BMW S 1000 R 2017 — Specifications

Starting with a race superbike and extracting a naked roadster is the kind of bet that few manufacturers truly dare to honor to the end. BMW did it with the BMW S 1000 R, and the 2017 version marks a clear turning point in this trajectory. Compliance with Euro4 standards requiring it, the engineers in Munich could have settled for the bare minimum. They chose to take advantage of it to sharpen the beast, and it’s felt from the first few miles.

The inline four-cylinder engine of 999 cc retains the architecture directly inherited from the S 1000 RR. On this generation, it gains five extra horsepower to reach 165 hp at 11,000 rpm, with a torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm. These figures speak for themselves, but they don’t tell the whole story. This engine remains civilized below 6,000 rpm, almost conciliatory, flexible enough to cross a city without martyrizing wrists or ears. Then the tachometer climbs, and the deep nature of the block asserts itself: it pulls hard, it screams loudly, and the 205 kg on the scale weigh nothing. The loss of two kilograms compared to the previous generation contributes to this feeling of dynamic lightness that BMW S 1000 R forums regularly mention in BMW S 1000 R reviews from satisfied owners.

The composite aluminum chassis, partially self-supporting via the engine, has been reworked on the rear section to gain rigidity and trajectory precision. The 46 mm inverted fork and the single shock absorber, both adjustable in compression and rebound, do a solid job without being spectacular. The Brembo braking system with its four-piston calipers does the essential with seriousness, but on this specific point, the competition is starting to widen the gap. The KTM 1290 Super Duke R and the Aprilia Tuono V4 RR have more aggressive configurations, and Ducati doesn’t joke around either with its Monsters from the same era. BMW is lagging behind in this aspect, and those familiar with the 2017 BMW S 1000 R test have noted it.

On the electronics front, the standard equipment remains reasonable: Race ABS, ASC traction control, and two riding modes Road and Rain. To access the real arsenal, you need to reach for your checkbook and opt for the Pro pack. The latter unlocks Dynamic mode, the User configurable mode, cornering ABS Pro, launch control, and dynamic DTC traction control. The whole constitutes a real toolbox for those who want to finely personalize its behavior, whether for daily use or a track day. The Pro shifter option, allowing gear changes without a clutch in both directions, is a cherry on the cake that few competitors offered at this price level at the time.

Priced at 13,750 euros at launch, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 clearly positions itself in the court of the great sporty roadsters. This is not a motorcycle for beginners; the seat height of 814 mm and the 165 hp assume sufficient experience not to be overwhelmed. On the other hand, for the confirmed rider looking for a versatile machine, as comfortable on a winding national road as in intensive urban use, the ratio between the level of performance and the price remains consistent. On the BMW S 1000 R used market, examples of this generation are now negotiated within an attractive range, making it an interesting entry into the hypernaked world without breaking the bank. The engine holds up over time, the cycle ages well; it is a safe bet for those who know what they are looking for.