It has been more than a decade since BMW first introduced its super sports bike, the S 1000 RR. Made initially to satisfy World Superbike homologation requirements, the S 1000 RR became a staple want among bike fans and BMW Motorrad enthusiasts.
And now, Munich introduces a new version of the S 1000 RR. Now more dynamic due to improvements on the engine, suspension, chassis, aerodynamics, design, and assistance systems, the new S 1000 RR is also more potent than ever, aiming to keep its status as a dream bike.
“With a more powerful engine, advanced suspension and chassis, the new Brake Slide Assist and DTC Slide Control assistance systems as well as optimized aerodynamics with winglets and a redesigned rear end, we were able to raise the RR’s performance to a new level,” said Wolfgang Wallner, Project Manager S 1000 RR.
The new RR is still powered by a 4-cylinder in-line engine based on the power plant of the current S 1000 RR. Maximum power output is rated at 210hp at 13,750 rpm, which is 3hp more than the previous model. Meanwhile, the 133Nm maximum torque is generated at 11,000 rpm. Redline is set at 14,600 rpm. The secondary gear ratio has been shortened, as well, for more traction at the rear wheel.
The new S 1000 RR also benefits from a newly defined chassis and suspension geometry, as well as the advanced “Flex Frame.” Still using the aluminum bridge frame, the engine integrated within the welded four gravity die-cast elements was inclined forward by 32 degrees as before. The main structure of the new RR was given several openings in the side areas to optimize lateral flexibility. The steering head angle has been flattened out by 0.5 degrees and the offset of the triple clamps reduced by 3 mm.
These chassis adjustments result in better riding precision, increased accuracy, and clearer feedback from the front wheel, according to BMW Motorrad.
Design-wise, the new BMW S 1000 RR dons a redesigned front section including winglets, a new, lighter, and sportier-looking rear section, and three new color schemes, namely Black Storm Metallic, Style Passion in Racing Red Non-Metallic, and the racing-oriented Light White Non-Metallic/BMW M. The winglets on the new RR reduce the tendency to do a wheelie, ensuring the best possible contact of the front wheel with the road – just like in the M RR. The rear section has been redesigned with a shorter number plate holder, while the wiring harness has been optimized for when removing the holder.
Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad also adds a new feature for the Dynamic Traction Control DTC called the Slide Control. It allows the rider to select two preset drift angles for the traction control system when accelerating out of bends, achieved using a steering angle sensor. In a nutshell, this new traction control system allows safe rear wheel drifting. This works with the Brake Slide Assist function for so-called braking drifts while sliding into corners at maintained speeds.
We asked BMW Motorrad Philippines whether the new S 1000 RR will arrive soon in the country. However, the company said that there isn’t any news related to the new model just yet.