RIDE’S month in bikes

Slightly more power, a little less weight Sharper styling and fewer vibes

BMW HAS REVAMPED the S1000R for 2017, with tweaks to its engine, chassis and electronics. The 999cc motor is mechanically unchanged but intake mods and a new exhaust with titanium Akrapovic silencer boost power 5bhp to 163bhp. This adds 5kg, but a reworked aluminium frame sheds a couple of kilos, trimming the kerb weight to 205kg – 2kg less than the original.

Bodywork is slightly cut-down while keeping its familiar lop-sided stare. Other mods include a new rubber-mounted handlebar, to counter vibration, a more steeply angled instrument console (to combat glare) and slimmer tail section.

There’s a huge list of options, most of which are fitted to the S1000R Sport model: extra Dynamic riding modes, semi-active suspension, two-way quick-shifter, cruise control, heated grips, belly-pan and LED indicators, plus upgraded traction control and cornering ABS using an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

We got to ride it on a wet launch in Spain, trying the Sport model fitted with BMW’S £1250 optional forged wheels. I can’t claim to have noticed the extra horsepower but the bike was already arm-wrenchingly quick and, on the slippery roads, all the better for being backed-up by a cutting-edge traction control system. Once the roads dried out, the steering was wonderfully precise and the semi-active suspension gave superbly sharp yet stable handling with respectable ride quality. At £12,365 the Sport costs £1660 more than the £10,705 base S1000R, but looks like excellent value for a thrillingly fast and refined naked superbike.