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2021 BMW S 1000XR Overview
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR is a sport motorcycle built around 999 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. 2021 BMW S 1000XR delivers 121 kW @ 11000 rpm of peak power and 114 Nm @ 9250 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 200 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2021 S 1000XR tips the scales at 226 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 840 mm and spans a 1522 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2021 BMW S 1000XR spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2021 S 1000XR - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2021 BMW S 1000XR makes 121 kW @ 11000 rpm with 114 Nm @ 9250 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Large fuel range: The 20-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 840 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2021 BMW S 1000XR is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Low-speed confidence
At 226 kg, the S 1000XR is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
S 1000XR - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2021 BMW S 1000XR, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained S 1000XR should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any S 1000XR. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The S 1000XR's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used S 1000XR. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2021 BMW S 1000XR - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 BMW S 1000XR have?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR uses an In-line four, four-stroke engine with 999 cc of displacement. It is liquid/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2021 BMW S 1000XR?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR has a factory-quoted top speed of 200 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2021 BMW S 1000XR weigh?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR weighs 226 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2021 BMW S 1000XR make?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR produces 121 kW @ 11000 rpm of power and 114 Nm @ 9250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2021 BMW S 1000XR?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.
Is the 2021 BMW S 1000XR suitable for shorter riders?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR has a seat height of 840 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2021 BMW S 1000XR have?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR uses 2x 320mm floating discs, radial four-piston fixed calipers at the front and Single 265mm disc brake, twin-piston floating caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2021 BMW S 1000XR use?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR runs 120/70 ZR 17 front and 190/55 ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2021 BMW S 1000XR have?
The 2021 BMW S 1000XR is fitted with a Six-speed synchromesh gearbox with spur gears transmission.
BMW S 1000XR Spec Evolution
The BMW S 1000XR was produced across 10 model years (2015-2024). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
| Max Power |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm |
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126.8 kW / 170 hp @ 11000 rpm |
| Wet Weight |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
228 kg / 502.6 lbs |
226 kg / 498 lbs |
226 kg / 498 lbs |
226 kg / 498 lbs |
223.6 kg / 493.0 lbs |
227 kg / 498 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
178 kg / 392.4 lbs |
178 kg / 392.4 lbs |
178 kg / 392.4 lbs |
178 kg / 392.4 lbs |
178 kg / 392.4 lbs |
205 kg / 451.9 lbs |
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| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2 |
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Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Seat Height |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.1 in |
840 mm / 33.0 in |
840 mm / 33.0 in - 790 mm / 31.1 with optional lowered suspension |
840 mm / 33.0 in - 790 mm / 31.1 with optional lowered suspension |
790 mm / 31.1 in. |
850 mm / 33.5 in - 790 mm / 31.1 with optional lowered suspension |
| Fuel Capacity |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons |
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal |
| Comments |
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Small windscreen. Switchable ABS. |
Small windscreen. Switchable ABS. |
Small windscreen. Automatic Stability Control. |
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Riding Modes Pro (incl. HSC Pro, MSR, ABS Pro and DTC). Integrated Pannier Holders. |
Riding Modes Pro (incl. HSC Pro, MSR, ABS Pro and DTC). Integrated Pannier Holders. |
Riding Modes Pro (incl. HSC Pro, MSR, ABS Pro and DTC). Integrated Pannier Holders. |
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| CO2 |
125.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
125.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
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155.4 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
155.4 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
143.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
147.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
147.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
147.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
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Key Specifications
Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm
Torque
114 Nm / 84 lb-ft @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal
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Full 2021 BMW S 1000XR Specifications
Comments
Riding Modes Pro (incl. HSC Pro, MSR, ABS Pro and DTC). Integrated Pannier Holders.
Year
2021
Colours
Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red, Racing Red/White Aluminum, Ice Grey
Make Model
BMW S 1000XR
Storage
Storage compartment underneath seat
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
838 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
33.0 inches
Seat Height
840 mm / 33.0 in - 790 mm / 31.1 with optional lowered suspension
Wheelbase
1522 mm / 59.9 in
Height
411 mm / 55.5 in
Length
2333 mm / 91.8 in
Width
917 mm / 36.1
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal
Wet Weight
226 kg / 498 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
In-line four, four-stroke
CO2
147.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement
999 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic Injection
Bore x Stroke
80 x 49.7 mm
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid/oil cooled
Emissions
Regulated three-way catalytic converter - EURO5
Engine Management
Electronic intake pipe injection
Fuel Consumption
6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Lubrication
Wet sump
Mixture Control
Electronic injection, throttle valve 48 mm
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Multiplate clutch in oil bath, slipper clutch, self-reinforcing
Final Drive
Chain drive, 17/45
Gear Ratios
1st 2.647 2nd 2.091 3rd 1.727 4th. 1.476 5th 1.304 lth. 1.167
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Chain 17/45
Primary Drive Ratios
1.652
Transmission / Drive
Six-speed synchromesh gearbox with spur gears
Frame Type
Aluminum composite bridge frame, partially self-supporting engine
Suspension - Front
45mm Upside-down telescopic fork electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA)
Suspension - Rear
Aluminium double-sided swing-arm, central spring strut, electronic preload adjuster, electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping (Dynamic ESA)
Rake
24.9°
Steering Head Angle
65.1°
Trail
116 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front
150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
150 mm / 5.9 in
Traction control
BMW Motorrad DTC
Lighting system
LED lights
Brakes - Front
2x 320mm floating discs, radial four-piston fixed calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 265mm disc brake, twin-piston floating caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad Race ABS, partially integral
Rims
Cast Aluminium
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear
6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear
190/55 ZR 17
Wheels
Cast aluminum wheels
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