2020 BMW S1000XR review | Should you just get a GS?
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2024
- The 2020 BMW S1000XR is a bit of an oddity - it's not an adventure bike (really), but it's an upright sports-tourer with a stonking four-cylinder engine. Join me as I try to find out if the engine suits the bike, whether the bike's easy to live with and whether it's the Beemer I'd pick for day-to-day riding…
Check out my car channel: / @timrodiedrivesstuff 
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Interesting review, I'm afraid your comparison vs the GS is WRONG, I've got both bikes, GS 1250 adventure and the 2021 motorsport XR, the GS is an amazing bike, but the XR with its vastly improved gearing over the previous model is a sublime machine, the handling makes the GS feel wallowy, it's pin sharp and also comfortable on long journeys I'm planning a tour over the alps and on to the Transfargarison in Romania next summer, yes I know it should be the GS I set off on but I really really want to whizz around those hairpins on the XR
Did you take the XR and if yes how did it go? Thank you.
Just got back from doing the nc500 in Scotland , on my XR , loved every second of it behaved on all rds even with gravel and mud , ate the miles up and the hill Holding brakes where useful comfortable and fun , love mine to bits.
Comparing the GS so much but forgot to mention much rougher, stiffer gearbox and quickshifter on it vs XR. That was the thing the put me off primarily before I bought XR. Also the handling is more agile on XR. The wind protection is also probably better on XR. My 2021 on the other side has some vibes on 100kmh/h in 6th gear where right handlebar, right footpeg, right passenger peg vibrate a bit. Not a deal brakes nor unpleasant, just less smooth like on other revs.
Exactly why I chose the Xr over the gs, I’ve owned a gs the last couple of years and it is very agricultural and I miss that smoothness from a four cylinder.
Damn good review and some of the comments already made are just as good! For the record I got the xr M white last year and love it. Lucky for me the constabulary in the UAE give us a break cos we don’t have to show a front plate for those cameras ahead 🙂
If you riding like an old man then yes a GS is the bike for you, but if you have any kind of balls then the XR is alot more fun. I know this first hand, I have owned both bikes.
You must be such a manly man to admit that
All depends... For long touring.. the range is getting to me on the XR... I'm debating going back to the RT or GS.
Actually the best review and comparison of the XR and GS that I have seen. I ride the 750 GS and was wondering if I moved up to the XR or 1250 GS which one would I like better . Was leaning towards XR but not any more , your points on the difference b/w them were excellent , Thanks for the honest review !
Awesome review.
I have a 2016 S1000XR, 30k miles, cool to hear they fixed the vibration. Both are 100% I think a sport-touring, in no way a adventure bike.
I have dampers and a grommet on mine so I don't notice it at all daily. There isn't really a middle ground between Road and Dynamic on the Gen 1 either, it's either hard or soft. It's basically a comfortable S1000R with the support of more luggage and pillion weight.
What a fantastic review of this bike! You are one of the only reviewers that noted the utter nonsensical travesty of leaving the shift-cam off of the XR. This sort of bike begs for the better torque curve that shift-cam achieves. When I sold the first generation at a BMW shop,the most common customer was looking for a sport bike that could handle shit quality pavement. I don't know how I haven't come across your channel before, but I'm subbed and watching the rest of your catalog right now. Cheers from New York!
Thanks man, really appreciate it. Now I’ve ridden the new Multistrada V4 the XR seems an even more niche proposition!
Well done mate. I really enjoy mine. It is the perfect tool for my riding style and needs. I am not heading off tarmac really anywhere but do a lot of work commuting which is about 25 miles and many longer 4-5 hour jaunts to see my family to the south. I think the bike does fine down low and is happy to be ridden around easy-moderately...but...when one wants to let her rip that engine reminds you that you are riding on top of a rocket much like Wile E. Coyote.
Thanks mate! Yeah, it’s definitely a Jekyll and Hyde bike!
I would argue that as a road bike it’s a much better machine compared to the GS. I had a 2018 R1200GS for a year, toured all around the UK but struggled to fall in love with its agricultural engine/gearbox combo. I now have the 2020 S1000XR and it’s so much smoother and capable on the road. I would also argue that the marmite bike is the GS, not the XR, having had both.
Agree totally had both and the X-ROCKS 😎🏍👌
Yes I purchased a 23’ w/M package and love it especially after a Brentune!
Great review, and a superb presenter.
Good stuff bro , actually was considering buying 2020 model 3k miles but went with KTM Super adventurer r 1290 . Great suspension the handling is great for a tall bike (seat 34.6) . I'm 6'4.5 235 which limits my choices for a bike I can tolerate sitting on for hours .
Traded in my R1200RS and picked up my S1000XR last Friday. I previously had the S1000RR and loved the engine. Loving my XR!
You, Chops and the 44th crew LOVE the golden gates 🍔👍
That’s exactly it !!!..............Its not a GS, .......you poo poo it to start with then next thing your face is aching with a massive grin once you get to grips with it......... i felt the same coming of numerous GS’s, bought my first XR before going on annual European trip, thought I would sell it on my return if I didn’t like it, I’ve now had 2 previous model XRs and currently on identical in the vid and I tell people the only thing the same as old model is the wing mirrors, I ride 10,000 miles a year, it will out brake, turn in and be gone before you get power on GS to catch up. The biggest limiting factor on a GS is the tyres when cornering this doesn’t suffer that. It’s deceptively quick and agile !!! Don’t get suckered in trying to keep up on GS !!!!!!!!😆😂🤣
Fantastic bike.
I bought one may 2020 and have 28500 kms in its first year, in my daily commute to Brussels (it is my first bike, just took up riding at the age of 53, didn't even have to take a riding test, because my car license is from 1985)
The bike is that easy to ride.
That’s veel km’s in one jaar :p
This is Tim from the future. In three years time you will make a video calling the XR the do it all king where you will sing it’s praises. It will be a white XR with the M pack and you will love it👍
Interesting road v dynamic - I found that same issue on the 1250 RT - wobbly in road, stiff in dynamic.
need to ride one with stage 2 Brentune will blow you away, heavily restricted from factory. mine pulls super hard in dynamic mode at all rpms
Brilliant comments. I don’t agree with all your opinions, but I appreciate that all your opinions seem to be very well formed and considered. Nice. Thank you.
Thanks - why can't more RUclips commenters be like you!
Hey, I am planning to get one this week… 2016 are selling for $11k and 2020 is for $15k…. I had s1kRR for last 4 years… is it worth paying extra 4 grand for newer model ?
Seriously thinking about getting one. I traded my 1000 RR in for a GS, probably too early. The GS is top notch but miss the boot in the but power.
I love the XR but I likely wouldn't get it in such a dismally-weathered and straight-roaded place. It belongs on the mountain roads of a continent, far from the constabulary, where you can use its prodigious power, brakes, handling in all-day comfort and excitement.
Having had an IL4 Sportsbike in the past to me a big twin like the GS just makes far more sense for most road riding. If you want to go for a licence threatening Sunday morning thrash then the XR would be more fun but in the land of the UK then waiting 2 weeks to see if the latest generation safety camera van has zapped you at 700 yards away knocks the edge of the fun IMO cause you're not going to ride it sensibly are you.......
These two bikes are so different that any comparison is almost meaningless
I realy like this bike but il stick with my tracer 900gt.so much bike for your money.nice video dude 🙃🤙🤘steve.
Thanks Steve - enjoy your Tracer!
if you want onley one bike, take the GS! I have a R1200R LC and a 2021 XR, this is a great combo, like jekyll & hyde!
I have (probably) a silly question...my experience with servos is that they default to the open position. If that's true with this bike, why not just unplug the electrics from the servo and plug in the Servo Buddy and just leave everything in place? That way, if you ever had a warranty issue, it would be a 5 minute deal to replug the servo back in...am I off base with this?
Thats really smart putting a screen adjust lever on for right hand use NOT lol
Yes! I've got one. Love it. Don't put high octane fuel in it. It's not happy. Ok with 97 but not 99. Very hapy with 95.
Had a few hours on one on a test last week, was fairly impressed,however the salesman really wants me to try a GS as he thinks it’ll suit me more as my other bike is a 1290 SDR .
The GS is a plusher ride on local areas, city riding , etc. But you must have to be a fanboy of that bike to sensibly feel the difference on comfort because both bikes are very comfortable in deed. You prefer the engine noise of the GS around town but in a faster ride the engine noise of the XR in louder and everyone from other vehicles knows that you’re approaching and give you priority and it doesn’t happen with the GS. That’s why in my opinion the XR has a more impressive road presence that the GS. The sportish character of the XR calls more easily the attention of car drivers when you filter the traffic . So, besides we acknowledge the virtues of the GS and they are plenty. The XR has its own place on the BMW range and it’s merit plausibility as a specific machine that is very capable in a wide variety of situations including touring rides. Thanks for the video
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The beaky bits are designed to snap off inside pedestrians.
Like the bike but had 3 different people own them i know and from 14k to 20k all had to have cams and valves luckily under warranty put me off especially buying second hand
As a motorbikes buff my self i'm surprised i only discovered this amazing channel recently, i love nice cars too. 👍🏻
Thanks man!
I will buy one for myself
I'm thinking of buying one of these, I'm coming off a GS adventure. Should I just buy another GS or a 19/20 KTM SAS?
I'd get the KTM if you're coming from a twin. You can't beat torque on the road!
I have a 2017 s1000xr but actually want to sale it and buy a hypa 950 sp !!, do you the think the riding positions feel the same ?
No, they're very different. You sit in the XR, and very much perch on the Hypermotard. The Hyper is way more fun on the road.
@@timrodierides is the 950 seating position on long rides comfortable as the xr ? besides the wind buffeting
@@Yeahbuddylightweigh You'd be comfier on the XR, but I don't find the Hypermotard's seat uncomfortable, even on long journeys
It is like the multistradas. A sport bike from engine characteristics, design going to an adventure bike. Want to do off road, get a gs in the possible range you feel save.
a tuareg* not a gs
]
I couldn't seal with the XR's seat and bought a R1250RS instead (where it's wide, long and flat and allows for multiple styles of riding). Why compare a fully road-biased sport-tourer (XR) with an adventure bike (GS) instead of their fully road-biased boxer sport-tourer (RS)?
Cos it's my channel and those are my rules 😂 Thanks for watching
I think I’d lose my licence riding this BMW, essentially you’re saying you have to ring its neck to find the power by which time any possibility of staying within any posted speed limit has evaporated (U.K). That’s a big problem in the south east part of the U.K. riddled with cameras, you need instant shove not a screaming top end - just how I see it. However the fit ‘n finish, equipment, and general looks are sublime nice review 👍
Thanks Andrew - you're spot on. I'm in the south east too, that's why the only bike I actually own has 114hp but loads of instant grunt!
@@timrodierides 101 bhp for me, it’s a V Twin pretty good low to mid range and cheap as chips to run doing my daily commute to Saarrrrf London lol
I have a gs and the xr for the street xr for sure , it is more refined than gs
Haha the xr makes you laugh out loud exactly what a bike is meant to..
The gs never makes you laugh out loud and that's why the the xr is the only option unless you have ambition to be a pensioner..
I'm below 6'4" so will consider anything other than a GS.
Did I hear right, 'wanker light?' does that mean riding around with full beam on all the time?
I think he’s referring to the auxiliary lights, in which case I’m a wanker as I use my all the time during daylight hours. Wanker lights are usually referencing muppets who drive their cars around with the fog lights on to replicate DRLs...
Do you order the breaded chicken sandwich or the grilled chicken sandwich?
Breaded
Its not an adventure bike.......is a comfy sports bike that can go touring, perfect for us guys who are getting a little older and don't want to be crunched up all day :D GS is awesome, but it weighs a metric ton :D
But the gs doesn’t look sporty! Having had the gs for the last week I can’t argue with anything you say but it’s a bit boring in the looks department.
Interesting how the XR makes you giggle and smile... GS can't do that.
Hi Tim, my dilemma is similar. I recently bought a Triumph Tiger 900 GT pro and love everything about it, almost. I had the opportunity test ride the 2021 BMW GS 1250 in Paris where I live and do most of my riding. After the hour-long test, I discussed my impressions with the dealer: IMO the Triumph sounds better, is sportier, has better suspension, a way better gearbox and better mirrors and is 50kg lighter. I am 5"8. I was expecting the GS to be much to cumbersome for me BUT...strangely, upon reflection, the GS was easier to lift from it's side stand, I had both feet on the ground, it felt effortless and relaxing at all speeds and was really stable and easy to monoeuvre through dense traffic and, although it felt slower, was in fact faster. It just felt more sure-footed in all situations. I'm not sure that I wouldn't be tempted if the dealership makes me a really good offer on a trade. Have you tried the new Tiger?
I was meant to have the Tiger 900 Rally Pro this week, but the baby thing occurred...
@@timrodierides You had a baby? Congratulations!! Happens to the best of us. It's a beautiful bike but I'm sure it can wait😊
Reviewer slags bike because it's not his GS, until he goes WFO on throttle and discovers bike's true purpose, and giggles with joy.
I’ve never owned a GS…
@@timrodierides you mention a couple of times you had one over last winter so if you didn't own one, you had what would be equivalent to a brief ownership period with the bike. That's probably why you don't know or forgot how to ride a litre in line four the way it should be, like keeping it "on the boil". You, otoh, kept the gearing/rev range where you would keep a GS, and then compare low down roll on performance. Next time you get on a litre in line four, ride it on the boil, not on the chuff like you did with this Beemer, and your opinion of how much grunt/responsiveness it has may change.
This is an unfair comparison as it seems obvious that you prefer the gs. I’ve come off a r1200rs to the XR. The horrible agricultural engine noise and terrible quick shifter of the RS just put me off , especially coming from an online 4. Just picked up my XR and it feels so nice to have the silky smooth engine and gearbox.
It's not an unfair comparison is it? I've ridden both and am calling it as I've found it. Just as you've found the opposite. Calling someone's findings unfair would be like… me calling your opinion unfair.
To be fair it seems like the BMW four-cyinder engines vary massively. I've not ridden one that I'd describe as silky smooth… but other people seem to have found one or two that aren't full of vibes.
@@timrodierides fair enough. I would say unfair in that it sounds like you went into it with one hand behind your back.
@@TheSpainy oh sorry if it came across that way. I’ve got a good history of being rude about BMWs and they still lend me them to test - it’s part of the game!
@@timrodierides they’re probably still waiting for you to like one 😂
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I don't understand why you say it doesn't have enough mid-range torque when it's a high revving I-4. Around town, all you have to do is go between first and second gear. On the alternative, on the GS, you can't scream up to freeway speeds in second gear.
Yeah they have different engine characters - the XR just feels a bit gutless unless you really go hunting for the power. As a daily rider, the 1250GS has power everywhere you want it - I just feel the GS is dangerously close to making the XR redundant. The old 1200 obviously wasn’t anywhere near, but the shiftcam engine in the new one is a game changer. I have no dog in this race - I’m just riding them and saying what I see! Obviously the correct answer now is a V4 Multistrada 😜
@@timrodierides While I also have no dog in this race, no GS is going to make the XR redundant. There are a lot of bikers out there who thoroughly enjoy an i4 and what those bikes are meant for. Not all bikes are for doing everything and power everywhere (they are more utility bikes, if not all of them). In the world of automobiles, there are always enthusiasts and niche seekers!
That "locked in" seating position would not work for me.
Same - I like to be able to move about a bit
Why compare with a GS. I own the XR and have tested the GS as well as the 1250 RT. Total different bikes. GS and RT are such dull sort of "scooters". Behave like tractors and what a poor sound they have. I am 63 years old but these last 2 are for old people. What a difference the XR is. Fast, nible, very good to handle. You can drive at ease, but if you feel like, you can get out the beast in it. What a sound, and never a dull moment if you like.
Love from India
The GS is a tractor, rode it for over an hour and simply don't understand whats the fuss about this bike. I hate the engine, the handling everything road going on it. The xr is superbike with hight bars, and as such nothing really compete with it.
Exactly my thoughts. There is clearly a bias in a lot of reviews against the inline 4 engines and you can clearly see the bias when reviewers are waxing lyrical about the tractor and putting that clunky engine above this s1000 engine. I am not even gonna go into the thuds and clunks you feel on a GS when you go through the gearshifts
Agree. While I still consider GS as a good bike, this "go anywhere, power everywhere" is not something that I always digest. As an enthusiast motorcyclist I am not always looking for a "go everywhere" or "torque from 500 rpm" bike. I am not sure why people do not get it or did they all lose the fun factor of motorcycling?
All good but would be nice to have shift cam on this bike
The better question when looking at the XR is "Should you just get a Tracer 9 GT"
Maybe, but there's a £3k price difference and a reasonable gap in performance
The gs is a tractor
Is that his helmet on the ground, in the mud? That's disgusting.
This gay is really really an amateur biker. Just leave as please and sell this amazing bike, you don't deserve it 😢
Sorry Florin. Did I hurt your feelings?
@@timrodierides no you didn't, maybe I was to rush but the bike you own is to good and you present it like is any other motorcycle, no offence
Whilst both a GS and XR are fantastic bikes, they're completely different. XR is a sports bike on stilts. Looka fugly, inline 4 is a bit boring, too fast for UK roads.
GS, more comfortable, old mans bike but at 27, i have a GSA as my qork horse and cant fault it. Yeah ita not 'quick' but it's a damn site more comfortable and get 290 mile to a tank on the my GSA.
1190 the gs killer.
1290 even more so, but I'm biased!