BAVARIAN BULLET

BMW’s flagship sportbike get the latest technology ready for the 2023 race season

It might not look like a whole lot has been changed for the latest generation M1000RR – but actually, BMW’s made a load of small but signi cant adjustments to both chassis and the engine, with the primary aim of reducing weight and increasing power over the ‘standard’ S1000RR. And that’s exactly what it’s done.

Of course, the M1000RR builds on the solid foundations laid by the already very capable S1000RR – but takes things even further. e engine’s lighter, the frame’s lighter, the wheels are lighter – even the Akrapovic titanium exhaust is lighter.

Not a bad start. Like the S, its 209.2bhp four-cylinder engine gets BMW’s Shiftcam variable valve timing – but also adds lightweight connecting rods, low friction pistons, a higher compression ratio, and a whole host of even lighter parts.

Technically it doesn’t have any more power or torque than the S1000RR, but all the modi cations do make it easier to be race tuned (and subsequently o er higher performance on track). And that’s what this machine is all about, right?

ere’s more good stu going on with the chassis. Its engine is now a stressed member (which adds sti ness and reduces weight in one hit), the rake of the front fork has been extended, the wheelbase is slightly longer and weight distribution has been altered too. Elsewhere there’s suspension from Marzocchi and brakes from Nissin (though they’re branded as BMW’s own).

As you’d expect, there’s also a seriously sophisticated suite of electronics to get to grips with. Engine power, engine braking, traction control, ABS, and wheelie control are all con gurable using the TFT dash and switchgear. ere’s even launch control and a pit lane speed limiter too. It also gets a bi-directional quick-shifter, and rather unusually also comes with hill hold control, cruise control and some heated grips. I guess it is a road bike after all, even if its wings are pulled straight from World Superbikes and are capable of adding 30lb of downforce at the front and 6lb of downforce at the rear at 186mph.

No news yet on price, but with the previous model coming in at just over £30,000 for the base model, you’ll need plenty of cash in the bank if you fancy getting your hands on one.