BMW S1000RR naked bike spied testing

BMW is already well ahead in the development of a naked version of its class-leading S1000RR superbike as these spy shots taken at a BMW test facility reveal.

The naked S1000RR – to be called the S1000SR according to insiders – looks highly developed with a specially designed half-fairing with a passing resemblance to that seen on the Aprilia RSV4 Tuono.

It’s been a relatively quiet 18 months for BMW with only the revamped S1000RR superbike and the two 650cc scooters appearing as new models. It’s not clear when the naked S1000 will be launched.

The technical specification of the bike is also unknown. There is a chance BMW has taken the brave step of just ripping off the fairing and leaving the 197bhp inline four-cylinder motor, chassis and running gear alone – changing only the handlebars for a more upright riding position.

This would be a unique step, as every other naked bike derived from a superbike, such as the Ducati Streetfighter and Aprilia RSV4 Tuono, have had power softened and some hefty chassis changes too. MCN expects a slightly lower power output of around 160bhp.

What do you want from a naked S1000RR? A savage, full-power naked or a slightly softened, firendlier bike?

See spy shots of more new BMWs in this week’s MCN.