BMW M 1000 R launched in India via CBU route

BMW has launched its second M motorcycle in India - the M 1000 R. The M 1000 R gets its name from BMW’s M division of go-faster machines, but the M could just as easily stand for mad since this bike makes more power than the S 1000 RR superbike - check out our review here.

The M 1000 R effectively uses the same 999cc inline four from the S 1000 RR, which means a total of 212hp at 14,500rpm. That makes it the most powerful naked production bike on sale and in BMW’s own range it is second only to the 212hp, fully faired M 1000 RR . We recently had the opportunity to ride the M 1000 RR MotoGP Safety Bike at the Indian GP - click here to read about that wild experience.  

The M 1000 R effectively takes the naked S 1000 R and replaces its 165hp engine with the full fat superbike motor that brings in BMW’s Shiftcam variable valve timing technology. While the engine pumps out segment-leading power figures, its 113Nm torque figure is down on the Ducati Streetfighter V4’s 123Nm. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 3.2s and a top speed of 280kph. That kind of speed is incredible on a naked bike - our necks ache at the very thought.

The design is distinguished by unique paint schemes and a set of large wings up front. BMW claims that these winglets improve downforce both when the bike is leaned over or upright. The front fender is also designed to duct cooling air onto the brake callipers and rotors. 

Prices start at Rs 33 lakh and paying an additional 5 lakh rupees will get you the M Competition pack. This brings in carbon fibre wheels, multiple carbon fibre and billet aluminium parts, adjustable M footpegs and more. 

At this price, the M 1000 R is a whole Rs 16 lakh less than the BMW M 1000 RR and about on par with the Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2 (Rs 34.99 lakh). That seems like good value (comparatively), but the bike does cost nearly 10 lakhs more than the range-topping Pro M Sport variant of the S 1000 R - and that bike gets carbon fibre wheels as standard. 

The M 1000 R can be pre-ordered at all BMW Motorrad showrooms across the country and deliveries will begin in January 2024. 

All prices ex-showroom, India.