Munich firm’s supernaked gets new engine and loses a stone for 2021
The S1000R is one of our favourite BMWs, putting the design and performance of the firm’s S1000RR superbike in a slick, high-tech naked roadster. It was one of the first of the modern breed of ‘supernakeds’ and helped finish off the ‘boring’ reputation the firm had gained before about 2005.
And now for 2021, it’s had a fairly hefty makeover, echoing the changes made to the RR and S1000 XR last year. It gets a version of the new S1000 range engine, though without the ShiftCam variable valve timing found only on the superbike (so far).
Power is a couple of bhp up on the current model at 165bhp, which is solid power, but is some way down on the Ducati V4 Streetfighter and Kawasaki Z H2. The new Euro5-compliant engine is 12mm narrower than before, and is a hefty 5kg lighter, while revised gear ratios make it five per cent quicker from 0-200kph at just 8.0 seconds.
The new S1000R also has a new chassis, again using the good stuff from the RR, and it’s dropped around 6.5 kilos in wet weight overall. There’s a new aluminium twin-spar ‘flex’ frame design, underslung swingarm, and kerb weight is now down to an impressive 199kg.
As ever, BMW has worked hard on the electronics, so the S1000R gets the latest full-colour TFT LCD screen, and a hefty set of rider aids. An IMU unit assists cornering ABS and traction control, and there’s wheelie control, quickshifter, cruise control, rider power modes and a new engine brake/rear wheel traction control system.
That’s aimed at preventing rear wheel lock-up when changing down gears on slippery surfaces, by controlling the throttle settings, helped by a new slipper clutch design. Finally, there’s optional electronic semi-active electronic suspension with all-new shim-type damping components, linked to the riding modes. Brakes are BMW’s standard four-piston Hayes radial-mount calipers up front, with 320mm discs.
New LED lighting gives the S1000R a new ‘face’, and the usual massive list of optional extras includes M-Package forged or carbon wheels, M endurance chain, titanium Akrapovic silencer, keyless ignition, heated grips, soft luggage and much more.
Prices for the new 2021 BMW S1000R start around £12,000, and will be in dealers next spring. More as we get it!