BMW announced a new “adventure sport” motorcycle at the 2014 EICMA show in Milan, Italy today, November 4, 2014.
Here’s the edited press release:
The BMW S 1000 XR
Following the S 1000 RR and HP4 superbikes as well as the S 1000 R roadster, BMW Motorrad is now unveiling the fourth member in the BMW Motorrad line-up of high-power motorcycles with straight-four-cylinder engines and a distinctly sporty bias.
Building on the tantalizing and unique mix of innovative technology, performance and safety already inherent to the existing models in this series, BMW Motorrad has taken the next step by bringing out the S 1000 XR.
It offers this repertoire of core characteristics in a brand-new blend dubbed “adventure sport”.
This encompasses dynamic touring qualities, sporty performance and high levels of comfort as well as outstanding everyday usability.
In short, the new S 1000 XR serves up its own individual mix of sporting and touring flair at the same time as injecting a generous dose of emotion.
Straight Four Engine from the S1000 Series
The straight four-cylinder engine on the new BMW S 1000 XR is basically derived from the S 1000 R roadster. It has an output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 11,000 rpm and generates maximum torque of 112 Nm (83 lb. ft.) at 9,250 rpm.
This power unit produces torque in abundance, making it ideal for providing the punchy response at low and medium revs that riders seek when powering along country roads or carrying a passenger.
The straight-four-cylinder unit combines tremendous pulling power and exhilarating acceleration with a high peak output, while offering the rider a usable rev range that spans over 10,000 rpm.
This makes it just as adept at highly pleasurable touring as it is at sporty rides down winding country roads or holiday trips complete with passenger and luggage.
ASC Standard and Optional Pro Riding Modes With Dynamic Traction Control and ABS Pro
To enable the riding characteristics to be adapted to the prevailing road conditions as effectively as possible, the new S 1000 XR comes with the “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard.
The standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC) ensures a high standard of riding safety by optimizing traction.
The new S 1000 XR can be equipped with the Pro riding modes option, which includes the additional riding modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” along with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro.
New Chassis and Frame and Dynamic ESA Optional
The chassis of the new S 1000 XR adventure sport bike is every bit as impressive as the ferocious power delivery of the four-in-line engine. Based on this model series existing design, it employs an aluminum-alloy perimeter frame in which the engine forms part of the load-bearing structure.
Suspension at the front and rear is handled by an adjustable upside-down fork and a double-sided swing arm with adjustable central spring strut respectively.
The chassis geometry has been completely redefined in order to cater to the specific requirements of the XR.
When fitted with the optional electronically controlled suspension system BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), meanwhile, the new S 1000 XR takes riding safety, performance and comfort to even greater heights, while also promising adventure sport at its very finest.
ABS Pro Option
Whereas the standard ABS systems from BMW Motorrad to date have ensured an excellent standard of safety when braking while moving in a straight line, the optionally available ABS Pro feature now goes a step further to make braking while cornering safer as well by enabling ABS-assisted braking in a banked position.
In such situations, ABS Pro prevents the wheels from locking up even when the brakes are applied sharply.
This reduces abrupt changes in steering force, especially in response to panic braking, and thereby limits any undesirable righting of the bike.
ABS Pro offers riders the benefit of increased braking and riding stability combined with optimum stopping power, even in corners.
BMW S 1000 XR Styling
The new BMW S 1000 XR fuses the characters and strengths of the BMW Motorrad GS, Touring and Sport models on a visual level as well to create a new breed of motorcycle tagged “adventure sport”.
This is clearly mirrored in every design element and combines with the flawless ergonomics, ingenious wind and weather protection as well as the 20 – 30 mm increase in spring travel and greater ground clearance to make an impressive statement.
Whether it’s mountain passes, a tour of the countryside, motorway riding or even rough sections of road — the new S 1000 XR handles it all with aplomb.
BMW S 1000 XR Highlights
Straight-four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 999 cc.
Output 118 kW (160 hp) at 11,000 rpm, maximum torque of 112 Nm (83 lb. ft.) at 9,250 rpm.
Dynamic, innovative design with sculptural surface styling.
BMW Motorrad ABS as standard (semi-integral, can be disengaged).
ABS Pro for even greater safety when braking in a banked position (as part of the Pro riding modes optional extra).
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) as standard for accelerating safely even in low-grip conditions.
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with banking sensor for supreme performance and active riding safety when accelerating (as part of the Pro riding modes optional extra).
Two riding modes that can be selected by the rider at the push of a button as standard (“Rain” and “Road”).
Two additional riding modes available, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” (as part of the Pro riding modes optional extra).
Spring elements with long spring travel for excellent agility and high damping reserves.
Electronically controlled suspension system, Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) for optimum adaptation to the prevailing conditions as an optional extra.
Light-footed handling and raised seating position.
Multifunctional instrument cluster with a wealth of features.
Extensive equipment and bespoke range of accessories made to BMW Motorrad’s customary high standards.
From “M.R.” (November 2014): “They might be firing with all barrels, but what are they firing at? This sure looks like another over powered, bum roasting, uncomfortable, me too, bike. Off asphalt? You must be kidding.
All day in that saddle, look at that seat tilted forward and tell me your middle aged body, or bits of it wouldn’t be screaming at you.”
From “R.S.” (November 2014): “Just about ready to write the check until the review ended without mentioning anything about cruise control. Deal breaker as we look for lighter touring bikes we still need/want the comfort and safety C.C. affords. With all the electronic gizmos, why not C.C.?”
Reply from “O.R.” (November 2014): “I’m pretty sure there is cruise control. I can see the switch on top of the left grip on some photos.
From “O.R.” (November 2014): “The BMW Multistrada! Won’t go off-road either. Looks exciting, but probably not for shorter riders. BMW is really firing with all barrels. They’re getting very good at that.”