BMW categorizes the 2019 S 1000 R as a "roadster," which the oldies at Merriam-Webster define as "an automobile with an open body that seats two and has a folding fabric top and often a luggage compartment or rumble seat in the rear." Cycle World has positioned this four-cylinder machine since its 2014 debut as a "standard," a "broad category of sit-up motorcycles—usually with a tubular handlebar—that serves multiple purposes." Call it what you will, bottom line, the S 1000 R is a naked version of the S 1000 RR superbike. Bore, stroke, and therefore displacement of the 16-valve engine are identical, albeit with a lower compression ratio—12.1:1 versus 13.3:1—and 40 fewer claimed peak hp but one more pound-foot of torque coming 1,750 rpm sooner in the rev range for even greater user-friendliness.
ShiftCam, the variable intake-camshaft valve-timing-and-lift system standard on the latest RR, is not yet available on the R. But you can opt for the $1,950 Select package, which adds Dynamic Traction Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Dynamic Damping Control, Ride Modes Pro, ABS Pro, heated handgrips, cruise control, and an engine spoiler.
Likes: Four-cylinder punch; $3K less than an S 1000 RR; loads of available accessories
Dislikes: Somewhat dated appearance; 18 pounds heavier claimed than an S 1000 RR
Verdict: Trackday acceleration and handling in a wrist- and lumbar-region-friendly package
“I thought brake fade was a thing of the past, but even with repeated bleeding the front system went from pretty good to spongy in less than three laps at the track,” Editor-in-Chief Mark Hoyer said in 2017. “I adjusted the lever all the way out and still had to resort to four-finger braking.”
The 2019 BMW S 1000 R faces stiff competition from Europe (Aprilia Tuono RSV4 1100, Ducati Monster 1200 R, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and Triumph Speed Triple) and Japan (Honda CB1000R, Kawasaki Z900, Suzuki GSX-S1000FZ, and Yamaha MT-10). All great bikes. Question is, which machine is right for you?
The S 1000 R is available in multiple colors—Black Storm Metallic, Racing Red/Black Storm Metallic, or Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red. The first is included in the MSRP, the second carries a $150 premium, while the third adds a $500 Style HP package and gloss-black-with-red-accent-stripe Design Option wheels.
