BMW S1000XR 2 Year 24,000 Mile Review 

Great video. I have a 2016 XR with 22k miles on it from new. Been more fortunate than yourself, never let me down in 4 years.

I am on year one of the new S1000XR. I love real owner reviews. Great video.

Excellent review many thanks

Great review and lovely part of the world. 👍

Extremely interesting. I was considering a used version but i’m thinking again now. Thanks

24,000 in 2 yrs, shows commitment, unfortunately a lot of people taking up advanced riding, forget the the important word in the title is 'riding'. Great stuff!

I really am considering buying this bike. 2021 model. But since my closest BMW Dealer is almost 90 miles away I am going to take a closer look at the new Ducati Multistrada V4 for 2021. Also going to look at the new Kawasaki Versys.. Thank you for the great review. Very nice and honest job

Great video thoroughly enjoyable. I've owned one the same myself but couldn't stand the vibrations at around 5500rpm. It was so intense In my opinion that BMW bought it back off me and I went back to a GS. Shame because it handled like a dream and extremely comfortable. Miss the rush though so may look at the latest incarnation as they've made quite a few changes.

I got the same bike in june 2018 from Coopers 12000 miles camshaft replaced 14000 miles exhaust and mirrors replaced 15000 miles batery replaced Now at 24000 miles (service is booked for next week) once the engine is warm at every traffic light i have to switch the engine off to change from first into neutral. A great bike that probably i'm not going to change(extended warranty is a must ).

Cracking insight 👌🏻

Great honest review for once off someone, if you can't or wouldn't own the bike outside the warranty to me that says it all about BMW reliability .No matter how good it is after having had major issues like you have had it not a bike i would buy------my mates got a 2017 Versys 1000 which he services himself and after doing 57,000+ miles and the only time its had a spanner on it was to check valve clearance at 25,000 ish- he is just looking to replace it for a newer one. Think that's my idea of bike -- cheers

This was on my recommended views. Glad I watched your video. The calm and considered talk on the positives and negatives was interesting to listen to. I’m pleased there was no adverse negativity, no expletives and no ill informed opinion. The calm talk through the ride at the end of the video consolidated what was for me, a very informative and well spent 30 minutes. Thank you. I’ve subscribed to your channel.

Great review - I have the identical model/colour/age - thankfully no issues so far, but only 4K miles. Absolutely love this bike, your review is spot on, power delivery is mental above 6K and insane after 9K, and I know why you blanked your speedo in the video :-). This bike ticked all my boxes when I chose it - it was either this or the KTM beast - and since owning it I haven't been disappointed in any way. As you mentioned this bike is way better than my riding ability, and the more I chuck at it the more it surprises me - I had a big moment on Croston Bends which no doubt you know being local, and I arrived at the bend before the southern bridge way way too fast, and ended up braking harder than I've ever braked on the thing and leaning further over than ever, to the point where my boot sole touched the floor, expecting a big off, and the thing just laughed it off - no one was more surprised than me when I came out of the corner with the bike completely unfazed. If it can cope with my inadequate riding skills like that its a great bike.

I have three bikes, the XR is by far my favourite, does everything and put a smile on my face, same age, same colour, 43,000 no issues oh and same tyres, it does vibrate but never bothered me, I'm always comfortable on it, but the seat is hard but I prefer it, it's the one Nd of bike that would make anyone look better than they are. I'm on the same tyres by the way, I follow Cuban rider if you really want to see how this bike can perform. Great video, thank you.

18 plate here on 16k miles. I have also had new headers under warranty as the valve was noticed as sticking and noisy when in for a service. New headers, valves and cables etc all under warranty. Touch wood no other issues so far! (Apart from a loose mirror!) I’ve kept battle axes on so far but next change I think I will try some Michelin’s after seeing this as I also use mine to commute year round and don’t think the current ones are too great in the wet.

Excellent review Reg, I've a 2018 XR myself, not done your mileage but absolutely love the bike. I'm also interested in the 2020 model and would be great to see what you think ? Also you have reminded me to sort the warrenty out good job 😎😇

I have a 2018 S1000xr with 7000 miles as my fun and touring bike. I use a Triumph Trophy se with 65000 miles as my work bike. The xr defo likes to be 'ridden' rather than pottering. Cracking bike for Austrian mountain twisties.

Good review. Bit surprised the cam shaft problem stuck it's head up again? When BMW first brought out the in line 4 engine in the 1200s I was one of the very first to ride it. It was a horrible day chucking it down with rain and was told the brakes were either on or off?? Any hoo took it out and it was awesome. Got back to the shop and noticed the engine were a bit rattly like.I made a comment and they said it was the characteristics of the engine(to sound like a 1956 Triumph) I went um really? Two weeks later the bike was withdrawn from the market place. It seemed the same hardening process you spoke about hadn't been done. This is old news I know. I have had a test ride on the XR and it is a great bike. The new one is even better so people are saying.

Hey Reg, a video suggestion. Either car or bike the Scotland NC500 route. You could do a 2 or 3 part series a bit like the India ones so we can follow you round the NC500 with commentary’s etc.

Michelin Road 5 tyres are a great choice. I've been using the Road series of tyres on my bikes for the last few years. On my Triumph Explorer the front lasts about 10k and the rear 12k miles. As you say they are brilliant in the wet. Compared to what I rode on in the late 70s and early 80s there are no really bad modern tyres, but the I think the Michelin Road 5 are a cut above the rest.

Nice honest review, I wanted to get a new Ducati diavel but am very wary of maintenance with the Ducati’s as what I interpret as poor. I’ve had 5 sport bikes and I’m getting older so I want something comfortable. The fact the Ducati doesn’t have a dealership in my state so that’s a tough sell. I started looking at the BMWs I like the new S1000r not the “RR” but I keep coming back to the XR seems to do what I want. It’s hard to wrap my head around the amount of serious maintenance you’ve had to get done already. I see this isn’t the same for everyone but it gives pause for certain. Maybe the 2021 will be more refined? I would love your thought on the multistrata even though it’s not as pretty.

Great to hear a warts and all review. Backs up my own experience of owning a BMW and the forums - Cracking bikes, but you'd be crazy to own one without a warranty.

63000 kms in 30 months now, one issue with the fuel pump, solved under warranty (3 years for me) I'm on my 3th set of Metzelers roadtec 01 SE, wich work great and inspire confidence, also in the wet and the cold.

Thanks!

Gosh I am so sad you had such bad luck with your XR. I was wondering if maybe you got what we call a "Monday morning" engine. Not sure how much different my 2016 is from yours but I bought mine used with 4K miles on it and I am about to hit 24K miles. We cant ride in the winter so mostly summer miles. The previous owner spent a lot of money in extras for my bike like full Akrapovic exhaust\headers, upgraded foot pegs, wind sheild and such. Mine also has Dynamic riding modes (98% spent in Dynamic Pro:) and quick shifter. I rode many different bikes in my life and my XR is by far my biggest smile maker LOL. Funny you mentioned your riding ability improving on your XR, I found the same thing. This bike made me a much better rider too. I have had zero issues with mine and I have to admit, I ride my bike very very hard and I made peace with it breaking down at some point but she just keeps surprising me often lol. BMW scheduled maintenance and about 4 sets of Dunlop Q3's and Q3+ (Amazing tire BTW) I really hope you held on to your bike. You spent so much effort in fixing\money the issues (That should be resolved) and you know the history of that bike.

I'm always amazed when I hear about these issues with modern engines, cars and bikes alike. And the German premium makes are not good in this respect. I appreciate it does not cost you a lot when it's repaired under warranty, but it should not happen. It looks like that sometime around the end of the 90's (previous century) this started to happen, with many makes. It's irrelevant to me, I ride and drive old stuff, stuff I can still repair myself (and has no depreciation), yet it does surprise me.

Good review, I just sold my 2016 xr, I was offered an extended warranty for about 350 pounds, I also had the water pump issue , and also a complete rebuild of the quickshifter, but I loved the bike but 350 for warranty and the issues had plus the can issues enough was enough for me.

I notice a change in engine noise at 7k,its like it says c'mon then let's go. A good choice of new bike would be the ktm 1290 super adventure, they still really go and probably a better all round bike,just a little bit less sporty but still massively capable.

6ft tall Daschund. There is a mental image that will take some shifting! :-)

It looks like it's a common thing for the BMW S1000XR, I had the same thing don to my bike with the water pump and oil cooler.. 11:35

Pirelli angel gt (1-2) try them after your set... Nice review 👌

Not sure is you've seen the Bennetts review of the new BMW s 1000 xr Reg, I've added the link here.

Why are people so worried about buying a bike out of warranty I got an XR it was just shy of 2years old with only 3k miles on it when I got it a saving of £4000 cheaper than a new one and it was like new mint so even if you get some worst case issues that you have to pay for it’s still cheaper than buying new one every couple of years just to have a warranty ,touch wood I’ve had it over 2 years now done 11k miles and no problems at all 👍

I have a 16 and the heated grips are garbage. You can tell they are on if it's 23C out but you don't need them at that point. BMW acknowledges it's a problem but has no idea what the issue is. I had cam shaft failure at 4000 miles but BMW took care of it no problem. My Dad also has a 16 (they were made 74 bikes apart) and he keeps having a leaky water pump. I think he's on the 4th pump now... Our warranties just expired so it will be interesting to see how they go from here.

Would like to know where you bought the brake pedal extender. I really like the style.

Reg, at the end you asked what else to try. How about a Triumph Explorer (road version)? A different power delivery to the BMW but still addictive, and you have the benefit of shaft drive without the sticky out cylinders. 😀

Good quality video, plenty of details of your experiance with the bike, Like the comment, I'm six foot but odd shaped, I've got short legs, like a Dachshund.

Do you get much buffeting whilst riding? My Ktm 1090 suffers from it

Be interested in seeing you test the KTM Superduke GT.

I've owned a 2016 RR with motorsport paint from new but touring is becoming a pain for my middle aged body! Your bike appeals a lot because it shares a lot of the looks & performance but adds comfort. My only reservation is the upright position. Any idea if there's a lower 'bar option or conversion that's known to work without issues? Ta 😊

Whats the ground clearance.

hi i know you had a top end rebuild but if you have have had worn camshafts there is metal in the oil.if under warranty new engine for me please

Exciting bike - if you buy it new and sell before warranty expires.

Had the water pump, speedo, rear shock absorber, camshafts and cam chain tensioner all replaced under warranty well before 20kms , my battery died after two years. love the bike but as you said just trouble/ headaches you don’t need for the price we payed for it. It’s been problem free now for one and a half years 🤞🤞🤞🤞. Don’t like the look of the new one also !

Greetings from South Africa. I traded in my S1000RR for the XR in 2016 - it was a demo model with all the electronic extras (mileage was 7 700 miles). As an accomplished rider (bear in mind we have a 12 month riding season) the XR ticked every box for me, presently my mileage is 55 000 miles. The XR is not my primary transport, I have a daily commute Honda CBR 600F (currently 74 000miles), the XR is my "fun bike" that I use for longer distances. I have never used the BMW dealership and have always opted to maintain my own machine for personal reasons, and having said that, I only once encountered a problem I couldnt solve. The self adjusting rear shockabsorber would intermittently not adjust (being a "critical component" BMW will not authorise their technicians to work on them, which for me was a dissapointment as I believed it was a simple case of a bad electric / electronic contact inside the spring seat adjuster. In the end BMW helped me by paying half the replacement cost and charged no labour, quite fair considering the bike was long out of warranty). The only other dissapointment I had was the BMW battery, it was exactly 2 years old, and needed replacing. I have subsequently learned not to use the Bike's alarm system unless the bike is left in an "undesirable location." Wear and tear items are reasonable (shocked at your rear sprocket being worn so quickly) although the pins that hold the brake pads in place (front and rear) seem to wear excessively (material used too hard perhaps?). My exhaust headers have cracked at 50 000, and ive subsequently sourced a replacement. When asked by other XR riders about a vibration in the handlebars, I genuinely had no idea what they were on about, until I was forced to travel with a "slow" rider and at 40 000 miles I was "shocked" at this "new discovery." It seems if you ride at speed limits there is a "buzz" in the bars....but being proactive I found a way around that.... Love this bike, handling is sublime and frustrates suoerbike riders wherever I go. I would alter a few things in the design (lower the handlebars about 10-15mm, upgrade the steering damper) but seriously satisfied with just how it is.

In the US at least my understanding the factory warranty on all BMW motorcycles is 3 years and there is no extension afterwards....someone correct this if Im wrong. I have a deposit on a used 2021 1000xr right now which is why I am watching videos like this one and I admit I am getting cold feet about the deal....I also understand why there are so damn many used 1000XRs on the market compared to Japanese 1000 sport tourers which there are very few....spread over the brands combined even there are more BMW 1000xrs than those all combined! At least in southern California anyway

my 2019 XR is just over 12 months old with 2,000 miles and my camshaft is f****d. Local BMW dealer (Pidcocks) are collecting it on Monday. They will repair it and carry out the 12 month service and then I'm selling it. Lost faith in BMW now. Looking around for something a little different at the moment.

If you change your own oil, does it void your warrantee?

Boy, that camshaft issue kinda scares me. I was thinking about picking up a gen 1 to replace my Ninja 1000 (32k mi with zero issues). Bad idea?

Likeable rider in Germany 3000 miles camshaft replaced known fault.

If you work in Manchester Reg, why not consider a new Honda? Hunts have got some Africa Twin Adventure bikes leftover, which are on 0% PCP. They’ve got 2 left at £11,995 (normal RRP £12,995). You’ll have no reliability problems with the AT 😉

interesting..warranty worth having

Getting 13k out of any tire on an XR tells us that this bloke bought WAY too much bike. He could have bought a Honda Monkey to ride like that. My 19 XR came with S30 Batlax on them. It was too hard & was very sketchy on aggressive riding. Constantly engaging the rider controls. Rear tire was so thin after 2.8k that you could push your finger through what was left. Front was like a V after 4k. I would not put anything less grippy than a T20 Batlax, Perelli Corso or similar on this bike. You get about 1.5 k out of them, but never have any sketchyness. You can find a set for around $300 US. Don't buy a bike like this if you are not wealthy, or can't do a simple tire replacement yourself, or you just don't ride very much. Sport bikes chew tires up if you are using them the way they were built to be used. If you want tire life, spend allot less on a bike that can easily putt around like Grandma on Qualudes. There are hundreds of them. I prefer Track/Street tires. This XR can easily use them to their fullest extent. Any bike can push a touring tire beyond it's safety limit. Tire life is the last concern on a sport bike. Rider life is #1, & if you don't have grip, you will not live long. If you don't ride in a manner to warrant that grip, don't spend the money on a bike that can. They cost way more for all that performance technology & if your not going to use it, buy what you will use. & don't film your demo ride in a residential or urban setting 🙄 check out Cuban Rider for far more appropriate XR videos. He gets what this bike is all about & shows it better than anyone.

No idea how he got 24k out of 3 sets of tires. I am under 12k on my 2019 version of this same bike & just installed my 7th set of tires. 7 rear, 5 front technically. My guess is he bought an XR to do the job of a GS. He's not enjoying the XRs true potential. It's an Upright Super Sport Bike. Not an Adventure Turing bike as advertised. It's geared & dialed more for super sport than 95% of the actual super sports. In fact you will likely embarrass all but the best riders on those with this bike in the sub 160 mph universe. They will get you once you eclipse that threshold, but you can easily school them below that. Again, same motor as the S1000RR, but it only goes 75 mph in 1st gear, where as the RR hits 106 in 1st, so that translates into much more quickness & low tire life. You would be lucky to get 5k out of super touring tires on this thing, & would likely end up in a tree if you tried.

Front tyre is on the wrong way...

Could you retune to match the RR output?

Angol? Akkor ez jobbkormányos?😃

Nice review except for all the sniffing and ticking noises.

Breath man....breath...lol...your breathing is too labored as if you are holding your breath while you are speaking....breath man...breath...haha

Cannot see how that’s an advanced rider sorry...forgets indicators... twice..and road position NOTHING like what I was shown doing IAM training?!

If you are intent on becoming a you tuber - video maker, listen to this production with an ear to your breathing noise. Quite pronounced. Now listed to other productions. Nothing.

Probably a good review but couldn't stand the sniffing and heavy breathing.

Excellent review thanks