BMW S 1000 R — Top Speed 270 km/h (168 mph)

Is the BMW S 1000 R a good buy? Quick answer

The BMW S 1000 R has a listed top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph) with 165 hp, 114 Nm torque, 1000 cc engine, 208 kg curb weight. It sits in the Naked segment and is better matched to experienced sport riders than absolute beginners. Compare rivals side-by-side using the tools on this page.

Feature Value
Brand BMW
Model BMW S 1000 R
Engine size 1000 cc
Power 165 hp
Torque 114 Nm
Cylinder / Valve 4 Cylinders, 16 valves
Weight 208 kg (459 lb)
Front Brake Twin-disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm, four-piston fixed calliper
Rear Brake Single disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm, one-piston floating calliper
Seat Height 83 cm (32.7 in)
Front Tyre 120/70 ZR 17
Rear Tyre 190/55 ZR 17
Cooling Liquid Cooled
Front Suspension Upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm, spring preload and adjustable rebound and compression stage
Rear Suspension Aluminium underbeam swinging arm, Full-Floater Pro, central shock absorber, adjustable rebound and compression damping and adjustable spring preload
Motorcycle Type Naked
Top Speed 270 km/h (168 mph)
Fuel Capacity 16.5 L (4.4 US gal)
Fuel Consumption 7.0 L/100 km (33.6 mpg US)
Prevalence of Service Network
Service Quality
Spare Parts Availability
Price $13,945
For Other Motorcycle Price Lists Click for BMW Price List

Spec-based reading of the BMW S 1000 R as a Naked: focus on the numbers that match how you ride — power, weight, seat height, and fuel range — then verify with a dealer test ride.

Pros

  • Liquid cooling for more consistent heat management
  • Strong listed power (165 hp) for sport riding

Who is it for?

Best suited for street riders who want agile handling.

Who is it not for?

Less ideal for brand-new riders looking for a first motorcycle.

Commuting / city use

As a naked motorcycle, it suits agile street and back-road riding more than long touring comfort.

Highway / longer rides

Wind protection on long highway days depends on screens and rider preference.

Good for beginners?

Power and/or sport focus make the BMW S 1000 R a demanding first motorcycle. Newer riders should usually step up gradually.

Seat height & rider fit

Seat height is about 830 mm (32.7 in) — mid-range, but personal fit still matters.

Fuel economy & range

Listed fuel use is about 7 L/100 km (~33.6 mpg US). With a ~16.5 L tank, theoretical range is around 236 km (real-world range varies).

Two-up riding

Two-up comfort depends on seat length, passenger pegs, and load capacity — check fit with a passenger before long trips.

Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of the BMW S 1000 R?

Our specification data lists 270 km/h (168 mph) for the BMW S 1000 R.

How much horsepower does the BMW S 1000 R have?

Listed power is 165 hp.

How much torque does the BMW S 1000 R have?

Listed torque is 114 Nm.

What is the engine size of the BMW S 1000 R?

Engine displacement is listed as 1000 cc.

How much does the BMW S 1000 R weigh?

Curb weight is listed at about 208 kg (459 lb).

What is the seat height of the BMW S 1000 R?

Seat height is about 830 mm (32.7 in).

What is the fuel economy of the BMW S 1000 R?

Listed consumption is about 7 L/100 km (about 33.6 mpg US).

What is the fuel range of the BMW S 1000 R?

Theoretical range is around 236 km based on tank size and listed consumption; real-world range varies with riding style.

Is the BMW S 1000 R liquid cooled?

Yes — it is listed as liquid-cooled.

How many cylinders does the BMW S 1000 R have?

It is listed as a 4-cylinder engine.

Is the BMW S 1000 R good for beginners?

Power and/or sport focus make the BMW S 1000 R a demanding first motorcycle. Newer riders should usually step up gradually.

Is the BMW S 1000 R good for commuting?

The BMW S 1000 R can work well for everyday commuting, especially for riders who value manageable street handling and an upright riding position.

Is the BMW S 1000 R good for highway riding?

With a listed top speed of 270 km/h, the BMW S 1000 R has enough performance for typical highway speeds and overtaking. Long-distance comfort still depends on riding position, wind protection and rider preference.

Is the BMW S 1000 R suitable for short riders?

Seat height is about 830 mm (32.7 in) — mid-range, but personal fit still matters.

Is the BMW S 1000 R A2 licence friendly?

A2 licence fit depends on power and power-to-weight limits (≤35 kW and ≤0.2 kW/kg). Based on listed figures, it may exceed typical A2 limits unless a restricted kit version exists.

What are the pros of the BMW S 1000 R?

Liquid cooling for more consistent heat management; Strong listed power (165 hp) for sport riding.

Build your comparison

Pick the first two bikes (required). Use Add 3rd bike for more models, then Add 4th bike if you need it. Choose from the list and press Compare.