While we remain firm in our opinion that the BMW R nineT is the most important model to come from BMW Motorrad in a long while (which is saying something, since the liquid-cooled BMW R1200GS was a major step for the iconic and well-selling motorcycle), perhaps the most exciting model to come from Bavaria for the 2014 model year is the BMW S1000R.
Long-expected, the S1000R is the scandalously clad sibling to the venerable S1000RR superbike. Building the streetfighter model, the Germans went an interesting route with the BMW S1000R, instead of dropping mega horsepower, to compete with the Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS and KTM 1290 SuperDuke R, the Motorraders built a bike with a serious midrange.
True to form though, BMW is aggressively pricing the S1000R for the US market, with the base price set at $13,150. Of course will all things BMW, you have to pay to play with all the goodies.
The true price breakdown is as follows:
- $13,150 – Base model
- $13,995 – Standard Package: Pro ride mode, quick-shifter, dynamic traction control, and cruise control
- $14,950 – Premium Package: Dynamic damping control, heated grips, engine spoiler, Pro ride mode, quick-shifter, dynamic traction control, and cruise control
Comparing apples to apples, BMW comes in a little cheaper than the 167hp Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS, which has an MSRP of $14,499. The Tuono has class leading electronics though, which may or may not be worth the $500 premium.
Of note, given how hard of a time the Italian brand has had moving those machines in the USA, we imagine dealers will be flexible on that price as well. The gearboxes are pretty tight, but otherwise this has to be one of our favorite bikes on the market right now.
That could change though, as with all the bells and whistles on it, the 160hp S1000R looks like an attractive option to the Tuono, especially with the semi-active suspension on-board for only $500 more. And of course there are heated grips to consider, because…BMW.
The other machine to consider is the 180hp KTM 1290 SuperDuke R, which is expected to come to the USA, though no pricing has been confirmed. Considering the small fortune that KTM is asking for the machine in Europe though, we imagine the new Duke will be the most expensive 1,000+ cc streetfighter model in the US when it arrives, by a considerable margin.
The question for riders in this category will be a tough one. Depending where your priorities reside, it is a tough call between the evenly priced S1000R and the Tuono. For the “money is no option” and “horsepower is king” crowds, the Duke is probably the bike for you, though it is going to come with a several thousand dollar premium, we suspect.
These are not bad problems to have though, and we look forward to flogging the BMW S1000R in the near future.
Source: BMW Motorrad USA
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