2023 BMW S1000 RR, M1000RR, M1000 R

BMW’s given its inline-four superbike range a hefty tickle up for 2023, with more power, more tech and more sauce

Next year marks 15 years since the BMW S1000 RR superbike prototype was first announced. And the Munich massive has given its whole 999cc inline-four sports range a hefty makeover, with updates to the S1000 RR and M1000 RR, plus an all-new ultra-naked M1000 R.

First up is the new S1000 RR, the firm’s ‘standard’ superbike. There’s nothing standard about the performance though, with an extra dash of peak power, modified frame, and M1000 RR-style bodywork, including aerodynamic winglets. These claim to provide up to 10kg of downforce at speed, improving braking and stability. Plus, you won’t be shown up by be-winged Ducati and Aprilia riders down the bike meet any more.

The extra peak power comes from a top-end overhaul, including an M1000 RR airbox design, shorter intake stacks, and revised intake ports. These have similar geometry to the M1000 RR head, but the port profiles are cast rather than machined. Peak power is now 210hp@13,750rpm, up

3bhp compared with 207bhp@13,500rpm on the old bike. Peak torque is unchanged though at 83.3ft lb@11,000rpm – the extra power just comes from holding onto the torque a bit higher up the rev range. That power now has to shove along a kerb weight of 197kg, which drops to 193.5kg with the M Package and its carbon wheels.

Away from the engine, there’s a new main frame, with special flexing cut-outs designed into the spars and tweaked steering geometry. The press release claims the steering head angle has been flattened out by 0.5° (66.4° instead of the previous 66.9°) and the fork offset reduced by 3mm, increasing the caster from 93.9mm to 99.8mm. The wheelbase has also been extended to 1457mm. According to chassis engineer Sebastian Epp, all that means better rider feedback, steering precision, and accuracy... sounds good to us.

On the electronics, you get a new Brake Slide Assist function and BMW’s also fitted the M Package lithium battery and USB charging port in the tail. The lush colour LCD dashboard has new display modes and there’s now a clearer rev counter read-out.