2018 BMW S1000 XR - My First Impressions, Motorcycle Review - What About the Buzz In the Bars? 

I too am 57 years young and have been riding (street &dirt) motorcycles (mostly Japanese sportbikes) since the late seventies. I`ve also owned Ducati, KTM and now BMW ( XR & GTL)...I have loved all the bikes I have ever owned but gotta say there`s something special for me about the XR!! I`ve had my 2016 XR for 2yrs 6mos now with just over 42K miles on it and just enjoy it more and more each time I ride it, it`s not a perfect motorcycle but it`s perfect for me. Yes it "buzzes" in the bars and also the footpegs/seat but only slightly. It doesn't bother me and I don`t have any numbness anywhere. The fun factor and ride experience vastly outweighs the little buzz I feel while riding. I have the BMW HP seat and is hands down the best seat I have ever been on...I`ve done many 14-15 hour, 500-600 mile days and am always amazed how great this seat is, am I a little sore in the butt area after riding all day...sure, but no pain and butt recovery time is short. I`m able to ride again the next day with no issues! The riding position is perfect for me for all conditions...touring/cruising/sport riding etc.! It handles fantastic for what it is...I have surprised many of my sportbike riding friends! I`m 5`11" and have the standard version, if you are under 5`10" I would recommend getting the low suspension version for a better fit especially when stopped. If you find a BMW dealer that does demo rides and has an XR available I would suggest doing that before purchasing. If you are anywhere near the Asheville, NC area check out Eurosport Asheville...they have many demo bikes and are great people! Will say the only issues I`ve had with my XR is the battery (replaced twice) and the headlight bulbs (make sure you carry spares, easy replacement)! Again, a Fantastic motorcycle and will be riding it for many yrs/miles to come! I have the GTL because my wife, after a year of riding the XR, never cared for it when 2 up riding...she didn't like the position once on the bike and getting on/off was uncomfortable for her, but there was no way I was getting rid of the XR so we compromised with getting a pre-owned GTL...another great BMW motorcycle, especially for 2 up touring! If you are thinking about owning one I don`t think you will be disappointed!

i intend to purchase a used S1000XR, which brought me here. Thanks for the unbiased review. I am getting it.

Possibly one of the least professional reviews I have seen. And... one of the best! Great review. Love the unpretentious honesty and enthusiasm. Just watched the CaseOnTwoWheels review. Really like the guy but, I feel I got more from you here.

I am 60 years young, and I have owned S1000xr for 2 years now and love it. You have a new subscriber sir, enjoyed your vid.

Great real rider review. No hype, no fanboy attitude just an honest review of another wonderful BMW. I'm so close to considering trading my 2018 GSA for this bike. I worry I'll miss the range of the GSA and the classic BMW Boxer powerplant. Every other actual owner of the XR says the same thing as you. One of if not the favorite bike ever.

I have a K1200r 2008, R nine t 2015, and s1000xr 2018, love them all. All three has different character…

Getting mine delivered today .triple black sport se .can’t wait

Riding an S1000XR as well and absolutely love it. To anyone concerned with the much discussed and maligned "bar buzz" issue, I put a pair of EvoTech weighted bar ends on mine - they allow you to retain the hand guards as well. This inexpensive mod took 70%-80% of the perceived buzz out of the bars (and on mine it was only the right hand/throttle side that felt buzzy) and it took a whole 15 minutes to complete. I think the whole buzz topic is a little over-hyped, but this is a mod I'd recommend to anyone.

Agree... amazing machine.. I flew from Scotland to Milan and hired a first gen XR and ride it through the Swiss , Italian and Austrian Alps to Croatia and back in 2015..... thought I’d test it proper ... did not disappoint .... if I had the money I’d buy one today ... superb .. 👍

Have the same bike. The engine is insane. It'll tear your face off. Love it.

Love the review. Had my loaded 2018 three years now (8010k). Wether a 1300 mile trip up and down CA, or meeting a friend for lunch, in town, I am still grinning in my helmet. The only bike to replace this one, would be the newest model.

Thank you for the insight, currently on a 690 Duke, considered a 1090, discovered the S1000XR...Sold

Thanks for the straight up review! I'm coming up to 71 yo, still riding hard, and just traded my Z900RS Cafe for one of these babies in the same year, specs, and colour as yours. I've been riding since 1969 and can't even speculate on how many bikes I've ridden and owned but this Beemer is by far and away the best so far. At times I've had so many bikes in my garage that it looked like a parking lot but now I'm down to one only. I thought that the Kawasaki would do the trick, loved the engine and the look, but the riding position killed my poor old back. I can't think of a better in line four ever and this has to be the closest thing to a complete motorcycle ever made.

I grew up riding and racing two stroke dirt bikes, graduated into large bore four stroke dirt bikes. Quite riding for a few years in my fifties and really missed having a motorcycle in the garage. At that time some of my friends were riding GS's so I bought myself a new GS as a retirement gift (i was 58). I loved that GS it was a great machine to convert an old dirt head into riding a street machine. Again the bug hit me to go fast again so I added a BMW s1000r to the garage so I could partake in an occasional track day at Oregon Raceway Park. My biggest wish at that time was that BMW would combine the two. Well what do you know...the S1000XR was introduced. I sold the single R and the GS and bought the XR. Great review here. When you get 6500 miles on the XR almost all of the buzz will have disappeared, these bikes take a while to settle in. My only slight complaint about the bike is they should have designed a nice hydraulic clutch. I find the cable actuated clutch to be heavy and slightly old fashioned for such a modern machine.

i like your raw honesty mate. Am i considering this bike?? "Hell yeah".

I collect my 2018 (same color) this week, 4/10/19. I am 65 and moving on from an 08 FZ1, looking for the Last bike, the wife would ride with me. At last week's test ride, I thought it was on rails. Amazing.

67 year old w/23’ S1000XR owner and love my bike it’s my poor man’s 911GT2RS

Great video! I myself just bought a 2016 XR. Your opinions to me are spot on! These bikes are engineered beautifully, and yes fast is an understatement, this thing rips!!

Thanks for the video, great job! I appreciate the perspective coming from another experienced rider in our age group.

I changed my s1000rr to one of these, awesome machine! Goes like a sports bike but with none of the draw backs, some advice tho I'd get some rad guards on that bike it's so easy to put a stone through that radiator

Beast of a bike ❤

Cliff, great review. I like honest videos with not much editing and no loud or weird music, just plain, simple and right to the point. I've never ridden an XR before but own an RR and I absolutely love that engine and quickshifter. As far as I understand the XR is basically a detuned RR engine in a touring/adventure riding position, very difficult to top that. Tried the KTM1290S (somewhat comparable) and is a great bike but is gas thirsty, standard seat is like a brick and the gearbox feels like driving a big old truck.... The XR is my first option for sure!

Cliff I’m with you on how fun this bike must be to ride. I’m 60 ride Harley’s most of my life I get it vibrations are just a character of a bike. Girls love the vibes all day long :) Traded my 110” HD street glide for a GSA 8 months ago. Not doing any dirt it’s too heavy and tall for that for me so I want a dedicated adventure sport bike with a hell racing motor designed for the street with the tech that HD does not have. I kept my 03 softail old school standard 1 off w a 240 mm tire pumped to 103” motor air ride bad ass bike for those leather days . This XR though is mad max cross state lines, light to light, canyons, straightaways whatever really fast in comfort and style !! I’m sold! Thanks for the time hoss maybe I will see you on that long stretch of road someday and have a beer or 2 at some salon out in the stix. Ride safe thanks again. Honest no BS review. Like your style.

Great video Cliff. Simple and to the point. I can really tell you love that bike. I've yet to ride the XR but test rode the S1000R last year and wasn't all that impressed. Hopefully get out on an XR this year!

Thank you, this is a great, realistic and honest review. I agree, I have the same bike in the same colour that I bought last year and it is awesome, period! Much more refined than the initial model - the one that set the reputation for the buzz which is awesome too. Not a problem for me as it has less vibrations than other 4 cylinder bikes I have had. On this one I do not get numbness at all. The rest of the bike more than makes up for it - best all round bike I have ever ridden. I've done 5.5K on mine most of that in just 2 weeks. Superbly comfortable and performant machine. You wn't regret owning one of these!

The bike of my dreams i like the sound incredible

Nice video! I actually found this video because I’m near to buy one machine of these. I hope that it is so good as people describe as I come from a SDGT and even knowing they’re different bikes, I hope that the choice don’t reveal to be short on the sportive side of riding. Besides de electronic false malfunction messages constantly appearing on the dashboard without any logic reason the SDGT was a great bike. Got fed up of those messages though. Thanks 🤙🤙

I believe bmw addressed the vibes a bit a couple of years ago ,so its not as bad as the first model (even that wasnt bad ),but yes agreed its a sport bike engine and it roars !! great video thanks

Cool bike

Rode this Bad Girl back in 2016 and have been in severe yearning ever since. It was love at first sight, then I took her for a putt. OMG OMG OMG!!! Hovering around a guestimated 2,000,000 miles since 12-years-old, riding a plethora of bikes and being weaned on Triumphs (my 1st was a 56 iron head 650cc), having ridden many brands throughout my near 71 years, while loving each and every one of them. But this bike, this S1000 XR is a lady unlike any other, it's now my reason for living. Got To Got To Got To...

Got the same bike, you came from a GS and you love it because it feels like a GS. I came from a super bike, and I love it because it rides like a super bike. It’s a phenomenal bike. The only thing I would complain about is the stock windscreen which is just a bit too short for me, but I’m 6 2 so probably not a problem for shorter riders. All in all a great bike 🏍

Love it , Maybe my next motorcycle, thanks for the review. 👍🏼

Listening to you reminds me of how and what I say to myself when riding mine. I have a 2018 as well.

Copied and pasted from a comment I made a few months ago on another S1000XR video ... I stand by my comment. I feel this thing with the vibrations is blown out of all proportion. I've got a '15 model WITHOUT heavy bar ends and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that it's not even the slightest bit of an issue for me. I've come from a Z1000SX which gets a bit of a reputation for vibes too but again, I didn't have an issue with that bike either. Both bikes, I could feel a slight buzz through the bars within a certain rev range but NOTHING that I'd give a second thought to. They're motorcycles, they've got powerful internal combustion engines, I expect to feel something through the bars but as long as it's not intrusive, I've not got a problem ... it's not and I don't.

Brilliant video of this bike top man.

Great video man!!! Phenomenal!!!!! Lol!!! I love the BMWs I currently have a 2018 KTM super adventure S......loving it. Keep the videos coming!

Great review. My K 1200 r was the ultimate until they made this bike ! My K was a bitchy machine but I liked it as it had character like your bike does. I test rode one of these and was just blown away. I can not imagine how a motorcycle can get better than these modern machines. Just so lightning quick and responsive. The brakes are equally incredible. The overall experience is mind boggling. I’m in Scottsdale too so when I get mine I will be keeping an eye out for you on the road! Safe travels man!

Great video. Made me laugh from start to finish.

I have ridden mine for over 10k miles and never had a buzz issue with mine (with the end bar weights and rubber isolator fix). I also have an older Ninja 1000 and want to replace that and have been ridding everything I can get my hands on in test rides and there is just no better bike out there than this BMW S1000XR. If you want buzz or vibration try riding HDs or Indians to a lesser degree. Also ride the BMW R bikes for a different rattle and vibration too. This beast is way smoother and way faster too. More important is how nimble and light this bike feels in both the highways and the twisties. Some guy felt it was hot? I've never felt any heat from mine at all. PS I'm 63.

Great video and you’ve nailed the XS perfectly.I’ve just gone from GS to XR this year and I love it. It’s not all about the speed but the smoothness of acceleration and the handling is off the scale. It will get you out of trouble if you push it too far. The buzzing is only a small problem at mid range revs; it doesn’t bother me at all. Über comfortable and good for touring.

Cliff. Love the video. Great stuff. One small comment of comparison between the s1000xr and the GS. When easing into one's day, the GS is the right choice. The shocks are more supple. The shaft drive makes for smooth power delivery. The hydraulic clutch neutralizes traffic annoyances. The GS experience is like having that first latte of the day, in peaceful contemplation. The s1000xr is for midday shenanigans, after mental warm-up. That bike is exhilarating, something else. All in all, both bikes are needed for a balanced life :-).

First, your video editing isn't so bad at all. Second, I'm glad that you don't complain about 'buzzing' and I get the impression that these complaints seem to get less over time and with development of the bike. The buzzing in my humble opinion is completely blown out of proportion. Having said that, I installed the EVO handlebar weights which reduced buzzing to 4500-5500 rpm. Not an issue except sometimes a bit of numbness at my small fingers. But again, having ridden bikes for 30 yrs with nearly 15000 kms each year, I still feel that it was definitely worse in the 'old' days. After 15 yrs of GS I switched this year to new XR (same colour as yours), and never had any regrets. Support your 9 out of 10, some things could be a bit better but on the other hand time on the market is not as long as compared to e.g. GS, so any critique seems to me a chance for development not failure. In conclusion one of the best bikes I've ever ridden, and will probably exchange the 2018 for a 2020 with shiftcam. Am curious to see if the rumors are true...

Love your video, seamless from start to finish. Kind regards.

Totally agree; although: same age, same bike and same opinion. I think it’s awesome. If it wasn’t for rubbish winter weather and *** COVID-19 I’d be out on it now!

Love your video... Very good work

I have a 2016 and I love that bike!!!

The bags move/flex deliberately otherwise buffeting from wind will transmit into the bike and cause weaves and instability

do you think that you could tour on the bmw s1000RR the way you do with the XR ?

Well said and all true! Thank you for this review.

After watching your video I will run to BMW to buy it.:) you did so well ! I believe you.

Nicely done. Have to agree, also probably my favorite bike of all as well (36 yrs on the street, plus dirt). Love mine, have done everything with it from track days to long trips, solo or two up. I've had bikes before that were versatile but nothing like this! Definitely install that (hopefully, those) rad guard(s), mine saved me a very large repair when a rock was kicked up by a transport. 17,000 kms on my '17 and no issues whatsoever. People have to be realistic when they buy a performance bike with an engine like that. The "buzz" is a normal part of any high horsepower inline four. It should be said that it is much better at the bars than on my S1000RR's and you can use the cruise control to relax the right arm too. One thing, it'd be nice to see BMW offer some more color choices for the bags though. Wanted to color match with my blue matte, but you paid extra for the HP colors and then have silver or red to chose from, c'mon BMW!?! Ride safe, ride often!

Love the video cheers for sharing and very straight to the point !

Great review i love it. Please update us...😉

great review! keep going!

Thanks for the video

I have Multistrada 2016 and GS 2017 but my heart is on the S1000XR , unfortunately every year since 2016 I test drive the new edition of this beauty... The buzzing man... it’s annoyingly annoying lol. Hopefully this new one 2020 should see some improvements. The seating is awesome, my wife love the rear seat, it’s closer on the driver she said , feels more compact in the tweestys with her on the back, feel like I just have a backpack. She is only 101 lbs, that help. Love the design, little bit disappointed not seen a single swing arm on it... Hopefully 2020, hopefully...

Great video! What windhield is that

nice vid! was thinking gs1250, now considering this bike based on your review :)

Nice review!

i have the 2017 model and also give it the thumbs up. The other thing you didn't mention were the awesome brakes.

Thanks for the details thinking of buying one having a test ride tomorrow hope it's as you say

Nice video, thanks

Add weighted bar ends! Absorbs 90% of the handlebar vibration.

Honest review !!! Thanks

Thanks for the post Cliff, can you tell me what windscreen you have on your awesome s1000xr?

20+ bikes issue...jup I know what you mean. Just traded in my Ktm 790 Duke for a second hand 2017 XR. Can't wait till next week :)

HI THERE...AWSMMMMM REVIEW...JUST WANNA KNOW ABOUT THE ENJINE HEAT DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC???SAFE MILES FROM INDIA!!!!!

just got her a day ago lets see how she competes against her sister the rs boxer...ll see

Спасибо. Мне понравился ваш обзор BMW S1000 XR Еще один плюс в пользу выбора этого чуда. Надеюсь моя мечта сбудется , по приобретению железного коня.

i searched for a long time is it gs or s1000xr? I was in between. Now my decision is s1000xr. Your experiences were the comments I was looking for but could not find. Thank you. Love from Turkey. Turkey/Mersin/Anamur

Nice one Cliff.

i have one.red. not inproved as the 2018{first moddel noisse 2015}love it 40k mail.great review.cliff.

Great video on an awesome bike but then again I'm a bit biased as I have one myself. If you want to reduce the buzzing even further as I did, Evotech Performance sells weighted bar ends that work wonderfully and look great. Keep up the great work!

Awesome review!

The RS or the XR? Keep coming back to this bike. The thing literally speaks to me, and that's what's important, when choosing your next horse. Thanks for the vid mate.. Honest go with your gut report.

Phenomenal! Will a helmet fit in one of the panniers? I'm seriously looking at this bike. Waiting on available demo ride. Great review!

Superb review that

My dear friend, first of all thanks for your honest, clear and passionate review. I like to hear the opinion of a "normal guy". Too many professional commentator have a solid (€ ) motivation to praise or blame a particular bike! I also liked the simple Language and the straight to the point style you used. Now allow me one question: I am a long time owner of a BMW Gs 800. I have used it to travel a lot in europe and I consider myself a very responsible driver BUT sometime I wish I had a few more horsepower under my … ass! Would you reccomend me this bike? thanks and I will follow your channel!

Nice review, thanks for sharing I think we all have that issue haha

Nice review, I tried the bike but felt a lot of engine heat, felt none in the gs

Seat custom or regular factory made..?!

So funny man good job lol

Hi, who makes your windshield ? Thanks

Cliff thanks for sharing. A good review. You like being honest, so do I, The bike looks, (and no doubt is) beautiful but.. IMHO ditch the bags. To me, they do not go with the bike and spoil the looks. maybe aftermarket ones?, and yes I do know how expensive they are. There is also the worry that, since they do not seem to be sturdily attached, God forbid if say one comes off, I don't think my mind would be at peace riding with those bags. Just my 50 cents worth.

Nice editing

Always looking for other’s feedback on their XRs..thanks for yours.. what windscreen is that? Puig ?

Which camera have you used to record this video?

Nicely done Sir! Have you tried the new R1250GS yet? The XR is still much faster, but I just can't get beyond that dash. Hated it on the GS, hate it on the XR. If they update the XR with the TFT dash and improve the quick shift half as much as they have on the new GS, its a no-brainer. Till then I'm still playing the waiting game (unless I get a wild hair and get he R1250GS).

Nice opinion! I have its predecessor - s1000rr and it buzzes too. Do I care? No!

Hows the vibration? Is the engine smooth ?

Think of trading in 2015 vstrom 1000 on this bike Is it a good double up riding bike,me and wife did few long trips on vstrom found it to be too small by time we had all luggage on it ,other bike I'm thinking is triumph 1200 or Kawi versa 1000,want to make right decision

Mindful Motorcycling - Motorcycle Product Reviews what is the exact windshield you have on this bike ? Would love to pick the same one . Is this Bmw genuine ?

I am looking to buy one. It is a 2018 model with only 5.000 miles and it is lowered to 31.1 inch from the factory. I am 5' 9" so that should work, however my question is does the handling or anything else changes or is it compromised in any way when lowered? Should I be concerned because the bike is lowered? Thank you.

Thks.

Hi, I’ve got a couple of silly questions. I’m from the UK and looking to buying a BMW S1000XR same colour but a 2018 model. Apparently they’ve reduced the vibration. What year model is this? Is a radiator guard a necessity for road riding? Or just a safety blanket? For peace of mind? I’ve ridden a Triumph Daytona 600 which I loved but unfortunately couldn’t ride for more than an hour without numb wrists. Then I rode a Triumph Tiger 800 XC. Which was ok just not as fun as my sports bike. I’ve always wanted to tour (Long Way round) but am looking for something to tour and have fun on. Small long distance touring round Europe with my Dad. Would you say this has the prefect blend of touring and fun? Almost a young persons tourer? Sorry for the essay

i am planning on buying one but my question that i don't find real answer is. does it still gives a good in duo with luggage?

How is it for long distance riding compared to the gs ?

Mate.....I’ve got a Suzuki GSX 1400, does the BM go quicker? Have ya ridden a GSX 1400? Just curious, I do like the BM.

Thank you very much for video. Does bmw going to renew the model on 2019-20??

Looking at this bike vs a Ducati 1260 S any thoughts? How is this bike in the cross and head wind? Thanks