Reviews

2020 BMW S 1000 XR MC Commute Review

A review of BMW’s overhauled S 1000 XR adventure-sport motorcycle.

June 25, 2020

BMW Motorrad expanded into the adventure-sport motorcycle category with its original S 1000 XR. Based off the German brand’s ultra-high-performance S 1000 RR superbike, the redesigned 2020 XR borrows a tweaked version of the S 1000′s recently overhauled liquid-cooled 999cc inline-four (read the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR First Look) with a lighter and more sharp-handling chassis designed for added agility as outlined in the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR First Look Preview. In typical Motorrad fashion, electronic improvements and a plethora of options came on our testbike raising MSRP to $22,640 as tested. Watch this video and see what the Bavarian brand’s top-of-the-line adventure-sport bike is like to ride on the road.

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Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Rev’It Tornado 3

Gloves: Rev’It Sand 3

Pant: Rev’It Tornado 3

Boots: TCX X-Cube Evo Air

2020 BMW S 1000 XR Price And Specifications

Price	$17,645 base, $22,640 as tested
Engine	999cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke	80.0 x 49.7mm
Compression Ratio	12.5:1
Clutch	Wet, multiplate anti-hopping clutch
Fuel Delivery	EFI
Transmission/Final Drive	6-speed/chain
Frame	Aluminum composite bridge frame
Front Suspension	45mm USD fork, Dynamic ESA; 5.9-in. travel
Rear Suspension	Central spring strut, Dynamic ESA; 5.9-in. travel
Front Brake	Radial-mount 4-piston calipers, 320mm floating discs w/ BMW Motorrad ABS Pro
Rear Brake	2-piston floating caliper, 265mm disc w/ BMW Motorrad ABS Pro
Wheels, Front/Rear	Die-cast aluminum wheels; 3.5 x 17 in. / 6.0 x 17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear	Metzeler Roadtec 01; 120/70-17 / 190/55-17
Rake/Trail	24.9°/4.56 in.
Wheelbase	59.9 in.
Seat Height	33.0 in.
Fuel Capacity	5.3 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight	498 lb. (base model)
Warranty	2 years
Available	June 2020

We swing a leg over BMW’s fast and comfortable S 1000 XR adventure-sport motorcycle.BMW Motorrad

The XR offers a distinct superbike-like exhaust note.BMW Motorrad

The S 1000 XR benefits from a far more athletic chassis with a handling dynamic reminiscent of BMW’s 2020 S 1000 RR.BMW Motorrad

BMW’s signature multi-wheel control allows easy access to vehicle settings. The setup is one of the slicker interfaces in the motorcycle world.BMW Motorrad

The rider’s seat is deep and well supported. Passenger accommodations are generous as well.BMW Motorrad

Plastic hand guards shield the rider’s mitts from the elements and make for a more cozy ride.BMW Motorrad

We’re big fans of the S 1000 XR’s more aggressive symmetrical face. Bright LED headlamps do a fine job of illuminating the road after dark. Cornering headlamps are also optional.BMW Motorrad

A 6.5-inch color TFT display graces the 2020 S 1000 XR. Instead of touchscreen function, riders use BMW’s multi-wheel to manipulate vehicle functions.BMW Motorrad

Although it weights close to 500 pounds, the redesigned chassis affords a playful ride.BMW Motorrad

The S 1000 XR is basically a comfortable upright sport motorcycle that offers 7/10th capability of its S 1000 RR superbike brother.BMW Motorrad

The 2020 XR uses Motorrad’s powerful 999cc water-cooled inline-four. The engine does not incorporate BMW’s ShiftCam technology and has a taller fourth, fifth, and sixth gears.BMW Motorrad

A small stash pocket in front of the 5.3-gallon tank serves as a perfect spot to stow the keyless-style ignition fob.BMW Motorrad