BMW R 1200 RS 2015 vs. BMW S 1000 XR 2021

The BMW R 1200 RS 2015 is a sport touring motorcycle with a Boxer engine that delivers 125 HP of power and 125 Nm of torque. It has a prop shaft transmission and features a 2-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 1170 ccm. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a Paralever. The frame is made of steel and is load-bearing. The front brakes are double disk with radial technology. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1530 mm and the seat height is 820 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 236 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 18 liters.

On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 XR 2021 is also a sport touring motorcycle but with an in-line engine that produces 165 HP of power and 114 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and features a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 999 ccm. The front suspension is an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a swing arm. The frame is made of aluminum and is of the twin tube, load-bearing engine type. The front brakes are double disk with radial technology. The front tire has a width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 190 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1552 mm and the seat height is 840 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 226 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

BMW R 1200 RS 2015

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 RS 2015 offers an agile and high-revving boxer engine with a cool, muffled sound. It also has a good, adjustable windshield and a comfortable seating position suitable for touring. The chassis is stable and it comes with ABS and traction control as standard. It also has selectable riding modes and a front-end look inspired by the S 1000 RR superbike. Additionally, it has an extensive list of accessories available.

On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 XR 2021 has strengths such as riding modes that change the response behavior suitable for practical use. It also has a great rev-happy four-cylinder engine with a broad usable rev band. The electronic chassis with automatic recognition of load condition ensures a well-balanced vehicle, even with a pillion passenger. The brakes are also good.

However, the BMW R 1200 RS 2015 does have some weaknesses. The speedometer and rev counter are poorly readable and many features come at an extra cost.

BMW S 1000 XR 2021

Similarly, the BMW S 1000 XR 2021 has a few weaknesses. The knee angle on long tours may be a bit narrow for tall people and the suspension damping is not sensitive enough, making it difficult to achieve a really comfortable setup. Additionally, the consumption is high.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 RS 2015 and the BMW S 1000 XR 2021 are sport touring motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The R 1200 RS offers a comfortable touring experience with a powerful boxer engine, while the S 1000 XR provides a more performance-oriented ride with its rev-happy four-cylinder engine. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.