As on the other models in the “M” range, the electronics of the M 1000 XR are the most advanced that can be found on a BMW motorcycle. Many of the electronic rider support systems that come as standard are coordinated by the riding modes. There are seven of them: Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, Race Pro 1, Race Pro 2, Race Pro 3. The first four define a character that is more attentive to safety or sport and are designed for road use. The last three offer a more detailed possibility of customization and are designed for track use. For example, the first four riding modes set a certain level of traction control intervention, which cannot be changed: immediate in Rain, permissive in Race, with intermediate steps in Road and Dynamic.
Using the “Race Pro”, the TC can be adjusted directly from the keypad on 15 levels of intervention (+ off). The same goes for the wheelie control setting and all the other systems: they have a fixed and more or less sporty setting with the road driving modes and are adjustable (in your case, on three levels + off) with the “racing” ones.
The calibration of the semi-active suspensions therefore follows the same logic. The Rain and Road riding modes are combined with a relatively comfortable set-up (starting: remember that the semi-active logic provides for continuous adjustment of the calibration while riding). The Dynamic mode provides a more precise setting. Race offers great precision. The Race Pro 1-3 allow you to customize the hydraulic braking (starting) in a range of 10 steps. All riding modes provide the “rider only” or “rider plus passenger” setting for the suspensions, which involves a different hydraulic calibration.
The throttle response has three levels of readiness: gentle, intermediate, direct. You can also decide whether to limit the torque in the first three gears or have it available in full. The engine brake can be adjusted to three levels of intensity. There is a launch assist, a speed limiter and hill hold control, which automatically manages the brakes in the event of a hill start, thus preventing the bike from rolling backwards. The ABS, like many other systems, uses the presence of a six-axis inertial platform – it is therefore of the cornering type. It also has a pre-established operation with the road riding modes (very attentive in Rain, focused on performance in Race, and so on) and offers five levels of intervention with the Race Pro, many of which include a more or less intense automatic activation of the rear brake when using the front. On the “M” we also find the “brake slide assist” function, available only with ABS level 2. This setting allows you to perform controlled drifts when entering a curve. The rider must activate the rear brake vigorously; the electronics, by controlling the engine brake and the pressure in the braking system, and with the support of the information from the inertial platform, ensure that the rear end does not drift beyond a certain angle (an angle that also depends on how much it is leaning). The “electronic” equipment offered as standard is completed by tire pressure sensors, heated grips and cruise control.
