BMW S 1000 R 2025 Review

When BMW dropped the M 1000 R in 2023, it sent shockwaves through the naked bike world. Here was a machine with 210hp, dripping with superbike tech, yet still dressed for the street. It was such a knockout that it walked away with our 2023 bikesales Bike of the Year award in unanimous fashion. 

But its arrival left BMW with a problem. The S 1000 R had long been the brand’s flagship naked, a more affordable spin on the ferocious RR superbike. Trouble is, the M grabbed all the glory, leaving the S to feel like the forgotten sibling.

For 2025 the S 1000 R has had a light refresh with a few refinements, and it’s a reminder that not everyone needs a 210hp monster with more electronics than a NASA control room. The question is, is that enough to make it a worthy buy in its own right?

BMW knows naked bike buyers are often value-conscious, even when shopping at the pointy end. The standard S 1000 R kicks off at just under $23,000 before on-road costs, which looks sharp against rivals like the Ducati Streetfighter V4, KTM 1390 Super Duke R and Triumph Speed Triple RS.

Our test bike wasn’t the stock-standard version though. It was the Race spec, which means semi-active suspension, cruise control, keyless ignition and a raft of other goodies. That pushes the price up to $29,670, or just shy of $30k with on-road costs. 

If you’re eyeing the M 1000 R, be ready to fork out another couple of grand, with prices starting around $32k before on-roads. For some buyers, that won’t be a huge leap, which is why the S must work hard to justify itself.

The first thing worth saying is that 170hp is still a lot of power. More than you’ll ever need on the road and delivered with that silky inline-four character that BMW does so well. You miss out on ShiftCam tech from the M, but you do gain an extra Newton-metre of torque (114Nm in total), which makes the S feel punchy through the mid-range. The gearbox and quickshifter are also top-notch and butter-smooth. 

Comfort is another win. The 830mm seat height gives most riders a fair shot, and the riding position strikes a sweet balance between sporty and sensible. Heated grips, a GPS mount and 199kg wet weight all add up to a bike that’s not just quick, but genuinely usable day-to-day.

Then there’s the handling. The S 1000 R tips in beautifully, feels light on its feet, and carries itself with the composure you’d expect from Bavaria’s finest. Suspension is excellent, the brakes are strong, and you get enough electronic aids to keep things upright without feeling smothered by settings.

Finally, the value equation deserves a mention. You’re not buying a budget bike, but compared to the competition, the S offers plenty of kit and performance for the money.

Yes, it’s true: the S 1000 R exists in the shadow of the M 1000 R. On paper, the M is faster, flashier and more feature packed. For buyers with cash to burn, the temptation is obvious. That makes the S feel like a compromise, even though it’s a great bike in its own right.

Vibration is another minor gripe. At higher revs it does buzz a fair bit. It’s not unbearable, but it’s noticeable if you spend too much time near the redline. Not entirely surprising for a high-performance inline-four, however. 

And while the S is well equipped, it doesn’t quite match the competition when it comes to outright horsepower. The Ducati and KTM, for instance, will give you bragging rights if pub stats matter to you.

Lastly, the electronics suite is generous but not comprehensive. There’s no slide control like the M, while launch control and wheelie control only come with the high-spec versions. These are all party tricks you’ll find on the M as standard. Do you need them on Aussie roads? Probably not. But it’s still a miss for tech and track obsessed riders.

The BMW S 1000 R is in a tricky position. It’s no longer the flagship naked in the BMW stable, and it doesn’t have the shock-and-awe factor of the M. But here’s the thing: most riders don’t need the M.

The S is lighter on the hip pocket, easier to live with, and just as capable of making you grin from ear to ear. It delivers 170hp in a package that feels both thrilling and sensible, and that’s a rare combination in the world of naked sports bikes.

If you want the sharpest, baddest BMW naked out there, get the M 1000 R. But if you’re a rider who values real-world usability and a touch more comfort without losing the adrenaline hit, the S 1000 R remains a brilliant option.

Call it the smarter sibling, the more grounded one. Simple and sensible might not sound sexy, but in this case, it’s exactly why the S 1000 R still deserves your attention.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder
Capacity: 999cc
Bore x stroke: 80mm x 49.7mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 170hp (125kW) at 11,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 114Nm at 9250rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed claw-shifted integrated in transmission housing
Clutch: Wet multi-plate (anti-hopping)
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, co-supporting engine
Front suspension: USD telescopic fork, 45mm, 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Aluminium double-sided swingarm, central shock absorber, 117mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 320mm discs, four-piston fixed calipers
Rear brake: 220mm single disc, single-piston floating caliper
Tyre sizes: 120/70ZR17 front, 190/55ZR17 rear

DIMENSIONS
Claimed wet weight: 199kg
Length: 2085mm
Seat height: 830mm
Fuel capacity: 16.5l

OTHER STUFF
Price: From $25,155 ride away
Colours: Light White/M Motorsport, Blackstorm Metallic, Bluefire/Mugiallo Yellow