BMW S 1000 XR - review

It was in 2017 that the machine received some revisions, upping power to a heady 163 bhp, while the sub-frame was beefed-up to take a heavier payload and the handlebars modified in an attempt to answer criticism that the bike was overly vibration-prone at certain engine speeds.

The test bike - the Sport SE Triple Black model costing from £15,765 - is dripping with equipment and - with those chunky upside-down 46mm gold forks and its high-riding stance – loads of attitude too. In addition to the standard equipment included on the £12,890 ‘entry’ model S 1000 XR, the test bike has Dynamic ESA, (Electronic Suspension Adjustment, GPS preparation, headed grips, centre stand, luggage grid, pannier fastenings, automatic stability control and ABS Pro. It also has Dynamic Traction Control, Gearshift Assist Pro, Riding Modes Pro, Cruise Control and LED white indicators, with the £220 anti-theft alarm bringing the total price up to a heady £15,990 on the test machine.

It feels like mounting a horse when you first throw a leg over the seat which is 840mm off the ground. Width, including mirrors is 940mm and it weighs 228kg fuelled up, so it’s no lightweight. It doesn't boast the neat TFT screen some BMWs enjoy but it does have a two-stage adjustable screen (you can only alter it manually, when stationary).

One of the first things you notice is how fluid the steering is and - with those wide bars - there’s plenty of leverage for in-town wriggling through traffic. The second thing to become apparent is the firm but supple ride (which can be firmed further with the on-the-fly suspension adjustment). As soon as you hit the open road however, all you can think about is the immense amount of power on tap from the characterful, highly responsive four-cylinder 999cc, water and oil-cooled, four-valves-per-cylinder engine.

Even in ‘Road’ mode it feels sharp, responsive and fast. Engage ‘Dynamic’ however and it’s a rip-snorting sports bike on stilts. It’s a strange sensation to sit so high up - with bars so wide and the suspension so ably soaking up the lumps and bumps on a country road – while being able to conjure such speed and performance.

All feels beautifully controlled too; this bike handles fantastically through the twisties, with the added benefit - should it be needed - of ABS Pro, allowing a measure of braking in bends.

Tackling a trip from south London to Portishead - which would have taken two and a half hours on the M4 - I diverted instead onto a zig-zagging magical mystery tour of Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset, just to enjoy the bike on a thrilling seven-hour ride.

The screen - especially in heavy rain showers - did a good job of deflecting the worst of the weather, and ensured that my crash helmet enjoyed ‘clean’ air, throughout. The front 320mm twin discs do their job beautifully and the combined sound of engine, air intake and exhaust under full throttle is intoxicating. It sounds just as good when - in Dynamic mode - you throttle down again, the exhaust spitting and snarling.

The huge turn of speed makes for safe, swift overtaking on winding country roads and - even when the going gets tough on bends - the long-travel suspension gives a cushier ride than any sports bike could, while holding the machine on-line nicely. After three continuous hours riding the seat still proved comfortable, with no nasty ‘edges’.

The same can’t be said for those vibrations. They might be improved but they’re still bothersome, between around 5,000-8,000 rpm. I blocked them out while riding but - when refuelling with cups of tea and unleaded - my arms tingled like tight piano wires.

On that enjoyable, seven-hour trip the bike felt perfectly planted both on twisties and the occasional boring section of A-road or motorway. The mirrors - when rotated sharply upwards - gave a great view behind and - after the downpour in my summer gloves - the heated grips were a boon, as were the handguards. The sat-nav - controlled via a handlebar control - was the cherry on the cake as I weaved through Bristol city traffic without getting lost, at rush hour.

This is one very fine, highly accomplished sports tourer that’s ideal for long tours, especially with paniers and a compact top box fitted to the test bike. I wouldn’t venture far off the Tarmac on it - especially with its road tyres - but as a tourer that offers a comfy seating position, a nicely cushioned ride, a good view of the countryside - and a ton of fun - it’s hard to beat.

Details: BMW S 1000 XR

Price as tested: £15,990

Top speed: over 155mph

Tank capacity: 20-litres

Seat height: 840mm

Weight: 228 kgs

Max HP: 163

Max torque: 83 ft-lb

Emissions: 154 g/km