2020 BMW S 1000 XR
R I D E R E V I E W
P64
less friction over bumps and more usable
suspension travel, thus a more comfort-
able ride. It also enables a lighter swing-
arm and makes for better feel through the
seat of the pants in action.
The motor is a stressed member of the
chassis, as before, but the frame itself is
skinnier where the rider sits, and the new
front-end bracings contribute to a lower
center of gravity and increased stiffness for more
feel under brakes and through the corner.
The rider now sits closer and lower to the front
with a handlebar that's one inch narrower end to
end, but they are also sitting on a seat that's one of
the more odd-shaped units I've ever used.
Much like a racecar bucket seat, the XR's new
pew is dish-shaped, and not the most comfort-
able. It's designed to hold the rider in place, which
it does, but it also pushes against your bum, so if
you've got a size 34 or above ass, you'll end up
getting skid marks on your shirt.
Compared to the 2019 and back model,
you sit much more in the cockpit than on
it. The overall position is exceptionally
comfortable, save for the seat shape—you
get no weight on your wrists, and the peg-
to-seat gap is rangy for a 6'1" rider like me.
The seat height of 33 inches is 0.1 inches
less than last year, although there's a high,
low and optional M seat you can get as an acces-
sory (there are lots, and lots, and lots, of accesso-
ries for the new XR).
Gone are the asymmetrical headlights that are
a carryover from the first-generation S 1000 RR
and XR. Now you've got sleek LED's with Corner-
ing Lights and a Daytime Running Light (DRL) as
optional Headlight Pro extra. These let you light up
the corner at 12° of lean at a minimum of six mph,
and work whether or not the optional auxiliary
lights (like fog lights) are on or not.
Aside from the
seat shape
itself, you
can sit in this
position all day.
However, the
screen angle
proved highly
annoying.
