BMW has launched their flagship streetfighter the 2021 S 1000 R in India. The litre class street fighter takes the capable frame and cycle parts from the track bred super sport the S 1000 RR. This is the first significant upgrade for the street fighter since it first broke cover in 2014. With this update the S 1000 R draws on the current S 1000 RR and sports an all new presence.

For 2021, the S 1000 R gets a redesigned headlamp, tank, radiator shrouds and belly pan with sharper angles that are inline with the design philosophy on the 2020 RR. The rear like most of the street fighters in this class, is an identical sibling of the fully-faired super sport.

Nestled in the frame is the same motor from the BS6 S 1000 RR, although with 165bhp and 115Nm of torque, ie a slightly detuned state. The motor has also been tweaked to deliver power differently, with a flatter torque curve, that ensures that most of the torque is available from as low as 3,000rpm. The 2021 S 1000 R also gets a more comprehensive electronics package that’s accessible and customizable via the new 6.5-inch TFT display. On-board riding modes, wheelie control, cornering ABS and engine braking and traction control management can all be adjusted to suit the riders needs.

Under the skin, if the new beam frame from the 2020 S 1000 RR, which is designed to be lighter and offers an improved balance of rigidity and flexibility. Thanks to the use of better materials, the engine is also 5kg lighter than before. All put together this new RR tips the scales at very amicable 199kg.

BMW Motorrads aggressive pricing will continue on the S 1000 R that is expected to launch with an ex-showroom price of between Rs 17.5-18 lakh. This will place it between the recently launched 1200Cc Speed Triple and the ultra expensive Ducati Streetfighter V4.