Alternatively, you can add practicality. The launch bikes were fitted with the optional cruise control and Navigator GPS. There’s a larger fly-screen, a comfort seat, and a larger pillion seat. And for luggage there’s a dedicated tank bag and a larger rear bag that clips to the pillion seat. You’d end up spending a fair bit more, but you’d end up with a naked missile that would also be a useful all-rounder.
Adding extras would, of course, bump up the cost, but the S1000R’s final weapon is a price that is as competitive as its performance. In many markets the basic BMW will cost less than the ABS-equipped version of Kawasaki’s Z1000, by no means the only natural rival that suddenly looks a little ordinary. The Sport will be less expensive than Aprilia’s Tuono V4R and KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R.
BMW’s super-naked might not have a scary name like Monster, Brutale or a nickname like the Beast, but the opposition from Ducati, MV, KTM and all would be right to be worried. The S1000R is a fearsomely quick, stunningly agile, impressively refined and addictively entertaining. It could make almost as big an impact as the S1000RR did four years ago.
Story: Roland Brown
Photography: BMW Motorrad
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