BMW S 1000 RR, new look for the German super sports car

Two years after the market launch of the BMW S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad presents a reinterpretation of its first super sports bike, with many optimized details. The objectives set for the BMW Motorrad engineers were greater agility and riding precision, better power delivery and a faster and more precise response to pilot commands. The new BMW S 1000 RR also benefits from feedback from the national Superstock championships in which the BMW Supersport was the protagonist.

Like the previous models, the new edition of the RR has made no compromises but offers the maximum level of sportiness and driving dynamism. The new S 1000 RR fascinates thanks to better handling, excellent stability, an engine with exceptional performance and versatility, impeccable even in daily use. Added to this is the maximum level of braking safety thanks to one of the most modern braking systems on the market, the BMW Motorrad Race ABS. During acceleration the rider is supported by the Dynamic Traction Control DTC traction control system. The review of the model also affected the calibration of the two systems.

However, the engine output of 142 kW (193 hp), the weight of 204 kilograms including 90 percent fuel (206,5 kilograms with Race ABS) were not affected.

Motorcycle concept with optimized riding dynamics

One of the main objectives of the review of the S 1000 RR was to improve rideability thanks to a more linear, more balanced power and torque curve and improving the bike's ability to recover.

The throttle control has been optimized, so as to now offer a more precise response, a reduced rotation angle of the grip and less hand effort.

Chassis with optimized handling and feedback

The changes made to the chassis of the new RR make an essential contribution to increasing driving dynamics. For example, the upside-down fork and rear suspension feature a new internal architecture that offers greater adjustability of damping forces, from comfort to performance.

Furthermore, the riding position and the geometry of the chassis have been redefined and perfected, defining from scratch the values ​​of the head angle, the offset, the position of the swingarm fulcrum, as well as the advance of the fork and the length of the shock absorber, thus further increasing the handling, trajectory precision and feedback of the new S 1000 RR.

The central frame has also been revised, enlarging the section of the intake duct, so as to increase the efficiency of the air flow. A mechanically adjustable steering damper completes the package of chassis optimization measures.

New functions for the combined instrumentation

New tachometer graphics with better readability. The display lighting can be adjusted and also includes new features. For example, the laptimer now also displays the information “Best lap in progress”, while the “Speedwarning” signals to the pilot, if desired, that he is about to exceed a certain previously set speed.

Improved design and new colors

The new S 1000 RR not only benefits from a series of technical optimizations made to the engine, chassis and cockpit. The new model also takes a step forward in terms of design. The tail section appears decidedly slimmer. The asymmetrically shaped side fairings have been slightly retouched, the airbox cover has been completed with lateral grille openings. A new style that immediately catches the eye is made up of the two "winglets" in the upper section of the hull which further improve its aerodynamic qualities.

In its sportier color combination, pastel Racing red / pastel Alpinweiss, the RR appears powerful and fast even when stationary, while the Bluefire paint gives it a decidedly refined look.

The color Saphirschwarz metallic combined with the typical BMW Motorrad Motorsport colors gives the S 1000 RR a sporty and dynamic image.

Underlining BMW Motorrad's competitive commitment, the RR logo has been slightly retouched.

Additional styling elements include the glossy black painted wheels and the red rear shock absorber spring. The swingarm is available with an anodized coating or in black.

To improve ergonomics, the driver's footrests have been newly developed. The surfaces of the passenger footrests have been redesigned and have a slimmer line.

Expansion of the range of options and original accessories

To offer greater customization of the new S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad is expanding the range of original accessories and options that can be ordered ex factory, adding some very fascinating items. Sportier riders can purchase the RR with an HP-Titan exhaust system (with or without ABE) or with the HP Race Data Logger. An exclusive novelty in the panorama of track motorbikes are the heated grips, an optional that will be appreciated mainly early in the morning or during longer journeys, the system is adjustable with two heating intensities.

Summary of what's new:

– Better driveability thanks to the optimization of the torque curve.
– Expansion from two to three power curves (one for Rain mode, one for Sport mode and an additional one for Race and Slick driving modes), Rain mode now provides 120 kW (163 HP).
– Engine response reprogrammed to improve its characteristics (particularly soft and sensitive response in Rain mode, more direct and faster in Sport, Race and Slick driving modes).
– Less hand effort and short-stroke throttle.
– Shorter secondary transmission to increase recovery capacity.
– More precise interaction between Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
– Increased section of the intake duct in the head area to improve the air flow.
– Improved handling, trajectory precision and feedback.
– Revised spring elements for greater variation in damping forces.
– Adaptation of the riding position and chassis geometry thanks to the new definition of the head angle values, the offset, the position of the swingarm fulcrum, the fork protrusion and the shock absorber length.
– New steering damper, adjustable to ten levels.
– Forged and milled upper trapezoid with new design and reduced offset.
– Revised design with slimmer tail section, side fairing, airbox cover with side grille openings and new “winglets”.
– Four new color variants: Racing red pastel with Alpinweiss pastel, Bluefire pastel, Saphirschwarz metallic, Motorsport.
– Redesigned RR logo.
– New footrests and slimmer passenger footrests.
– New graphic configuration of the rev counter for better readability and LCD display adjustable with five lighting intensities.
– Instrumentation combined with the new “Best lap in progress” and “Speedwarning” functions, deactivation of the “Light” error message when the headlight/license plate holder is removed.
– New position of the catalytic converters, elimination of the thermal protection plate.
– Expansion of the range of original accessories and ex-factory options.