BMW S1000XR: Is the 2020 model better? Owner road test review 

Loved the end of the review when your daughter said "did I interupt?" and you "yeah but it doesn't matter." true father! 😊👊🏽

I always enjoy Bennetts reviews for their 'down to earth'-ness. No jargon, practical and friendly. Nice one John.

Thank you for mentioning the vibration issues... Was waiting to see a review talking about this problem.

I sat on a new XR & I found the seat SO uncomfortable. It pushes you into the tank & crushes your nuts.

I am that man and I made my 2019 XR more aggressive than it already is,and a few kilos lighter. I don't think the 2020 could live with mine.

Great review, well presented. Fantastic relationship with your family, highlights a good human. New sub 👍🏻

Great informative video mate! Like you, I’m sticking to my 2019!

Great review very well done!!! Thanks for the technical information...🤩

Great review nice to see owner difference with old and new. I have 2017 XR se for one year now, it was my back to bike choice and boy do I love it every time I get on it. As you said great all rounder and for me, my only bike. Not to many reviews on the 1000 more 900 but for me 1000 I will definitely take your advice when it comes change at the moment I cannot see changing it and when it's time could very well be another XR Might keep it could become a classic...😎🖖

Fantastic review!

I had a 2016 XR and now a 2018 model. I have a 2020 on order. This review is giving me pause. I bought the first one because I like the sporty, edgy, nervous performance. If I wanted a Gold Wing, I'd have bought a Gold Wing. I like the TFT display and other changes, but I don't want something with the hard edges knocked off. You've given me some things to think about. Now, a comment or two on the technical and informational quality of this review. It is simply brilliant. Just the info I want and need and have not found elsewhere, well voiced and well shot. I like that fourth wall clip. (I'm stealing it.). Also like the technique of using the visible notebook for prompting. Wouldn't have thought that works, either. I'm also stealing that.

txs for your review. I just got my 2019 triple black two weeks ago, new from the showroom, with a considerable discount. It's my first bike and I really like it, although I have nothing to compare it with, so your reviews where very helpful. In spite of what people would think, with all the electronics and specially the incredible quickshifter, it seems to be a nice beginners bike for a big, old man to me. (I'm 53 yo, 6'3" and a 250 pounds, grew up on a cattle farm) Also thanks for the chocolatier, that is about an hour drive from where I live, so I will certainly give that a go.

The family stuff at the end is the best!!! Congrats for the best vid ever for this stunning bike!

great review, love your current bike, ? triple black, good to hear evotech fix the handle bar vibes

Great review. Would love to see a ride review comparison between both new XR’s which also includes comments on the ergonomics for different “sized” riders.

Great review. Having listened to it and looking at the cost increase of swapping I'll be sticking with my 2018 model for another couple of years thanks.

Thanks, good in-depth review think you covered all aspects

Outstanding review - nice focus on the practical, day-to-day characteristics of the new and previous model.

Thanks for the preliminary first look/review. I look forward to a thorough one in dry weather. I don’t own the XR, but have rented it for distant long tours through mountain twisties. The XR is my favorite sport-touring bike with the Multistrada 1260 S being my second. I own the 2020 S1000RR, which is a fantastically amazing machine, and a 2016 K1300S. From a spec perspective, I really like what BMW has done with the new XR. The (slightly) lighter weight, buzz elimination, brilliant TFT and electronics generally, boosted midrange torque, better fuel efficiency, better aerodynamics, taller top gearing, added storage/convenience features, etc. all appeal to me a lot. I was (too) disappointed by the lack of shiftcam. This is clearly a cost/complexity-shaving move by BMW. The notion that you don’t ride it beyond 9k RPM is just untrue and begs the question of why instead include it in the in the far less sporty boxer R1250 engine. I will be disappointed if the new XR loses any of its firmness and handling through the twisties. I want my sport-tourer to appeal to my sociopathic side. We’ll see with a full review in the dry. I am doing a nine-day tour through the Pyrenees in mid-June and hope that it is available for rental then, but I fear that its April 25 launch may be too late for me.

That was a Honest review. Keep up the good work mate!

A good, detailed, review 👍

that ending was brilliant 🤣 Nice review! 😁

Thanks for a terrific overview. I almost bought a 2018 S1000XR new as it’s the only bike to give me more fun than my Triumph Tiger 800, but was too pricey at the time. Now that it’s more affordable for me I’m definitely going to jump on the new bike this weekend. Worst case, the dealer has a 2019 S1000XR ex-demo model with all the bells and whistles for $23k AUD that I’d be very happy with as well.

Thanks for the honest review 👍

I bought my 2018 BMW S1000XR September 2019 had a 2013 ZX10R before. Love my BMW

A very honest and informative review. Really enjoyed watching this vid. Great review thank you..

Great video John. I bought a 17 plate XR Sport SE after watching your reviews on the XR. I had also looked at a 19 plate Versys 1000, so I watched with eagerness. Love the XR, a real " Do it all " bike. The only criticism, is the heavy clutch, especially compared to my last bike , a Z900RS. Think this will be a keeper.

I’ll keep my 2018. Love it.

Very good video, no wheelies, no rubber burning. Can watch.

great info -thanks

Great comparison, I have the old model and agree with others, I won’t be upgrading as not enough upgrades that really matter

Thorough comparison, thank you.

Thank you very much for this video, from Spain, I was evaluating the change of my s1000xr 2016 with 60,000 kms, it is great, no breakdown. But everything I love about this bike, is what you say the new model has lost, so I will keep mine. It is the best bike I have ever had and I have had many. Its rabid engine, its chassis and firm suspensions, its purely sporty character, I never want to lose that. Regards.

Good review and comparison video.

The thing to note about this bike... it's underrated by BMW (at least up to 2019). They tend to dyno around 160whp (which means close to 180bhp). When I bought my Multistrada I rode the XR and it felt quite strong (my Multi dyno's around 140whp - so pretty close to the claimed 160). There were only 3 things that tipped me to the Multi - most important was the bar vibes, second was the better dealer support in my area, finally was the better luggage management (hate the scaffolding look when the bags are off, like the bike isn't quite finished yet and some tiny mechanics will be back any time to finish up the rear end). The 2020 may solve two of those things though some have reported there are still hand numbing vibes (I've not ridden to 20 so can't comment on that).

Love your review

great outtake!

Just ridden the new xr1000 and loved it.

I liked your review, thank you. I have a 2015 XR with 50 000 miles on and after hearing about the subtle "softening" I realised how happy I am. No need to change! The handle bars being narrower is something I would have asked for if I was consulted, along with the narrower seat to help my short legs reach the ground. I also run the Givi Panniers (V 35) so underseat space is not too much inconvenience when touring. With regards to the vibration, to be brutally honest i only noticed it after 2 years when I was riding with some friends and we had to slow the pace down, then it dawned on me what everyone was muttering about vibrations....truthfully 5-6 RPM is never where i travel so I was never affected.

Great review I like you will be hanging on to my 2019 XR I really do love it and it is my second XR 2016 being the first one. The thing is my luggage fits on the new one and the Nav and I got a povic HP end can for half price on ebay. I’m always a bit sceptical about new model launches and I would certainly not buy the new one without a test ride first.I am not sure about the look of the new one just yet. I’m sure the new one is better in some ways but can’t possibly be better at everything. Thanks again for your honest review 👍🏻

At last a proper honest (non manufacture!) review, would I swap well if its more for the touring side and softer then no not when coming from a sports R1 bike as still want the edge towards the grin factor when there's a need for a blast on back roads. kids at the end brilliant!

awesome review. I prefer the look of the new xr's front end and the tft dash, and really appreciate knowing that the suspension settings have changed so drastically. Like you, I prefer the more sporty nature of the xr (traded a versys for it) so I'll give the new one a ride on a demo day, and will pay special attention to the suspension. Missed the outro, but watched it after the comments - laughed out loud. Love how your video's always have a wonderfully human element, John. Keep up the great work!

Had one, vibey bars were not noticeable to me. Had mine 3 years but chopped in for R9T. XR to easy to go silly speeds but a superb bike. Toured Spain two up and XR was a dream

Thank you for this. Your review helped me decide to purchase the 2019 model instead of the latest version.

Great channel! Great review! BMW, where is the hydraulic clutch?

Thanks for the informative review... I'll be keeping my 2017 Ocean Blue XR for a few more years... or until such a time that a newer, sportier than the 2020 XR comes along.

All true! I can confirm it ! Great review!

Just about the best review I’ve seen in a long time! Such great experience and insight compared with the old bike and the new. Maybe a little bit of pure sound and excitement for a full 10/10? But very good stuff 👍

Good honest review makes me wonder if the second hand prices will come down a little on the older version S1000XR now that the new one is out, they do hold price very well mind there's lots out there with very low miles on them..

Nice review! I think it didn't lost too much, not so significantly to someone abandon the update.. its better in cruising speeds and still worth the money for a sporty bike like that. Regards.

MORE THAN HAPPY WITH MY 2017 MODEL JOY TO RIDE

I commented earlier in this thread (currently own the 2017 XR now with 60 K Miles) and quite recently rode the 2022 model - WOW!. Although the test model was just run in 600 Miles, it was very tight, but a dramatically improved machine. Lower to the ground, appears to have shorter front forks (never affected the handling, even on our crummy road surfaces) and a noticeably smoother power delivery and powertrain. Riding this new model (2022) had me realizing just how hard I work on the 2017 to ride really fast, and just how effortless it was on the 2022. The only downside - the price. The TFT display worked well and everything else worked as I would expect.

If potential new customers want less sporty then they should be steered towards the GS. I moved from a GS to an XR because I wanted a sportier bike with a simular seating position. I think i will be sticking with my 2017 XR. The tft and led lights are nice, but not enough to justify the trade up cost, plus when you factor the the cost of accessories and customisation.. i will wait for the next model update. Besides given the Ducati and ktm offerings this should be 200 bhp bike by now.

Another good and honest review👍 sometimes I think my XR needs another gear to cruise in and it is also very tall, I am on my tip toes, so if I was to change I may well look at the R1250RS. As always worth watching to the end. Kids eh 🤣🤣🙌🏍

Great review! as you are an owner 👍 it’s true you didn’t get to thrash the new one which may have brought some surprises but it’s the sportier side of mine I love. You didn’t mention the new gear ratios? (I run a 43 tooth rear) And I too like the original dash but if the TFT was retro fit-able it’d be an interesting dilemma 😏

I love the bike will be trading my 2019 GSA for the XR since i will not be doing any off road riding. Honey Im taping but your welcome to my channel!! You have to love it:)) Enjoy the bike thanks for your input.

Yeah, Love this black beast you own. I would buy the old over the new. Better looking also to my eyes.

full windshiled and a bracket for mirrors out front are a must.

Great videos, got an xr just like yours and wondered what tyres you have found the best for spirited road riding? Got oe pirelli diablo 2 on at moment, ok in the dry but the rear hasn’t lasted well mileage wise

I have mine since 2015, had an RR before so love the sporty nature, done 42,000 miles to date, will ride the new one but don't want a softer bike, I went down 1 tooth on the front for better acceleration as you can hit the speed limiter in 5th and 6th.

Your video, very instructive btw, makes me wonder if this suspention "issue" also aplies to the new s1000r, i have one 2018 S1000r and now i will MUST HAVE a test ride on the new 2021 or 2022 S1000r before change, becose i love the way this 2018 suspention sportiveness works, inspire lots of confidence in high lean angles, and i DONT want to loose that to have a more relaxed ride!

I would have stuck with the MT10 you had previously. I'm sure your better half prefers the back of the Beemer to the Yam. Choice between the new model and yours? I would stay with what you have. Interesting review.

Brilliant video! Any idea when we can expect to see a review on UK roads?

The only thing the old model needs is better lighting... enter a pair of Denali D7's and l now have the perfect bike. And it looks superb in Triple Black. I can't say l like the look of the new bike as much either. So l am more than happy with my 2019 XR. I came from a 2015 R1200GS adventure and it's as good as in terms of comfort but the GS has slightly better weather protection. I had to introduce my XR to some Wunderlich hand guard extenders too as those on the XR are not as efficient as the GS due to the various other wind deflectors on the GS. They work fine on the XR now. Now l can't fault the 'old' model bike.

I like your work 😉

Nice review. Did this bike replace your MT10?

Love the honest, straightforward review based on truly understanding the soul of the 2016-2019 version. Might change my mind, I'll look for a steal on a 2019 bike at local dealers for sure.

Running an x Diavel and selling it to move to one of these, was going new but this review has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.

Nice video again. This is my dream bike. Do you recommend it to who rode about 6000 km on 600cc 98hp naked bike?

I have been waiting for such great review comparing new to old XR. Great job. I hope someone will do another review on dry day as you had no chance to unleash the power. For me I don't think there is enough upgrades or significant changes to the bike to sell my 2015 fully customized XR and buy the new one. Sorry BMW but you didn't made it right for me and many others.

I won’t change my 2019 hp for the new one! I came from a superduke gt 2019! That was so uncomfortable and aggressive... I sold it in 5 months and went for my s1000xr!

Hi John, great review! I was wondering where you bought the steel bar-ends? The ones guarding your handguards.

Had mine since 2015, remapped with a full system on. Toured on it, love it & can’t see any reason to swap it out for the 2020 model. Plus I much prefer the look of the older bikes asymmetric head lights. Great review.

Idk about others, but in 2000 miles, lowest I've gotten is 26 mpg stock tune stock headers solo no luggage, probably around 80 kg with gear on, not exceeding 100mph, and that on longer rides. Got a last year's model. Pretty fun but needs a remap.

I had a 2016 and 2018 S1000XR and loved them but My new 2020 is far better overall than the old model and I ride 20000 miles a year

Thanks

good points. i have choose the 2018 Hp instead of the 2020 new model. im 6 2" 190 Lb and the seat and driving position was not fit for me on the new version. once again subjective opinion cos a smaller user could enjoy it.

Great review ! What's the name off the app u use ? Is it for Android and IOS ?

Thank you. I love my S1000XR because it is aggressive. I tried out the Ducati Multistrada the week before. When I got off the beemer I said, "I want to buy this." They then told me that I couldn't buy it because it was a floor model and did not have enough miles on it. Story of my life.

Great comparison, thank you for a terrific and enjoyable video. Liked the ending too lol! I’m really torn between the new XR and a Multi 1260S. I’m coming off a Ninja 1000SX and want something that is much more comfortable with short and long trips. Any advice? Thanks again, ride safe👍

What a great review. Loved the side by side comparison, very detailed and honest Have been loving my 2016 for many miles! I love the old one! I still get a buzzing in the bars, but have learned to love it. Was considering an upgrade to new, but sounds like some pluses and minuses. You saved me some $ as it doesn't sound like worth a first year changed model upgrade. Thanks!

The thing between this two generations of the bike is that the enhancement has been operated on several aspects, but mainly important it is that the bike has more mid range on the 2020 model than the one before and that change made the bike more accessible to the average rider. The bike is now more appealing to the GS rider that wants a little more pepper on the ride and uses the bike on tarmac roads for the most of the occasions he goes out with it, and being sincere, there are a lot of GS riders that never take it on difficult off road trails to justify having a GS. So, in this sense the actual XR is that bike in the middle that was lacking in the BMW motorcycle range.

I will be really interested to see it dynoed against the old bike and the RR to see what the shiftcam does as a comparison, if the new XR makes more lower down without it and more than the old bike, I came from an RR before I got the XR.

Great review. As an XR owner from new in 2015, I love my XR and am certainly considering a new one, but not until I have ridden the new one. A very interesting and candid view from another XR owner; thanks. Totally credible.

I just absolutely love how agressive and sporty my XR is. I would not want to lose any of that. In fact, I've been wanting to mod it to make it even more sporty. Anyway, I will try the new one but like you, I probably will stick to my current steed.

I rode both bikes and find the 2020 bike much more sportier in terms of riding position and handling. It looks like you tested the new bike in wet conditions which probably prevented you from going full on. I agree the new bike feels smoother all around, and I will most likely buy the 2020 bike, even the 2019 bikes are now on sale $3000 down on the 2020 bike.

Great dad ! 👍

Hey great review. How is overall wind protection: face, torso, hands, lengs on the new vs old model?

Hi, I’m coming from my beloved 9 nine T. I need more comfort, but it has enough performance for me so I suppose the 900 looks perfect!..

i own a 2017 sport se and i will be keeping mine , i do like the look of the new 2020 bike but i love my bike , if the new bike feels less sporty and softer its not for me . things i like about mine is , its not a one trick pony, you can do everything on this bike and i have , from commuting to full trackdays and touring to doing a lap or 2 around the nurbergring , it does it all very well .

Excellent review! Comparison with a previous model is always useful and this video delivers the straight goods. I am reassured that BMW won’t tempt me away from my 1290 GT.

Excellent review, definitely needs a long test ride, or a 900xr perhaps?

I’m still keeping my s1000xr triples black 2019

I sat on a new 2020 S1000xr yesterday at my local Dealer. The seat feels like you are sitting on a piece of 1x8 board. The one I sat on had the lowered option. The salesman said he thought the standard felt a bit better. I will sit on the next standard they get and see if it feels better. No way would I buy a 2020 if this is what the seat is going to feel like. Thanks for bringing the seat up in your review.

I have 2019 XR SE and find the bike well balanced and lovely to ride with instant power when you want it, the quick shift is great but still use the clutch when shifting down gear I just don't want to become placenta if one day I ever change 😁

Gen 1 foverer!!! ❤❤

I like the new dash I have exactly the same bike as you I’m not changing. Just for the dash I wish they did a retro fit then the triple black would be imo perfect as is great video as always keep em coming 👍

Nice review, thank you. The riding feedback is pretty much what this guy that moved from the previous model to the new one told us a week ago at Super Sausage Cafeteria :) . On a different note, have you got a review of your Denali lights? Cheers.

I am not a BMW bike lover but I love the sound of the motor. Will I trade my z1000sx in for one, nope. Still better value for money even after a ecu flash and slip-on. Sorry BMW.

is there a kits to put the mirrors out front and ez to see like the Tmax ?