When BMW launched the S 1000 XR in 2016, the Bavarian manufacturer invented a new category of motorcycling coined “adventure sport.”The XR was designed to fill a void for the rider who didn’t want an all-out adventure tourer like the GS, or the sportbike positioning of the S 1000 RR or roadster models.
The XR remained relatively unchanged since launching, but all that changes for 2020.BMW unveiled the updated 2020 S 1000 XR at the 2019 EICMA Motorcycle Show. Here’s a first look at the updates.1. The new S 1000 XR arrives with a newly developed 999cc inline four-cylinder engine with a more linear torque curve. The engine produces 165 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 84 ft/lbs of torque at 9250 rpm.2. The Euro5-compliant engine is mated to a revised six-speed transmission that has longer rations for fourth, fifth, and sixth gears. The new ratios were designed to reduce noise and fuel consumption.3. The S 1000 XR features BMW’s new engine drag torque control, what the Germans call “MSR.” The technology prevents the rear wheel from slipping under abrupt throttle inputs or downshifting.4. Due to a 19 percent lighter double-sided swingarm, a five percent lighter engine, and lighter exhaust and frame, BMW says the 2020 S 1000 XR weighs 498 wet, 22 pounds lighter than its predecessor.5. BMW developed a new Flex Frame for the S 1000 RR that makes the engine take on more of the load-bearing function. This helps with agility. 6. BMW’s electronic suspension – Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) – is standard. The suspension has two modes: Road and dynamic.7. For the first time, the S 1000 XR gets Dynamic Brake Control. Basically, the brakes work in conjunction with the engine to help control any unwanted acceleration. BMW says “by means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.”8. The six-axis Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) drives the function of the high-tech electronics found on the S 1000 XR: traction control, wheelie control and cornering ABS.9. The XR has four riding modes:
Rain
Road
Dynamic
Dynamic Pro
10. Hill Start Control is standard.11. The S 1000 XR has LED lights all around and has cornering lights.12. The instrumentation is updated for 2020. The XR now has a 6.5-inch full-color TFT screen.13. BMW has totally revised the bodywork and ergonomics for more wind protection and comfort.14. Shift assist for clutchless up-/down-shifts, electronic cruise control, and daytime running lights are available as options.15. The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR will arrive in two colors: Ice Grey and Racing Red/White Aluminum. Pricing and availability have yet to be revealed.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Thom Beers, the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent. Thom’s astonishing resume as a Producer, Director, and actor, includes narrating many, many of the shows he’s created.
His fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows, and of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story behind his Jesse James show, ‘Monster Garage’, as well as the ‘Biker Build Off’ and ‘Zombie Choppers’ TV shows. Teejay’s chat with Thom gives us some amazing insight into other areas of Thom’s career, including ‘Deadliest Catch’ and others.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening. I for one, was fascinated; I hope you are too.
1. The new S 1000 XR arrives with a newly developed 999cc inline four-cylinder engine with a more linear torque curve. The engine produces 165 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 84 ft/lbs of torque at 9250 rpm.2. The Euro5-compliant engine is mated to a revised six-speed transmission that has longer rations for fourth, fifth, and sixth gears. The new ratios were designed to reduce noise and fuel consumption.3. The S 1000 XR features BMW’s new engine drag torque control, what the Germans call “MSR.” The technology prevents the rear wheel from slipping under abrupt throttle inputs or downshifting.4. Due to a 19 percent lighter double-sided swingarm, a five percent lighter engine, and lighter exhaust and frame, BMW says the 2020 S 1000 XR weighs 498 wet, 22 pounds lighter than its predecessor.5. BMW developed a new Flex Frame for the S 1000 RR that makes the engine take on more of the load-bearing function. This helps with agility. 
6. BMW’s electronic suspension – Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) – is standard. The suspension has two modes: Road and dynamic.7. For the first time, the S 1000 XR gets Dynamic Brake Control. Basically, the brakes work in conjunction with the engine to help control any unwanted acceleration. BMW says “by means of intervention in the engine control, drive torque is reduced during braking so as to make full use of the braking power at the rear wheel. This keeps the motorcycle stable and shortens the braking distance.”8. The six-axis Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) drives the function of the high-tech electronics found on the S 1000 XR: traction control, wheelie control and cornering ABS.9. The XR has four riding modes:
11. The S 1000 XR has LED lights all around and has cornering lights.12. The instrumentation is updated for 2020. The XR now has a 6.5-inch full-color TFT screen.13. BMW has totally revised the bodywork and ergonomics for more wind protection and comfort.
14. Shift assist for clutchless up-/down-shifts, electronic cruise control, and daytime running lights are available as options.15. The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR will arrive in two colors: Ice Grey and Racing Red/White Aluminum. Pricing and availability have yet to be revealed.
