BMW Motorrad has updated its S 1000 RR-based roadster, the S 1000 R for the 2021 model year, giving the bike some noticeable improvement in the power, handling and weight departments.
In terms of design, BMW has ditched the asymmetrical headlights in favour of a more conventional single-piece unit. Fresh looks aside, the German company has also set its focus on weight reduction, particularly on the engine and chassis. This has resulted in a weight loss of 6.5 kg, which can be reduced by another 4.8 kg with the optional M package.
Borrowed from the S 1000 RR, the in-line four-cylinder engine is not only lighter by 5 kg, but also has optimised mid-range power and rideability as well as new gear ratios in 4th – 6th gear. It is also equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) to prevent the rear wheel from slipping.
The engine churns out 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and 114 Nm of torque at 9,250 rpm. The high output can be managed using the three riding modes (Rain, Road and Dynamic), Dynamic Traction Control and ABS Pro, all included as standard equipment.
The Flex Frame chassis is made narrower to reduce the width in the knee area, giving the rider a more relaxed riding position and freedom of movement. There is also an adjustable handlebar clamp with two forward placement settings.
No word yet on pricing and availability. When it enters the market, the S 1000 R will go head-to-head against the Ducati Streetfighter V4, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory, Yamaha MT-10 and other bikes in the supernaked segment.
Check out the press release to learn more about the 2021 S 1000 R:
PRESS RELEASE
Emotional roadster look combined with supersports riding dynamics – that’s what the new BMW S 1000 R is all about. Derived directly from the supersports S 1000 RR in the key areas engine and chassis, the dynamic roadster offers the same innovative technology. The close kinship to the “RR” can be seen from every angle. With its reduction to the essentials, the new S 1000 R offers unprecedented dynamic response. Thanks to its acceleration-optimised 121 kW (165 hp) peak output combined with the unrivalled low weight of 199 kg (DIN) as well as ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), full-scale LED lighting and much more as standard, the new S 1000 R once once again sets the benchmark in the dynamic roadster segment.
Newly developed, 5 kg lighter drive based on the S 1000 RR with adapted gear ratios, optimised mid-range power and engine drag torque control (MSR) as optional extras.
The in-line four-cylinder is based on the engine of the S 1000 RR and generates 121 kW (165 hp) at 11 000 rpm. The maximum torque of 114 Nm is available at 9 250 rpm. The engine speed range was made even wider, fuller and more harmonious in terms of achieving even more improved rideability thanks to a particularly linear torque curve. In order to reduce the noise and fuel consumption levels as well as the engine speed level, especially at cruising speeds on country roads, the 4th, 5th and 6th gears now have longer gear ratios. In addition to a smoother, self-reinforcing anti-hopping clutch, the new S 1000 R is equipped with engine drag torque control (MSR) for the first time as an optional extra. The engine drag torque control prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting thanks to being electronically controlled.
Completely new, lighter chassis based on the S 1000 RR with Flex Frame, Full Floater Pro kinematics, underslung swingarm and optimised ergonomics.
The chassis was also subjected to significant weight reduction, just like the entire motorcycle. The frame and swingarm are based on the S 1000 RR and have been made considerably lighter in than their predecessor. At the same time, the engine in the so-called Flex Frame takes on a much greater supporting function than before. The new frame offers further benefits due to its very narrow design. This considerably reduces the motorcycle’s width in the area of the knee contact area, thereby offering a more relaxed riding position with even more freedom of movement. An adjustable handlebar clamp enables the rider to make ergonomic adaptations. Two positions are already available as standard: 0 mm / +10 mm towards the front. In addition, 10 mm handlebar riser mounts are offered as an option, which can also be turned in the direction of travel by 0 mm / +10 mm.
The underslung swingarm has been taken over from the S 1000 RR and the spring strut with Full Floater Pro kinematics is now located significantly further away from the swing axis and the engine. This prevents the engine from heating up due to waste heat and ensures even more stable temperature behaviour and even more constant damping response. In combination with the swingarm, which has its roots in motorsports, this results in more tyre grip and lower tyre wear.
Three riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro as standard. Optional equipment “Riding Modes Pro” with riding mode “Dynamic Pro”, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), engine drag torque control (MSR, “Engine Brake” and “Power Wheelie”.
The new S 1000 R is equipped as standard with Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro with banking angle optimisation and the three riding modes “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic”. The fully configurable “Dynamic Pro” mode is also available with a particularly wide range of setting options as part of the “Riding Modes Pro” option. With “Riding Modes Pro”, the new S 1000 R also features the “Engine Brake” function in conjunction with the engine drag torque control (MSR) and the “Power Wheelie” function. As part of the “Riding Modes Pro” option, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) additionally supports the rider during emergency braking manoeuvres.
Multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5-inch TFT screen for excellent readability and maximum range of information.
The new S 1000 R’s instrument cluster was also taken over from the S 1000 RR. Special emphasis was placed on the best possible readability in addition to an extended range of functions and information. The screen was therefore designed to be large for good readability and optimum information display even under difficult lighting conditions. The rider can choose between customised screen displays for various purposes. The Pure Ride Screen, for example, provides all the necessary information for normal road riding, while a further Core Screen shows displays for banking angle, deceleration and traction control. A bluetooth smartphone interface which allows app-based arrow navigation is already included as standard. The TFT display is operated comfortably from the handlebars using the multi-controller. The optional M package provides a third Core Screen with bar display and lap timer.
New LED headlamp and powerful LED light units as standard. Headlight Pro with adaptive turning light and iconic light guides with daytime running light function as an optional extra ex works.
The lighting units of the new S 1000 R are based on state-of-the-art LED technology. These include the new, striking LED main headlamp with optimised low beam and high beam light. The newly designed turn indicator and rear lights also make use of LED technology. The rear turn indicators have been adopted from the S 1000 RR and feature an integrated tail/brake light function. The front turn indicators are “hidden” in the fork area. Enhanced safety when riding at night is ensured by the adaptive turning light which is a component of Headlight Pro as an ex works option. In this case, further LED modules are added. The rider benefits from improved road illumination when cornering to make riding at night even safer.
New, even more dynamic design in an attractive basic colour and two exclusive style variants.
In its latest edition, the S 1000 R also clearly borrows from its supersports counterpart, the S 1000 RR, but placing the emphasis on its character as a dynamic roadster. To a greater extent than previously, the “tail up – nose down” look gives the S 1000 R an eye-catchingly dynamic visual impact with its new body elements. The colour concept also highlights the sporty, dynamic appearance of the new S 1000 R. In addition to the basic colour Racingred non-metallic, the options Style Sport and the M package with additional product content are available.
