EICMA 2019: 2020 BMW Motorrad S 1000 XR shown

Unsung hero in the BMW Motorrad ‘S’ four-cylinder motorcycle range is the S 1000 XR and the Munich firm’s adventure sport machine gets an update in the form of the 2020 BMW Motorrad S 1000 XR. Chief among these is the weight loss, the new S 1000 XR, at 226 kg, weighs 10 kg less that its predecessor depending on equipment specification.

Taking the 999 cc inline-four from the S 1000 RR, made 5 kg lighter, the S 1000 XR produces 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and 114 rpm at 9,250 rpm with the torque curve tweaked to be as flat as possible. The gear ratios have been similarly tweaked, with fourth, fifth and sixth gears now longer to reduce engine speed, noise and fuel consumption at country road speeds.

Engine drag torque control from MSR is used to control rear wheel slip from sudden throttle closing or downshifting. Contributing to the total weight loss is the engine which performs a more prominent role as a stress bearing member while the frame and swingarm have lost 2.1 kg collectively, 1.6 kg coming from the swingarm alone.

BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) is used to manage suspension performance and provide the rider with a comfortable riding experience. Dynamic ESA Pro is an option that gives the S 1000 XR two suspension modes – Road and Dynamic – and automatic ride height adjustment.

First seen on the S 1000 RR superbike, the S 1000 XR uses a Flex Frame in conjunction with Dynamic ESA to improve rideability. A full suite of riding aids comes with the S 1000 XR including four ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro as well as Hill Start Control Pro, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, DTC Wheelie Function and ABS Pro with cornering ABS.

Optional extras include cruise control, up-and-down quickshifter and adaptive turn signals as part of Headlight Pro. LED lighting is used throughout the S 1000 XR and a new TFT-LCD display has four display options and there are two colour schemes – Ice Grey or Racing Red/White Aluminium which costs extra.