Drive: BMW S 1000 RR M // M – sportiness and prestige

For BMW, the M mark means more than just an abbreviation Мотоспорт, but it means that the Bavarian car with this label, which was still a car and now a motorcycle, boasts the most advanced technical solutions. However, at the very beginning, it should be noted: the M technique is not more expensive than the Japanese competitors!

BMW engineers faced a daunting task when planning a new sports car: Claudio De Martino, head of development, trusted us so much that he took up the challenge of creating a new car. S 1000 RR on the track faster by a second per lap than its predecessor. However, the problem can be solved only by offering the market a completely different model. And they did it.

The repair began with the unit, which now has as many as 207 "horses", which is eight more than the old one. In order to catch up with hundreds, not only maximum power is important, but also torque. The torque curve has now been improved over the entire operating range of the implement, especially at low to medium speeds. It should be noted that the torque is in the O.D. 5.500 do 14.500 rpm above 100 Newton meters, which in practice means that the unit has more power when exiting a corner. Otherwise, the S 1000 RR has maximum power at 13.500 rpm.

German engineers were able to increase the power of the unit through variable control of titanium suction valves, and the solution is similar to the model 1250 GS. With system BMW ShiftCam technology the unit is heavier by a kilogram, but the whole unit is 4 kilograms lighter. At the same time, according to the plant, the unit is exactly four percent more economical, although it complies with the Euro 5 standard.                                          

Strict diet

Apart from the other device, the S 1000 RR boasts many other innovations. The M mark means that it has carbon rims that reduce the rotating mass and thus contribute to the bike's agility in the fight for thousands. The total weight of the motorcycle has been reduced by 11 kilograms (from 208 to 197 kilograms), and the M version has become lighter by 3,5 kgthus the scale shows 193,5 kg. The new aluminum Flex Frame has been radically redesigned and the unit is the load-bearing part of the structure. The motorcycle is narrower from 13 to 30 millimeters, depending on the measuring point. The main goals in the construction of the frame were more maneuverability of the motorcycle and better contact of the rear wheel to the ground. Thus, the tilt angle of the frame head is 66,9 degrees, the wheelbase is increased by 9 millimeters and is now 1.441 millimeters.

The new rear swingarm, rear seat and support structure, which are now made of tubular profiles, also help to reduce the weight of the motorcycle. The travel of the rear shock absorber Marzzochi is less (from 120 to 117 mm), the front forks from the same manufacturer have a new diameter of 45 mm (previously 46 mm). It's not just a new suspension, BMW is now using the brakes that bear the name instead of Brembs. ABS adjusts to five different levels of intervention, reacting instantly, aggressively and strongly on the track. The new TFT screen is readable even in direct sunlight and is excellent and similar to the R 1250 GS. It shows speed, revs and a lot of data on the choice of the operating mode of the unit, suspension, ABS Pro, DTC and DDC systems, and there is also the possibility of measuring lap times.

The new S 1000 RR it no longer has an asymmetrical grillesince the headlights are the same, the grille is (however) symmetrical and the turn signals are integrated into the mirrors. Along with the basic set of equipment, although richer than last year's model, a wide range of accessories are available in various trim levels. You can't choose a base color, so only the red, blue-white-red combination is part of the M package, which also includes Pro electronics, carbon wheels, a lighter battery, an M seat, and the ability to adjust the height of the rear swingarm. In addition to the M package, there is also the Race package with forged rims.

Born to track

With the 1000 RR, we tested on the Portuguese circuit of Estoril, which is marked by a sharp chicane, a long finish plane and a fast right hand corner by Parabolica Ayrton Senna behind it. Unfortunately, we only tested it on the track, so we cannot convey the impression of the road.

The position is typically sporty and not significantly different from last year's model, but the steering wheel is set differently, now it is flatter, and the levers are not too low. Even on a slower ride, when we warm up the tires, the bike instills confidence, it is very precise and quiet to handle. It's quiet, handling smooth and precise, so the driver can focus on late braking and picking the right lines. We bend a little behind the lower part of the windshield so that we are too exposed to the wind. Fortunately, there was no wind in Estoril that day, but we were disturbed by gusts of wind at the finish line, where we crossed it at a speed of over 280 kilometers per hour. The solution is the Racing windshield, which is not expensive but very useful.

Well, a completely different song is the shifting system without using the clutch. The Quickshifter is fast and precise, and it's a real pleasure to shift from the upshift. The unit is powerful, with the help of electronics that manages all this power supply. Along with all this, the ease of reloading the bike in the chicane, where carbon rims help, should be highlighted. We do not feel tired in the hands, although we rested all winter and did not ride motorcycles. The unit is great for weekend riders (and others) as it pulls great even at low rpm. Even if you come out of a corner in too high a gear, it literally pulls you forward.

We believe that the goal of the engineers during the design phase of the motorcycle to reduce the second on the circle has actually been achieved. With each lap we were faster, the rhythm improved. No cramps in our hands, and we just got pissed when we saw the red flag at the end of the tests. Eh, the end of the pleasures. But we would still love it!