Launched in 2014, the BMW S 1000 R is the light fairing version of the explosive S 1000 RR of the Germans and, after its last update in 2017, it has remained unchanged. The competition has been going strong in the segment of the most powerful naked , so it is very important to keep up to date so as not to lose rope in a segment that is very popular today. Now the S 1000 R is presented with a new aesthetic accompanied by power and technology in abundance.
Keeping the core of the S 1000 RR always in mind, the BMW Motorrad designers put more emphasis on the design style they call ‘tail up – nose down’ to convey an even more striking and modern aesthetic . On its front we now see a new design for the headlight, in my opinion undoubtedly much more attractive and elegant and than the previous one, it includes LED technology with optimized low beam and high beam, while the LED technology also reaches the rear light already the turn signals. Optionally, to improve safety in night driving conditions, we can incorporate adaptive turning light by adding other LED modules to the headlight itself.
From the driving position we will also find novelties focused on its instrumentation, inherited from the S 1000 RR the new S 1000 R adopts a 6.5-inch TFT screen that will guarantee us improved readability and visualization, especially in those moments where the sun and make it difficult for us to read the different parameters that are displayed. We can precisely customize the screen among the different available, being able to have the usual indicators for when we carry out a normal driving on the road or we can choose another more “racing”, which will show us parameters such as the angle of inclination, deceleration or traction control , in addition to having an interface to connect our smartphones via Bluetooth it will even allow you to view navigation directions. Optionally, equipping the M pack, a third screen is added that will include a display bar and chronometer for laps on the circuit.
Mechanically, the BMW S 1000 R remains a direct derivation of the S 1000 RR, which will ensure sportiness and fun on any road or circuit. It uses the same in-line four-cylinder engine but slightly decaffeinated up to 165 hp along with a torque of 114 Nm. For this evolution, emphasis has been placed on improving the range of revolutions to provide a much more linear torque curve and reduce noise and consumption, so that for cruising speeds on roads with wide curves we will have a 4th, 5th and 6th with longer exchange rates. Furthermore, the anti-rebound with self-reinforcement has been improved to make the clutch smoother And, equipped for the first time on this bike, dynamic engine brake control is included as an extra, which prevents the rear wheel from skidding in the event of sudden acceleration or downshifting.
All this power of the BMW S 1000 R we can ensure that we will keep it under control thanks to the technology it incorporates and that, even as standard, we will have DTC Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro with lean angle optimization and three modes driving “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic”, as well as “Dynamic Pro” mode that will allow us to configure a large number of motorcycle options. With the « Riding Modes Pro » function we will have the engine brake function with the dynamic control of the engine brake and the «Horse» function and the Dynamic Brake Control, which in case of emergency braking will help us to maintain the motorcycle under control.
Once again the S 1000 RR remains the main benchmark of the S 1000 R and will improve its dynamic behavior not only by reducing the weight of 5 kg for this new model partly thanks to the chassis that has reduced its weight, but also by the completely new frame called Flex Frame also lighter and with a narrower design that allows to reduce the width of the motorcycle, especially in the knee area, which translates into a more relaxed ride and with greater freedom of movement, something that It also relies on the possibility of adjusting the handlebar in two positions. The swingarm follows the same design line as the S 1000 RR, together with a monoshock with Full Floater Pro link system. which is located in a position further away from the pivot axis and the motor, thus increasing the grip and allowing more adequate tire wear.