BMW S 1000 RR - The New Generation Superbike

We welcomed BMW’s new generation superbike with a track session at the Buddh International Circuit!

- Abhay Verma

When I rode the new-gen S 1000 RR at Estoril in Portugal earlier this year, I couldn’t stop raving about how it sets new benchmarks in the litre-class superbike segment. Of course, BMW Motorrad has clearly set its sights on reclaiming the segment title, but more importantly it has launched the new S 1000 RR in India just months after it went on sale internationally. And that clears Motorrad’s intent of carving a niche at the top of the two-wheeler spectrum in India as well and not just in the lower segments.

I also cannot shake off the fact that for a CBU, the S 1000 RR’s starting price of Rs 18.5 lakh ex-showroom, is excellent. More so when you consider how much more tech-laden it is than its competitors. At the Buddh International Circuit, saying hello to the bike again after my ride in Portugal was thus easy, but what was not easy was taking my eyes off it.

Many haven’t liked the design, but the new S 1000 RR looks stunning in the flesh. The fairing is narrower while the dual projector headlights look aggressive. Overall, the motorcycle is almost as small as a 600cc supersport machine. More importantly I cannot stop myself from waxing eloquent about the mechanical updates and technology. The bike uses an all-new chassis which is a big reason behind the bike’s weight loss.