BMW S1000XR MY2017, the superbike with a tourist look [ROAD TEST]

The BMW S1000XR is one of those bikes that, for many, almost seems like a provocation, like there are few others on the market. We are talking about those who ask what purpose a Crossover, or Maxi Enduro, if you prefer, could be used with the Superbike engine from the Elica company, barely tamed for the occasion. In reality the judgment is entirely personal, often linked to factors that are more irrational than rational. If we were to coldly analyze the issue, it is obvious that 160 horsepower (165 with the MY 2017), we are not essential for tourism, but on a strictly personal basis, we can tell you that this is one of the very few bikes we have ever tried that gave us addiction. To the point of wanting to return it before the agreed date and as soon as we had finished with the actual road test. Why? Because it is one of the bikes that most makes you want to go fast.

Putting the engine of a Superbike in the dress of a Crossover, in our opinion, does it an object of temptation, a hyper sports car that knows how to be comfortable at the same time, perfect for going to the office or going away for the weekend, but what Under his disguise he retains much of his sister RR's wickedness. The ease with which you exploit the power leads you to not realize how fast you are going, unless you take a look at the speedometer, or the average consumption figure. Not that the four-cylinder is particularly thirsty, but we struggled to stay above 15 km per liter. On the motorway, with a touch of gas, without even realizing it, you are already well above the speed limit. The MY2017 then, with a reduction in vibrations, accentuates this "problem", precisely because, if previously around 130 - 140 km/h the vibrations were felt a little, now the defect is less perceptible. Let's be clear, the problem of experiencing it as a drug is subjective and in any case linked to the initial novelty. Over time it will certainly be possible to use it in a more moderate and touristy way, but knowing what it is capable of can only put a smile on the face of an enthusiast who sees it, even just parked. After having told it to you with emotions, let's find out in detail what changes with MY2017.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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A still young look, retouched only with new colors and some corrections

It was the autumn of 2014, at the classic Eicma event, BMW's rival to the number one in the Adventure Sports segment was revealed, the Multistrada 1200, which had just had its make-up done again and whose engine was capable, coincidentally, of the same power of 160 horsepower. If at first sight the "XR" seemed to enter that segment almost too quickly, so much so that some noticed marked similarities between the two, in reality on an aesthetic level it is almost impossible to make a mistake and mistake them, even by choosing this red colour, a shade linked to home to Ducati much more than to Teutonic motorbikes.

The MY2017 remains unchanged and features the same stylistic concepts, mixing the look of the "RR" super sports car with tourist maxi enduro elements, such as the adjustable plexy, a protective fairing and structures designed to accommodate the two rigid bags that you see mounted on this example, but also a possible top case that completes a trio essential for those who want to use it for travel, even for many days. A mix of sportiness and practicality, which shines through the many contrasts.

So ad a hyper-aggressive front end, with a prestigious fork and calipers with radial attachments, is accompanied by every accessory that the most demanding motorcyclist could desire. We also find a 12 volt socket, support for the navigator, hand guards and much more. Some people complained about the first "XR" that it had too much vibration, and here it is the handlebar plate now has a thicker elastic thickness, which together with other interventions will reduce the problem. The other novelty is linked to the colour, with the debut of the sophisticated and elegant "opaque metallic ocean blue".

In the two beautiful matching bags, just to give it the credit it deserves, two normal-sized helmets can be accommodated without problems. One gesture is enough to lighten the S1000XR, even on an aesthetic level, given that the hooks are almost invisible and the relative black frames are very slim. Crowded, but we got used to it on the tourist models of the Elica company, the block on the left.

It houses the "big wheel" (whose presence, however, is linked to that of the Touring package), with which the optional navigator is managed, which becomes an extension of the instrumentation, in addition to cruise control, ABS, traction control, suspension, navigation in instrumentation data and other more traditional controls, such as indicators, horn, hazard, fog lights and flashing of the high beams. We are over a dozen switches and keys, whose however, ergonomics could not be better studied. It doesn't take much to get used to it and find everything naturally. The only real flaw, as we had already noticed in the past, is the perhaps excessive sensitivity of the wheel, which is not so easy to manage with gloves.

Engine and performance:

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What more could you ask her?

Whether useful or not, his horses are loved in every type of circumstance and use. The in-line four can be docile, angry or with a generous back when used in the central part of its delivery curve. The 999 cc has been updated, with the entry into force of the rules that oblige compliance with the directives Euro 4, but he hasn't lost a comma of his extraordinary output, he has actually gained 5 other horses, which they become now 165 at 11 thousand rpm. Choosing the Dynamic package adds the Pro driving modes, with dynamic traction control (DTC), which joins the Pro electro-assisted gearbox, which we found improved and softer and sweeter in the shifts, now also in relaxed driving and with contents. The pops on release (in Dynamic mode) are spectacular, accompanying downshifts with automatic double clutch. Regular in its delivery, the 4-cylinder gains a handful of horsepower, as mentioned, but also a pinch of torque, rising to 114 Nm (+2), always delivered at 9.250 rpm.

The increase in revs is rather linear, but tasty and full from less than 2.000 rpm. Up to 7.000 the 4 cylinder is smooth and responsive, then it explodes angrily and extends beyond the maximum power regime, with the control unit cutting at around 12 thousand rpm. If you choose the quietest mapping (so to speak), the Rain, the power is reduced by just over 10 horsepower. It is precisely in the second half of the delivery curve that, in this case, the engine is softer and less angry, as it should be when the asphalt under the tires is not the best. An "electronics package" that proves itself to be at the top, as it cannot fail to be for a motorbike capable of this performance. The DTC, which relies on the data provided by the inertial platform, is the only way to think of being able to exploit all the power available, especially when driving on the road, where the grip is not always perfect and where even an expert driver could be put in difficulties from a sudden change or from the many possible unexpected events. For those who wish to use the S1000XR also on the track, perhaps with specific tyres, the mode DynamicPro, via a special coding plug, even allows you to exclude traction control (including anti-wheeling) and ABS.

Ride and handling:

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Home – office, highway, Alpine passes or track, she devours everything

Whether you love them or not, it is clear that these are the only bikes with which you will never feel out of place, whether you are at the traffic lights on your way to the office in city traffic, or in the pits ready for a shift on the track. The merits of such versatility and adaptability, in addition to the engine electronics, which put the brakes on and allow even non-experienced riders to be able to exploit the great power, go to the chassis and, also in this case, to the magic of electronics who can handle it. Obviously, the "XR" has less extreme dimensions than the "RR", so between the curbs it will perhaps be a little more awkward than the latter, but on the road it is infinitely more comfortable and at ease.

The tires remain in sports sizes (120/70 and 190/55), with the 17" rims that fit Sport Touring tires as standard, while the brakes feature two 320 mm front discs, gripped by Brembo radial calipers four pistons, supported by an ABS which can exploit the inertial platform, guaranteeing control even with the bike tilted, with the functionality ABSPRO.

The real gem remains the ESA semi-active suspension, which adapt the response based on the type of driving and the reading of the data which are always managed by the same inertial platform, which is responsible for a large part of the results in terms of driving pleasure, but also the safety with which one is able to conduct the journey. XR, dancing from corner to corner, or curb to curb, as the case may be. Something new for MY2017? The maximum weight allowed increases by 10 kg, up to 444 kg. You can load something more, then reach your destination, take everything away and go onto the track, perhaps!

Price and consumption:

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16.400 euros, plus optional extras, as far as consumption goes, watch out for the gas throttle!

Let's start from the price, which is a substantial confirmation, reaching altitude 16.400 € (+200 compared to that of the debut in 2015). It is difficult to think of buying the "XR" without the two packages, for a total of 2.500 additional euros, which bring the total to almost 19 thousand euros. In detail, the Touring package includes: Dynamic ESA, heated grips, suitcase support, navigator preparation (including the Multi-Controller "wheel", central stand and luggage rack. Moving on to Dynamic instead we find: Pro driving mode (Dynamic traction control DTC, ABS Pro, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” driving modes), Pro electro-assisted gearbox, speed regulation and LED turn signals.

As for the colors, this Racing Red, as mentioned, is accompanied by the new "matt metallic ocean blue”, while with an additional 550 euros you can opt for the captivating livery of the HP version (which also includes the lowered trim), white and blue, with touches of red. The 20 liter tank it can allow you to travel around 360 km with a sporty driving style, but without exaggerating, perhaps trying to respect the highway code. The cruise control helps in this, for example on the motorway, by stabilizing consumption precisely around 18 Km / l at 130 km/h. If, however, you let yourself be taken by the 4-cylinder demon that responds to the right hand of the person driving the S1000XR, you can easily drop below the threshold of 15 km/l, while with driving at the limit, perhaps on the track, you can even reach zone 10 with one litre.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Performance, driving pleasure, ability to adapt to multiple contexts
We do not like it:
Some vibrations remain, some of the goodies are optional, it can be addictive

BMW S1000XR MY2017: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:
Gloves: Dainese Carbon D1 Short
Jacket: Dainese Bryan Leather Jacket
Pants: Dainese Bonneville Regular
Boots: Dainese TR-COURSE OUT AIR
Helmet: X-Lite X-1003 Ultra Carbon