BMW S 1000 RR: how the new Bavarian sports car goes, energy and technique [ROAD TEST]

It was the year 2009 when BMW he decided to challenge international competition by presenting his first motorcycle Hypersports: the S 1000 RR!
His arrival was a real hurricane in the world of 1000s “race replica” because it made the entire category make an impressive technological leap.
Monstrous power, sharp chassis and highly sophisticated electronics made all the competition's bikes age in an instant.

La S 1000 RR it was a bit of a category in itself, such was the gap with its rivals, in fact, in that period, the Bavarian super sports car won every comparison.
In home BMW they don't usually overturn their projects but, after having created an excellent base, they tend to carry out many upgrades and improvements over time before presenting a new model.
La S 1000 RR of the 2009 it was such an advanced motorcycle for its time and well made that a Monaco of Bavaria they preferred to carry out several evolutionary steps before considering a more marked change.
After selling over 80.000 units and performing several refinements in 2012, 2015 e 2017 in BMW have decided to take the big step of presenting the new one S 1000 RR.
The new model has been completely redesigned from scratch, it no longer has any elements in common with the previous version, and boasts the best mechanical and electronic technologies on the market today.
In practice it can be defined as a real SBK with license plate and lights!
The objectives that the designers had set for this new superbike were well defined: increase performance, lighten it as much as possible, make it more compact, improve lap times on the circuit and increase ease of riding.
Will they have succeeded? All you have to do is continue reading the article to find out!

Aesthetics

From the first glance it is immediately clear that this is a completely different bike; it is aggressive and sharp in its lines and its menacing gaze inspires a certain awe.
The design is now not only more racing but also more elegant, there are many fine details and high-level finishes. There are many details that please the eye such as the trellis seat support frame, the new headlight unit and the instrumentation TFT, others are less impactful like branded brakes BMW which replace the Brembo units.
These are only technical and economic choices, nothing that could compromise the performance of the motorbike in any way; it is known that in BMW they pay more attention to substance than form and usually don't make mistakes.
The aggressive front light cluster, equipped with headlights LED , becomes symmetrical, appears more tapered and streamlined than the previous version and is characterized in the center by the large air intake of the airbox. On the sides of the headlights there are beautiful air intakes, equipped with fins and well integrated into the design of the bike, which run along the side fairings with the function of improving aerodynamic penetration.
The dashboard boasts a splendid, generously sized color TFT display (6,5 ") worthy, in terms of technology and functionality, of a latest generation gaming console.
The front direction indicators flow into the rear-view mirrors, which not only has an aesthetic value but allows for better visibility.
The tank has been better shaped to allow an optimal position of the legs and the ergonomics have been optimized to make movement on the saddle easier to guarantee a better riding feeling.
The rear subframe catches the eye thanks to its high-level finishes and a particularly racing design that goes perfectly with the new tail.
Last but not least, the splendid and massive double-sided aluminum swingarm with low reinforcing truss, a solution clearly derived from MotoGP e SBK.
It's a shame that in such a well-made and finished package there are details that aren't up to par, such as the steering plate which, despite being very aesthetically pleasing, incorporates the clip-on handlebars and calipers with the logo. BMW.
We're nitpicking but when you find yourself in front of a motorbike of this technological level even small details like these must be at the top and the eye wants its part!

Motor

The brand new in-line four-cylinder from BMW S1000RR It brings with it many technical improvements designed not only to increase performance but also to make it much more easily exploitable by the rider.
The most important technological innovation is the introduction of the system BMW ShiftCam, which through the camshaft selects the opening time and stroke of the intake valves in such a way as to optimize torque and power at low and medium speeds.
The objective of this technology is to have the best power and torque values ​​at any engine speed and to make delivery as smooth and regular as possible.
The new engine is capable of delivering 207 cv (+8 hp) of power a 13.500 rpm and to stretch up 14.600! The maximum torque value remains fixed at 113 Nm but it moves 500 rpm lower, a 11.000Furthermore, they are already available 100 Nm as a couple starting alone 5.500 rpm. Practically when traveling you are almost always close to the maximum torque value!
Various components have been optimized to also reduce the weight and size of the new in-line four-cylinder. In this new unit there is a new concept of drilled titanium intake valves, a deeper oil pan to facilitate drafting at the most pronounced lean angles and an improved and improved multi-plate slipper clutch in oil bath. self-reinforcing.
All these improvements have not only increased the performance of this engine but have also made it lighter 4 kg compared to the previous unit.
Finally, the installation of a new, compact and aggressive exhaust system has allowed a further weight saving of approx 1,3 kg.

cycling

On a cycling level, the new one S 1000 RR has a new aluminum perimeter frame called Flex Frame which uses the engine as a stressed element. By taking advantage of the robustness of the four-cylinder it was possible to streamline the chassis, saving 1,3 kg without compromising the general rigidity of the vehicle.
The underslug aluminum swingarm, a solution seen only in racing to guarantee maximum traction to the rear wheel, is lighter than 0,3 kg which involves a further reduction in unsprung masses, all to the benefit of the bike's agility in changes of direction.
The rear monoshock, adjustable for compression, rebound and preload, has been installed at a greater distance from the engine, thus reducing its exposure to heat. This leads to better functioning of the shock absorber unit while driving, without incurring overheating phenomena. Thanks to the modification of the shock absorber multiplication ratio and larger hydraulic pistons it was possible to choose a reduced stiffness index. All this minimizes friction, increases comfort, performance and reduces the stress placed on the tyres.
Instead of traditional mechanical suspensions it is possible to install as an optional (which we consider essential) the Dynamic Dumping Control (DDC), i.e. semi-active electronically controlled suspensions.
On the road or on the track, the electronic valve always provides the best shock absorbing set-up, depending on the driving mode and the purpose of use.
The system is able to vary the suspension setting 10 ms so as to always be in optimal conditions based on the road surface and the driving conditions: a simply fantastic system!
The damping on the fork is globally adjusted in both rebound and compression. These two values ​​are varied using a linear position sensor, while the spring preload can be changed manually according to needs.
Thanks to all these innovations and an optimal study for weight reduction, the new S 1000 RR stops the balance at just yourself 193,5 kg in running order with the M package installed, which includes the splendid pair of rims entirely made of carbon fiber!

Electronics

As regards the electronic equipment, the new Bavarian hyper sports car could be the envy of a latest generation jet, it is so sophisticated.
There are four driving modes (RAIN, ROAD, DYNAMIC e RACE) which cover numerous driving styles in different conditions and electronic shifting Shift Assistant Pro with clutch and downshift support.
With the optional Pro modes you truly enter the world of racing thanks to the additional maps RACE PRO 1, RACE PRO 2, RACE PRO 3, with Launch control, Pitlane-Limiter, HSC Pro (Hill Start Control Pro) to DBC (Dynamic Brake Control).
Thanks to Multicontrollers the following settings can be configured on the handlebar via the 6,5" color TFT display: the engine output curve, the engine braking, the traction control (DTC), the wheelie control, theABS-Pro and the DDC (DynamicDumping Control).
With a simple button, even while driving, you can adjust the DTC intervention (increase or decrease it) as desired.
Thanks to the use of a new 6-axis inertial platform, all driving assistance systems behave impeccably in every situation, in particular the intervention of the traction control is extremely smooth and effective. Its intervention depends on the speed of movement, the gear engaged, the angle of inclination and the degree of opening of the throttle valve.

Road test

Unfortunately the conditions of the test were not decidedly favorable given that it rained a lot, the temperatures were close to zero and one day it even snowed.
In this context also the tires installed are excellent Dunlop Sportsmart TT, they had to go the extra mile, with results above all expectations, to tackle these challenging driving conditions.
The version we tested was full-optional and equipped with the high-performance and exclusive M package which, including the carbon rims, lithium-ion battery and raised sports seat, allows for a weight reduction of approximately 3,5 kg.
Once you get on the bike you immediately perceive the racing setting of the bike with the saddle very high off the ground and narrow between the legs, the torso tilted very forward and the handlebars open and a little less far from the rider.
Definitely a more modern and compact riding position compared to the previous version where you had to stretch out a lot on the bike to find a correct seat.
Now everything is where it should be and, even though it is a purely racing and not road setting, you almost immediately find yourself at ease and more comfortable than many of its direct competitors.
Once the magnificent engine is started, you are enchanted by its dark and deep rumble which already suggests what it is capable of.
During the journey we were pleasantly surprised to note that the restrictive Euro4 anti-pollution regulations have certainly not reduced the singing qualities of the Bavarian four-cylinder.
The sound that comes from the small and aggressive exhaust terminal is a pleasure for the ears and for the heart of every enthusiast.
Surely with the akrapovic silencer (optional) it would "sing" even better but already like this it definitely makes an excellent impression given that around 4.000 laps when climbing it releases satisfying pops.
The delivery is practically perfect: sweet, linear and full-bodied at every rotation speed.
You can go down to sixth gear up to "walking bicycle" speeds and pick up speed without the slightest jolt of the engine.
Magic of the ShiftCam system?
Beyond i 5.000 laps the delivery becomes more decisive and angrier, you begin to "feel" that the engine is rising towards the part of the rev counter you prefer.
Past i 9.000 rpm you enter another dimension and are literally "shot" at crazy speeds taking advantage of the almost inexhaustible reach of the engine.
In this area of ​​the tachometer the S 1000 RR it demonstrates all its wickedness and its true SBK DNA with performance that is practically impossible to fully exploit on roads open to traffic.
The very positive note is that these impressive performances are much more easily manageable than in the past thanks to the fact that we can count on well-calibrated electronics that are precise in their interventions and highly sophisticated!
The agility of the bike is excellent, you change direction with your thoughts and it follows you without the slightest delay, in fact it is very quick, but never abrupt or nervous in its reactions.
The stability on the other hand is simply exceptional S 1000 RR both in a straight line and when cornering, it follows an imaginary track that neither the turbulence of trucks nor the depressions or malformations of the asphalt can smooth out.
The feeling of confidence in the lean is maximum and invites you to lean more and more and with greater safety, truly exemplary behavior considering the terrible weather conditions we found.
The operation of the electronic gearbox is impeccable: precise, smooth and very fast when shifting.
Adapts shift times to suit riding conditions so you get a smoother cut when cruising around leisurely or quicker when picking up the pace.
In more sporting situations the gear changes are a real blast!
The suspensions, although always supported even in the most road modes, demonstrated exemplary behavior, satisfying us in all driving conditions and on different types of asphalt.
The brakes, although no longer signed Brembo, in road use they performed better than the previous ones given that the aggressiveness in the first braking phase has disappeared in favor of a softer and more modulable bite.
Their performances were excellent and constant throughout the entire test.
In short, in Munich they hit the mark once again given that the new motorbike is significantly better performing than the previous model and also much more easily exploitable, a detail of no small importance.
The new BMW S1000RR it is available at dealerships in different colours Racing Red o Motorsport Tricolor starting by 19.550 euro, but to have a true "lethal weapon" and to be able to take full advantage of all this concentration of technology you will have to draw on the options given that both the M Package and the one relating to racing electronics are indispensable.
At this point you will have to take into account a price increase which will increase the initial figure up to approximately EUR 25.000 but, “when we make 30 we make 31!”

Pro

Crazy engine
Superlative electronics
Constructive quality
Driving dynamics
Performances

Cons

Price with options
Some subdued finishes

Photo: Alessandro Ranzenigo