Bavarian Brawler: 2021 BMW S1000R breaks cover

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It’s staggering to see the current crop of street-bikes offer performance that was once confined to track oriented supersport machines. Top-shelf components and outrageous power figures do leave an enthusiast’s jaw hitting the floor. The Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the Aprilia Tuono V4X are prime culprits for sending you spinning into a dizzy with horsepower breaching the 200 mark. And though everything on these bikes seems extreme, they are still a lot more user-friendly than their race-bred siblings. Not to be left behind, BMW has unveiled the 2021 S1000R with revisions across hardware and electronics for a more involving yet affable riding trait.

Design

The 2021 BMW S1000R isn’t much distinguishable from the 2020 model yet there have been ample changes if looked upon closely. It follows suit from the S1000RR replacing the asymmetrical twin headlamps with vertically stacked lights split by a horizontal DRL. The tank, panels, side-cowls, front fender, belly-pan- rather everything on the motorcycle has been redesigned. The front now sits lower while the tail is more upswept imparting a sporting stance to the S1000R.

Engine

Derived from its supersport cousin- the S1000RR, the 999cc inline-four cranks out a similar 165 hp of power and 114 nm of peak torque, though compression is up from 12.0 to 12.5. However, the six-speed transmission sees a revised set of gear ratios with the fourth, fifth, and sixth gear that are now taller lower the engine speed by 8%. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 8% with the new S1000R drinking half a liter less than the earlier model i.e. 6.2L/ 100 km vs 6.5L/100 km. 0-200 kph now takes 8 seconds making it 5% faster than the outgoing model. Usage of lightweight components has managed to shed 5 kilograms off the engine. Impressive indeed! A titanium exhaust is thrown in as an option that further aids the weight shedding regime.

Frame and suspension

Labeled as “Flex Frame”, the chassis, exposed bolt-on subframe, and the underslung swing-arm have been swapped from the S1000RR offering balance of stiffness and flexibility. While being lighter by 1.31 kgs, the frame is narrower offering a more comfortable and tucked-in riding position. The adjustable 45mm upside-down front forks and rear monoshock offer 120mm and 117mm of wheel travel. A two-stage handlebar vertical adjustability is being offered on the clamp that can be lowered and raised by 10mm.

Wheels and brakes

The new 17 inch wheels are 1.8 kgs lighter reducing rotational mass further contributing to improved handling. The braking system comprises of radially-mounted 4 piston calipers over 320mm twin steel discs. At the rear is a 220mm single disc pinched by a single pot caliper. The calipers and rotors have managed to shed a further 0.5 kilograms of the 2021 BMW S1000R. The front master brake cylinder is now integrated unlike a standalone reservoir offered on the earlier model.

Electronics

2021 BMW S1000R cornering (14) | MotoFour

165 bhp is still a heck lot of power that needs a safety net of electronic rider aids. BMW is offering WBSK derived Dynamic Traction Control as standard on the new 2021 S1000R. Three ride modes viz. Rain, Road, and Dynamic and cornering ABS keeps the motorcycle in control under varied riding conditions. A 6-axis IMU keeps a tight vigil on the pitch rate with the wheelie control to ensure that the front stays glued to the ground under abrupt acceleration. Hillstart control is also offered as a standard feature.

2021 BMW S1000R headlight (8) | MotoFour

A 6.5 inch TFT borrowed from the S1000RR with a customized screen displays the required vehicle and performance data. A Bluetooth smartphone interface with app-based arrow navigation comes standard. Lighting on the motorcycle is all LED and adaptive turning light is offered as optional. There’s also an optional intelligent emergency E-Call and tire pressure monitoring system.

Optional packages

Known to offer optional packages on their motorcycles, the BMW S1000R gets a total of five optional packages.

Dynamics Package

Dynamic Damping Control (DDC)
Dynamic Brake Control
Ride Mode Pro with Engine Brake, Engine Drag Control (MSR), Power Wheelie function, Adjustable Wheelie Control, Pitlane Limiter, and Hillstart Control Pro.
Dynamic Brake Light
Shift Assistant Pro

M package

M forged wheels (2 kgs lighter)
M Carbon Wheels (3.7 kgs lighter)
M Lap Timer
M Lightweight Battery
M Motorsport paint scheme
M Endurance Chain
M Sport seat
M refueling cap
Third Core screen with bar display and lap timer
Overall weight reduction by 4.8 kilograms

Carbon Package

M Carbon fly-screen
M Carbon front fender
M Carbon rear mudguard
M Carbon chain guard

Comfort Package

Heated Grips
Cruiser Control
Keyless Ride Light
USB Charging Port

Milled Parts Package

M brake and clutch levers
M lever protectors
M footrest for rider and pillion

With S1000RR borrowed componentry, the 2021 BMW S1000R looks to offer stiff competition to the likes of the KTM 1290 SuperDuke, Kawasaki Z H2, Yamaha MT-10, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, and the Ducati Streetfighter V4.