2021 BMW S 1000 R First Look

[Admin]

BMW debuts the new 2021 S 1000 R, which gets new styling and a weight reduction. (BMW Motorrad/)

Last September BMW Motorrad opened its bag of tricks and extracted the most refined model ever developed around its superb S 1000 inline-four, the 212-hp-strong M 1000 RR, a breathtaking and ultra-sophisticated superbike ready to challenge the very best in the world. Now a totally revised edition of the much milder S 1000 R comes to further underline BMW’s determination in developing a line of models that will finally grant that unit the success it deserves. The S 1000 R was conceived as an intermediate model, a naked roadster mixing the 165 hp edition of the S 1000 XR Enduro-GT and a chassis derived from the S 1000 RR superbike. The basic concept did not change, but this 2021 edition of the S 1000 R represents a huge refinement compared with the one it replaces thanks to a much closer technical relationship with the S 1000 RR.

Changes include a lighter and narrower Flex Frame for better ergos, and a lighter, revised exhaust. (BMW Motorrad/)

The 2021 S 1000 R’s engine is directly derived from the latest S 1000 RR unit in its basic components and layout, consequently weighing 11 pounds less and measuring 0.5 inch narrower than its predecessor. New, 4mm-shorter rods (now 99mm) have been adopted to reduce the weight of the alternating masses, but since the bore and stroke measurements yield a highly oversquare ratio (80mm bore by 49.7mm stroke) the shorter rods still return a 2:1 ratio to the stroke, correct even according to the old school. And just as before, the engine block is canted 32 degrees forward, but now it is much more intimately integrated in the new Flex Frame structure, which is also handed down from the S 1000 RR model.

Related: The 2017 BMW S1000R Gets More Power, Less Weight, And More Tech

Right-side view of the new 2021 S 1000 R. (BMW Motorrad/)

The new engine delivers the same 165 peak horsepower at 11,000 rpm, while the 84 pound-feet peak torque is slightly up from the previous 82.6 pound-feet rating. The torque peak arrives at the same 9,250 rpm, but the torque curve now is much flatter, with 59 pound-feet torque available as low as 3,000 rpm. This flatter curve comes as a consequence of the compression ratio increasing from 12 to 12.5:1 and from new cam grindings. Given the new numbers, the final three ratios of the six-speed gearbox are made taller to reduce engine rpm and fuel consumption in highway cruising without having to sacrifice the strong midrange response. And obviously the new S 1000 R engine complies with Euro 5 emissions rules.

Related: Aprilia Tuono 1100 RR vs. BMW S1000R vs. KTM 1290 Super Duke R vs. Yamaha FZ-10 Comparison Review

The 999cc four-cylinder engine is Euro 5 compliant but isn’t down on power compared to the outgoing model. (BMW Motorrad/)

By using the engine as a stressed member of the chassis structure, the bike’s so-called Flex Frame is lighter and 30mm narrower than the previous unit, which also improves the ergonomics. The steering axis rake has been reduced from 24.8 to 24.0 degrees while the trail remains almost unchanged (from 98.5 to 93.6mm, or 3.9 inches to 3.7) thanks to the adoption of reduced-offset triple clamps. This moved the front wheel closer to the center of gravity with more weight biased to the front as the result of a newly designed, longer swingarm that increased wheelbase from 56.6 inches to 57.0 inches. The longer swingarm features a triangulated design with the link-actuated shock absorber moved backward to reduce the heating effect from the engine, keeping performance more consistent.

The main headlight is now a stacked, solo LED unit, for an entirely different look. (BMW Motorrad/)

The riding position was also revised, with greater attention to freedom of movement. Not only is the new bike narrower, but the handlebar clamps are adjustable in 10mm increments (toward the front). The mini fairing offers minor protection, but the side panels also help drive most of the air pressure away from the lower half of the body. Standard seat height is 32.6 inches but 31.9-inch and 33.5-inch seat options are available.

The 6.5-inch TFT display is lifted right off the RR model. You can access riding modes like ABS Pro and traction control from here. (BMW Motorrad/)

The bike rolls on 17-inch radials, with a 120/70-17 front tire and a 190/55-17 rear, shod on cast aluminum wheels. Lightweight forged aluminum and carbon fiber wheels are available in case you’re looking to lose even more weight, in which case, the rear tire measurement grows from 190/55-17 to 200/55-17. Front suspension is handled by an upside-down 45mm telescopic fork, with rear suspension via a link-actuated shock absorber, both mechanically adjustable (semi-active electronic suspension is an available option). The braking system consists of twin 320mm rotors up front with four-piston radial-mount calipers, with the rear using a 220mm single rotor and single-piston floating caliper.

Standard equipment includes ABS Pro with cornering functions, and three riding modes: Rain, Road, and Dynamic. (BMW Motorrad/)

ABS Pro, which manages the braking system and comes standard on the S 1000 R, offers three selectable action modes: Rain, Road, and Dynamic. It’s part of an advanced electronics suite managed by a six-axis inertial platform that includes Dynamic Traction Control, wheelie control, hill start control, and three riding modes as standard, and all of which can be accessed on the 6.5-inch TFT  display, which also offers a customizable display configuration.

Standard equipment includes an anti-hopping clutch, a new main LED headlight, and revised turn and rear indicators using LED technology as well as the BMW Connectivity app to connect your mobile device to the bike, while the BMW Navigator VI GPS is available as an option.

The new S 1000 R weighs in at 439 pounds dry, which is another big virtue for a sport-oriented four-cylinder roadster. No word yet on pricing or availability in the US.

View the full article