BMW M 1000 XR

The BMW M 1000 XR flexes a strong motorsport look, which shows you that it is not playing any games. Its body consists of M Competition carbon parts, namely, its cockpit interior trim, side sections, and mudguard, all of which contribute to this bike’s overall lightweight feel. Upfront, it features a very confident-looking facade, accentuated by a sport windscreen and blacked-out finishes. At night, it possesses a dominant glare courtesy of its ‘Headlight Pro’ assembly with adaptive headlights. 

Furthermore, it features an aggressive side profile complemented by 17-inch M forged wheels. Its visible engine and M winglets add more depth to its overall silhouette. It has a sharp-looking rear illuminated by a pair of LED turn indicators. Additionally, an M titanium rear silencer adds a premium sporty touch to its overall appearance.

Meanwhile, riders are treated to a very performance-oriented cockpit that consists of a TFT display with an M start-up animation, heated grips, as well as an M brake and clutch lever. Its seat is a bit high for riders under 6ft. But, on the plus side, its well-padded M seat delivers top-notch support and ergonomics for the rider and the pillion both on short and long-distance trips. For more convenience, this high-performance sport-touring bike also gets a USB charging interface.

In terms of dimensions, the BMW M 1000 XR measures 2,170 mm in length, 850 mm in width, 1,382 mm in overall height, and 850 mm in seat height. This sport-touring bike comes with a 1,548-mm wheelbase.

The BMW M 1000 XR utilizes an Upside-Down Telescopic Fork with a Dynamic ESA (i.e., electronic self-adjusting compression damping) at the front, while an Aluminum Twin-Sided Swingarm with a Dynamic Damping Control at the rear. Thanks to this advanced suspension setup, you’ll be able to hit sharp turns or corners with ease and precision even at high speeds. On the highway, it feels lightweight and smooth. Meanwhile, in the city, it is still quite nimble for its size and can effectively absorb bumps and other road imperfections, resulting in a pleasant and supple experience for both the rider and the pillion. 

The BMW M 1000 XR is powered by a 999-cc oil/water-cooled, four-cylinder, four-stroke, in-line engine with four valves that produces a maximum power output of 148 kW (201 hp) at 12,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11,000 rpm. This high-performance sport-touring bike runs on a 6-speed claw-shifted (manual transmission) gearbox. It has a maximum speed of over 275 kmph.

The M 1000 XR is insanely quick off the line. It runs with tremendous power and enthusiasm. Its transmission system is exceptionally smooth and responsive. With this in mind, this sport-touring bike makes light work of quick overtakes on free-flowing highways. And, out of town, it can also take on steep concrete roads or moderate hill climbs with ease. In the city, this bike is relatively sensible and refined at low speeds–making it a feasible ride for your daily commute. But, with all its power and torque, the M 1000 XR thrives more on the highway or on the racetrack.

In terms of safety, the BMW M 1000 XR is equipped with multiple riding modes (e.g., Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, etc.), a BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, dynamic damping control, dynamic brake control, dynamic traction control, wheelie control, slide control, an automatic hill start control, as well as a tyre pressure control. This sport-tourer utilizes twin disc brakes with a 4-piston fixed caliper for front braking, while a single disc brake with a single-piston floating caliper for the rear.

In my opinion, the BMW M 1000 XR is a near-perfect sport-touring motorcycle. It delivers excellent comfort, advanced functionality, and performance on the road. Yes, it might be on the pricier side of things, but it is definitely worth every peso.