Controlled, precise aggression paired with enough character and performance to create pure, unbridled excitement. The 2022 BMW S 1000 R M Sport delivers perfect road manners alongside pure intoxication.
What makes this bike so good is the fact you always feel in control, and at no point does it let you think you’ve gone past the point of no return. Instead, it will have you wanting to find its limits, and take your own riding to new heights.
And with the M Sport badge adorning the S 1000 R you know there’ll be upgrades, which in this case include carbon fibre wheels and highlights, BMW’s quick shift pro, a sultry Akrapovič exhaust, and splashes of M badging across the body of this stunning bike.
An endurance chain and light weight battery complete the M Sport enhancements, but it does come at a premium over and above the standard BMW S 1000 R. You’ll need to pay $31,990 plus on-road costs to own this beast.
What you get though is a refined and intelligent motorcycle, with a level of sophistication that will have you engaged, intrigued and completely captivated. Sure, it needs to be treated with respect, but in return, it delivers a capable and desirable riding experience.
Powered by a water-cooled 4-cylinder in-line 999cc engine that delivers 121kW of power and 114Nm of torque, the S 1000 R M Sport transforms itself above 7000rpm, going from punchy and ready to go to taking you to the brink, in the wildest way.
It does that while ensuring you can safely return to normality at anytime (unless of course you’re Sonia Kruger from Dancing with the Stars in Australia, and your safe word is harder, then you’re in some trouble (editor’s note: Google it, it’s worth it)).
There are four riding modes to choose from including Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro, and all of them influence the bike’s characteristics. The standout for us was Dynamic Pro particularly on a country back road.
Semi-active suspension also features on the S 1000 R, which allows 120mm of travel on the front and 117mm at the rear. The front setup utilises upside-down 45mm diameter forks with spring load, and adjustable rebound and compression stages.
An aluminium under-beam swing arm with central shock absorber and adjustable rebound and compression dampening, as well as adjustable spring preload, finds a home on the rear and works extremely well when paired with the overall handling setup of the naked BMW.
Twin 320mm disc brakes matched to a four piston calliper provide the stopping grunt up front, which works exceptionally well with the 220mm single disc one piston floating calliper setup on the rear.
As you would expect BMW Motorrad ABS is an essential part of the braking package too. But if we do have a criticism of the S 1000 R M Sport, it’s the slight vibration through the handlebars, even at cruising speed.
Although that’s not even close to a deal breaker for us, it is noticeable when riding. The M Sport seat is comfortable though, while still being firm (which may not be to everyone’s liking). We put in a few hundred kilometres in a single stint and weren’t overly sore.
Combined with the adjustable handlebar height and the bar width, it does actually offer a far more practical seating position than a super sports bike, while still enabling the rider to be able to lean off the bike and push hard through corners with supreme confidence.
It’s also worth mentioning that with weight reduction a focus of the 2022 BMW S 1000 R, the German tips the scales at under 200kg, even with a full fuel tank. That puts it right on par with rivals like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS.
On the technology front, all rider info is displayed clearly and precisely via the standard BMW TFT display, which is quiet frankly one of the best in the game. All controls are easy to navigate in riding gloves, and the overall experience is very user friendly.
The 2022 BMW S 1000 R M Sport is also loaded with a heap of other niceties, including LED lighting, cruise control, heated hand grips (optional) and self-cancelling indicators.
Premium touches such as the contactless fob and high quality materials used across the bike only add to the experience of riding it. So, if a naked performance bike sits on your wish list, and fits in your budget, we highly recommend you check this one out.
Our test bike was supplied by BMW Motorrad Australia. To find out more about the 2022 BMW S 1000 R M Sport, contact your local BMW Motorrad dealer. Images courtesy of Zane Dobie.
