BMW street bike specs for the M 1000 and S 1000 range are close on engine size but differ in power, weight and fuel capacity. All six models use a 999 cc inline-four. Power runs from 170 hp on the S 1000 R and S 1000 XR to 218 hp on the M 1000 RR, the fastest at a listed 314 km/h. Figures below come from BMW Motorrad Canada’s technical data pages.
Quick answer: which BMW should you look at
- Track and fast road riding: M 1000 RR or S 1000 RR.
- Upright naked bike: M 1000 R or S 1000 R.
- Sport touring: M 1000 XR or S 1000 XR.
BMW M 1000 and S 1000 specs compared
| Model | Type | Power | Torque | Top speed | Road-ready weight | Seat height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M 1000 RR | Superbike | 218 hp | 83.5 lb-ft | 314 km/h | 194 kg | 34.1 in |
| M 1000 R | Roadster | 205 hp | 83.5 lb-ft | 280 km/h | 199 kg | 32.6 in |
| M 1000 XR | Sport touring | 201 hp | 83.3 lb-ft | Over 275 km/h | 223 kg | 33.5 in |
| S 1000 RR | Superbike | 205 hp | 83.3 lb-ft | 303 km/h | 198 kg | 32.7 in |
| S 1000 R | Roadster | 170 hp | 84 lb-ft | Over 200 km/h | 199 kg | 32.7 in |
| S 1000 XR | Sport touring | 170 hp | 84 lb-ft | Over 250 km/h | 227 kg | 33.4 in |
Fuel capacity is 16.5 L usable on the RR and R models and about 20 L on the XR models, each with roughly 4 L reserve. Model-year labels on BMW’s pages differ between models, so check the exact year before comparing a used or new bike.
Model pages: M 1000 RR, M 1000 R, M 1000 XR, S 1000 RR, S 1000 R, S 1000 XR. The full range is on BMW’s model overview.
RR, R and XR: what the letters mean
- RR: full-fairing superbike with the most power and the highest top speed.
- R: naked roadster with less bodywork and a more upright seat.
- XR: taller chassis, larger tank and more weight, aimed at long days in the saddle.
M vs S: how they differ
The M versions add more power and, on the RR, a lower road-ready weight and higher top speed than the S equivalents. The S models are less powerful but still serious performance bikes. Brakes, suspension and electronics also differ by model, so compare equipment lists as well as numbers.
What to check before buying
- Confirm the model year and package on the dealer’s spec sheet.
- Get an insurance quote early, because high-performance bikes can be costly to insure in Canada.
- Sit on the bike. Seat heights of 32.6 to 34.1 in suit different riders, and low or high seat options exist on some models.
- Match the bike to your riding: the XR models carry more fuel and suit touring better than the RR models.
- Consider extras such as a GPS, see best motorcycle GPS units, and a tracker, see best motorcycle tracking devices.
Curious how automatic options compare? Read our guide to automatic transmission motorcycles.
BMW street bike FAQ
Which BMW street bike is the most powerful?
On BMW Motorrad Canada’s technical data pages, the M 1000 RR is the most powerful of the M and S 1000 range at 218 hp, with a listed top speed of 314 km/h.
What is the difference between the S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR?
Both use a 999 cc inline-four. The M 1000 RR is rated at 218 hp against 205 hp for the S 1000 RR, and BMW lists lower road-ready weight for the M (194 kg vs 198 kg).
Which BMW 1000 is best for long-distance riding?
The S 1000 XR and M 1000 XR are the touring-leaning models, with a taller riding position and about 20 L of usable fuel, against 16.5 L on the RR and R models.
What is the lightest BMW M and S 1000 model?
Using BMW’s road-ready weights, the M 1000 RR is lightest at 194 kg, followed by the S 1000 RR at 198 kg.
What seat height do these BMW street bikes have?
Standard seat heights range from about 32.6 in on the M 1000 R to 34.1 in on the M 1000 RR. Some models offer low or high seat options.
Where can I check current BMW Motorrad specs in Canada?
Use the model pages on bmw-motorrad.ca or ask a BMW Motorrad dealer. Figures and model-year labels change, so confirm for the exact bike you want.
