New BMW M1000 XR Lighter

The M1000XR is the third ‘M’ model from BMW Motorrad, joining the M1000RR and M1000R super naked since the German marque introduced the previously car-focussed performance ‘M’ designation to its bike range at the end of 2018.
“The M1000XR - M XR for short - has been tuned to meet the specific requirements of a long-distance sports bike,” said Dominik Blass, M1000XR Product Manager. “The riding dynamics speak for themselves, both on the country roads as well as on the racetrack and on long-distance journeys.”
At its heart, of course, is the uprated engine and improved performance. The familiar 999cc four-cylinder engine is based on that of the S1000RR, but slightly modified. Peak power is 201bhp at 12,750rpm, 31bhp more than the standard (but also revised for 2024) S1000XR, while peak torque is 83.3lb ft at 11,000 rpm.
Acceleration is further aided by revised gearing. The M1000XR has a shorter secondary gear ratio than the S version thanks to the use of a 47-tooth rear sprocket in place of the S XR’s 45. In addition, the 4th, 5th and 6th gear ratios are now shorter compared to the S 1000 XR, which is also claimed to benefit traction at the rear wheel, acceleration and pulling power.
Another key feature of the new M XR is its MotoGP-style winglets on the front side panels designed to improve stability at high speed. BMW say that from a speed of about 100kmh (62.5mph) they increase loading on the front wheel due to the aerodynamic downforce generated riding to approximately 12kg at 220kmh (137.5mph).
Elsewhere, there's a host of special ‘M’ performance parts with many more available as optional extras. Standout examples of the former are the uprated ‘M’ brakes, which stand out most due to their blue anodised calipers together with two 320mm discs which are just 5mm thick and are operated by a new radial master cylinder.
The wheels, too, are special, being lightweight forged aluminium as standard but with M carbon wheels also available as part of the optional M Competition package.