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2015 BMW S1000XR Shows Its Super Sport Fairings in Milan

A proper crossover machine was one thing the Bavarian manufacturer, but this empty slot is about to be filled when the first S1000XR machines will reach the dealerships’ showrooms. The S1000RR proved to be an exceptional platform on which BMW decided to build new models. First the S1000R and now the long-awaited S1000XR, a bike aimed to bite a decent chunk of the cake Ducati Multistrada is enjoying at the moment.
2015 BMW S1000XR Live Photos 70 photos
Photo: Original image by autoevolution
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One thing that caught us by suprise when we first saw it here, in the flesh, was how much of the styling cues from the RR model were borrowed. For example, the fairings are still asymmetric, in the typical S1000R style. On the right side we have the famous shark gills on the XR, just like on its super sport brother.

On the other hand, the front end of the bike is a bit complicated, with a lot of hard edges that might prove to be a bit harder to clean compared to other models. Furthermore, since this is a bike that is supposed to bridge the gap between the R1200GS and the S1000RR, therefore allowing you to cover more miles in more comfort, there will be plenty of bugs stuck on there and they will be hard to get out.

A more compact build

We saw this even from the spy shots ahead of the official launch: the S1000XR is indeed a more compact machine than the S1000R. The taller suspensions for both front and rear and higher handlebars account for a more relaxed stance, with better prospects of rising on the foot rests and stretch your back every now and then. At the same time, the extended travel makes sure riding on rough roads will be a much improved experience, putting more “all-rounder DNA” in the S1000XR.

When on the pegs, the legs are in a very “touring position”, while the back is upright. This means that spending 8 hours aboard the 2015 BMW S1000XR will not be a torture. And with the taller windscreen and luggage system, crossing continents alongside highways will become a breeze.

An S1000RR-blooded engine, but not quite

It is not uncommon that manufacturers pick one of their highly-successful engines, tweak it a bit and then load it in a different model. In fact, this is exactly what happened with the S1000RR engine. Since the base recipe was already proven as a successful, enduring one, a new engine was obviously not needed for the crossover S machine.

However, since the S1000XR is supposed to be a top-drawer all-rounder with solid daily usability, a high-revving peak power engine was definitely not the best idea. So the top power and torque curves have been modified, offering more useable grunt in the mid-range.

The heart of this bike s the 4-cylinder 4-stroke in-line 1-liter engine. It’s rated at 160 HP at 11,000 RPM and makes 112 Nm (82 lb-ft) of torque from 9,250 RPM. Thanks to these specs, the S1000XR will be capable of over 200 km/h (124 mph) with the fuel consumption rated at 5.4 l/100 km (43.5 mpg) when traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph) or 5.8 l/100 km (40 mpg) when traveling at 120 km/h (75 mph).

That being said, the 2015 S1000XR has more than enough nerve to haul rider, passenger and luggage to wuthering speeds on the Autobahn, with plenty of passing power and mid-turn torque to make all rides fun and rewarding, even if the quality of the riding surface is less than ideal.

Electronically-controlled suspensions are available as optionals

The addition of electronically-controlled suspensions makes everything better and adds a new edge in the rivalry with the Multistrada. Since these suspensions are clearly the new fad in the industry, it was natural that BMW equipped their crossover with all the bells and whistles even though you have to pay extra. Even though to some wire spoked wheels look like an unnecessary addition, they would have looked really neat on the S1000XR. And would have offered a new level of terrainability, of course.

It’s still a mystery why BMW hasn’t equipped the 2015 S1000XR with the semi-active suspensions as standard as they can be found in the R1200RT or R1200GS. Being able to alter the suspension characteristics and response with a press of a button is definitely one thing the customers of this crossover would have enjoyed a lot as standard trim.

Still, this may be because BMW wanted to offer a bike with a more affordable price, thus making stealing Ducati’s customers an easier job.
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