BMW S 1000 R 2021 - still as good as it always was? 

The MT 10 is still crazy enough for me with all that low down torque.Trouble now is these super/hyper nakeds are going down the same road as their super Sports equivalents with another BHP war which kind of defeats the object as it is why so many of us switched to nakeds in the first place.And finally all this is reflected in the crazy prices.

I had the first model S1000RR here in Australia. After 4 years of loving it I stepped DOWN to the 2015 S1000R & loved it even more! Simply because it wasn’t insane. It was rideable, it handled brilliantly & was terrific on track days at Phillip Island! Now as a few here have said, it’s back to a bloody horsepower war, which is not what a lot of riders are after. That’s when you do get yourself a SPORTS bike. I like the fact BMW haven’t played that HP game. As for the asymmetric headlights on the old model, I totally agree with you! It gave the bike character whether it was divisive or not, I loved that split personality! Cheers from “Down Under”. 🍻👍🏼😎🇦🇺

Once you've lived with the old single R (2019) and the brand new one which I've had for around 4 months now, the new one is in a different league in the handing department. I've owned the superduke R and the MT-10 also, and to live with everyday the new BMW is my favorite thus far.

I bought a new 21 s1000r a few months ago and couldn’t be happier!! Once I come back from a ride I just won’t to go bk out again :)

Last gen S1000r is still one of my favourite nakeds...😍😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰🥰

Best review that I have ever seen on a bike ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Great review! I owned the 2015 model and loved it. Recently purchased the 2021 s1000xr for a little more touring comfort. Stonking engine that is just mental in the higher RPM’s. No more annoying vibrations either.

And don`t be fooled by the Triumph`s HP claim. On most dyno`s the S1000R shows higher figures then the Speed Triple.

Love this channel! I almost bought the new S1000R. I was choosing between this and Tuono - Then though I about where I ride in the tight twisty mounts where I live and ended up getting the Street Triple RS and loving it. Plus is was $8000 cheaper!!

Every once in a while…. A bike comes along… that you’re SO happy… you didn’t buy. The S1000R is that bike. Great bike, but to think it could’ve gotten in the way of me owning my Tuono, I thank my lucky stars I passed on it.

I still love this headlight

At this point in the game. The differences have become trivial. Brilliant is brilliant, just what's your flavor?

Always enjoy your reviews mate. Balanced opinion of the bikes you ride. Other bike testers could learn a lot from you. I own a 2018 gen 2 S1R now. I consider that BMW could have put more ponies in the new bike. As you said, folks buy on heart, not head so the figures matter!

Matt, the new S1000 R is super great, .... other brands are also great indeed, ... I had a 2016 S1000R "sport" here in South Africa and really enjoyed riding it hard ....today I ride a S1000 XR 2021, just as good but slightly less "fun" perhaps... where do we draw the line??.... a good few years back, the zzr1400 /ZX14 was my cherished "horse" in Cape Town, no ABS, no electronics, 200 hp, wonderful machine at a good purchase price and cheap running costs, took it to Killarney race track a few times, could only hit 3rd gear on the back Malmesbury straight...but it was good fun in the Cape mountains... so my point is, yep, Tuono, Ducati V4, fancy Triumph latest, etc, all Euro 5 full of restrictions and fancy EMU/ECU etc electronics with sky high prices and almost impossible to maintain/work on them yourself without computer programs for everything....well were are we going??..... difficult to follow the current trend of totally overpowered and "over electroniqued" motorcycles.... too much perhaps.... I still ride about 20 000 km /year....not sure it is the same in EU and even in SA for many people.... top notch super expensive motorcycles have a tendancy of staying in the garage and being taken out for the show mainly??? ... what do you think personnally?.... thx anyway for your vids and your humour! cheers

After looking at the Super Duke, the Tuono and the Street Fighter, I would get the S1000R. It is a huge jump up from my last super bike and is the best value. On the '80s, I rode my V4 155 mph every weekend. In the last 20 years, I took my 1200 rice rocket over 100 mph maybe once. I recently traded my Ninja for a Triumph America as the wife wanted to ride with me but I need to get a second bike that excites me.

Great honest review as usual Matt. No lubing or adjusting the chain?? Holy shit! Where's the fun in that? I always felt good when working on a bike in the garage, even if it was to just do chain maitanence. Technology is moving way quicker than I ever will. Thanks again Matt.

Good and objective review!but that fork seal sweat was hard to unsee.

Have a 2017 S1000R for a week now and coming of a 2011 Speed Triple this BMW is for me the best bike I ever owned!

Not everyone wants to own one of the v4/twin alternatives. The BMW is such a great bike from an ownership point of view. And some people still enjoy a screamer inline four, which will sound a lot better with some akra header pipes.

Sir I am from Bangladesh,and I love BMW bike 🏍😎😍

What a nice Suzuki!

I really like the understated front end and lights 🤷‍♂️

This host seems ageless while being a classy old guy at the same time. Still respect the zx14r “no look damn the traffic” exit he made a few years ago.

the MT10 still remains a dream machine for me.

My 2021 mt 10 is still my favorite bike I’ve ever owned

The S1000R, V4S, and the Tuono all do 0-200kph in a similar 8s or so. Does it not mean that the S1000R is more efficient in getting the power down than the higher peak power rated nakeds making the extra power redundant? Further, both Italian bikes have poor range, heat issues and relatively poor dealer network. And the S1000R is said to be the best overall on the road. And it’s somewhat cheaper too. The only thing the Italians have IMO is maybe the “bonkers” factor. I prefer the smooth turbine like character of the in line 4.

The s1000r is a great bike and to be fair you was slagging it off quite a lot, but in my opinion the s1000r is still as good as everything else out there and the one I would choose

I am glad I opted for a 2021 V4 Tuono ! What an excellent ride, power delivery, handling, brakes and ride mode customization all for 16 grand. The wind management is awesome which many don’t pay attention to…Even a StreetFighter V4 has more wind buffeting which kills the driving pleasure….

Where is Harry ?

perfect review, everything in a nutshell, I can only agree

I agreed with everything you said, except modern bikes front ends are looking weird!

Are those fork seals blown? Fork Looks a bit oily

I liked the old lights as well

I must say I really enjoyed that review! Very well done. One german virtue is function over design (and feeling?). And there you have it: An near to perfecetion crafted motorcycle which lacks a bit of passion. Very well pointed out.

As an owner of a 17 S1000R, agree with your comments. My prediction is BMW will bring out a M1000R, with the shift cam engine and better styling. The S1000RR and M1000RR are beautifully styled, in my view (beauty-eyes-beholder) and no reason why BMW could not have it new truly competitive and well styled 1000R variant. I have a vague recollection of some spy shots along those lines prior to the launch of the current S1000R, so perhaps BMW is doing something similar to the staggered launch as its RR models and Truimph did with its Speed RS and RR. Good time to be in the market for one of these, but I have to say I sit back to see how it plays out knowing what I have had in the garage for nearly 48000km remains an epic bike.

I like the electric tape fairing look too. Very nice.

At this price point the Tuono or the Super Duke are more engaging but thats my experience. Others might disagree ✌️

only the internals of the chain are sealed, but you still need to clean it and lubricate the outer so it runs on the smooth, just turn the wheel before and after cleaning and oiling you can always feel the chain and how much more freely it runs afterwards.

Fantastic review !!! 👏👏👏👊👊👊

The bmw headlight is the best in the class imo, I want a naked bike that is naked I don’t want a lot going on in front of the handle bar

Good review. You try finding a basic one for sale though. Everything you see is the Sport model new or second hand. I reckon a basic model without electronic suspension would have to be a special order from Germany.

I’ve ridden most supernakeds and this one was the most agile in my opinion. That’s what I’m looking for in a super naked. Agility and a bit more comfort than a sports bike.

Nearly bought one but after riding the zh2 I didn’t want the bmw anymore.. Ps I also own a 15 RR

Loved the review ...

I guess as a reviewer you care but as a consumer I couldn’t care less if BMW has as much horsepower or “character” as the other motorcycles in the category. I completely understand and agree with BMW philosophy. If I like it I will buy it and if I don’t I won’t buy it. I personally like BMW motorcycle being on the side of practical and fun so once the adrenaline wears off your left with a motorcycle that’s actually good just riding around

Bike matches the Streetfighter V4S from 0-200kmh. Both do 8.1s. The Streetfighter is torque limited in the first 3 gears. You don't need 200bhp.

What is the bike like on the British roads? Thinking about the R or the RR but in the back of my mind is the state of our roads

God bike. It just lacks a V4 and some red,silver and black in the colours.

I really liked your review of this bike, it reminds me of the You Tube channel Carfection with Henry Catchpole, very thoughtful and indepth.

The 2018 was my true love, the loss of it was devastating. Since I loved it so much, I sat on my hands waiting for the 2021. And what a disappointment it was. Once you start dipping into the options list, it got horrendously expensive!! Think I landed on 20k euros. And still you don't get Brembo brakes or Öhlins suspensions which every other competitor premium naked in this class got. Instead, I went for a 2020 Ducati V4s Streetfighter. The build quality on it is of a different world! The brakes and suspension is magnificent. Always been a fan of inline engines, so once BMW sorts out the S1000R I'll be right back for one. Stop being cheap!

Totaly agree with you. I will go from my S1000R to the SuperDuke.

Traded my s1000r for a tuono factory. The ape is insane and built for twisties. The bmw is better for traffic and slower riding. Its smoother and easier to ride. Also sits a bit more comfortable.

Not to mention the tail , the brake lights/indicators are horrible and in my opinion unsafe, I’ve followed a couple now, and think the turn signals are hard to see Also because of the way bmw have done this, can you fit a tail tidy ? Nope I think I’ll go with the kTm

holy crap, it looks so much like g310r

Is it only me or someone like the bmw front end more than the japanese ?

the lite battery is a longer term problem and most would advise swapping it out after the first year. As for the chain being completely maintenance free is quite simply BS. Even BMW admitted the same although the service regime was enough to keep stretch in check.

Front end is disappointing compared to previous gen- to me it looks like a big Grom

Did he just say you never have to lube or adjust an X-ring chain? 🤨 Every chain stretches and wears with use so adjustments will have to be made also lubing a chain is more about fighting off corrosion the X-rings only keep the chain greased inside the pins to reduce wear this gives the chain a longer life span

Sometimes simplicity on appearance is the best look for these naked sports bike. I mean the retro feel with the somewhat rounded headlamp is the one that attracks me, and it should attract more matured, no nonsense kind of grown up men. Those other bikes with funky designs are mostly for younger generations. With this design, if an older person like yourself rode it, it would look more suitable then riding a funky looking bike at your age. So look into that perspective and judge the design of this bike. It's not always the extras that looks good, subtle design is sometimes more attractive and meaningful.

Super Duke is too tall for me & the Tuono would be a pain to own as the nearest dealer is miles away. I had an early 2014, which was great, but the new bike is sooooo much more agile.

So we know for sure that chain won't ever need adjustments and won't wear out? Is that like the electric bike claiming 200 mile ranges? Maybe the chain thing will last longer than those fork seals....the one one on the brake side looks sketchy.

It's a hell of a lot more comfy than the Tuono. Even the new base, more touring focused version still has a really cramped seating position. The beemer is something I could do a hell of lot more miles on.

I test rode one of these, ended up buying a new KTM Superduke 1290R. It’s all about putting a smile on your dial.

if i had the money. i would buy bmw s1000r any day. its just i dont even have money to buy a scooter.

I don't like this bike's looks, but it's impressive. A chain that doesn't need lubricating or adjusting. Good video, though.

I’m not sure BMW is trying to compete with the likes of an Aprilia or Ducati. Why would anyone switch from a V4, Tripple or V2 to an inline 4? I think they are targeting customers that want more ‘normal’. Let’s see what story the sales will tell.

Great Review! Whats the most nimble bike thats super fast 0-100? 🇱🇷🐉🇱🇷

They definitely need to drop the shift cam rr motor in the r.. and to the comment below I switched to a naked not bc I wanted less power.. I switched bc they are making almost the same power yet they are FAR more comfortable. If you don't want power then get a parallel twin..just don't complain about to much power bc when I was younger and grew up with 150hp bikes all we dreamed of was bikes with more power.. and just in case u didn't know just bc u have 180hp doesn't mean u have to use it every single second ur riding

I think you’re right mate, all in all. Except the ‘no maintenance’ chain 😏 it ain’t no maintenance…

....I feel like sometimes a good number of auto journalist all dance around the same opinion. I've heard another review by a different auto reviewer and it almost seemed it was exactly the same thing they were saying

It doesn’t have the bottom end hit of the RR before the shift-cam come in, do a roll on between the R and the RR and watch the RR pull away, a real shame.

How you supposed to hold onto 200hp unfaired bike for more than a few seconds at a time.

The front end is bland. But, for that matter I think the only model that has a decent front end is the Tuono V4. None of the rest really catch my eye.

If I had to chose one of these to commute on and actually live with I'd probably take the MT10. Not quiet a hypernaked anymore but still a great road bike. That headlight on the new 1000r is very underwhelming. Looks like an old MT07 head light.

Can you please tell me what motorcycle boots did you wear in the video?

I hated mine - sold after 3 months / 2500 miles. Characterless in my opinion against the previous model. Does everything perfectly well in an under whelming style. Happy to lose £2000 to switch back to something with character. Each to their own but not for me.

Where can I get that chain?

Fine if your preference is a character free motorcycle experience.

The indicators are also the brake lights... its a bloody crap rear end disaster waiting to happen and seriously dangerous... so why didn't you mention it

Just get a Tuono please!🕺

looks like cross breed of yamaha r600 and a bmw. nice review thank you sir 🙏

, Stroke It? They already did. The Engine

After tested, I can just say BMW has put nice electronics…. The app is fantastic..! rather than that, the bike is good, but just does the job, I couldn’t feel it. So, if the concept of naked remains pure I still prefer my Monster 1200

Excellent review Matt. I own a 2019 S1000r which I bought new and currently have up for sale. I was worried that with the new model coming out it would make life difficult to sell. However a number of bike shops still have the original (my version)BMW S1000r new at NZD$24k, the latest version at NZD$34k. Why spend $10k on a new colour screen, same bhp and boring looks? Like you said the vast majority of the reason we by bikes has nothing to do with logic, BMW have missed the point here I think.

Those marzocchi forks are leaking 😂

2022 MT-10 > 2021 S1000R (would be awesome with the S1000RR 205PS shiftcam 205PS engine and a sexier headlight than the F-900R one)

For a guy who thinks 121 hp in the form of an 890R is plenty plenty for the daily, all this, oh it’s only 165 business is a stark reminder that my skill level must be that of a girl scout.. then again I probably shouldn’t judge a girl scouts motorcycling potential. Seriously though the motorcycles in that segment are plenty plenty of insane.. and I love that that’s an option.

Interesting and yeah you don't really even hear about this bike in naked hyper conversations

It looks like previous generation Suzuki gsx-s .... I don't know what BMW was thinking 🤔

I understand that its looks don't stand out or look special but there are plenty of us out there, mostly older riders, that can't stand the look of more 'modern' front ends. As a matter of fact there are some bikes I wouldn't buy just because of that like the MT10, Suzuki and Kawasaki and even the KTM - they look horrible and even over time aren't growing on me. Let's face it, if a bike has a bit more than enough power (for the road) and handles well (on the road) it's 90% of the way there.

I had an s1000r 2014 for 4 years and it was amazing , I had such high hopes for the new model , but when I saw It I thought it was a major let down ,such an eye sore and bore of a so called upgrade so I bought an r1

How is a bike that can’t even win in Moto America an apex predator?

Electronics have given riders a false sense of safety i still see as many riders today crashing as 20 years ago on motorcycles with no electronics.. electronics have just made motorcycles more expensive 🤦‍♂️ ..

My opinion to the new s1000 is the same as you... quite disappointed

Mm, I experienced that engine in the S1000XR, when our nearest dealer had a demo day. Took a GS for a spin too. I’d take the boxer motor configuration anyday over BMW’s fourpot. The fourpot has no torque and that buzziness of the engine was so bad, I couldn’t see any traffic in my rearview mirror… How does it compare to the R1250R you rode?

Hang on a chain that needs no maintenance surely that's not right ?

The front fender seems to be a bit of a crappy design. Look at the crap that the front wheel is putting on the radiator!

I owned 2 at different times. Ridiculous bike and I mean that in a good way. Mine were both older models so if it is improved … oh my

Unfortunately BS has already been called and proven on the no maintenance chain. In the UK with the extras you really want this bike is just shy of £20k brand new. Unfortunately it's a pass, when this should really be in the top of the pack

The stupid GS has shift cam technology... Bmw did an error by not making a 200+bhp s1000rr with upright handlebars...