s1000xr

How To: Android Auto 5.5 for Navigation & Entertainment on a BMW S1000XR

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

The BMW S1000XR includes a factory navigation quick-disconnect coupler that accepts a third-party smartphone mount, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPS unit. This article covers installing that mount on an S1000XR and running Android Auto 5.5 on a Motorola G6, including navigation, music, and voice control. With Android Auto 5.5, Waze became available alongside Google Maps as a supported navigation option, giving riders a meaningful choice between the two platforms. Continue reading How To: Android Auto 5.5 for Navigation & Entertainment on a BMW S1000XR

How To: Lowering Your BMW S1000XR

Jerry SkeneMotorcycles

The BMW S1000XR ships from the factory with a seat height that leaves even a 190 cm rider stretching to reach the ground at stops. Jerry Skene’s guide covers the complete process of lowering the bike 2.5 cm using Soupy’s Performance adjustable turnbuckle kit, including rear dogbone replacement and matched front fork adjustment. The procedure also requires re-examining kickstand angle after the drop is complete. Continue reading How To: Lowering Your BMW S1000XR

How To: BMW S1000XR Horn Upgrade

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

The BMW S1000XR’s engine compartment is tight enough that the standard single-unit Denali horn will not fit, requiring the two-piece Split Dual-tone version instead. This guide walks through the complete parts list and the installation process, covering fairing removal, bracket mounting, air-hose routing, and wiring. I also address the challenge of routing the air hose away from engine heat. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR Horn Upgrade

How To: BMW S1000XR LED Lighting Upgrades

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

I replaced the stock incandescent headlights on my 2016 BMW S1000XR with brighter, longer-lasting LED bulbs. This how-to covers the full swap: headlights, parking lights, and turn signals, with step-by-step instructions and photos. The trickiest part of the job is managing the LAMP FAIL warning that most aftermarket LED bulbs trigger, and the article explains how to avoid it. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR LED Lighting Upgrades

How To: BMW S1000XR Farkles

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

“Farkle” blends “function” and “sparkle”, a term motorcycle riders use for aftermarket accessories that add performance, comfort, or safety. Here, I cover a curated set of farkles for the S1000XR, with installation notes for each. My guiding rule is to prioritize upgrades that carry over to a replacement bike, which shapes some counterintuitive recommendations against stock BMW options. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR Farkles

2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead

Mike ConnellyMotorcycles

The BMW K1300S sits taller than most sports bikes, yet its stock geometry places the handlebars too low and the foot pegs too high for the tall riders it attracts. This article covers specific aftermarket fixes: Helibar risers, Knight Design lowered foot pegs, a Verholen gear shift extender, and a custom brake lever solution. The brake lever modification, improvised after a Verholen unit fell off on the interstate, is where the real-world problem-solving gets interesting. Continue reading 2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead

How To: Using a Smartphone for a Better Navigation System for Motorcycles

Mike ConnellyConnected Home, Motorcycles

Dedicated motorcycle GPS units cost roughly twice what a capable waterproof Android phone does, yet deliver a fraction of the performance. This article covers a complete motorcycle navigation build using a budget Android phone, including custom mounting, BMW power wiring, and a head-to-head comparison of navigation apps. The performance gap between the two setups is wider than the price gap. Continue reading How To: Using a Smartphone for a Better Navigation System for Motorcycles