S1000XR brings the fun factor

THE S1000XR IS ABOUT AS MUCH FUN AS YOU CAN CRAM INTO A SINGLE MOTORCYCLE

MATHIEU DAY

When the BMWS1000RR first broke cover in 2009, no one could have predicted the versatility the platform would bring to BMW’s two- wheeled division.

Now in 2016, we have three distinct S1000 variants using the same 999cc inline 4- cylinder heart, but each with a different soul.

Though you can ride the S1000RR ( RR) on long journeys, no one can say that it is comfortable for the purpose. With that in mind, BMWbrought out the S1000XR in 2015 to use the powerful engine from the RR, and put sport in the sport tourer category.

The engine remains the same in terms of layout as the RR, but on the inside a few things have BMW’s S1000 XR motorcycle. changed to make the motor more street- friendly. Bore and stroke remain the same as the superbike, but the compression ratio has been dropped from 13: 1 to 12: 1, and, with a few other internal alterations, the S1000XR puts out 28kW less than the hard- core RR, now 118kW at 11,000 rpm.

But make no mistake, this bike is still a missile on the street.

Up front the brakes are the same as the RR, with twin 320mm discs with floating 4- piston calipers, but in the rear the brakes have been upgraded to a 265mm disc clasped by a 2- piston caliper. This is to help with the heavier 24 kilos the S1000XR ( XR) carries over the RR, but is also needed because of the pillion and luggage- carrying capacity this bike has.

With long- range touring in mind, BMWmade sure the XR was ready to take on the other hi- tech bikes in the segment ( I’m talking mostly Ducati’s Multistrada here). Apart from the huge 20- litre fuel tank, which gives a range of well over 250km, everything you could