BMW S 1000 XR versus Honda VFR1200 F

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 XR

Crossover
Honda

Honda VFR1200 F

Sporttourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2015 bis 2024~
Built von 2009 bis 2016
RRP 19.690 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • Seating position fits small and big people
  • High-revving motor
  • Strong brakes
  • Very good standard equipment
Pros:
  • Extremely good brakes
  • Drives like an Intercity
  • Touring-ready
  • good pillion comfort
  • beefy engine
Cons:
  • You just always want to step on the gas
Cons:
  • Traction control only from 2012
  • heavy machine, nothing for beginners
  • Torque weakness up to 3,500 rpm

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.541 mm
Length :
2.156 mm Height : 1.460 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
227 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length :
2.250 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat :
815 mm
Weight :
267 kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Four-cylinder four-stroke V-engine 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.237 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 81 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Performance: 170 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
323 km
Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Performance: 173 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 129 NM bei 8.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork with 43 mm tube diameter (travel 109 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyres: 190/55-ZR17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake front with six-piston fixed calipers, floating brake discs ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake rear with double piston caliper ( 276 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Man, we had fun with the XR! The standard electronically adjustable ESA suspension really irons everything smoothly and yet this bike still gives you the necessary feedback about the road condition for sporty driving. That's the biggest difference between XR and GS: The XR is always sporty on the road, even if the 4-cylinder can purr at least theoretically like a kitten, that's not what you want as a driver! Better to throttle and loseprint like a cheetah. GS on the other hand: Rather quiet as a lion.
 
Whether the sportiness of the XR has a lasting effect or rather annoys, every driver has to decide for himself. What is clear, however, is that it travels more pleasantly on a GS, because you drive rather relaxed and there is no constant driving jerking or chain care.

The test motorcycle was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne Pinneberg. There she stands as a guide and is happy about every test driver.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 17.000€
  • Used (1 year old): 15,000€
  • Availability: since 2020
  • Colours: red, silver, colorful

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Honda VFR 1200 F is one of the most beautiful motorcycles for me. She's no less than a design icon and there's no motorcycle that looks like it. Admittedly, design is a matter of taste, but at least the VFR shouldn't leave anyone cold. Their appearance arouses emotions and that's exactly what motorcycles should do, right?

The VFR is certainly not a beginner's motorcycle, but it has far too much power and is too heavy. But if you already have motorcycle experience and stand on big ships, you will be thrilled by the absolutely sovereign idea that the VFR delivers on motorways and country roads. If you are looking for a small, agile motorcycle for the city, you probably won't have read this test article until this one anyway. ;-)

The test motorcycle was kindly provided by Motorrad Ruser.
 

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15.000€
  • Used (10 years old): 7.500€
  • Years built: 2010-2016
  • Colours: red, white, silver