Back in May, BMW Motorrad released a teaser revealing that the launch of the F 900 twins and the S 1000 XR was imminent. The F 900 R and XR were launched back in May and we now have word that the S 1000 XR will debut here later this month. This is no crisis because the S 1000 XR has always been about covering big distances at silly speeds while offering complete comfort to you and your pillion. 

The new S 1000 XR was first unveiled at EICMA 2019. For 2020, the S 1000 XR features the engine from the new S 1000 RR and is also better equipped than its predecessor. BMW says the new bike is 10kg lighter, and this is while accounting for all the equipment that used to be optional extras on the old bike but is now part of the standard equipment. The bike's inline-four engine produces 165hp at 11,000rpm and 114Nm of torque at 9,250rpm, with a tweaked gearbox that now features longer fourth, fifth and sixth gear ratios. The new S 1000 XR also comes equipped with an anti-hopping clutch, engine drag torque control (MSR) and electronically controlled suspension damping as standard.

BMW’s litre-class sports tourer also packs a rather comprehensive electronics package. It includes Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, ABS Pro, DTC, Hill Start Control Pro and four riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro – as standard. Additionally, the 6.5-inch TFT screen has been redeveloped as well. We expect the new S 1000 XR to cost just about as much as the previous model which should put it right up against the Ducati Multistrada S.

What is a commendable is that BMW has managed to make this bike a little friendlier for shorter riders. Seat height remains unchanged at 840mm, but the seat has been slimmed down quite a bit where it meets the fuel tank, making it a little easier to get the feet down.  The XR gets a brand-new frame, once again derived from the S 1000 RR. The engine is more involved as a loadbearing member of the structure; and BMW has managed to save a total of 2.1kg from the frame and swingarm. The wheelbase has been reduced by a fairly substantial 26mm, but the steering rake angle has been increased.