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Mar 24, 2023

Leaked Images Of 2024 BMW M 1000 XR Reveal Saucy Details [Photos Inside]

It will produce over 200 horsepower, thanks to its M 1000 R-derived engine A few

It will produce over 200 horsepower, thanks to its M 1000 R-derived engine

A few days ago, we explained how the M 1000 XR makes complete sense as BMW's next M-badged motorcycle. Little did we know, the argument was so compelling, even the Bavarian brand would jump aboard it in a jiffy. Jokes aside, BMW Motorrad has confirmed the arrival of the M 1000 XR via a self-explanatory teaser posted across its social media handles. It shows a graphic silhouette of the S 1000 XR, alongside the company's iconic ‘///M’ logo below the tank.

But the bigger news comes right from the Isle Of Man TT where BMW rider Peter Hickman has been spotted putting the new XR through its paces. The leaked images show the production-ready version of the upcoming sports tourer, and here are all the juicy details you ought to know.

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All M-badged motorcycles boast aerodynamic wings, and it’d be pretty unfair if the new XR didn't follow the trend. Accordingly, the leaked images reveal a gigantic aero package. The three-segment wings are housed on the radiator shrouds and look nothing like the aero on the M 1000 RR or the M 1000 R. Heck, we’ll even say these are the biggest wings we’ve seen on a two-wheeled Beemer yet. In addition, it also has aerodynamic spoilers right where the new two-piece seat separates.

Besides this, the M 1000 XR flexes truckloads of carbon fiber. The upper side fairings, fenders, and even the panels around the instrument cluster are all carved from this expensive material, in addition to the wheels. However, some of these carbon bits won't be standard equipment since the company sells the wheels and fenders separately under its ‘M Competition’ package. So the ‘base’ M XR will ride on forged aluminum wheels, minus the tricolor rim stickers.

As for design, the new sports tourer is seen here with BMW's Triple Black livery. Though not too different from the standard S 1000 XR, key differences like the ‘M’ graphic under the tank, sleek bar-end mirrors, blue calipers, and blue monoshock make its special nature evident. Expect a white-red-blue livery to be on offer as well.

Like its aesthetics, the new XR takes inspiration from the current M models from a mechanical POV. The engine cases are identical to the M 1000 R, which leads us to believe the new motorcycle will produce upwards of 200 horsepower from the 999cc, inline-four engine. This will be a near-40 horsepower bump over the S 1000 XR, enough to make it the most powerful sports tourer out there (yes, even more than the supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX). Plus, the new XR flexes an Akrapovic exhaust and Shift Cam to elevate the riding experience further.

Since that's a serious gain, it's a no-brainer to expect an improved electronics package along with it. A bi-directional quickshifter, BMW's Pro Riding modes, wheelie control, slide control, and engine brake control are our top picks, while the bikemaker might skip the pit lane limiter and launch control here. All this will be accessible via BMW's staple 6.5-inch TFT instrument cluster.

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Besides all this, the new XR appears to ride on Marzocchi 45 mm upside-down forks and a monoshock, both electronically adjustable. These look the same as the M-badged streetfighter, so expect them to feature Dynamic Damping Control as standard. Another noteworthy detail is the trifecta of ‘M’ calipers that offer more stopping power than the units on the S XR. These, together with the reworked ergonomics (for a sportier riding triangle), will make the M XR perfect for the twisties, or even the racetrack. We can also spot plenty of billet aluminum parts–adjustable rear sets, hand, and foot levers–but these will be separate accessories, just like the carbon wheels.

Like what you see? Well, then we suggest you set a reminder for five o’clock (EST) on June 6, 2023. That's when BMW will take the wraps off the M 1000 XR and reveal its full details, along with the MSRP. Speaking of which, we expect it to cost a few thousand dollars more than the $21,345 M 1000 R, say around $26,000. At this price, the M XR will undercut its arch-rivals–the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX–by roughly $5,000 and $2,000, respectively. It will still cost a sizable amount more than the $19,799 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, but hey, one might argue Team Orange's offering isn't as fancy.

Punya is an avid motorcyclist who's always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he's worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.