In 2014, a new super naked bike was launched based on the S 1000 RR sportsbike. And now the updated new 2021 BMW S 1000 R is revealed, derived directly from the newest version of the German superbike. Which means it’s lighter, gets new styling, and new brakes, suspension and more.
Peak power from the in-line four cylinder engine remains at 165hp (at 11,000 rpm), which is similar to the previous model, with 114 Nm of torque at 9,250rpm. But the new engine is 5kg lighter, with a wider spread of speed and a more linear torque curve. This allows for the 4th, 5th and 6th gears to have longer ratios to reduce noise and fuel consumption. And along with a smoother, self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch, you also get the option of engine drag torque control (MSR) to stop the rear wheel slipping under sudden acceleration or downshifting.
The weight reduction continues with the chassis and swingarm, which are also based on the S 1000 RR, and mean the engine becomes a more supporting part of the motorcycle in what BMW call the Flex Frame. Along with a lower weight, the frame is also narrower, which makes it more relaxed and comfortable to ride. And you can switch the adjustable handlebar clamp to move the bars 10mm towards the front, or add optional rise mounts.
Along with the underslung swingarm, the spring strut with Full Floater Pro kinematics is now further away from the swing axis and engine to reduce heat and more constant damping.
To help you manage a bike with 165hp and a dry weight of 199kg (or even less with the optional M package and either forged or carbon fibre wheels), there’s a host of electronic options. You get three riding modes (Rain, Road and Dynamic), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and ABS Pro as standard. But then comes the option of adding Riding Modes Pro which includes the fully configurable Dynamic Pro mode, an Engine Brake function, a Power Wheelie function, and a Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). To manage all of this is a 6.5 inch TFT screen with bluetooth smartphone interface.
The new 2021 BMW S 1000 R gets a styling overhaul which includes a new main LED headlight, indicators and rear lights. Along with the front indicators being tucked into the fork area, and the integrated rear tail and brake light, you can also add an adaptive turning light at the front with the Headlight Pro option.
The standard colourscheme for the 2021 BMW S 1000 R is the non-metallic Racing Red, but it will launch with the Style Sport and M packages, and then there’s a host of other options, including a range of accessories, a Carbon package, Milled Parts package, Shift Assistant Pro and loads more.
The 2021 BMW S 1000 R should start appearing in dealers from late Spring 2021, with prices starting from £12,055.
Not the BMW bike for you? Check out all our coverage of new, classic and custom BMW motorcycles here. And a new model means older examples might start to drop in price, so keep an eye out on sites like eBay to snap up a bargain on an older S 1000 R.
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