Why This Motorcycle Nails The Perfect Balance Of Performance And Comfort

Finding a motorcycle that does one thing well is easy. After all, it is relatively easy to engineer a bike to do one thing well, whether that is getting the best lap time or conquering the most difficult terrain off-road. However, making something that does everything well is much more difficult. Not merely because it has to be good in various different conditions, but also because the kind of customer that will consider it is varied. Shout out to the people who develop and market touring motorcycles, your job cannot be an easy one!

Once in a while, though, a product comes along that can do everything, like a superhero. Whether it is city commutes, long-distance touring, or even track days. The motorcycle in context here is perhaps the best example of such a creation. It is so good at so many things, and even though it isn’t exceptional at a single thing, the sheer capability and the ability to customize it to your requirements are why this motorcycle nails the perfect balance of performance and comfort.

The BMW M 1000 XR Is The Motorcycle That Nails The Perfect Balance Of Performance And Comfort

Price: $24,495

BMW is known for its great adventure bikes. It leads the way when it comes to tech and sales figures, forging its own path – literally and metaphorically – with an engine layout and suspension that is unique. The Bavarian manufacturer also surprised the world when it entered the supersport segment with a liter bike that followed the Japanese but took everything they did, and turned it up to 11.

BMW has followed the same philosophy with the M 1000 XR. While most sport touring, crossover, and adventure bikes turn the wick down on horsepower for better rideability and load-carrying capacity, the German company has worked around that problem in the same way it solved problems with the S 1000 RR, with technology. The result is a ferociously powerful crossover with sublime handling and comfort for all-day touring. Simply put, it nails the perfect balance between performance and comfort.

BMW M 1000 XR Notable Highlights

• Part of a limited and legendary M lineup
• Incredible electronics suite
• One of only two inline four motorcycle engines with variable valve timing
• A world of M division accessories and packs available

BMW M 1000 XR Engine: A Liter Bike’s Envy

200+ Horsepower In A Touring Motorcycle

The M 1000 XR’s engine is derived from the S 1000 RR. It displaces nearly a liter from an inline four configuration and utilizes a conventional firing order. However, it is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine among its peers by a significant margin, at 201 horsepower. Peak power is achieved at 12,750 RPM, and redline is at a stratospheric 14,600 RPM. But it doesn’t sacrifice daily rideability with all this high-rev performance. It manages to offer this thanks to the BMW ShiftCam variable valve timing on the intake valves, which adjusts valve lift and timing.

Under normal use, the cam shifts to the ‘power’ mode at 9,000 RPM, but the shift point can change depending on the demand of the rider. Also helping the torque spread are variable-length intake funnels that are computer-controlled – the short intakes are activated at 11,000 RPM. The exhaust is made from a combination of titanium and carbon fiber for weight savings. This is a high compression engine at 13.3:1, and BMW recommends 98 RON fuel with max 5% Ethanol, so this is something to bear in mind while touring with it.

A by-wire throttle offers access to several parameters like ride modes (including three unique to the M) and engine brake control. A six-axis IMU enables traction control with cornering function and wheelie control. Also exclusive to the M 1000 XR are Launch Control, Hill Start Control Pro (which applies the brake automatically on a gradient), and a pit lane speed limiter. Cruise control is standard, as is a two-way quickshifter on the six-speed gearbox.

BMW M 1000 XR Engine Specifications

BMW M 1000 XR Chassis: A Superbike On Stilts

Just As Many Features As Its Engine

The M 1000 XR chassis is based on the S 1000 XR’s, and is the same aluminum bridge-type, and the engine has been rotated forward by 32 degrees from the vertical to accommodate seat height requirements better. The front inverted forks have some of the most advanced components available on a motorcycle. Electronic damping control is linked to the ride modes, but can be changed to suit rider preference in all ride modes. You can also soften or harden the suspension in steps, or configure it directly for the addition of a pillion. Unlike the GS lineup, the swingarm is a double-sided unit that allows for better weight saving.

The brakes are also upgraded M Division units, distinguished by their blue anodized finish. The master cylinder is radial like the best sports bikes have, and the brake pad is available in two different materials. First is optimized for road use, and the other takes learnings from the World Endurance Championship for better performance on the race track.

BMW’s ABS Pro is standard fitment, and it allows customization of the intervention. Brake Slide Assist is also part of the package, which allows riders to back it into corners a little like supermoto riders do. Lightweight forged aluminum wheels round out the chassis elements. Despite all these racetrack-optimized features, the M 1000 XR still has a 500 pound payload limit, far beyond any supersport bike.

BMW M 1000 XR Chassis Specs And Dimensions

BMW M 1000 XR Technology: Long List Of Standard Features

Infinitely Long Options List

The M 1000 XR’s base price is just under $25,000, but it can easily cross $30,000 with a few optional extras. Let’s start with some of the standard features it has first. A 6.5-inch TFT color display starts up with a special M animation, and is essentially identical to the M 1000 RR. The rev counter has different animations to let the rider know what revs to avoid, and which revs are inaccessible in the current mode (like when the pit lane limiter is on).

It can show a plethora of information, including current lean angle, max lean angle, current and max deceleration, average speed and fuel consumption, break time and riding time, and more. On the track, it can display lap time, max and average speed in a lap, total laps, and best lap time. An optional extra is the M GPS Datalogger, which offers data for 300 racetracks globally.

The all-LED lighting also has cornering lamps, a USB charging socket is available at the rear, and heated grips are standard. You can remove the tail unit quickly and easily for track use. Winglets to generate downforce are standard, and to help them do their job well, the inner mounting is changed and has been made more rigid.

M Carbon wheels are an optional extra, either individually or as part of the M Competition package, and they are 3.3 pounds lighter than the stock wheels. The M Competition Package offers the carbon wheels and other M Carbon parts, adjustable rider footpegs, passenger footpegs, and the M GPS Laptrigger. Of course, there is a mile-long list of optional parts, and the sky’s the limit as far as the total cost is concerned.

BMW M 1000 XR Features

• Launch control
• Pit lane speed limiter
• Automatic hill hold assist
• Brake slide control
• M carbon parts
• Low seat option
• M GPS Laptrigger

BMW M 1000 XR Competition

Only One Truly Comparable Model

The M 1000 XR sits in a space that is currently not really occupied by any other model, at just under $25,000. Its nearest rival in spirit is the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS ($37,995), which does some things better, like torque delivery, but the Desmo valve intervals and costs will detract from its ability to tour long distances. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer ($23,795) and Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America ($29,249) will offer quite good performance but don’t have the track-focused features of the M XR.

Then, there’s the Bimota Tesi H2 Tera ($69,500), which has oodles of supercharged performance but is an exotic with an exotic’s price. Lastly, you have the S 1000 XR ($17,995). This is what the M XR is based on and it will do 80 percent of what the latter will do for 70 percent of the price. So if you can’t spend over $20,000, pick the S XR and call it a day.

BMW M 1000 XR Vs Rivals