BMW unveils two new XRs: S 1000 and F 900

Inline 4 and 2 sport tourers

BMW grows its sport touring line of motorcycle with two new XR's unveiled at EICMA, the S 1000 XR and F 900 XR.

S 1000 XR

BMW has made the new S 1000 XR adventure sport bike lighter, more agile, and more enjoyable over short or long distances.

Receiving many of these is the powertrain, featuring a newly developed inline 4-cylinder that produces 165 PS and 114 Nm of torque. To broaden its power band, the 4th, 5th and 6th gears have been given longer ratios to reduce noise, fuel consumption and engine speed. It has also been fitted with a smoother and self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch, with engine drag torque control (MSR) for smoother power delivery.

Governing this power are four standard riding modes – “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”. The configurable "Dynamic Pro" offers a wide range of setting options like throttle response, engine brake, ABS control and traction control, wheelie control (including the new "Power Wheelie" setting). Optional ABS Pro takes the ABS system a step further with increased safety when braking in a banking position.

BMW has taken pains to considerably lighten the chassis. The frame and swing arm are now 2.1 kg lighter; at the same time, the engine has a much more pronounced load-bearing function than before. The new double-sided swinging arm reduces unsprung masses by 1.6 kg, offering a particularly sensitive response thanks to direct linkage.

It too has electronic aids with the latest generation of Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. Dynamic ESA Pro (optional extra) has an extra two damping modes (Road, Dynamic) and automatic load compensation.

All these adjustments can be gleamed from a redeveloped 6.5-inch instrument cluster. The Pure Ride screen has all the information required for regular riding on the road while an additional Core screen enables banking positing, braking and traction control to be displayed. Another possible screen display provides a vehicle status overview. A practical arrow navigation system with app is included as standard. The TFT display is operated conveniently from the handlebars using the MMC (Motorcycle Multi Controller).

Another aspect hat has been improved are the lights. The S 1000 XR has all LED lighting and a more symmetric front headlamp layout. There are separate LED units for low and high beam and parking lights.

The optional Headlight Pro features adaptive turning lights that improve cornering visibility at night. It also includes Daytime Riding Lights.

The new layout of the main frame, fuel tank flanks and body parts in the seat area provides better support and an improved knee grip. What is more, optimised contact surfaces and a newly defined ergonomic triangle between the handlebar ends, seat surface and footrests make for optimum ergonomics.

The new S 1000 XR underlines its strong character with dynamic proportions, while its design style continues to deploy unique sculptured surfaces. Solutions from the touring and GS sectors combine with sporty elements to give the bike a powerful presence in terms of its overall appearance, reflecting its wide range of possible uses.

Encasing it all is a new body, finished in Ice Grey or Racing Red/White Aluminium for a little extra.

F 900 XR

Serving as a more accessible sport touring model is the F 900 XR. This mid-range model offers similar styling to its big sister with the same sporty riding dynamics and GS-like ergonomics. The front fairing includes an adjustable windshield for a sporty look with sound rider protection.

Powering the F 900 XR is a 2-cylinder inline engine first introduced in 2018 in the F 850 GS. Bored up to 895cc, it now produces 105 PS and an even fuller torque curve.

Like its big sister, it also gets a standard anti-hopping clutch, and optional engine drag torque control (MSR) that returns smoother power delivery.

It comes with two standard riding modes: “Rain” and “Road” with ABS and ASC Automatic Stability Control, which can be turned off.

The Optional “Riding Modes Pro” adds “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” modes, as well as Dynamic Traction Control DTC and banking capable ABS Pro with engine drag torque control (MSR).

There's also the optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) that changes the damping of the rear spring strut automatically to the conditions.

The bike is built on a steel bridge frame that integrates the engine as a load-bearing element and a fuel tank that is now back in its classic position in front of the rider.

Rolling over bumps in an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear wheel is guided by a double-sided swing arm with central suspension strut.

All the setting are displayed on the 6.5-inch instrument panel with additional core screens unlocked with the Pro riding modes and compatibility with phones with the Connectivity package.

More optional extras are available in the form of features like Adaptive Cornering Lights, Keyless Ride, Shift Assistant Pro, and Intelligent Emergency Call.

The F 900 XR is offered in two style variants: Style Exclusive in Galvanic Gold metallic and Sport in Racing Red.