2021 BMW S 1000 R Spotted During Test

2021 BMW S 1000 R Spy Shot 2 — The new headlamp makes the front much neater

As 2020 enters its second half, more and more manufacturers are getting eager to introduce their 2021 range to the audience. Good for us, as this results in extensive testing and more spy shots. Last time it was the 2021 Ducati Monster and this time spy shots of another naked superbike have surfaced. It’s the 2021 BMW S 1000 R.

The test mule looks different from the previous model, and the new BMW F 900 R inspired headlamps are to blame. The BMW S 1000 R seems to have lost its old asymmetric headlamps which makes way for a new compact headlight setup which will probably be an LED one.

While the 2021 BMW S 1000 R now looks much smaller from the front, it still looks like a proper superbike from the side. From the side view, one can also notice the new exhaust, which looks just like the one on its fully-faired sibling, the BMW S 1000 RR.

Although the exhaust seems compact in appearance, the cat looks way out of shape. It looks unfinished and makes the BMW S 1000 R look bloated from the middle, especially if you consider that the tail section has also shrunk down. The enormous cat also means decreased ground clearance.

Other parts common with the BMW S 1000 RR include the new alloy wheels, the subframe, and even the braking setup from Hayes. Whereas the old BMW S 1000 R had a negligible front visor, this variant seems to get a slightly bigger one. We’ll have to ride the bike to check whether it makes a noticeable difference.

The BMW S 1000 R seems to always get the same engine as the BMW S 1000 XR. If this remains the same, we can expect around 165 BHP and 120 Nm of torque from the new S 1000 R. This will put the R in a good place in the segment and will give its rivals a good run for their money if BMW price it well.

Coming to its rivals, the BMW S 1000 R rivals the KTM Duke 1290, Aprilia Tuono and the new Ducati Streetfighter. Being the smallest engine in the segment, it will be interesting to see whether BMW will equip it with BMW’s ShiftCam technology, and the new Active Cruise Control for an extra edge over the competition.

As these are spy shots, there is no news on the price. Considering that the current-gen BMW S 1000 R costs Rs. 16.7 lakhs (ex-showroom) in India, one can expect the 2021 BMW S 1000 R to cost about Rs. 1 lakh more than the current variant.