yep, I sat on one in the showroom and immediately, at 6'3" tall, I began sliding forward. I sat on the R1250RS and it was perfect! No sliding forward or anything of that nature. Plus, I would much rather have a 'shaft driven' motorcycle than a chain motorcycle anyday of the week. Being that said, I hope BMW's new M Endurance chain lives up to the hype because supposedly it's the closest thing to a shaft drive that can be seen in the motorcycle world...Plus, the 2020 R1250RS feels like a rocket! It has a 105 lb/ft of torque and that is what really matters on ANY motorcycle, which is at least 20 lb/ft more than the s1000XR !!!!. After 150mph it won't matter what speeds you travel because everything is just a blur anyway...lol...
I have a ZX10R and i bought the 2018 S1000XR and love it. Would not sell my 2018 for this, it's the same horsepower just a few upgrades from the 2018 model. Nice review can't wait until this pandemic is over to test ride it.
I test rode one yesterday and just loved it to bits. I agree the seat leaves a bit to be desired, plus I’d want the taller (but tinted) screen like this bike has. Going to call the dealer on Monday to order the Carbon Sport model. Bloody expensive here in Aus ($31k+), but well worth it.
I just sold my 2018 S1000 XR HP for a rocket 3. I think this new model does address a lot of the issues with the old bike which you failed to emphasize. The old bikes lights were horrendous halogen bulbs The new LED front and back with optional fog lights are a huge step up. The old bike had a white faced analogue dash. The new LED display is much improved. The new bike has a new handlebar mount. Is the vibration issue gone ??. The old bike had very short ratios and you would be in 6 th gear riding around town. Apparently the new bike has longer ratios for 4,5,6 is this noticeable ? The old bike was a bit top heavy and 10 kg heavier Can you notice a lower center of gravity and the lighter weight ?? The old bike did not have TPMS which was a major omission the new bike has this The new tall screen and mechanism seem much nicer than the old I had to put a Vario screen on mine to get extra length. I am not sure why you kept comparing the new XR to the S1000rr and not the old XR different ride. I think for a lot of people the new XR is much better than the old except will have to wait for the HP color scheme to come back
Peter, I thought the same thing. I'm guessing most of these complaints are things you only realize with lots of saddle time. I'm hoping someone does a full comparison of old vs new to see if the new XR addresses the issues I have with my 2016.
@@timosuomi Really wish I could have kept the 2018 XR if was a great bike just a little too frantic for everyday riding I think the new XR;s will be delayed a bit due to COVID19 so the reviewed will be delayed but honestly think this one missed the boat
Nice review. Still waiting for them to be released over here in the UK. Already got a test ride booked but think the p/x on my 2019 XR will be financially painful !!
Ha, I got to test this exact bike the next week. You guys were doing another review. New bike is really nice. I don't think it has enough of a change to upgrade from my 2016. Was hoping for the RR motor. This thing sure pulls really smoothly and very, very strong from about 4500 rpm. I didn't think it pulled that hard from the line. Didn't like that gray/blue. How would you compare this to the new Multistrada?
Great review once again mate! I'm choosing between the Tiger 1200 XRT and the new XR;Which quickshifter is better?And which frontbrakes are better?I suspect the windprotection on the Tiger is way better, especially wiih the Puig screen?And what is your overall opinion compared to your Tiger 1200?Thanks in advance!!
Thanks for the review. Looks like they may have addressed the gearing? My buddy's 2016 turns 6000K + at 80MPH...and is buzzy. Has BMW rectified this? Would you trade your Tiger for it? I am asking myself the same question.
Great review. One cosmetic thing that drives me crazy with the XR and has stopped me in the pass from buying it was the integrated rear taillights. Unlike in Europe where there are very strict license plate laws, here in the US the first thing a consumer does is to get a tail tidy to clean the rear end. On this bike, you will always ride around with a spaceship on your rear end.
I just bought one with the high seat option (at no extra cost). I am curious if it takes away your complaint about the seat. Since the bike hasn't arrived at the dealer yet I could not try it ....
First review that don't like the seat ! In all my 45 owned biking life ? Enduro ? no nee down! I must be integrated with street enduro! Not on it ! So I will obvious love the seat! And with 165hp on one's right wrist? I wanna be non moving around on seat ! And 2020 model just absolutely fantastic!
I test rode the 2020 XR the other day and it felt a little too much like a sewing machine and too clinical when compared to my 2017 XR. I love the new dash and keyless ride but just wasn't as impressed as I hoped I would be - might stay with the 2017 model for a few years yet.
@@CaliMotoTV I live in the Pacific North West with tons of logging roads so I bought a KTM 1190 Adventure R when they first came out, it was a beast off-road but I was only riding about 30% off-road so bought my 2016 Ducati Multi Enduro, now as I am getting older (58) I find I’m riding very little off-road so think that the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR is probably the way to go, plus my brother just bought a Harley (I know its embarrassing riding next to him :-) so now it will only be once in a while that I will get to ride a logging road.
Hello! Good video, I have a mate interested in buying this bike, maybe if it is possible that you can confirm a question we have, we do not know if the compression and rebound can be regulated separately from the electronic suspension (Dynamic ESA Pro), you agree when you testing it if you could regulate some of the suspension because in the video nothing comes out. Thanks!
Excellent ride review (as always) !!! Question - The 2020 S1000XR vs the 2020 KTM Super Duke GT - which stirs your emotion more ? They are both similar in price and I am considering one or the other... I just sold my Yamaha MT-10 to "move-up" to a sport touring bike...
I test road a Yamaha MT-10 before I purchased my Superduke GT. The KTM like the Yamaha engine has a lot of character and the Superduke GT makes ridiculous more power and torque than both the Yamaha and BMW and still manages good fuel economy (40MPG) Plus the KTM includes all the options (Bags, cruise control, electronic suspension, heated grips) that would jack-up the price of the BMW. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Nri4cKYJ8MI.html
Can I ask you with the Ignition on do the led strips light up on there own or are they lit with both dipped beams - reason I ask as I've ordered one with headlight pro option and think it's probably a waste of money Great review mate I'm in the UK
@@CaliMotoTV ok so when riding the led strip lights up along with the round led dipped beam - I notice that model you rode doesn't have headlight pro as it doesn't have the button on the left handlebar can you confirm ? Cheers mate
This is a really great review! 👍🏼. I am a female rider on the S1000R, which I love. Which BMW should I try next? (I’m 5’9” and have been riding for 4 years).
Great review! I have a question: I am only 1,73 cm tall and I am affraid this is too big for me. I just sold the 1200 gs but I had mounted a lower seat. What do you think. Also, How do you compare the wind protection with the 1250 gs. Thank you.
@@CaliMotoTV With all my love to Triumph this is a different level by the performance and the build quality... Whats matters is.. that we all love motorcycles ....
@@CaliMotoTV Could you talk about the differences in the Tiger 1200 and S1000XR? I have the Tiger today and have been looking at the S1000XR, but may not have a chance to ride one for a while. I've seen most of the differences on paper, but curious about your thoughts on how they differ to ride. I assume the Tiger is better for longer miles?
If you like more straight line touring, less emphasis on twisties, RT. The XR is definitely better for me in Northen California with the twisties and mountains
I had a 2014 S1000R that i loved, precise and lovely engine, do some track. How do you compare this s1000xr with a S1000r ? Do you think this xr is better then the previous for track or sport use?
I have a 2016 R1200R which is basically the same bike as RS, just without fairings. Moving to XR these days. Much better and more fun than clunky boxer. Best to test ride them both
I wanted to buy a 1250GS to replace my current bike, but unfortunately it's still too clunky, so I can't agree with you about the RS, simply because it uses the same engine. Yes, it is quieter and smoother than a 1200, but maybe 10%. Gearbox is still rough in first 3 gears, especially if you use the QS, and there are many reported cases about ticking noises coming from the left head... Thank you for a review of the new XR, although I don't understand why you keep comparing it to RR model and Tiger 1200. Those bikes belong to a completely different worlds. More appropriate comparison against Tiger would be a GS 1250 ;)
A couple of questions... 1) Handlebar vibration...improved or not? 2) Low end torque. I can pull from under 20 mph in 6th no problem with my 2016...can this do the same
That’s a very low speed, in such a high gear, I would of thought most bikes would struggle with that. It something the big KTM would chug and throw a warning light at. IMHO😱👍
Dave P I was surprised too when I discovered it, but both S1000XRs I’ve had could do it easy...as low as 17-18 mph...and still out-accelerate neighboring traffic. Great bike!!!
Honestly ? This bike makes no sense in USA, where sheriffs are all around, and speed is limited to 65mph. And I’m telling this a an owner of 2016 s1000xr.
The seat is the killer for me. Why have a more aggressive riding position but then put in a seat that shoved you into the tank and cups your ass so hard you can't lean off?
Hi, is it possible to change suspension high to ride que bike with a lower suspension, to increase sportiness, or, the suspension hight can only be lowered when the bike is stoped ? Thanks
The lowered suspension option comprises a lower seat and shortened suspension elements front and back, so the steering geometry remains the same. The dynamic ESA pro option does not only offer two damping modes (and an enlarged range of damping control), but also two preload settings for the rear shock: auto and min. Auto, well, automatically sets optimum preload with regards to load (so when you pick up the lady your steering geometry remains unchanged). The other setting ("min") gives minimum preload and thus slackens the steering angle a tad. It is meant to help with stability at a standstill, e.g. if you are a shorter rider and have somebody hop on the pillion seat.
@@CaliMotoTV Yes it does. 2020 model is limited to 8000 Rpm's, but only during the break in period. It's removed at first (600 mile) service. Same applies to Dynamic Pro mode - it is available in settings, but grayed out until the first service.
Hi mate, it seems that the top speed of these is quite elusive - do you know what the actual top speed (in mph) is? BMW quote a standard 'over 124 mph', which isn't specific.
My 2019 would hit 160mph indicated so around 157 true speed as Speedo accuracy has massively improved over the last few years. The XR is all about useable power which is why it will live with any bike until naughty speeds before they pull away.
@@jeffiles7953 Thanks for that, I appreciate it. I can't find official figures, anywhere. My 2019 model GS does 134 mph, which is enough, for the heavy bike that it is, but I'd still love to test ride the latest XR, once this lockdown nonsense is over.👍
@@CaliMotoTV Oh ok, I only mention because a mate of mine has one and he said the only thing he didn't like about it was the vibes. I've never ridden one so can't comment.
@@CaliMotoTV I'm coming from a CBR1100XX which I loved especially for the absence of vibes. Have you ridden one and if so, would you say the BMW is as smooth?
@@CaliMotoTV if a naked 1290sdr all the way i want a hardcore road going tourer with great buuld quality so rocket 3r and s1000xr are on my list i neglected ducati as its too much maintainence and need to be taken care
@@CaliMotoTV im just in my 20's so even though i like rocket 3r i think its not a bike for my time i want a sport tourer which is insanely fun sad that superduke 1290r is not in sale in my country thats the only bike i ever need 😭😭
@@CaliMotoTV thats why i postponed waiting for the new gen xr's to reach our shores confused to just buy off the 900xr or move up to s1000xr which sounded and looked better of both ??
@@EEEBA1 it feels lighter, more compact, quick shifter is smoother, it drives like an R bike but it sounds the same in road and dynamic! But when I put my '16 in dynamic....man....it pops and bangs, I could only change it for RR
no drive shaft??? that sucks. what a horrible ride that would be. A gps right in the middle of your windshield, now that is stupid and 4 inline instead of a boxer engine to cut out vibration. what a piece of garbage. Like riding a vibrating harley.