2014 BMW S1000R: Style, Power and Functionality All in One Bike

 

The 2014 BMW S1000R machine priced at $30,500. Rumor has it that it is a of lesser capability, power and style as compared to its proponent S1000RR but is this true? The price is definitely lower than that of the RR model but is the money worth spending if it is just a “baby brother” of the RR series. It has reduced the essentials found in the RR and would every penny be worth spending on the 2014 BMW S1000R.

Let us take a look at what its lead designer Evgeny Zhukov takes pride in.

 

 

 

 

Style – Design like that of its ‘big brother’?

 

It has a modern style of hard on the edges. It is considered a roadster by design and meant to be ridden. Evgeny, the Russian genius who designed this roadster for BMW took about three years to finish the concept. It is designed with small upper and side fairings. Its shape is a bit techno to add character to the bike. The S1000R’s aesthetics may look like a naked bike at first glance but it is not. As a signature design of the BMW, it also has its mismatched eyes. It also has an asymmetrical design. On the left you will see a single opening but on the right you will see dual shark grills. IT is specifically designed for cooling and breathing of the vehicle. The design of the upper body is carefully crafted to solve and address air intake issues of framing the bike. It also helps in the wind protection. Its headlamps are cattywampus and its tail lights sports an RR design. Its fuel tank is perfectly hugged in between the river’s legs but also has its comfortability even if it can carry 17.5 Litres.

 

 

Power – Reduced power capabilities?

The bike has been modified to maximize its power at a lower rpm. Its rpm is at 12,000 which is 2000 rpm lower than the RR model. That means its claimed horsepower is at 163. But the torque is not compromised and still peaks at 112Nm. It also has more grunt as compared to its big brother, the RR. And for the rider this is advantageous for torque response in the low end and midrange. BMW has redesigned the intake, cam lobes and timing to make this power of the S1000R possible.

Front brakes are dual discs with four piston calipers. It has Race ABS for both the front and the back braking system which is controlled by the lever. The foot brake controls the rear brakes as usual. It is a powerful bike which is responsive to the squeeze of the gas and responsive to when you need it to stop. But it does not just boast its style and power but its functionality. It is designed because of its functionality.

 

 

 

Functionality – Ready with driver assistance

Zhukov explains that this roadster is supposed to be ridden. Its functionality is what adds character to the motorcycle. The bodywork done to the S1000R is all about functionality and its shape took form from the needs of the functionality of the bike. It might be considered a naked bike but its tiny upper and side fairings as well as the skirts serve technical functions for the bike.

The S1000R is a smart bike. It has and Automatic Stability Control which can be set to Rain or Road. This means that it assists the rider depending on the weather conditions. It can be activated even while riding the bike. There are also optional Pro modes which can be set to Dynamic and Dynamic Pro which can be used for rear wheel drifting.

It also sports an optional Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) which allows the forks to adjust damping. The whole bike is intelligent. It adapts to the riding conditions by responding to the riders braking or accelerating and even cornering.

 

 

 

Overall Experience of the S1000R

It is a balance of functionality power and design. With all its intelligent rider assistance functions it is not built to tip over. It is built to be ridden with all pleasure and no pressure. The rider assist functions are what make the ride smooth, adventurous and enjoyable. So, if you are thinking of spending an awful lot of money on this bike, it is all worth it. Having a roadster like this spells SUPERBIKE in all caps.

 

 

In conclusion, this is not simple a detuned nor a denuded version of the RR. It is a power of its own with style that complements its functionality. All that the designer wanted the bike to be: a roadster ready to attack the road a techno designed vehicle sporting style, and an intelligent bike which can assist the rider in different conditions. This indeed is a bike to envy if seen on the road.