BMW M Motorcycle Comparison

The BMW M 1000 R, a naked bike tested here on the race track, impresses with its ergonomic design. Mex, who is 1.90 m tall, found the seating position very comfortable and accessible. The relatively upright upper body and the pleasant knee angle significantly contribute to riding comfort, especially during longer rides or intense track sessions. The heart of the M 1000 R is the powerful four-cylinder engine. Mex emphasized the excellent throttle response and perfect responsiveness of the engine. The engine winds out smoothly and linearly through the rev range, but develops impressive power, especially in the upper rev range. At speeds of 240-250 km/h, you really have to hold on tight, making the riding experience intense and exciting. On the race track, the M 1000 R proves to be an extremely agile bike. However, Kurt noted that the compact and direct feel of the front end brings a certain nervousness at high speeds. The lack of wind protection means you are heavily exposed to the wind and have to cling on, which can add to the instability in the riding behavior. The aggressive geometry and steep steering head angle contribute to the bike's extreme nimbleness and responsiveness. However, this also makes the M 1000 R feel a bit nervous and twitchy.

Kurt, who comes from the stunt riding scene, feels right at home on the M 1000 R. The upright seating position and the straight handlebar remind him of the stunt bikes he is familiar with. For Mex, who is 1.90 m tall, the M 1000 R offers a comfortable seating position with an upright upper body and a comfortable knee angle. This ensures a high level of riding comfort, especially on the race track. The powerful four-cylinder engine of the M 1000 R impresses with its fine throttle response and perfect responsiveness. The engine winds out smoothly through the rev range and unleashes brutal power in the upper range. Kurt reached an impressive 256 km/h on the straight and praised the stability and good controllability of the bike despite the high speed. Kurt finds that naked bikes are generally a bit nervous because the rider is more exposed to the wind. This transfers to the handlebar and can lead to a certain amount of instability. However, he noted that the M 1000 R remains relatively stable even at high speeds and despite the wind if you tuck in and hug the tank tightly. Nils, on the other hand, found the M 1000 R to be the most nervous of the three bikes tested, especially in switchbacks and acceleration zones. The electronics of the M 1000 R operate at a very high level. The traction control intervenes unobtrusively, so the rider hardly notices when it is active. Kurt also highlighted the excellent function of the wheelie control, which keeps the front wheel stable on the ground even during full acceleration over crests. Another highlight is the quickshifter, which works wonderfully and can be reversed along with the gearbox to the race track shift pattern.

The M 1000 XR, designed as a crossover bike, clearly offers significantly better wind protection compared to the M 1000 R. This not only enhances riding comfort but also contributes significantly to stability at high speeds, providing a confidence-inspiring riding experience. The upright seating position and wind protection make it particularly suitable for longer tours and comfortable rides. The XR is also equipped with the powerful four-cylinder engine, which unleashes brutal power. Despite the impressive engine performance, the XR remains relatively stable and well-controllable. Mex was positively surprised by the stability of this model, especially considering it is a crossover bike. Compared to the M 1000 R, the XR feels much calmer and more stable. This is not only due to the better wind protection but also to the overall more balanced geometry. Kurt confirmed that the riding feel on the XR is much less nervous and the bike gives a secure impression even at high speeds.

Another outstanding feature of the M 1000 XR is its braking system. Markus was particularly impressed by the braking performance. For a touring motorcycle, it is unusual to have such sharp brakes, which are typically found only on supersport motorcycles. The braking stability is also remarkable, allowing for sporty and late braking without losing precision and accuracy. On the race track, the M 1000 XR demonstrated impressive performance. Markus enjoyed the intense riding experience and the high precision of the chassis. He described the motorcycle as so stable that even at high speeds of 220 km/h, there was a sense of calm and control. However, this can be problematic on country roads, as the high speed is less noticeable, increasing the risk of speeding.

Kurt was extremely impressed by the power and power delivery in the upper rev range. The powerful engine installed in this adventure bike offers peak performance that is remarkable for such a comfortable motorcycle. However, Kurt admitted that he felt almost overwhelmed by the immense power. It took some getting used to directing such a potent engine in such a hefty adventure bike.

Another point Kurt highlighted is the upright seating position and high handlebars, which, combined with the rearward center of gravity, provide relatively less feedback compared to a supersport bike. For Kurt, who usually rides sportier machines, it was a challenge to get used to the riding behavior of the M 1000 XR. He needed a few laps to get a feel for how the fork and tires work and whether fine movements came from the chassis or the tires. Overall, however, Kurt found that the BMW M 1000 XR, despite these challenges, is an impressive and powerful touring motorcycle that also meets sporty demands.

The BMW M 1000 XR is often described as a motorcycle that no one really needs but many still want. Mex emphasized that the XR is designed as a touring motorcycle and scores with excellent comfort. Due to the good wind protection and excellent aerodynamics, this power does not feel as direct and brutal as in a naked bike. The additional stability in riding and the precise control of the motorcycle are noteworthy. Markus highlighted that the M 1000 XR, despite its size and weight, conveys an astonishingly light riding feel. The steering works very precisely, which is exceptional for a touring motorcycle of this category. The high stability and excellent wind protection contribute to making extremely high speeds on the XR feel unspectacular and safe. Nils enjoyed the intense riding experience and the high precision of the chassis. He described the motorcycle as so stable that even at high speeds of 220 km/h, there was a sense of calm and control.

The M 1000 RR, designed as a supersports bike, offers a sporty-aggressive seating position that is perfect for the race track. The rider practically lies on the bike, which allows for better aerodynamics and a more intense riding experience. Clearly, the seating position appears very sporty compared to the other two M motorcycles, but compared to other supersports bikes, the seating position is considered comfortable. The ergonomics fit! The engine of the M 1000 RR is known for its outstanding performance, strong torque curve, and extremely fine throttle response. Unlike previous test rides with S1000RR models, we had no annoying vibrations from the engine this time.

The four-cylinder engine of the M 1000 RR is known for its outstanding performance and fine throttle response. On the race track, the RR can fully exploit its strengths and offers a performance that is second to none. Kurt and Mex praised the powerful and linear power delivery of the engine. The electronic aids, such as traction control and wheelie control, work unobtrusively and provide additional safety at high speeds.

The M 1000 RR, designed as a supersports bike, offers a sporty-aggressive seating position that is perfect for the race track. The rider practically lies on the bike, which allows for better aerodynamics and a more intense riding experience. Kurt, with his average height of 1.79 m, found the ergonomics very fitting and comfortable. Markus Pinter, an experienced S 1000 RR rider, was particularly impressed by the ergonomics and adaptability of the bike. Additionally, Mex praised the components, which, although expensive, are practical. From his perspective, the machine is already on par with or even superior to many tuned motorcycles in its standard version.

The 3 motorcycles were by no means exclusively available for our 1000PS crew on site at the Slovakiaring. The 1000PS community also had the opportunity to test these 3 noble racers during the 1000PS Bridgestone Trackdays.