BMW unveils the new M 1000 XR at last: power and technology at the highest level

BMW M has always been associated with cars, but this changed at the end of 2018, when BMW decided to link this iconic letter to its motorcycle range to offer more special and exclusive equipment or, alternatively, to fit parts that improve their performance. This association has so far given us the superbike M 1000 RR and the powerful naked M 1000 R, and now the trail M 1000 XR joins them.

The new BMW M 1000 XR is certainly not a completely unknown model if you have been following our news, since this more radical model was announced last summer amid shadowy teasers and only the bare details. Now, taking advantage of the recent presentation of the new BMW S 1000 XR, BMW Motorrad finally unveils the most radical model in its trail range.

The new BMW M 1000 XR features the styling solutions we already saw on the new S 1000 XR, but since it is the more powerful model, the M 1000 XR makes use of more advanced aerodynamics, which is reflected in the use of fins and deflectors on the front side panels. These increase the load on the front axle from 100 km/h onwards, achieving up to 12 kg at 220 km/h. To complete the styling, it will be available in M Light Blue, Dark Blue and Red.

As I have just mentioned in the previous paragraph, the M 1000 XR is more powerful than the standard model, although it is worth remembering that it uses the same engine, an inline four-cylinder block that increases its output by 31 CV over the S 1000 XR to reach an impressive 201 CV, together with a torque of 113 Nm reached at 11,000 rpm. This increase in power requires greater traction at the rear axle, which has been achieved by fitting a 47-tooth sprocket and shorter 4th, 5th and 6th gears.

The chassis of the new BMW M 1000 XR also bears the stamp of BMW M, for example in elements such as the inverted forks with a 45 mm diameter, fitted with separate piston-cylinder hydraulic systems, plus an upper yoke with an elaborately milled handlebar clamp. The handlebar, incidentally, is tubular and painted black, and can optionally be fitted with mirrors at its ends. Another element fitted to the M 1000 XR that is very necessary for sporting riding is the steering damper.

We conclude the mechanical section with the braking system, bearing the “M” badge and developed thanks to the experience the brand has gained in the demanding World Superbike Championship. This braking system consists of two 320 mm brake discs, 5 mm thick, and Black Anodised aluminium disc carriers on the front axle, together with a new radial brake master cylinder. The brake calipers are painted Blue Anodised along with the M logo, which of course could not be missing.

The 6.5-inch TFT display features colour schemes unique to the M 1000 XR and, via an unlock code, allows the use of the M GPS Laptrigger and M GPS Datalogger, for recording telemetry data. Furthermore, if the M 1000 XR seems too little to you, you can always enhance its performance with the M Competition package, which includes M Carbon wheels and carbon-fibre parts such as the rear mudguard with integrated chain guard, the side panels, the front mudguard, the ignition/steering lock cover, an adjustable M rider footrest system, passenger footrests and the MGPS Laptrigger.

Such exclusivity and sportiness comes at a price, which we already know starts from 35,147 euros, and the new BMW M 1000 XR is already available on the Spanish market.