2020 BMW S 1000 XR

If you want your adrenal glands working overtime while you are carving mountain roads, then the BMW S 1000 XR is a proper sport-touring machine. The BMW S 1000 XR features S 1000 R power suitable for the tour. While its 999cc inline-four engine, sharp bodywork, and stubby tailsection are undoubtedly sportbike-like, the XR leans toward the tour with an adjustable windscreen and upright riding position. Enjoy the speed in comfort.

Motorcyclist Editor Adam Waheed reported that the 2020 S 1000 XR is for riders who always want to go fast and the XR “is the natural evolution of a sport-touring rig for motorcycle riders who don’t want to compromise in either segment.” You can also check out his MC Commute of the model for an onboard riding experience with the man himself.

In our past review, Kent Kunitsugu stated: “If you were expecting a more comfortable and roomy S 1000 R with decent wind protection and more versatility with the [2016] XR, well, you’d be right. Ergos are the usual ADV upright, with room to stand on the pegs if necessary.”

The S 1000 XR finds its primary competition in the Ducati Multistrada 1260. We put the XR against the 1200 S in 2016 to find that the BMW felt more confidence inspiring, complete, and fun.

We covered the updates in our First Look, but here’s a quick SparkNotes version of changes made for the 2020 model: lighter weight, Euro 5-compliant engine, higher compression, revised camshaft, modified gear ratios, new frame, reduced rake and trail, and new instrument cluster.