While all eyes were on the news of the launch of the new R1300GS, BMW’s quietly revealed some serious changes to its long-legged sport-tourer.
Powered by the same S1000RR-derived 999cc four-cylinder engine as the previous generation, it’d be easy to assume that performance is pretty much the same. But revised intakes and fresh mapping have actually managed to give it a marginal boost in power.
BMW’s also made the effort to improve rider comfort, with revised ergonomics as a result of a completely redesigned seat which offers an additional 10mm of seat height to help make a little more room for your legs. Don’t worry if 850mm’s a little too steep though, as there’re three seat height options to choose from.
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There are a few more changes, including a redesigned handlebar clamp; a revised rear shock; some funky styling updates and cornering headlights; daytime running lights; a keyless ignition; and a USB charging as standard.
Start at £16,790 for the standard, and climbing to £18,340 for the TE, the XR’s not a cheap option – but there’s little doubt it’s a seriously capable bit of kit that plenty of punters will be interested in when it arrives in the UK in the spring.
