BMW S1000R review, test ride

The S1000R powertrain is based on the RR, a 999cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine with revised camshafts, tweaked fuel-injection system and a retuned exhaust.
Being a street-naked, the S1000R is de-tuned to 160bhp at 11000rpm, over 30bhp less than the S1000RR. Peak torque is prodigious, 11.4kgm made at 9250rpm, developed 500rpm lower than on the RR. It all adds up to a vastly capable and lightning quick motorcycle, with cracking performance. The S1000R needs a careful throttle hand to prevent its front end pawing up, as the bike powers effortlessly towards the horizon when hard on the gas in its first three gears, as it works its way to silly speeds. An exhilarating bike to ride, the 1000R revs effortlessly, smoothly through its wide, really punchy powerband all the way up to its rev limiter. There’s power from just over idle, building past a tidal mid-range wave into this tsunami of a top end.

The shiny exhaust looks spectacular, but sounds even better as the in-line four screams its way through the rev range, with a sporty burble barking out under hard deceleration. Exciting when pushed to its limits, yes, but the S1000R is also versatile, an easy motorcycle to live with, master and ride at sedate speeds. The clutch feels perfect, as does the gearbox, a quickshifter making flicking up through its six ratios without clutch application or shutting the throttle a doddle. Throttle response stays sharp and aggressive even when riding outside ‘dynamic pro’ riding mode, another three softer modes available for riders looking for more usability, including ‘rain’ for wet days, which limits power to a relatively sedate 136bhp. BMW has loaded the top-end S1000R with a solid array of electronic riding aids, traction control and ABS, all working to help you stay in command even when riding conditions turn a bit iffy.

The S1000R comes with an aluminium twin-spar chassis, similar to the one on the RR, slightly modified to suit its more upright but still pretty sporty, riding ergonomics. The 1000R comes with flat set handlebars, and adequate legroom despite its rear set footrests. A highlight is semi-active electric suspension, with three setting offering a soft, medium and hard ride.