S 1000 XR
What is it?
Some motoring enthusiasts are quick to point out that performance SUVs don’t seem to warrant being made. They’re inclined to say things such as: “What’s the point? They’ll never go off road” and “Why would you want to go so fast when you’ve got such a high seating position?”.
In the motorcycle industry, manufacturers also tend to develop bikes that offer incongruous combinations of characteristics. However, for some reason it is more acceptable in “our” market. You will never hear a biker complain about “excessive performance”.
BMW’s S 1000 XR, as you might gather from the name, uses the same base engine as the 146 kW S 1000 RR superbike. Let’s just remind ourselves that this is a bike that can beat (in a straight line) the fastest car we’ve tested to date – watch the video here.
However, when this four-cylinder engine, admittedly with less power and torque, is transplanted into the XR’s different frame and suspension, it still makes for an exciting ride.
On the road
Heading along the highway outside Durban, I patiently waited until we headed off towards the countryside and the traffic cleared. It felt slightly awkward to have an 11 000 r/min redline when sitting so upright on the bike. But, this engine thrives on revs. When the first opportunity presented itself, I pinned the throttle and chuckled as the XR pulled with little effort as the needle swung to 11 000 r/min. When I flexed my left ankle, the acceleration continued. Seconds later, the windscreen battled to deflect the wind from my body, but it did not take me long to forget about that slight problem.
If you switch off the electronics (although I didn’t), I’m sure you’d be able to ride along on the only the rear wheel for extended periods! The S 1000 XR feels that quick and powerful, which is further enhanced by the fact (just as is the case with the S 1000 RR superbike) there’s quick shifter for both up and down shifts. This feature really adds to ease and swiftness of switching gears.
Even so, it is a comfortable bike to ride, mostly owing to the upright riding position and the small windscreen.
It is bikes such as these that can easily convert a potential buyer to opt for this rather than a superbike, because it is quick enough to keep up with most riders on faster bikes… if you know what your are doing.
R 1200 RS
What is it?
BMW Motorrad’s 1170 cm3 boxer engine is, without a doubt, one of the best-known engines in the industry. It is the power source for the venerable GS dual-purpose bike, but lately we have also seen it being installed in other bikes. This includes, most notably, the R NineT, a modern interpretation of the Cafe Racer.
However, in the R 1200 RS, BMW has again opted for this engine. Fortunately it has not been downtuned (compared with the R NineT), but unfortunately it also hasn’t been given a power or torque increase over the GS models.
On the road
Depending on your needs as a rider, you are unlikely to miss this or feel a need for more push from the rear wheel. The first time you rev the engine through the first few gears, there is enough torque to make enough progress with (what feels like) little engine effort.
The seating position is much better than a superbike’s and close to that of the K 1300 S. The handlebars are also positioned high enough to offer a fairly-upright riding position.
Being a boxer engine, there is little need to rev it out to the redline (although you could if you want to), but rather opt for the 125 N.m of torque and keep it in one higher gear than you might think appropriate, and you will be surprised at the acceleration it offers.
In the rural back roads of KwaZulu-Natal the RS felt solid through corners; it engendered total piece of mind. Obviously this is partly owing to the low centre of gravity afforded by the boxer engine layout.
Again, if I have to compare it to a car, it will be the BMW 650i Coupé of bikes. It is effortless in its fast-riding capability, with no oversensitive feel in the way it rides and handles.
Both these bikes also have a few options (especially in terms of electronics) and packages available, which can specified to each individual rider’s preferences.
Fast Facts*
Model: BMW S 1000 XR
Price: R212 045
Engine: 999 cm3, water-cooled, four cylinder
Power: 118 kW at 11 000 r/min
Torque: 112 N.m at 9 250 r/minSeat height: 840 mm (can be changed)
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Weight (fully fueled): 228 kg
Fuel consumption at 120 km/h: 5,8 L/100 km
0-100 km/h: 3,1 seconds
Top speed: >200 km/h (we’ve heard rumours of 265 km/h)
Model: BMW R 1200 RS
Price: R173 750 (Style 1), R176 250 (Style 2)
Engine: 1 170 cm3, air/liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder boxer
Power: 92 kW at 7 750 r/min
Torque: 125 N.m at 6 500 r/min
Seat height: 820 mm (can be changed)
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Weight (fully fueled): 236 kg
Fuel consumption at 120 km/h: 5,5 L/100 km
0-100 km/h: 3,3 seconds
Top speed: >200 km/h
