Text and foro: OA Isdahl
A cool but slightly risky design perhaps?
This year’s edition of the S 1000 R has been given a distinctive facelift with new headlights, but ….. this is unmistakably reminiscent of the very controversial Triumph models, namely the Street Triple and Speed Triple, which were simply reviled and highly controversial in terms of design. So then the question is, will this work for BMW?
The S 1000 R is a fantastic, well-balanced and powerful driving machine with 170 HP, 114 Nm and well-tuned driver support systems that deliver performance at the top end of the segment. There’s not a single thing to fault here, but I have to say that I find the choice of new headlight a little odd. Triumph has been running this line for many years and it has not been painless. There has been no shortage of comments to say the least!
The front of the Speed Triple is quite similar to the new S 1000 R and I for one am mildly puzzled by the fact that BMW chose this design track, probably knowing the criticism of Triumph. However, taste is like buttocks and it’s actually divided.
But even though I’m personally critical of this choice, it has to be said that in terms of handling and power output, this model falls into the category of “this material is so good to drive that I simply don’t care what it looks like”. The S 1000 R is a “loop and roll” model that offers truly outstanding handling. Men…… det hjelper lite dersom designet blir klassifisert som kontroversielt og førerne ikke liker imaget. As a street fighter, the S 1000 R has been relatively popular over time, and the first model that came out in 2014 was simply described as cross-eyed by some, while the younger generation loved the asymmetric and slightly wild nature of this design. The 2024 model wasn’t quite to my taste either, although I personally liked this one much better.
2014 and 2024 models
However, retailers I’ve spoken to say that the reception of this design so far has been very positive and that there are many indications that people actually like it. Nothing will be better than that and I’ll happily eat my own skepticism if that’s the result.
High end models M 1000 R
The M 1000 R supermodel puts out a full 210 hp, is slightly better equipped at component level and takes it all to a higher level. In this scenario, the design makes a little more sense, the light fits the whole better with winglets and the use of carbon in the fenders, a slightly strange and angular light cover and other covers used on the bike. This actually looks a bit better.
Only time will tell just how much design really matters in the pursuit of awesome riding pleasure. There’s no doubt that this is an awesome machine that will live perfectly well in the category of “bikes that are so good to ride that I don’t care what they look like”.
