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2021 BMW S 1000XR Overview
For 2021, BMW offers the S 1000XR as a sport motorcycle with 999 cc on tap. The 2021 BMW S 1000XR is built around an In-line four, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Out on the road, the S 1000XR delivers 121 kW @ 11000 rpm of peak power and 114 Nm @ 9250 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 200 km/h. In everyday use, 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. That's roughly 23.3 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2021 BMW S 1000XR spec sheet below.
2021 S 1000XR - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the S 1000XR is 121 kW @ 11000 rpm and 114 Nm @ 9250 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With a 20-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 840 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid/oil cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the S 1000XR comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the S 1000XR's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2x 320mm floating discs, radial four-piston fixed calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 45mm Upside-down telescopic fork electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping up front and Aluminium double-sided swing-arm, central spring strut, electronic preload adjuster, electronic self-adjusting rebound/compression damping at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the S 1000XR means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Aluminum composite bridge frame, partially self-supporting engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The S 1000XR's 226 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
S 1000XR - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2021 BMW S 1000XR should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept S 1000XR settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a S 1000XR's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the S 1000XR's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a S 1000XR's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
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
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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