It hasn’t been a while since BMW Motorrad introduced its first-ever M model for the road. The M 1000 RR made its global debut in 2020 and now, the House of Munich wants to introduce a major update to the race-homologated superbike. Even better, it came with another M model, the second of its kind, meant to conquer the streets.
For 2023, BMW Motorrad introduces the M 1000 RR superbike and M 1000 R roadster. Both based on their S counterparts, the S 1000 R and the recently updated S 1000 RR, these two updated and new top-spec models are made to rule both roads and closed circuits.
2023 M 1000 RR
Being the track weapon that it is, the M 1000 RR retains its 999cc inline-four engine for the 2023 model year. Make no mistake though as select features are upgraded in the literbike to make it even better than before.
Specifically, the 2023 M 1000 RR gets longer, lighter Pankl titanium connecting rods that minimize both friction and weight, complementing the titanium valves, narrow rocker arms, and BMW ShiftCam technology. With these in employ, the M 1000 RR now makes 205hp at 13,000 rpm and 113Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm.
Housing this power is the M 1000 RR’s new aerodynamics and all carbon fiber bodywork; the former not only improves top speed but also enhances cornering stability. Of note, the winglets now make 4.1 kgs of downforce at 153 km/h, which increases up to 22.6 kgs at nearly 300 km/h. Top speed is at 314 km/h while curb weight is at an impressively light 192 kgs due to the carbon fiber bodywork.
Apart from function, the Bavarians also redesigned the tail section of the M 1000 RR and utilized an M Endurance seat to optimize ergonomic comfort. There are also 7 ride modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race, and Race Pro1- 3), two throttle profiles, three-level engine brake control, and drag torque settings, ensuring that the M 1000 RR is flexible as it is fierce.
Moreover, the M 1000 RR showcases a six-axis IMU for cornering-dependent traction control and wheelie control, while a host of features defines the superbike’s stand as a top-spec model. For track days, there’s a bi-directional quick-shifter, launch control, and pit lane speed limiter; daily road use will see great usage of hill-start control, LED lighting, cruise control, and heated grips.
The 2023 M 1000 RR is also being offered with an M Competition package that adds milled parts, carbon components, a lighter swingarm, a lap timer, a passenger seat cover, and an M Endurance chain into the mix.
The first M 1000 R roadster
As great as the M 1000 RR is on paper, that race-bred technology could use a version developed for the roadway. For 2023, BMW Motorrad introduces the M 1000 R, or just M R – the second model to bear the prestigious M name.
Even better, the M R premium super naked churns out the same power outputs as its fully-faired counterpart, albeit the roadster’s 205 ponies peak later at 13,500 rpm. It also has shorter fourth, fifth, and sixth gear ratios, while the 47-tooth rear sprocket tames the M R for the streets. This Beemer also comes with a set of lightweight aluminum forged wheels that are robust enough for unforgiving thoroughfares.
In comparison to the RR, the M R is a tad heavier at 199 kgs, while a set of manually-adjustable suspenders replace the RR’s electronically-controlled fork and shock.
Just like the M RR, BMW offers the M R in an M Competition trim. It comes with a set of M Carbon wheels, M Carbon package, M Billet package, a passenger seat cover, and a GPS lap timer.
The 2023 M 1000 RR will have a starting price of $32,995 in the US, or around P1.95 million with the current exchange rates. Meanwhile, the all-new M 1000 R will be sold for $21,345 or P1.26 million. Both bikes will land on US shores early in 2023. News about the arrival of both bikes to the Philippines is still scarce at this point.