Four years ago the BMW S1000RR took motorcycling's super-sports class by storm thanks to its unrivalled combination of power, handling ability, sophistication and competitive price. We've waited longer than expected for a naked follow-up based on the 999cc, four-cylinder engine and lightweight chassis. But finally the S1000R is here – and it's good enough to make almost as big an impact.
The delay is due largely to the fact that developing such a bike involves far more than simply removing the fairing and bolting on a new handlebar. BMW was also reluctant to tread on the toes of its existing "super-naked", the powerful but heavier and ageing K1300R four. Despite its shared format the S1000R is much sharper and sportier; hardly the same kind of bike at all.
Its raised, one-piece handlebar qualifies the S1000R as a naked roadster, but in fact it's modestly clothed in a small headlamp fairing plus some colour-matched bodywork around its engine. It's close to the RR in other respects, too, with a similar squint from asymmetrical headlights – and an equally belligerent attitude.
