BMW Motorrad unveils the 2021 S 1000 R

The BMW S 1000 R has always been one of the best super-nakeds one could buy, ever since its launch back in 2014. The S 1000 R has had a balance of raw power and advanced electronics and riding aids. But BMW didn’t really throw any major updates its way since its launch and the S 1000 R was beginning to look a little dated among the new crop of super-nakeds. Enter the 2021 S 1000 R. For 2021, the bike has received a host of new updates and changes and receives most of its underpinning from the new S 1000 RR.

Powertrain

The in-line four engine on this ‘Dynamic Roadster’, as BMW likes to call it, has been lifted off of the new S 1000 RR. However, for the S 1000 R, the 999cc engine is in a different state of tune and also doesn’t get the VVT or as BMW calls it ‘Shiftcam’ tech found in the RR’s engine. BMW haven’t tried to cross the mental 200bhp ceiling and have decided to keep it at a more sober 162 bhp, which comes in at 11,000rpm, and the 114Nm of torque kicks in at 9250rpm. The engine is more focused on the mid-range with a smoother, more linear power delivery to ensure better real-world usability, as opposed to the S 1000 RR’s track-focused appeal. Apart from that, to get a better balance of efficiency and hassle-free cruising from the S 1000 R, BMW has made the gear ratios for the fourth, fifth and sixth cog taller. The exhaust system has also been redesigned and made lighter. Of course, the whole package is now Euro 5 compliant too.

Chassis

Weight reduction has been a key focus for BMW while making the S 1000 R and that is why they’ve given a new frame. The new frame, and underslung swingarm, are closely related to the ones on the new RR. The frame, called ‘Flex Frame’ and the engine play a load-bearing role in the entire assembly. This allowed the engineers to make the bike narrower, which in turn should make it easier for the rider to grip the bike between their legs while allowing for more freedom of movement. The S 1000 R also comes with adjustable handle bars as standard allowing for 0mm/+10mm front adjustment. There are also 10mm handlebar risers available as optional extras to improve the ergonomics for riders.

The suspension on the front and rear have been developed in tandem with the ‘Flex Frame’ to improve grip and handling. All these updates have resulted in a dry weight of 199kg, 5kg less than the outgoing model.

Electronics

The S 1000 R gets an all new electronics package that revolves around a new six-axis IMU. As standard, the bike receives three riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro. The bike has a new LED headlamp and integrated brake light system. There’s also the new 6.5-inch TFT display that we’ve seen on S 1000 RR. Optional extras include the ‘Riding Modes Pro’ with the ‘Dynamic Pro’ setting, Dynamic Brake Control, engine drag control, engine brake and power wheelie control. The extras also include additional display modes for the TFT and headlight features like adaptive turning light and DRL’s.

BMW will also provide a bunch of accessories as optional extras under the M package, the carbon package and the milled parts package ex works. In terms of colour options, there is the standard non-metallic racing red, the style sport and the M package.

Pricing and Availability:

The S 1000 R should make it to Indian shores soon and we expect It to be priced a fair bit less than the S 1000 RR, around Rs 16.5-17 lakh ex-showroom. Do you think the more sensible S1000 R has what it takes to take the fight to the more manic Ducati Streetfighter V4, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, Kawasaki Z H2 and the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory? Only time will tell.