Motorcycle specifications BMWM 1000 RR 2023 Facing up to speed

Since 2009, BMW has built up a solid reputation with its sporting spearhead, the S 1000 RR. However, it's not with its track record that the German brand impresses bikers ... German bikes are always empty-handed in their quest for a WSBK world championship title. The seasoned biker also knows that the German manufacturer still refuses to take on the premier class: MotoGP. So what's all this about? Why are we so impressed?

As in the German car industry, for the S 1000 RR and then the M 1000 RR (an M name inherited from the car division after the few HP series), what counted was to put in everything possible for the engineers: more horsepower, more top speed and now more fins! And it works!

Whether you're a young A2 license holder or an old pistard, this German impresses. Let's see why, with this latest evolution that pushes the boundaries of what's possible even further...

" We've achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR, thanks to our unwavering ambition, boundless passion and technical finesse. Thanks to countless hours spent in wind tunnels and road tests, we were able to significantly increase top speed with unchanged engine power and, at the same time, significantly increase downforce, even when cornering. Our development work will be rewarded by success in competition," says Christian Gonschor, BMW M 1000 RR project manager.

Ah, there's that self-confident German confidence, already announcing its victories. Perhaps the future will confirm this, but in the meantime, BMW has indeed improved its machine to make it more effective in competition, and the few examples sold to enable it to be homologated for racing are aimed at experienced riders.

engine power remains unchanged at 212 bhp (at 14,500 rpm), but you'll have to put a lot of thought into optimizing this German heartthrob. The 999 cm3 4-cylinder engine delivers 113 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm. Its innards are noble, with titanium valves and connecting rods, forged pistons and Shiftcam variable valve timing. An anti-dribble clutch and up/down shifter sharpen the transmission. Vmax rises to over 310 km/h. If Japanese manufacturers are still too polite since the'Gentleman Agreement' and the Vmax scandal of the first Hayabusa, European manufacturers are totally uninhibited when it comes to top speed and the mythical 300 km/h mark.

BMW has left the chassis unchanged. The lucky owner of an M 1000 RR will be able to rely on the sturdy perimeter aluminum composite frame, in which the engine also acts as a carrier. The 45 mm inverted fork is adjustable in all directions and offers 120 mm of travel. The shock absorber offers 118 mm and is also adjustable for preload, compression and rebound. To stop the crew's lyrical flights of fancy, there's a 320 mm double floating disc clamped by 4-piston radial calipers (from Nissin, closely derived from WSBK) and a 220 mm disc at the rear with a single piston. The brakes are secured by Race Pro ABS, which can be partially deactivated. In terms of driving aids : traction control, anti-wheeling, launch control, hill-start assist, pit-lane limiter, slide control, hill-start assist, cruise control, engine brake control, 7 riding modes - the M comes with "Rain", "Road", "Dynamic" and "Race" riding modes as standard, as well as additional track-specific riding modes "Race Pro 1", "Race Pro 2" and "Race Pro 3" - and heated grips make this track monster a virtual angel on the road.

more fins, more aero

According to the Bavarian manufacturer's press release, the M 1000 RR gains 1.6 kg of downforce at 150 km/h, for a total of 5.7 kg, and even more than 6 kg of downforce at ... 300 km/h! That's an increase from 16.3 kg to 22.6 kg. But you'll have to work really hard to feel the difference, because as always with aileron-generated downforce, the faster you go, the more effective it is.

What's impressive is that BMW has been so efficient in creating a motorcycle that not only generates downforce, but is also capable of cutting through the air more effectively, with top speed increasing from 306 to 314 km/h.

On this point, the German engineers reveal some of their tricks. Front-end modifications (such as new air ducts in the front mudguard) have improved the bike's air penetration coefficient. The rider is also better protected by the new bubble and the impressive fork head, so he won't be a hindrance to the quest for the last few kilometers per hour.

In the game of "I'm the one with the biggest bike", BMW once again manages to make you believe that it's you, as the machine is sure to impress others at red lights. In the arms race, however, Ducati remains ahead with its many variations of the Panigale V4 S or R.

Finally, once again, this arms race brings us back to the automobile, where the Germans have always seemed to be tuning up against the curves of the sensual Italians... 2 different styles, but in this day and age, appearances count for a lot, and if you want to feel like you're driving a competition replica, the BMW has what it takes! You'll still need to leave a cheque for €33,620 incl. VAT (excluding options, and there's a long list to inflate the price) with your favourite dealer.

The complete list of evolutions for this new model:

New: Significantly optimized aerodynamics, with increased offset even when cornering, while increasing top speed from 306 to 314 km/h.
New: New fairing and M-fin in visible carbon fiber.
New: New front mudguards in visible carbon fiber to facilitate brake cooling.
New: M Aero wheel covers in visible carbon fiber.
New: M carbon wheels with new surface treatment and M Design decorations.
New: Forged wheels available as an option.
New: Newly designed rear section.
New: Ergonomic M Endurance seat.
New: Short license plate holder.
New: Modified wiring harness with LWS connector for even easier removal of license plate bracket incorporating lighting.
M Competition pack with M GPS Laptrigger software and activation code, M milled parts pack, M carbon pack, 220 g lighter silver swingarm, maintenance-free M "Endurance" chain with DLC coating and passenger kit with rear seat.
Full range of factory accessories and optional equipment.

V2B - Manufacturer's photos