commentary as ever. Interesting your comment about automatic suspension. I am short legged so every cm counts when putting foot onto ground - don't fancy bike deciding to get taller at wrong moment! Thanks D

[@markmundy3435]

I think that's why so many of us have fallen out of love with the inline 4, yes they go like a stabbed cat and sound amazing when they're on the cam. But 160bhp+ inline 4's that don't come alive until you're looking at a spell inside, as fun as they are, don't make much sense on todays roads when you need to be doing 100mph+ to feel like you're riding them something like. Bhp for the race track, low down torque for the road every time, could be why my R1 has not been ridden for a few years.

[@naranjalorange8584]

Perfectly summed up. For me, KTM 1290 SDR (nutter) and a SDGT (slightly less nuttery) for the road (insert name of your preferred twin here (but please not a GS)), GSXR 1000 L7 for the track. Perfect.

[@forestboy54]

Rode it for last 2 days while my 1250 GS was being serviced. Had a 2016 S1000XR which I did 34000 miles and over 20 countries on, probably the best bike I've ever owned in over 40 years biking. Personally I think they've absolutely ruined it. The seating position is horrible the pegs are too high and the thing vibrated like jack hammer through bars pegs and seat. The performance has been softened and the screaming hooligan is gone. Sorry to disagree but I hate it and definitely won't be getting rid of the GS1250 for one of these.

[@RikkyTang]

I never expected a BMW S1000R (not XR, to be clear) to be grunty down low, but I was so surprised by the pick up between 2 & 5k rpm I was sold on the first test ride! Fairplay it is a little flat at 6k but lots of fun can be had below that 😊

[@Growler4896]

How were you able to mount your iPhone on the GPS mount? I test drove one of these last month and you're the only one I've seen that talked about the same issue as I had with the bike - it took a lot of throttle movement to make the bike go and it was very soft in the lower RPMs. Maybe the bike is electronically neutered for break-in? I hope that is the case because I want one of these, but want some instant grunt when I twist the throttle!

[@teapotone]

I use this phone mount on the BMW’s bud - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VMG93ZC/?ref=exp_teapotone_dp_vv_mw

[@mikeball5883]

Great video I’ve just bought the F900XR and love it but I’m biased as I’ve always liked twins. Was that the navigator 6 or your phone mounted above the tft ?

[@teapotone]

My phone, I bought a cheap adaptor cradle on amazon for £20 and it lets me put my phone in the sat Nav cradle and charge it off the bike too. Great bit of kit, available here (vid coming soon): www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VMG93ZC/?ref=exp_teapotone_dp_vv_mw

[@davidhemmings8423]

Excellent Bruce, keep em coming.

[@exeterrider]

Great bike and I find that inline 4s are just a little "lost" with UK roads these days. Always good to try one but just find myself wanting to open them up which one twist of the throttle and within 2 seconds your having to back off....Where's the fun in that. Where this bike sits for me is sport's touring, the suspension is incredible. But the vibes is something that shouldn't be in a bike of this price bracket. Great bike but... Having said that the MT10 is a bike I'd have tommorow- Love those bikes but again they can be too much fun!! wink wink!

[@brianlongimanus9436]

Love the sound it makes and looks great in red. Great video Bruce 👍

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud👍

[@mcfugle]

Very tasty bike Bruce do you think the keyless element is a bit risky after all the experience of cars being nicked. The bike looks like it rides so well !!! wind it on big boy

[@teapotone]

Tbh John it doesn’t worry me in the slightest. My own bike is keyless and I think it’s brilliant personally, just keep the key in my pocket and job done. Just have to remember not to leave it in the Agatha when I lock up! 🤦‍♂️😂👍

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Great review Bruce bike sound amazing maybe when the wife says enough is enough and she agrees to trusting me and becomes a pillion and we sell our current bike to be able to buy this one then yea, but actually we having to much fun currently. It was a choice of watch a Bruce video or wash the bikes after a weekend away, well Bruce video won.

[@ndewhurst1007]

As you know I have the 17 plate with full Akra. I hope to switch out to this one, full Akra and Dyno it at HT like last time. It turns the animal into a monster. And it sounds incredible too. Every. Single. Time. Oh and that ‘pull’ is instant after the fiddle.

[@davidcardinal9900]

Great review. I ride a 2016 and didn't want to get one of these after a test ride do to lack of grunt. I have more low end on my 2017 rr than this I one. My face was melting after 7k rpm. Maybe with a remapping as discussed below.

[@MuffinTessee]

Just spent 400 miles in the saddle on one of these.. great bike, but only if you have the empty twisting roads to use it on!

[@ducatidave.b]

Amazing review Bruce. I’m nearly sold on one! Have you got a new mic? The exhaust sounded amazing. Although I do agree with you, to really enjoy an inline 4 you’re normally going at licence losing speeds!

[@Yellowsnakedesigns]

Ooooo damn the XR sounds so goood Bruce! 😍😍

[@offthebeatenpath9144]

Reading online comments is the digital equivalent of self cutting. 😊

[@teapotone]

😂👏👍

[@stitch3163]

I agree, Bruce. Hard to find a bad bike out there. Still enjoy hearing your impressions about the bikes that you review and appreciate your pros and cons.

[@nickbrown3232]

Re the lack of drive low down, did that apply to all the modes? In dynamic or dynamic pro my 2019 xr is a flyer from the off. I'm thinking of swopping next year, looks like I need a test ride.

[@marklloyd9472]

Totally enjoyed your review its put a thought in my head was wanting a GS1250 next year may be living in the picos mountains this would be a good ride out.

[@richardwilson2093]

Great review. I’m considering an XR as upgrade from my 750GS and this review was really informative. Thank you.

[@ErnstSpath]

subscribed! I have two questions, what helmet are you wearing and how did you secure your phone to what looks like the GPS dock from BMW? thanks for the video

[@duncanorr5926]

I know you were talking about the viewer ratings dropping in the first minute but I miss the old intro. Hope this doesn't sound nagging. Brilliant vid though Bruce 👏

[@teapotone]

Cheers Duncan, me too bud! 🤷‍♂️👍

[@5tevieb954]

I miss it too, but I definitely think it will help millennials attention spans and the bigger the channel is the better it is for everyone 👌

[@FoxtrotOscar999]

Quality as always pal. Ride safe

[@mpsmyth3000]

Another great review love the sound of it👍

[@teapotone]

Cheers, it sounds great when you get the revs high and give it some 👍

[@austinmatthews347]

No inline 4 will ever match twins in the bottom end. But twins cant match 4 for smoothness and topend

[@WatermarquePaul]

Interesting and well put together review Bruce. We all know it's going to be fast with the engine from the S1000, my interest is how 'planted' it feels especially the front end. From experience I find adventure bikes quite vague on the front compared to their sportsbike cousins. Maybe you can comment on this in your next review?

[@aworden]

Hang on to 1st and 2nd longer!

[@martingaughan2419]

Loved the review mate. I was thinking of chopping my 19 plate Africa Twin in for one next year but I seriously don't think I could resist that power. As much as I love the look of it its a licence loser

[@christophertrueman6701]

can confirm, my commutes are much more..lively since i bought one!

[@mrcintheuk5596]

Yes, you have to learn how to ride an inline four these days with so many bikes being twins and triples. And to think they used to be referred to as the UJM (universal Japanese motorcycle). To my mind, the best inline fours are the middle-weights where you can use and enjoy all the engine revs on the roads, but they don't make many these days.

[@JR-ns9ji]

Great video Bruce. I found the bike had some vibration at motorway speeds in the frame and the handlebars when I test rode it. Regarding the phone mount you were using was that attached to the standard BMW mount via an adaptor or some other mount system altogether?

[@teapotone]

£20 on amazon 😉 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VMG93ZC/?ref=exp_teapotone_dp_vv_mw

[@JR-ns9ji]

Thanks for your help

[@teapotone]

No probs

[@stephenhendry447]

I would buy this over the GS personally. Can’t beat an inline 4 for me. Cracking looking bike as well. IMO Cheers bruce 🏍💨

[@brucekendall52]

When you own a GS 1250 its hard to get to grips with any other bike,but I think I could live with the XR.Cheers.

[@MrRazvansogodel]

right !

[@naranjalorange8584]

Yes, any other bike feels like its from the 21st century, instead of the 19th, must be weird

[@norbert_engel]

Great review! Almost bought a 2018 XR earlier this year, but the dealer here in Berlin was a bit of an ass, then COVID happened and I decided to go for a Tracer 900 instead. I’m still interested in this one, but I do prefer low end torque, or grrrrunt as you’d say;)

[@timwhite3250]

Very nice review 👍. Whenever I ride a 4 cylinder bike the revs don’t seem to match the road speed. They always feel like they are screaming even at low speeds when you want some shuv. The 1250gs by contrast you can bimble around and pretty much pin it in any revs any gear and you are riding a mountain of torque. On the road at legal speeds I like that feeling, you don’t need to scream it to get the overtake done.

[@teapotone]

100% Tim. I used to love screaming around on my gixxer in 2nd and 3rd years, engine screaming, revs sky high (as were the speeds), but times change. Like you I much prefer to have fun with the instant grunt of the Twins/triples/V4 etc. 👍

[@shawngreenwood7825]

From a guy that went around the world on a GXR 1000 this review is based on someone who knows his big bikes. Hello from snowy Northern Ontario Canada.

[@UsernameKate]

Agree with you entirely! When I first took it out and rode it home, I thought it was broken because I was expecting so much more torque! But like you say, you just have to twist the throttle a lot more! 😉

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha aye, and get the revs up and gears down! 😂😉👍

[@bristalovesstella]

I have 2017 model with the chip so you get dynamic pro. Throttle response much quicker at lower revs. Great bike.

[@aidens04]

And the shortened intro 💪🏼

[@georgepipinis542]

Great presentation my friend !!! I have a question to make, how did you put your phone there ????? I think is the spot for BMW gps

[@teapotone]

Thanks George, I use this phone holder on the BMW’s, it slots straight into the sat Nav cradle. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VMG93ZC/?ref=exp_teapotone_dp_vv_mw

[@georgepipinis542]

@@teapotone thank you very much for your response and your help!😉😉

[@danielcanovas341]

You did what I did! Had an r1200rs , rode the XR and was shifting up at 4k like the boxer thinking this is rubbish! Oh how I wrong i was

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha yep, as with any inline 4, get the revs up and find that powerband - 😈 🤛✊✊✊✊👍

[@maxflight777]

For me, the biggest hassle with an in line four when compared to a comparable twin is this (i) “at normal road speeds, you always need to change down two or three gears for an overtake.” (ii) when on a run at 80-90mph indicated, it’s quite “Revvy “ leading you to try the irritating “looking for 7th gear !”

[@MrRazvansogodel]

Great vid ! What nav app is that ? :)

[@teapotone]

Thanks Razvan, it’s Calimoto - there’s a link at the bottom of the vid description

[@chelsa1960]

In the US the 1000 XR is under recall because of an issue with the BMW/Hayes calipers. I can't even buy one if I wanted to. I checked with the BMW dealership today and they said that BMW are still trying to work things out with Hayes for a fix or they might go back to Brembo. As it stands they (BMW) can't give any guidance to dealerships. My contact says it's going to be 60 days before he can give me a real update. Is this the same in the UK. Love all your videos btw

[@teapotone]

Yes there a worldwide recall across several models all due to issues with the brakes - not all bikes are effected. If you’re bike is, then BMW will send you a letter to take the bike in for the work to be done 👍

[@chelsa1960]

@@teapotone Thanks. I don't own one yet but looking to trade in my 2017 Multistrada. I won't be able to buy a new 1000 XR BMW until they sort this mess out. Thanks again. I'm looking forward to the next video on this bike.