BMW S 1000 R 2020 — Specifications

When a motorcycle is born with superbike blood in its veins, it carries that original sin wherever it goes. The 2020 BMW S 1000 R doesn't try to hide it. Derived directly from the S 1000 RR, this naked bike displays its intentions with the frankness of an uppercut: 165 horsepower from a 999 cc inline-four, 114 Nm of torque available at 9,250 rpm, all contained within 205 kg when fully fueled. The €14,390 entry price may seem steep, but you have to pay to play in this category where the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, the Yamaha MT-10, and the Aprilia Tuono V4 RR battle with horsepower and decibels.

Visually, BMW has shown wisdom in not overhauling everything. The BMW S 1000 R retains that facial asymmetry that has divided opinions since its debut, that taut profile like a spring ready to snap. The revisions are limited to the side panels and the passenger seat. What immediately catches the eye is the HP-signed Akrapovic exhaust, a titanium piece dressed in carbon, voluminous and assertive. On a machine as raw as this, details like that matter. The overall design remains coherent, massive without being vulgar, German down to the footrests.

This engine deserves a closer look. The inline-four gained 5 horsepower during this update, reaching 165 hp at 11,000 rpm, with a compression ratio of 12.1:1 and a short bore of 80 x 49.7 mm that explains its taste for high revs. In the low end of the rev range, it is civilized, almost cooperative for navigating in town or chaining highway kilometers with a 17.5-liter tank that provides reassurance. Past 7,000 rpm, the personality changes radically. The sound drops a register, the thrust becomes frank, and the 201 km/h top speed seems quite accessible on the straight. The announced fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 km remains reasonable given the caliber. BMW has also lightened the machine by 2 kg compared to the previous generation, which is always welcome.

The composite bridge aluminum frame, partially self-supporting via the engine, inherits the work carried out on the RR. The swingarm and rear assembly have been revised for increased rigidity and improved power transmission to the ground. The 46 mm adjustable inverted fork, paired with the adjustable single shock absorber, provides a solid foundation for versatile use. The wheelbase of 1,439 mm guarantees sufficient stability without weighing down transitions. For those who want to push further, the HP rims further lighten the machine by 2.4 kg and the Pro shifter allows gear changes without clutch in both directions. The Brembo braking system with four-piston calipers at the front remains effective, although the competition is starting to offer M50 calipers as standard on some models, giving BMW something to consider for future developments.

The standard-fit onboard electronics include Race ABS, traction control ASC, and two basic riding modes. To access the true technological potential, you need to opt for the paid Pro pack, which unlocks Dynamic mode, a User configurable mode, cornering ABS Pro, launch control, and DTC. This is where the BMW S 1000 R, whether used or new, reveals its proximity to the RR. This pricing split between standard and options can be irritating at this price, but it is BMW's policy. The BMW S 1000 R test confirms that the final result, with the complete pack, is formidable in terms of effectiveness. This machine is aimed at an experienced rider looking for a naked bike capable of doing everything, from the reasonable daily commute to the merciless canyon run. The throttle remains the final arbiter of the situation.