BMW M 1000 XR in an Intensive Test

Its design is aggressive - and aerodynamically optimized. That's achieved through striking carbon winglets, which provide extra stability at high speeds. The aluminum composite bridge frame with the load-bearing engine forms the backbone of the chassis and, combined with the upside-down telescopic fork and the electronic Dynamic Damping Control, delivers maximum control. Even though the bike isn't exactly light at 223 kg wet weight, it still feels surprisingly agile thanks to the optimal mass distribution and the sportily tuned chassis.

Underneath the fairing beats the heart of a genuine race engine. The oil-/water-cooled inline four-cylinder with four valves per cylinder produces 201 hp at 12,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11,000 rpm. This engine's revvy nature is truly impressive, with a maximum rev limit of 14,600 rpm - figures you'd normally only find in racing. And that's exactly how it feels! The power delivery is brutal, yet at the same time very controllable. Every action feels smooth and seamless. Thanks to the electronic intake manifold injection with digital engine management, the bike responds precisely to every throttle input, making both gentle cruising and aggressive acceleration effortlessly possible at any time. My thumbs definitely go up three times for this engine.

But just how practical is such a beast for everyday use? I approached this question with a bit of nervousness, given my 1.76m height and barely 60 kilos.

In city traffic, it quickly becomes clear that the M 1000 XR isn't exactly an easy or particularly agile machine in tight alleys or when maneuvering. The wide front end with the bar-end mirrors makes lane splitting through traffic jams anything but easy, and the high rev level means you often have to work with minimal throttle input. The strained shuffling back and forth when parking in and out remains unavoidable despite my fairly long legs. It takes me two or three minutes to make sure nothing tips over in the rush, and once the hefty machine is out of the level position, there's no getting it back up without help. The 850 mm seat height, however, provides a comfortable, sporty riding position while riding, one that doesn't turn longer rides into torture either. Still, the M 1000 XR remains an exotic presence in the city, one that prefers open roads to dense traffic.

On twisty mountain roads, the M 1000 XR reveals its true potential. Here it becomes clear that the sporty chassis, combined with the electronically controlled Dynamic Damping Control system, delivers outstanding stability. Even at high speeds, the machine remains extremely precise and predictable. Thanks to the generous maximum lean angle and the perfectly tuned brake system with 320 mm double discs up front and a 220 mm disc at the rear, the bike can be decelerated with ease even in tight corners. BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro further assists the rider by distributing brake force optimally depending on the riding mode, ensuring controlled deceleration.

The 20-liter tank provides a reasonable range, but with a consumption of 6.5 liters per 100 km, the bike is no fuel-sipper. Wind protection is limited by the smaller windscreen, which, depending on rider height, can lead to increased strain on longer highway stretches. Additionally, from a certain speed onward, stronger vibrations kick in, causing quite a bit of tingling in feet and hands. That said, the machine scores points with excellent ergonomics and a comfortable seat that doesn't become unpleasant even after several hours. Anyone covering long distances, though, should be aware that the chassis comes tuned firmly from the factory. Depending on personal taste, you might need to do some fine-tuning.

Anyone wanting to configure the model exactly to their liking can check out the Konfigurator DE and Konfigurator AT.