BMW S 1000 XR Gen 3 (2020+) Maintenance Schedule

This is the complete maintenance schedule for the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR, released in late 2019 (see official press release) for the 2020 model year. It’s also known informally as the “S1000XR” (i.e. with no spaces).

The 2020 model of the BMW S 1000 R was a significant update over its predecessor, with a lot of tech (like ABS Pro) becoming standard, and a nice TFT display taking over duty from the white tachometer + LCD of its predecessor (which may preferred, but life goes on), the 2017-2019 BMW S 1000 XR.

But the basic concept of the BMW S 1000 XR is the same — an adventure sport motorcycle, a long distance touring-capable bike that at its heart is a sport bike, able to take on twisting roads with the best of them.

The core of the BMW S 1000 XR is a re-tuned version of the engine from the latest BMW S 1000 RR. In this S 1000 XR, the 999 cc inline-four engine makes peak power of 121 kW (165 hp) at 11000 rpm, with maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9250 rpm. This is the same spec as in the XR’s contemporary, the S 1000 R.

This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!

Service Intervals for the BMW S 1000 XR Gen 3

Like the Gen 1 and Gen 2, the Gen 3 BMW S 1000 XR has 6 000 mile / 10 000 km / annual service intervals.

At every annual service interval, do the standard annual service (the BMW service “Standard Scope” — this means a lot of checks for leaks, smooth operation of moving parts, and correct fluid levels, as well as functioning safety equipment (brakes, lights, etc.).

At every service (either at the distance or time interval), change the oil and filter.

Every 18 000 miles or 30 000 km, do a major service on your S 1000 XR, including replacing the spark plugs, checking the valve clearances, checking engine timing, and changing the fork oil.

Also make sure you keep the brake fluid fresh — it should be replaced at least every two years, or more often if you use your S 1000 XR aggressively.

What you need to service the BMW S 1000 XR — Consumables and Special Tools

For the BMW S 1000 XR, the manual recommends the following specific consumables.

Consider whether you also need any motorcycle maintenance tools — things like an oil catch pan, a paddock stand, and so on.

Part	BMW S 1000 XR spec (2020+)
Engine oil	Per the manual for all S bikes, 3.5L of SAE 5W-40, API SJ/JASO MA2. Additives (for instance, molybdenum-based substances) are prohibited, because they would attack the coatings on engine components, BMW Motorrad recommends BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate 5W-40 oil.
Oil filter	All BMW S bikes use a BMW/Mahle oil filter, part number 11 42 7 721 779. Available from Amazon. You can also use a Hiflofiltro HF160RC as a drop-in replacement that you can tighten or remove with a normal wrench.
Engine coolant	BMW recommends BMW Antifreeze/Coolant, with minimum 50% mixed with pure demineralised (not tap, not mineral) water. It’s based on ethylene glycol. But importantly, BMW says to never use coolants with nitrites or amines, those that “heal” the radiator, or a number of other solutions.
Spark plugs	NGK LMAR9FI-10G. This is what the manual requires (and note it’s a different spark plug than on earlier generations). It’s a little hard to find online.
Air filter	You can get the stock air filter, but riders love the maintenance-free Sprint P08 air filter for the BMW S 1000 XR (Part number PM93S).
Brake pads	Use the standard brake pads by Brembo, which you can order from your dealer. Or use EBC double hardened brake pads, a double set of FA724HH for the front, and FA363HH for the rear. (Note — these brake pads are different than those on earlier models)

BMW S 1000 XR Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW S 1000 XR as per the manual on page 208, but made more clear so that you can understand what needs to happen more easily, and without all the repetition (it’s the same every 30000 km/18000 mi).

Simplified, the maintenance for the BMW S 1000 XR involves:

• A standard service every 12 months (irrespective of distance)
• Oil change every 10,000 kms or 12 months, whichever is earlier, and
• Changing the brake fluid every 1-2 years
• A series of other periodic checks
• Valve service intervals of 30000 km/18000 mi, at which point you check the timing and change the spark plugs.

km x 1000	0.5-1.2	10	20	30	40	50	60
mi x 1000	0.3-0.75	6	12	18	24	30	36	Every
BMW Running-in check	X
BMW Service standard scope (see below)								Year
Change engine oil and filter (BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate 5W-40 oil, BMW/Mahle oil filter, part number 11 42 7 721 779)	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	Year
Check valve clearances				X			X
Check valve timing				X			X
Replace spark plugs (NGK LMAR9FI-10G)				X			X
Replace air filter (Sprint air filter PM93S)		X	X	X	X	X	X
Oil change in the telescopic forks				X			X
Change brake fluid, entire system (Castrol DOT 4)								After 1 year, then every 2 years

BMW Motorrad Service, standard scope (BMW S 1000 XR 2020+)

The activities in the BMW Motorrad Service standard scope (that are to be done periodically according to the service schedule above) are listed below. The actual scope of maintenance work for your vehicle may differ.

[D] Some of the below tests, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require BMW-specific equipment.

• [D] Service service date and remaining system with the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
• [D] Perform vehicle test with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
• Visually inspect the brake pipes, brake hoses and connections
• Check the front brake pads and brake discs for wear
• Check the front wheel brake fluid level
• Check the rear brake pads and brake disc for wear
• Check the rear wheel brake fluid level
• Check the steering-head bearing
• Check coolant level
• Check clutch cable and clutch-lever play
• Check and lubricate the chain drive
• Check the inserts in the case carrier
• Check the tyre pressure and tread depth
• Check side stand for ease of movement
• Lubricate the side stand
• Check the lighting and signal system
• Functional check for engine starting suppression
• Final inspection and check for road safety
• Check charging state of battery
• [D] Confirm BMW service in on-board literature

From 2021, the BMW S 1000 XR became available with an M Endurance chain, a “low-maintenance” chain. See that article for how maintenance is lower for the BMW M Endurance Chain.

Chain Maintenance

If you have a standard chain, then you should periodically be checking the chain for lubrication state, sag, and wear.

Lubricate your chain with a high-quality lubricant, like Motul chain lubricant. Do this particularly after riding your XR in dusty or wet areas.

To check the chain sag (slack), put the motorcycle on its side stand, with no luggage, on a flat surface. Turn the rear wheel until the position with the lowest chain sag is reached.

Use a screwdriver to push the chain up and down, and a ruler to measure the total deflection of the chain.

Target chain slack for the S 1000 XR: 45-50 mm (1.8-2.0 inches)

If the chain slack is out of spec, you need to adjust it. To do so:

1. Loosen the axle nut.
2. Loosen the lock nuts on the left and right.
3. Adjust the chain tension screws on the left and right.
4. Make sure the indicator markings are the same on left and right, so the chain is balanced.
5. Keep checking chain tension
6. Tighten lock nuts to 19 Nm / 14 lb-ft
7. Tighten the axle nut to 125 Nm / 92 lb-ft

Re-check the tension once you’re done to make sure tightening didn’t knock it out of spec.

BMW S 1000 XR Tire size and pressures

The following are tire sizes and tire pressures for the BMW S 1000 XR.

BMW recommends these tire pressures/sizes for most of their sport bikes. Of course adjust the pressures according to conditions, your weight, and style of riding.

Wheel/Tire	Size	Pressure (cold)
Front	120/70 ZR 17 (58)	2.5 bar (36 psi)
Rear	190/55 ZR 17 (75)	2.9 bar (42 psi)

About the 2020+ BMW S 1000 XR

The BMW S 1000 XR from 2020 continues the legacy of the XR, which is basically a supersport bike with a mildly detuned engine, in an upright sport touring chassis.

The S 1000 XR is in a category of “adventure sport touring” motorcycles that has continually evolved, but has always meant

• Going long distances
• Going in comfort
• Going fast

And the S 1000 XR is undoubtedly fast. With a 121 kW / 162 bhp (165 PS) engine that revs willingly, the BMW S 1000 XR produces a wall of torque from near the beginning of its rev range all the way through to its redline.

The XR behaves like the single-R in that torque comes on lower. It’s not instant, like on a cruiser V-twin, but it spins up quickly and easily.

The engine hasn’t gone any significant redesigns since the launch of the BMW S 1000 XR in 2015. But the motorcycle has continuously become more refined, with more smoothness (less buzz anyway) and more features becoming standard.

From 2020, the notable features to become standard in the BMW S 1000 XR are

• A new suspension system featuring “Flex frame” with improved ergonomics
• Dynamic ESA as standard, with Dynamic ESA Pro (with damping modes) as an ex-works option
• ABS Pro — previously part of pro riding modes packages, or sport packages. This is BMW’s cornering ABS and DTC system that essentially makes sure you’re always pointing in the right direction and leaning the correct way.
• A TFT display — gone is the large white dial and LCD of previous generations, the BMW S 1000 XR now sports a TFT, like many other modern super tourers.
• Engine drag torque control MSR as standard
• LED lights

A quick shifter, cruise control, and luggage are all options.

Manual for the 2020+ BMW S 1000 XR

The above information was gleaned from the owner’s manual for the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR, consulting parts fiches for specific part numbers.

You can download the original manual from BMW’s website here.