S1000XR 2020 Review

[@veljkovic92]

This bike's engine is for me amazing at what it does. I am not struggling at all to categorize it. The motorcycle is in adventure/touring/sport segment, whatever we name it. It's meant for multi purposes and plus has big carrying capacity and is great for two up ride. After me and girlfriend tried bike's in that category, and also that KTM Super Duke GT we both agreed that XR is the best option. It's just so smooth to cruise/tour righ because of that nature not to be aggressive at lower rpms, which is great for chill nature of this ride or just for comfort of pillion (on contrary she couldn't enjoy aggressive pulling nature of 1290 engine. Me neither actually. I mean, it's fun, but always aggro. When i wish power/sound/acceleration i simply rev XR high and get it for Sport ride. It's just great balance of everything and for the purposes that i do, makes amazing overall package and in my opinion, hits the best mark of category it is in.

[@harley84fly]

I get it now, after owning my first inline four again after 6yrs and three twins. It lacks the lowdown grunt, but I honestly don't miss it. Instead of being in fourth I'm in second. It kinda feels more exciting. The XR is definitely my top two for the next bike. Thanks Bruce 🤜

[@JPHOT100]

Horses for courses. I’ve done 15,000 miles on my 2018 XR and I love it. I borrowed a 1250 GS whilst the XR was being serviced and I found it utterly dull. Also rode a 1290 GT and wasn’t impressed.

[@gsab174]

There is guy here called "Cuban rider", he shows what is the XR about, anything else is irrelevant :-)) Quality content Bruce !

[@RPM-ty2ju]

Yep Cuban opens up my eyes to this bike

[@petersean777]

As you say each to there own had the old XR loved it, then had 1250GS loved it and now own the new XR love it more than the other 2 great review by the way.

[@maxflight777]

Peter ... you should write more ! Not many of us have owned a 1250 and an XR !!!

[@maxflight777]

You describe it so well .... “by the time this gets into the power band .... “. The overtake moment has passed !

[@bachshl]

thats complete BS, the XR howls ass in traffic for passing.

[@teapotone]

Not in my experience 🤷‍♂️

[@LambChopRides]

Please tell me where this test track is I'm itching to try some bikes on it! 😁 great review Brucey baby!

[@HalfdeadRider]

I've seen you on it before, don't lie 😁

[@beozzie690]

Mate, you crack me up with your constant comparison to the Grunt of the GS.. it’s like trying to compare apples to oranges, like them both but taste differently..

[@skts2610]

Does make me chuckle, so GS bias and for the life of me, why?What’s so amazing about a bike with an engine that was first used in the mid 20th century. All BMW keep doing is adding more and more technology to what is an archaic engine!! I’ll stick to my fours thank you, no vibes, no rattles, just smooth linear power all the way😉👍🏽

[@benkelly2190]

Sounds like a load of XR sour grapes on this chat!

[@graemeburrell5167]

Your reviews are always good to watch and real world. I have a 21 xr and love it, but I’m riding in the UAE and surrounding with generally good roads and very few police as long as you know where the cameras are. Keep up the good work!

[@kugangles9860]

Although I'm not the biggest fan of BMW's I got to say they currently make the nicest TFT displays.

[@curnobullen]

I agree with you Bruce , I have the new XR, I’m on a 1250GS at the moment while my XR is being fixed ,and the GS is much more user friendly and fun ride. Never thought I will say that about a GS, but I’m seriously considering it to change my XR for a GS. Like you say “don’t knock it until you try it “ and I have tried the GS , and I’m convinced the GS is better bike for me in my opinion. Cheers Bruce , great video 👍

[@stimpyueediot]

Love the video. bruce. really liked the intro where you go over the bike before getting on it.

[@maxflight777]

“book your shooter in at the door” ! I Lived in SA for a while .. that was the case there !!

[@nickthequick]

I still wish someone would do a one-on-one comparo with the new Ninja 1000SX, I find it strange that no one has done that yet as they seem to be the perfect match-up. Maybe you will be the One TeaPot?

[@stonesie81]

I saw a review from a Romanian channel where they went on a tour with the new S1000XR and a F900XR, on the tight and twisty roads the 900 was leaving the 1000 behind, until they found a straight bit where the 1000 howled past at warp speed... That is a big reason I bought the 900, it's more fun to ride a punchy yet slower bike quickly than it is to ride a faster bike at legal speeds. I think my next bike will be a bigger twin or triple, GS or Tiger 1200 T plane... Also shaft drive will mean no more buggering about with a chain.

[@teneretraveller8980]

Welcome to sunny Essex. Nice, honest review of a bmw by a bmw owner. Not blinkered. Happy travels

[@christophertrueman6701]

Good review. As an XR owner i can tell you that Dynamic Pro mode will unlock all the torque in the first 3 gears. You are correct either way, the party starts above 6k. Cheers!

[@Ducatijay72]

Check out junction 33 on FB, not sure where you are based but he's UK, he gets a massive amount of torque from the lower rev range from mapping, like 80 percent more , think they are typical BMW and over nannied alot

[@singhangad]

Totally get ur point on the big twins and the inline4. I rode the varadero 1000 and it was a proper hooligan bike. The fazer 1000 i ride now is a gentle soul below 4k rpm and after 7k it comes alive. As much as i love the varadero i throughly enjoy the howl of the inline4 and the butter smooth engine that efforlessly goes into tripple digits. We do have uk like roads in Singapore Malaysia and Thailand.

[@chrisgeorge6812]

Great review! Horses for courses. I rode this and concur with you! Oh apart from the seat killed me. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Yes, I definitely don't like inline 4s for city riding. Sure, they'll go over 75 in first gear, but you either need to have them buzzing all the time or just be content to have no power. As great as the XR is at the top end, for commuting and touring I'd with with a Tracer 900.

[@gavinwebster7055]

Great advert for the KTM Superadventure at £13,500 or Superduke GT at £14,9995 currently, your man is not hanging around :-) . I tried this and liked it, but didn't love it.

[@buddysinsight9834]

Superb editing Bruce 👍

[@simonrobinson7536]

Great review of the XR, it’s better than the last gen, but I think I I’ll stick with the KTM GT for now

[@davidknows3320]

I see your point. Even here in the US, I prefer a bike with some low end grunt for the slower speeds in the back roads. Yet, here I sit listening to that inline 4 singing that sweet song. Lol

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great review Bruce. 👍

[@mac46rr]

Good review Bruce. Some nice riding too 🙂 Nice to see a proper bike.................. yeah the KTM SAS 😆😁🏍🧡ReadyToRace. Keep up the great work👍😁

[@dallas0815]

hey! just came across your channel through schaaf. you seem to be a funny and likeable fella. also the uk landscape is nice to watch. thanks for providing some entertainment during this dull winter months. greetings from austria 🏍💨

[@teapotone]

Hi! And thank you for checking out the channel, I’m glad you’re enjoying it 👍

[@johnbini1929]

Really enjoyed your review, lots of good info for me that I'm on the market and still very undecided. Just subscribed your channel, mate. 🙂Cheers from Rome-Italy

[@scottc3]

Completely agree with you Bruce. Lovely bike but I also found it frustrating that by the time the power band kicks in you have to slow down again. 1st, 2nd and 3rd are all you can really use in this country unless you want to wave goodbye to your licence. If you want adventure bike comfort with more power then the KTM or the Ducati are both awesome. BUT are they going to offer the all round ability of the GS/GSA? Like you I am sticking with my BM as nothing can touch it at the moment. Ride safe.

[@johnharvey5338]

Had the old model 5 years, pulls so much better, had it remapped and the restrictions removed, pulls like the new RR now, below 9000 revs the RR pulls so much more, read it was 14% more torque,

[@lynsmith1096]

Good video Bruce

[@NLWerner]

So what you're telling me is I can cross-breed bikes? Time to get a bigger garage!

[@Bazza47]

For normal road riding you don't need anything more than a twin IMO. IL4s only come alive when the magistrate becomes a daunting prospect and in my view the triple is neither 1 nor the other. Doesn't have the top end rush of the IL4 or the torque of a twin. Instant go from anywhere in the rev range, twins are where it's at on the road if you value your license.

[@donnyazoff980]

Thanks mate, I enjoyed your video.

[@teapotone]

No bother Donny, glad you liked it bud 👍

[@donnyazoff980]

@@teapotone last year I test rode a 2015 S1000XR that had done 19000kms and it sounded like it had a bunch of loose nuts and bolts rattling around in the engine. Is the engine in this later model still noisy?

[@mattward5335]

That XR sounds awesome when you are revving it 😉

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Very few 'bad bikes' these days and this one is no exception to that. However, for blistering speed combined with a comfy seat for long distance mile munching, nothing beats (IMO) the Kawasaki ZZR1400

[@jrandall5995]

Couldn't agree more

[@DP-nr1hz]

ShiftCam?

[@scottyuk]

The Dairy Cabin is a big Essex biker stop off. Nothing to do with the series of 90 degree "Burnham Bends" just before it ;)

[@Roger101Watson]

I'm not due to change my RS yet I do think this won't be on my list when the time comes even though I love how it looks. I might well pull the GS trigger just to tick the box. Love RS it's just right.

[@willwye410]

If its as good as reviewers say the Multistrada V4 will trounce the XR. In the meantime I’m happy I chose the KTM SDGT for all the reasons you mentioned = its better in the real world in every way.

[@bikerbuddy3166]

A bloody good review 😎☝️ not a bmw fan but I am glad they are making bikes now that don’t look like they have had a stroke

[@allanmethven9238]

Hey buddy haven’t been on for a while but just watched this .. Great review .A T B

[@BN1960]

I think you're a bit out of kilter with popular opinion of the XR mate That could be good, I dunno. I've had loads of GS's - good bikes I now have a XR and it makes me go WOOOHOOO No GS ever has.

[@davidmain3]

Parked on double yellows?

[@philaldi4130]

Yep, Brucey isn,t a fan of the XR 😊. I have a 19 model and fekin love it. I have only owned sportsbikes previously and let me tell you, the XR will mix it up. Like GSab says, check out Cuban rider, thats what the XR is all about. I am yet to ride a tractor though......... Thanks Bruce, keep em coming!

[@stevesteve1965]

I'd like to see this side by side with the 1050 Tiger Sport.

[@robzz9002]

I’ve read that XR really benefits from an ECU flash. Apparently gives the bike more get up and go and from lower down in the revs, so perhaps it’s the OEM restrictions that are causing the lack of low end grunt you’ve talked about. Not ridden one so wouldn’t know how it compares to other bikes at the bottom end. The above seems to be the case with a lot of new bikes now though, bloody euro regs killing all the fun.

[@twogotikitouring6940]

Nice one Bruce! Although a bit disappointed you came all the way out to BoC and didn't pop in to say Hi 🧐 Seasons greetings to you and yours! 🍻

[@LickyDischarge]

Interesting video Bruce. But, nope I still don’t want one. Just confirmation as to how much I want the 2020 KTM 1290 GT.

[@KenHSays]

So you dont ride your GS anymore?

[@Desmo904]

Gotta admit, I far prefer a bike with low down torque to pull higher gears from low down over a peak power bike. But that's just me, other folks might be just dandy for them. It's not a bike I can say that "does it" for me. The dashboard however! Triumph could learn a LOT from how this one is presented. It just looks the dogs danglies!

[@motor_ma77]

0:18 🤣 Which two made the GS? Great vid again TP1 👍🏻

[@PCERules]

Does it need the low end grunt of a shift cam RR motor? Great video!

[@emmanuelgeorge4112]

Could u do a review of the suzuki gsx s100f 2016 or 2017 or 2018 black and red

[@mikeybikey106]

I have had 4 years and 30k miles of very very happy riding with the Gen 1 XR and recently tested the Gen 2. The Gen 1 genuinely pulls a lot better from low revs than the Gen 2 and also sounds a lot better . I know you have previously mentioned you did not gel with the Gen 1 bike, but it would have been an interesting video for you to ride the 2 bikes one after the other. Maybe BMW will bring the shift cam version out which may improve things for the gen 2 ?

[@davidmeadows5665]

How about a set of Grip Puppies that should sort out the minor vibes through the bars, works for me on most of my bikes.

[@Acesfull7]

Hey bruce great vid again. Would love to lnow what gear you you use and recommend for this UK weather im looking at some new gear and would love your input gloves and things for winter thanks.

[@Bruttus4377]

It is all about taste ,have them both ,i like the xr and the twin dow twin is more like a tractor

[@spikeccx]

Now 2 weeks stuck at home ??

[@III_Nick_III]

My CBF600 lives in second and third gear until on the dual carriageway... Nothing happens until 6000rpm

[@dancingmaryjane]

Need to ride one with a Stage 1 Brentune flash.. completely different bike. Heavily restricted from the factory with Euro5 emission regulations

[@jimmyrottencauli]

BMW XR900 ........Come on BMW get Teapot on the 900XR

[@firestorm755]

My bike only has two modes On and off. Great vid. "Check yer shooters in!" What's are you like? 😉👍

[@fentontaylor9021]

So which would you prefer, 900 XR or 1000XR???

[@crumblymal8479]

Nice bike Bruce but on the road you need instant power for overtakes I have never been one for maxing out on revs I rarely take my XJR over 4 thou no need to . : )

[@brucekendall52]

If you are a GS rider then Torque is expected.Cheers.

[@davidwinfield-bennett7071]

Nice commentary, I’ve got one on order. My tractor was giving me too many problems. 👍

[@emak4558]

Confused - you are sitting there in third gear complaining that you cannot increase the revs without going too fast. Did you lose your 2nd gear or ?

[@jeffiles7953]

Had me confused for a minute with your location as Burnham on Sea is in Somerset round the corner from Weston Super Mare, but Burnham on CROUCH is in Essex.

[@AGardenShed]

Really like that intro compared to the more cinematic ones on some reviews. Like the diagram too 😂😂😂. I get the same impressions with a lot of litre bikes etc. You can’t use the power of fast bikes on uk roads.

[@jayalexander8027]

If I’d know you were in essex I would have popped down and said hi

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great review Bruce and I do agree with your point on the speed /revs thing , thanks for the mention 🤣, do you think if you was on your 1250 you would of kept up easily with Matt? Out those corners , I must admit I do miss the low end grunt from the GS .keep up the great work lookin forward to catching up with you in 21 bud 💪🎉🎉

[@windyrun7979]

There are some excellent videos by a youtube couple named A Brit, A Blond, A Bike where he has lots of fun on his XR. They live in New Zealand which has nice winding roads. He now has a GS (wife's choice) but earlier they had an XR. He liked it since it was a sport bike that enabled two up riding. Regarding the Super Adventure I've seen videos claiming it puts out a lot of heat on the rider. You've ridden them; did you find this to be the case?

[@BobSmith-yy8ng]

Your in too high a gear hold them use them 🎓 instant throttle response 🏁

[@TykeBiker]

Can't comment on this model BUT the previous model 'which I have' takes off like the preverbal off a shovel, maybe you had it in 'Rain Mode' or you've been tiring your wrist too much lately. I can honestly say that in Dynamic Pro it's hard to keep the front wheel on the ground and Dynamic mode will generally piss all over any Adventure bike....I've had 4 GSA so speak with a little experience.......as for Street Triple.....Perleease!

[@teapotone]

It was in Dynamic mode, BMW UK didn’t activate Pro sadly. Nope, you’re wrong there Tyke, any of the big adventure bikes available today will easily pee over the XR up to around the 50/60’ish mark for sure. The KTM SA kept in front of this XR until we were well into triple figures, but then it took off.

[@TykeBiker]

@@teapotone Sorry Bruce we will have to agree to disagree but I generally ride with a group (minimum 4 peeps) all with a mixture of 1250GS and GSA's all with agricultural 'Gear assist' and find that at most they can keep up (depending on the rider) but with their 19" front wheel will get lost in the twisties, great bikes don't get me wrong, that's why I've had 4 of them. I'm not a fast rider and can only do a shade of 9mins round the Nurburgring and have yet to take this bike on there....Bet I beat that time ;-) Maybe your go faster screw was sticking ;-)

[@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 ?

[@teapotone]

Personally I’d say yes, the improvements on the latest model make it a much smoother, better riding machine

[@Neiljitsu]

So would you have this or a ktm 1290 sás?

[@Neiljitsu]

Cos after watching all the video I want a ktm!!

[@richardwalker7001]

Did Dynamic Pro make any difference to the low end performance?

[@teapotone]

I don’t know personally as the BMW press bike didn’t have the pro modes enabled 🤷‍♂️ However a lot of people have said that dynamic pro livens the bike up considerably. I always have dynamic pro active on my GS

[@blwnova4155]

Burning-on-Crotch??

[@chrisowens3781]

Is the guy in front a cop bike rider ? Fantastic vid Bruce

[@teapotone]

Thanks Chris, no he’s not

[@mykheaton]

Class video again and the bike looks awesome but even after coming from sportsbikes, tourers and swapping my Multistrada for a 690 Duke I struggle to think I need anything extra than my 690 for riding around the UK, I've even done tours on it. Considering I'm taller and fatter than even you are, Should I buy an Arai or a Shoei peaked helmet?

[@neiljcarter2309]

Bruce, do you realise the torque is reduced (in the lower gears) in Dynamic Mode? You need to use Dynamic Pro to get the maximum torque. This is the text from the Riders Manual… Torque and throttle response In the RAIN riding mode: Gentle throttle response, reduced torque in low gears. In the ROAD and DYNAMIC riding modes: Optimum throttle response, reduced torque in low gears. In the DYNAMIC PRO riding mode: Optimum throttle response, maximum torque.

[@teapotone]

Yes bud, but sadly the BMW press XR didn’t have Pro mode enabled

[@neiljcarter2309]

@@teapotone Ah, that’s a shame - you would have experienced the full potential of the bike.

[@jwlenaerts]

Hi Bruce, nice review. Question: what kind of adapter is that for your phone for the gps cardle? thx in advance

[@teapotone]

Thanks Jan, It’s a cheap one off of Amazon, just clips straight into the Nav cradle and you can even power your phone off it via the bike! www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VMG93ZC/?ref=exp_teapotone_dp_vv_mw

[@Pmason718]

You know I have to ask. How does this compare to the KTM SDGT?

[@teapotone]

I’d say it really depends on whether you are an inline 4 fan or not. The GT has that beautiful 1290 engine which had grunt right from the off and is ballistically fast, but it’s a KTM so you are at the mercy of your local KtM dealer in terms of customer service etc. With the XR you have a ballistically fast bike but it can’t compete with the GT at lower revs so the GT will always have the jump on it. However as it’s a BMW you’ll have more peace of mind in terms of dealer support 🤷‍♂️👍

[@skts2610]

Does make me chuckle, a bike with so called character is always vib’y, rattl’y🤔That’ll be a GS then🙄

[@buddysinsight9834]

My GSA sounds like a tracktor on idle which is definitely a part of its charm. Open it up and feel the deep throaty noises with that torque is why it’s the best selling bike. I agree with you on that engine Bruce using it will get you in the shit. 👍

[@skts2610]

I’m not saying they’re a bad bike, obviously they’re a top seller. Just don’t know what the fascination is with them! I hired one in NZ for two weeks to tour round the South Island, to be honest, I couldn’t wait to give it back!! Noisy, vib’y, cumbersome and for me it just didn’t float my boat. Each to there own obviously! Just not my cup of tea and never will be...

[@TheLeevtr]

My neck of the woods Burnham

[@BatterseaBill]

What on earth do you carry in that rucksack of yours?? A spare GS??😁😁

[@mrcintheuk5596]

Nice review, thanks 👍 If you want to enjoy ALL the screaming engine of an inline 4 in the UK you're probably better off with a Z900, GSX-S750 or even a CB/CBR650R. 🤷

[@fabianbv82]

If the price was not an issue, what would you choose as more funny and sporty bike, ktm gt or s1000xr? Nice video!

[@teapotone]

I’d take the GT purely on the basis that the 1290 engine has more character and low down grunt

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

Do you like the R 18

[@teapotone]

Not ridden it yet bud

[@criticaltlr1]

You have the BFF and the missendenflier has BFE number plates

[@dsimon9s29]

Thank you for posting. Refresh my memory, does the 2020 model come with the shift-cam technology? How would you compare this engine with the engine in the S1000rr?

[@paultanton4307]

It doesn't.

[@dsimon9s29]

@@paultanton4307 Thanks.

[@christophertrueman6701]

Owner of '20 XR here. It doesn't have shift cam, engineers decided it doesn't need it with the re tune. Which brings me to your second question, it is a retuned RR engine with no shift cam tech. I've ridden the last and current gen RR; makes even less sense for public roads due to all the fun being even higher in the rev range.

[@dsimon9s29]

@@christophertrueman6701 Thank you. Since you have ridden the last two generations of the RR, is the shift cam tech of the latest generation much of an improvement in the midrange?

[@christophertrueman6701]

@@dsimon9s29 it is an improvement. Unless you`re completely sold on an RR i'd give the XR a serious look if you`re buying. It's the do it all machine; putter around town as needed. Hit the twisties with the RR boys all day and make it home with fuel to spare and no sore parts lol. Then you can load it up for a road trip. I will likely part ways with mine in a few years for perhaps a Super Duke GT. No complaints, just want something with a bit more 'character'. BMW is known for making products that do everything well but lacking a bit of soul/character. As a first time owner i now get it.

[@blademanu7]

Sorry totally disagree....you don’t have to ride it with your balls hanging off the top box...you are to used to riding a twin with low down grunt and no top end(horses for courses)...I changed my GS1250Te...which was boring after x 2yrs on GS..the handling on the XR is night and day and enjoyment compared to the GS Without going mental speed....I love adventure bikes....to me this is up there 👆 with the very very best and exceptional to ride without being a lunatic.... like humans we are different.... and I’m not a sports bike fan...old boy 57yr old 🙈😎😎😎🏍👍👍👌👌

[@beozzie690]

Have to agree with you mate! I do own a couple of the BMW’s, but you couldn’t give me the GS.. my older one is the K1600, and the new one is the S1000rr.. Hands down the best that they make. When you add a exhaust and reflash the ECU, they’re both beasts all over the rev range. So no need for the tractor bike aka GS

[@richard66754]

The triumph Tiger 900 has more useable power in the low end. I entertained the idea of s1000xr, but it’s just not as useful for me.

[@lold6130]

I've sat on 2 of these & the seat is TERRIBLE. It slides you forward into the tank & crushes your nuts.

[@teapotone]

They call it ‘Sculpted’… 🤦‍♂️😉👍

[@chelsa1960]

I live in the States and I found out today that they are going back to Brembo's because of the issues they are having with the BMW/Hayes brakes. They have had such issues that they can't sell the bike with the BMW/Hayes brakes. Great review as always. I currently have a 2017 Multistrada S and I'm considering this bike instead. Is that a good idea? :)

[@windyrun7979]

Why not the v4 multi?

[@WiltshireMan]

It's not a bike for an old country man like me. I'll stick with my Himalayan and V strom and keep my licence clean....ish

[@jrandall5995]

Me thinks you need a ZZR!!!!

[@Neiljitsu]

Try a tracer gt. You'll look like a giant on it, but it is good fun.

[@larbertman36]

19:27 Deadbeat! 😂😂😂