Designed as a long distance sports bike to meet the demands of riding on country roads, on extended journeys and the race track, BMW has revealed the third performance bike of its anniversary year, the M 1000 XR (M XR) prototype.
The M 1000 XR prototype is a preview of a super sports motorcycle that masters the disciplines: country road, long-distance riding and racetrack use with equal aplomb at a level of performance previously unknown in this segment.
Not set to officially launch until later this year, the M 1000 XR is based on the current S 1000 XR, S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR. It features an in-line four-cylinder engine with BMW ShiftCam technology and low weight, to deliver the highest performance in the segment.
It’s the same engine found in the S 1000 RR, and offers 147kW of power, with the bike delivering a kerb weight of just 223kg fully fuelled. The chassis technology, aerodynamics and control electronics have been developed to meet the brief of this unique model.
The new M XR opens up dynamic riding dimensions as a crossover bike in the sports motorbike segment previously reserved for purebred superbikes. Further weight reduction and even increased riding dynamics can also be achieved with the M Competition Package.
The top speed of the M XR prototype is around 280km/h. In addition to drive and suspension technology, new aerodynamics were also developed for the M XR prototype, with M winglets featured for super riding stability.
Providing maximum downforce, especially when accelerating and at high speeds, the additional wheel load on the front wheel counteracts the wheelie tendency during acceleration, ensuring the traction control system has to regulate less.
As a consequnce, there’s more drive power converted into acceleration and the rider achieves a faster lap time. The specifically front-wheel-oriented seating position ensures better bike control as well, especially in super sport mode.
M brakes with radial hand brake pump for optimum braking performance in race track and performance mode also feature, and like the M RR and the M R, the new M XR features the M brake.
It was developed directly using the experience gained with the racing brakes on BMW Motorrad factory racing machines in the Superbike World Championship. The M brake callipers feature a blue anodised coating in conjunction with the famous M logo.
BMW Motorrad will publish further information on the new BMW M 1000 XR in the second half of 2023. Australian specifications are expected to be released at that time.
