There’s a high chance you’ll be dubbed cuckoo if you want a motorcycle that could commute, tour, and hit the track without breaking a sweat. After all, all three of these requirements need a different set of abilities. In recent times, though, versatility has gained a lot of importance in the two-wheeler world, which has urged bikemakers to take up challenges like these. The result is a set of exceptional do-it-all bikes for us to enjoy.
The bike in context here is one of the best examples of the same. It sits in the crossover-type touring bike category, promises comfy ergos for daily riding, and then sprinkles a dash of sportiness, enabling proper track talent. There’s nothing quite like it in the market, either. Not with the same value prospect anyway.
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The BMW M 1000 XR Is The Touring Bike With Everyday Comfort And Weekend Track Talent
No matter which way you look at it, the BMW M 1000 XR is the no-brainer pick to justify the title. This is arguably the most road and track-capable touring bike, thanks to its S 1000 XR-derived crossover-style upright ergonomics and S 1000 RR-derived powerhouse with ShiftCam. Additionally, the ‘M’ in its name brings an extra focus on racetrack riding, courtesy of aggressive aerodynamic wings, hefty use of carbon fiber, track-spec electronic aids, and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust.
All that comes at an MSRP of $25,595–a slight increase over the MY25 bike. So the only headache while riding this every day would be how valuable it is. The price can rise by a sizable chunk, too, if you opt for any other color than the Light White option. While the new Aurelius Green is just $95 more, the Blackstorm Metallic will set you back by an extra $5,595. That’s because the M Competition package is mandatory with the black.
What about alternatives to the M 1000 XR, you ask? The closest thing to it is the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS. It follows the same idea as the M 1000 XR, offering a superbike-derived engine in a crossover-style touring bike package. That means you get a desmo-equipped V4 engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft to improve handling.
So the track bit is certainly sorted here. However, having experienced the Stradale engine, we have our doubts about the daily riding abilities of this mill. Plus, the V4 RS costs a bomb at $39,995. It will certainly make you preserve it rather than ride it daily (unless you’re a crypto bro, of course). You don’t get any livery options here, either.
The M 1000 XR Has Upright Ergonomics With Spacious Saddles
At its core, the M 1000 XR is a souped-up S 1000 XR. So the focus on daily riding and overall comfort is quite prominent here. You sit on a wide perch, with hands on a wide handlebar and feet on mid-set footpegs. The seat is a bit tall (33.4 inches), though, so short riders beware here. The near-500-pound curb weight will only make life worse if you can’t plant your feet properly. This is also a large vehicle, as its dimensions measure:
- Length: 85.4 inches
- Width: 33.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 60.9 inches
- Curb weight: 492 pounds
The Underpinnings Focus Heavily On Enhancing Track Riding Abilities
While you sit upright, the M 1000 XR has plenty to enable proper track shenanigans. For starters, the beefy 45 mm USD forks and monoshock have dynamic damping control and full adjustability. This is topped with the BMW M forged aluminum wheels to reduce unsprung rotational mass. These hoops can run typical superbike tires (120/200-section) and house M Brakes at the front with 320 mm calipers. Finally, all of it ties up with an S 1000 RR-derived twin-spar chassis carved from aluminum.
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A Screaming Superbike Engine Powers The M 1000 XR
While enjoying the M 1000 XR on track, you’ll surely appreciate the engine. It is a 999cc, inline-four engine, equipped with BMW’s ShiftCam tech (similar to variable valve timing). That means all the 201 horsepower and 83 pound-feet is spread all over the rev range for you to enjoy. The former peaks at 12,750 RPM while the latter peaks at 11,000 RPM.
The Flagship XR Revs Beyond 14,000 RPM
Since the mill comes from a superbike, the redline is a sky-high 14,600 RPM here. This, in turn, means if you keep it pinned long enough, you can see speeds of up to 170 miles per hour. All this while, a six-speed transmission with a 525 chain helps put the power down to the wheel.
The M 1000 XR Comes Standard With Cutting-Edge Electronic Aids
Another place where the XR’s dual personality shines is in its electronics package. During your everyday travels, you’ll appreciate the creature comforts on offer. These include adaptive ride height, heated grips, cruise control, keyless ignition, TPMS, USB port, adjustable levers, and auto hill hold. You also look at a 6.5-inch TFT instrument cluster with phone connectivity.
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When on track, the superbike-derived rider aids have your back to push lap times. A six-axis IMU enables dynamic traction control, slide control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and cornering ABS, while a pit lane limiter and launch control sweeten the pot. BMW’s Shift Assistant Pro comes standard as well. Finally, there are five ride modes, namely Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, and Race Pro.