Superbike, Super-tourer or Super-adventurer?
BMW unveils the M1000XR, which they claim is the world’s most powerful ‘crossover’ bike.
The M1000XR is designed to offer the performance of a superbike with the comfort of a touring bike, with the M1000XR being the third M model from BMW Motorrad, following the M1000RR and the M1000R.
The M1000XR is powered by a 999cc ShiftCam engine that delivers superbike performance with more than 200hp produced at 12,750 rpm and 83.3 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm. The engine is derived from the S1000RR, but features a shorter secondary gear ratio for better acceleration, a trick they also used in the naked M1000R. That gives the M1000XR some serious figures, with a sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just over 3 seconds and a top speed of over 270km/h.
As you’d expect being an M-version, the M1000XR also features advanced chassis technology, aerodynamics and control electronics that are designed for high-performance road use, long-distance touring and fast track lapping. The bike has electronically controlled Dynamic Damping Control suspension with spring rate adjustment, M brake calipers with 320mm twin discs at the front and 265mm single disc at the rear, and an adjustable steering damper. The bike also has aero wings integrated in the side panels that produce 12kg of downforce at 220km/h, although it’s good to see they’re a bit more subtle than the wings on the other M-bikes.
The M1000XR comes with a comprehensive package of electronic aids, such as riding modes, shift assist pro, hill hold function, ABS pro, pit lane limiter, launch control and braking slide control. The bike also has a TFT display with connectivity features and an LED headlight with daytime running light.
Being part adventure bike part tourer means the XR is still a big bike and tips the scales at 223kg, although BMW claim it’s still the lightest crossover bike in its class. If that’s still too heavy for you, there’s an optional M competition pack that includes carbon wheels, carbon tank cover, carbon front fender, carbon rear hugger, carbon chain guard and an M seat which will drop a further 3-kilos.
The M1000XR is expected to hit the market in early 2024. With pricing yet to be revealed for NZ, it’s looking like it will be a significant amount cheaper than the recently announced Ducati Multistrada V4S which is looking to be the closest competition.
