BMW’s S 1000 R Is Here To Give The Ducati Streetfighter V4 And The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS A Run For Their Money

The litre-class naked space has gained some more momentum as we get to see the arrival of yet another contender in the segment. The Bavarian BMW S 1000 R is here in India, as it goes on sale at Rs 17.90 lakh onwards (ex-showroom India). 

What’s The Price? Who Are Its Rivals?
At Rs 17.90 lakh for the standard model, the 2021 S 1000 R is one of the more affordable options in the segment. The most expensive bike in class remains the Kawasaki Z H2 (Rs 23 lakh for std, Rs 26 lakh for SE variant) while the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is at the opposite end of the spectrum, retailing at Rs 16.95 lakh. Another European rival for the S 1000 RR is the flamboyant super naked from Bologna, the Ducati Streetfighter V4, which in fact costs Rs 2 lakh more than the Beemer.

How Many Variants Are There?
The S 1000 R is available in three variants: standard, Pro and Pro M Sport. The Pro model is priced at Rs 19.75 lakh and gets bits such as additional riding aids, keyless ignition, cruise control and a bi-directional quickshifter, over the base model. The M Sport takes things up a notch with lighter carbon fibre wheels, a Lithium-ion battery, data logger, a different exhaust and heritage ‘M’ colours. It does cost Rs 22.50 lakh, which is a bit much over the Pro model.

What’s New?
The S 1000 R shares the same 999cc inline four-potter with the S 1000 RR sport bike and the S 1000 XR adventure-cum-sports tourer. The engine is tuned similarly as the XR, only 165PS and 114Nm on tap, making it the least powerful bike in the class. We wish BMW provided the ShiftCam technology (BMW lingo for variable valve timing) from the S 1000 RR for the naked. Not only would it have extracted more power from the engine but also would’ve aided in low-speed rideability.

However, BMWs, especially its roadsters, have never been about horsepower bragging rights. The Bavarians make bikes that are easy going, which wider audiences can highly appreciate. Mature buyers will find it not as intimidating to hop on to the bike.

Even the new styling isn’t outlandish or in your face. The face is bold and muscular, with a similar headlight design as the baby G 310 R. For more details on the S 1000 R, check out these stories:

• BMW’s Flagship Streetfighter Receives A Major Makeover
• Here Are Some Interesting Details Of The New S 1000 R