Next-Generation BMW S1000R Spotted Testing, India-Launch Likely Next Year

Like the S1000RR superbike, the sports naked will be an all-new motorcycle

• It will get a new design, powertrain and underpinnings. 
• Motorcycle will be more powerful and lighter than before. 
• Expected to be launched in India next year. 

BMW has been working on the next-generation S1000R and a test mule of the upcoming litre-class naked has been spotted. Like its S1000RR superbike cousin, this sports naked gets a new bodywork, an all-new motor and frame. The 2021 BMW S1000R is expected to debut overseas later this year and could come to India next year. 

As part of its generational update, the BMW S1000R loses its asymmetrical twin headlamp setup and goes for a conventional single LED headlamp unit that looks quite similar to the F 900 R. Except for the fairing, from the fuel tank onwards, the S1000R is identical to its S1000RR cousin. It makes sense as, like its predecessors, the upcoming S1000R uses the same platform as the all-new S1000RR. It even gets the new digital instrument console. 

As per BMW tradition, the upcoming super naked shares its motor with the flagship S1000RR. However, the 999cc in-line four-cylinder motor is expected to be tuned for the road rather than the racetrack. So expect better mid-range instead of top-end performance. The new motor gets BMW’s ShiftCam tech which is variable valve timing. It alters the valve lift duration to offer a broader powerband. While the previous motor delivered around 165PS, we expect the new motor to offer around 175PS. For reference, the new motor in the S1000RR delivers a heady 207PS and 113Nm of torque. 

The new motorcycle is also expected to benefit from the new 6-axis IMU and feature rider modes, Dynamic Traction Control, Wheelie Control and Cornering ABS. It could also get BMW’s adaptive cruise control that uses radar-based technology. The S1000R shares the new S1000RR’s lightweight frame and even gets the new underbraced swingarm that offers better traction by pushing the rear tyre downward under loads like hard acceleration. We expect the upcoming streetfighter to get a lower-spec but fully adjustable suspension that would keep costs low but should perform well on the road. The new S1000RR is 11kg lighter than before and we expect the upcoming S1000R to be substantially lighter as well. 

The all-new BMW S1000R is expected to launch abroad later this year. We can expect the litre-class streetfighter to launch in India sometime next year and be priced around Rs 1 lakh more than its predecessor.  

SOURCE

note: BMW S1000RR detail images used for reference