Brembos are linear and strong but perhaps have
a whisker less overall bite than the best in class.
However don’t get me wrong, these are still very
strong brakes, both on the road and track.
The chassis is a stout alloy twin-spar design
supporting excellent USD forks and a single
rear shock, both of which are electronically
controlled. Controlled is the word to describe
their action too. Suspension at both ends is
firm, but still nicely compliant and to my mind
close to perfect for a road bike of this nature.
The damping is automatically dialled to suit
each power mode, being softer in Rain mode
and firmer in Road. Really, BMW’s electronically
controlled suspension has come a long way in
recent years. Happily, the sometimes vague,
primitive and remote-feeling action of the past
has been replaced with excellent and accurate
feedback that is reassuring on the road. This bike
has great suspension with instant adjustment.
Kudos to the boys and girls in that department.
About the only thing any naked bike lacks is a
screen. Yes... I know it’s a ‘naked’ and BMW also has
the S1000XR but it’s not the same as an S1000R with
a screen. I would fit a screen in a heartbeat to this
bike, because it is just so accomplished in all other
areas. It’s a fantastic bike to tour NZ roads on, so
why not have a little weather and wind protection?
Some will argue that a screen would spoil the looks
and maybe short riders are not so affected by wind
etc, but I’m tall and like comfort... do I hear the
word pussy mentioned? Well, ride a day in howling
rain and tell me I’m wrong. The dash is perhaps a
little old school now with an analogue tachometer
and digital odometer/information box, plus a shift
light and the usual assortment of warning lights.
The S1000R is a handsome bike. This year a
little bodywork has been shaved away to show
more of the engine. I’m even starting to think
the asymmetric headlight design looks okay in a
futuristic ‘WALL-E’ kinda way. Overall, a fantastic
fast bike that is comfortable, sophisticated
and surprisingly capable across a wide range
of riding. Put a screen on it and I’m sold.
KIWI RIDER 53