2020 BMW S 1000 XR | Video Review

February 19, 2021 editor 2020 1 min read

2020 BMW S 1000 XR Review — BMW has managed to distill the RR’s agility into the XR. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bike in this class as eager to hit the canyons as this one. Photo by Kevin Wing.

You’ve read the story, now watch the video! Check out our video review of the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR! BMW’s popular sport-adventure-touring crossover machine comes out swinging in 2020 with a bevy of updates aimed at making this motorcycle lighter, more agile, and more powerful.

Road Test Editor Nic de Sena put the S 1000 XR through its paces in this review. The 999cc in-line four cylinder engine derived from the S 1000 RR superbike put down 158 horsepower and 79 lb-ft of torque on the dyno with much of its power in the upper rev-range. Still, there is power down low and decent mid-range grunt, but it is eclipsed by all the high-end horsepower.

Featuring an all-new chassis, the single greatest strength of the S 1000 XR is its handling. BMW engineers retained the stability enhancing 61-inch wheelbase, while increasing the rake to 24.9 degrees and shortening the trail to 4.5 inches, making it one of the most maneuverable bikes in the class.

The S 1000 XR’s performance figures and sporty handling are pleasing, but seat comfort is lacking. The seat has an unusual shape and thin padding, which quickly creates uncomfortable pressure points.

Want the full story? Read our comprehensive review of the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR, complete with a dyno chart and detailed specs!

For more information on this and other BMW motorcycles, visit BMW.

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