BMW S1000R review, test ride

Back in 2009, BMW Motorrad lifted the supersport motorcycling world to lofty new heights with its track-focussed S1000RR. Following on the heels of such grand global success, the Bavarian bike specialist decided to build a naked version, offering similar performance with an ergonomics edge very much part of the package.

Typical of a modern day BMW bike, the S1000R relies on an angular, cutting-edge industrial design theme. Overall quality and fit-finish are staggering, as expected from all bikes bearing this well known German maker's badge.

The S1000R's front shows off a set of unique, asymmetric headlights. Its traditional, yet well laid out instruments offer a sporty, white-back analogue rev-counter, while the digital display shows speed, a gear shift beacon, lap-timer and other performance settings along with the basics.

The motorcycle comes with beautifully shaped reach-adjustable control levers, excellent quality switches and mirrors, with everything easy to operate and intuitively simple to come to terms with. There’s a compact fuel-tank, panels reaching down to cover the otherwise exposed frame sections. Gill-shaped slats on the minimal shrouds enhance the bike's overall visual appeal. At the rear sits a dinky LED tail-lamp, similar to the S1000RR.