When BMW bestows its M badge onto a vehicle, you know it is going to be something that’s a little magical, a tiny bit mad and fairly majestic. That pretty much sums up the 2024 BMW M 1000 XR Competition.
The third bike to receive the M treatment from the crazy Bavarians, alongside the M 1000 R and M 1000 RR, it takes the already capable S 1000 XR and trades some of its practicality for speed, agility and performance.
It’s lighter in M trim (223kg) and offers up 148kW of power at the twist of the right wrist. Its soul comes in the form of a 999cc oil and water cooled 4-strok in-line 4-cylinder engine that responds epically well the more enthusiastically you ride it.
For those that have ridden the standard S 1000 XR, you’ll know that lack of power has never been an issue, but the M version simply dishes out more of it, without compromise. It does so in symphony with an Akrapovič exhaust that is simply orchestral.
The most character defining part of the package though is in the way it makes you feel like you’re always in control, no matter how quick you’re going. With a claimed top speed of 275km/h, the M 1000 XR will dare you to see how brave you are (on track of course).
A comprehensive suite of rider aids that will elevate your perceived ability is a real feature too, with launch, dynamic traction and brake control, Shift Assist Pro, wheelie control, dynamic damping control and ABS Pro.
Rain, Road, Dynamic and Racing Pro 1-3 are available for the rider to select, with each available on the fly. Throttle output and suspension settings change depending on which option you choose.
But it’s the handling and braking that separate this machine from the also rans. Gently squeezing the front brake lever offers excellent feel and an abrupt, instantaneous response. It’s not overly sensitive though, allowing the rider to trail brake into corners.
That all comes thanks to twin 320mm discs and a four-piston calliper up front, and a single 220mm disc and single piston calliper at the rear. BMW cornering ABS features on both. Performance-oriented suspension kicks of with a 45mm telescopic fork.
Offering a firm ride – an advantage when pushing hard through corners – it features electronically adjustable preload, compression and rebound, as well as 138mm of travel. The rear suspension features a mono-shock.
It too comes with electronically adjustable preload, compression and rebound, and identical travel. For the first time on a bike in this category, BMW has fitted front winglets to assist with delivering 11.4kg of additional downforce at 220km/h.
There’s carbon fibre as far as the eye can see, including in the forged wheels, making for an aggressive overall look. The command centre for information remains unchanged from its less wild sibling, with a crystal clear 6.5-inch TFT display providing all the vital stats.
There are touring niceties too, such as heated grips and cruise control to go with the blistering performance. Ducati’s Multistrada performance pairing of the Pikes Peak and V4 RS are its main competitors, and all three raise the sports touring category bar.
Priced from $47,192 ride away, the M 1000 XR is significantly cheaper than its Italian rivals, and is backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Not every bike is perfect though, and the 850mm seat height will intimidate vertically challenged riders.
It’s also not compatible with BMW’s top box and hard panniers, which detracts from any potential long distance touring capability. Overall though, the 2024 BMW M 1000 XR offers excellent performance in a hero bike that deserves its reputation.
You can find out more about the 2024 BMW M 1000 XR Competition by visiting the BMW Motorrad Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by BMW Motorrad Australia for independent review purposes.
