Originally Posted by
JerryG
I have 23,970 miles on my 2021 S1000XR; my answers to your questions are below...
Q: I'm under the impression the vibration in the early models was mostly resolved, was it the 2019 or 2020 model?
A: After test riding the Gen1 XR, I refused to buy it because the vibration was horrible compared to my K1300GT; after test riding the Gen2, I bought one. I immediately replaced the stock bar ends with Evotech Handlebar End Weights to further minimize vibrations. After putting more than 15,000 miles on it, during a 7,000 mile trip to Great Falls, I realized I wasn't feeling any significant vibration. I also noticed that I could feel lots of vibration when I moved my hands from the handlebars to the handlebar mounted mirrors, but almost no vibration when I kept my hands on the grips.
Q: I understand it's an upright position, is that without the risers added? And if not with risers, have you found them to still be beneficial to riding comfort?
A: Yes, it's an upright position. I tried various handlebar positions on the XR, forward more, backward more, and up more; my final configuration uses 2" Roxx risers at a 45 degree angle so they both rise and setback. I find it very comfortable, but there is a tendency that my butt slides forward in the seat over time. I'm still working on seat shape solutions for that.
Q: Chain driven, been a LONG time since I've owned one, any issues with chains and sprockets on this model?
A: I have over 70,000 miles on S1000 bikes at this point; two RRs and one XR. My XR came with the M Endurance Chain; going forward, I won't own a chain bike without an M Endurance Chain. You do not lube it except as directed by the owner's manual: When it gets dirty, salty, etc., then you clean and lube it; and you lube it at each regular service interval (6K, 12K, etc.). Check the slack regularly, but other than adjustments during tire changes, I haven't needed to do a chain adjustment until I hit 23,879 miles. Four different dealers have checked my chain and found it to still be in spec.
Q: Any of the years have recalls to watch for having been performed when buying?
A: I have a 2021 model year; the only recall has been the front brake calipers because some of them leaked.
Q: How hard is it to fit aftermarket panniers, what company choices does one have?
A: I use BMW's bags because no one else uses BMW's very clean mounting system. It's a frameless mounting system very much like I had on my K1300GT; three mounting points that are very stealthy when the bags are off.
Q: Best year/s for the s1000XR? [ less reported issues ]
A: Strongly recommend Gen2 (2020 to current) over Gen1 (thru 2019). I've only had one issue so far; one of my XR's front rotors developed brake pulsations from a warped rotor; later, both of my XR's front rotors developed brake pulsations from rotor thickness variation. The warped rotor was not covered by warranty because it's considered a wear item and I had 15,000 miles on at the time. I'm still discussing the thickness variation issue with BMW; my dealer has discussed it with the rep and said she will call me.
Hope this helps. Jerry
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