2017 BMW S 1000 R First Look | 14 Fast Facts

October 10, 2016

2017 BMW S 1000 R First Look & Photo Gallery

For 2017, BMW returns with a three-bike offering in its inline-four S 1000 lineup: the S 1000 RR superbike, S 1000 XR Adventure Sport, and the S 1000 R roadster.

All three were updated for 2017, but the S 1000 R received the most Bavarian love. When BMW unveiled its new roadster based on the S 1000 RR at at 2013 EICMA (Milan Motorcycle Show), anticipation for a first ride quickly built.

Besides great naked looks and a 160-horsepower 999cc inline four tuned for street, the S 1000 R arrived with typical BMW electronics. These included Riding Modes, Race ABS and ASC (Automatic Stability Control, aka traction control) on the base, with the option of DTC (Dynamic Traction Control, aka traction control at lean angle) and/or DDC (Dynamic Damping Control, aka electronic suspension).

The 465-lbs. S 1000 R impressed, especially its engine. After testing the bike against the Ducati Monster 1200S, Ultimate Motorcycling President Arthur Coldwells said “The 999cc BMW engine is re-tuned from HP4 spec and, although 160 peak horsepower at just 11,000 rpm is quite a big reduction from its sibling, the peak torque of 83 ft/lbs at 9250 rpm is a welcome 7 ft/lbs increase. Some people will express disappointment if they only look at the spec-sheet, but once on board, no one will find this machine lacking.”

And things in the power department, along with others, only got better for 2017. Following are our Fast Facts that highlight the updates to the 2017 BMW S 1000 R.

1. Horsepower increased from 160 to 165. Five horsepower doesn’t sound like much, but in this bike—especially the now lighter model—five horsepower surely be matters.

2. Weight was reduced by 4.4 lbs. Yes—the S 1000 R is now lighter for a total curb weight of just under 452 lbs.

3. Payload was increased by 4.4 lbs. Though BMW lightened the S 1000 R, it can now carry an additional 4.4 lbs.

4. HP titanium exhaust as standard. BMW understands sporty sells. And the HP titanium rear silencer is extremely sporty.

5. Vibration-free handlebars for increased comfort. Just like the S 1000 XR, the S 1000 R had a slight handlebar buzz. This is no longer an issue.

6. New frame structure with lighter main frame rear section. This is where the main weight savings came from.

7. ABS Pro now optional. A huge benefit to the S 1000 RR, the ABS Pro is now part of the optional “Riding Modes Pro,” which upgrades the traction control to DTC.

8. HP Shift Assistant Pro available as option. BMW’s HP Shift Assistant Pro, a quick shifter that allows for clutchless up- and down-shifting, is now available as an ex-works option on the S 1000 R. The system works flawlessly on the S 1000 RR, and it should do the same here.

9. Light HP forged wheels available as option. Want to save another 5.2 lbs.? BMW’s Light HP forged wheels are now available as an ex works option.

10. Design Option Wheels with red rim lines optional. Also available as a new ex works option are customized wheels.

11. Improved instrument cluster for readability. Yes—BMW has improved the instrument cluster for better readability, and also adds an ambient temperature!

12. Significantly revised fairing. BMW changed the fairing on the new S 1000 R, providing a more aggressive look.

13. Adaptation to EU4 requirements. All new motorcycles that want to be in Europe going forward must comply with Euro4.

14. BMW offers new S 1000 R color options. For 2017, the S 1000R will be available in Racing Red non-metallic/Blackstorm metallic, Catalano Grey non-metallic and BMW Motorsport (Lupine Blue metallic/Lightwhite non-metallic/Racing Red non-metallic).