Went: BMW S 1000 RR
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Went: BMW S 1000 RR

Quite enough, because in the world of supersport motorcycles only the mentioned data is taken into account, and they are all in the service of Her Majesty, hundreds on the racetrack. Of course, the new BMW S 1000 RR, which underwent its first major overhaul since it hit the market in 2015 for the 2010 season, also remains a motorcycle for everyday use, for commuting in fine weather and for enjoying the sun. weekend somewhere on a country winding road or, above all, on one of the nearest race tracks. Its refined ergonomics are really designed for racing, so don't expect comfort from the R 1200 GS enduro, but given the limitations of sporty driving, it sits pretty darn well.

BMW has redesigned a motorcycle that will allow riders of all sizes to feel comfortable. New electronics, polished cylinder head with new intake section geometry, new camshaft and lighter intake valves along with a larger airbox (airbox to be slang), shorter air intake to the engine and a three kilogram lighter and completely modified exhaust system, better power transmission in all rev ranges and of course more torque. With the standard 199 horsepower, the 200 limit is now easily accessible by simply changing the exhaust system. Akrapovic, as a longtime partner of BMW, of course already has it.

Thus, the redesigned engine delivers maximum torque and therefore the most decisive acceleration from 9500 rpm when it develops 112 Newton meters of torque, to 12.000 rpm when it reaches 113 Newton meters of torque. The maximum power is reached at 13.500 1000 rpm. As always, the power and torque of the engine and how it transfers that power to the road is far more important to true motorcycle riding pleasure. Since its introduction on the market, the BMW S XNUMX RR has impressed with its incredible ease of use in all conditions. In this area, the development team has again proven itself.

An all-new, lighter aluminum frame, as well as revised geometry, new suspension and latest generation electronics ensure that a 199 horsepower bike has never been so easy to handle. How easy, even safe! At Spain's Monteblanco circuit near Seville, where Formula 1000 teams test hard, the German technology has proven incredible. Electronics today help you so much that the probability of making a mistake is very small. The XNUMX RR is equipped as standard with three work programs: the first is Rain, which means the softest work recommended when driving with poor grip (bad asphalt or rain) and reduces engine torque and power, then there is a sport program. , which is mainly intended for everyday use on the move, and the sportiest Race program, delivering full power and torque.

For an additional fee, you can choose an even more advanced engine mode, which is hidden under the Pro ride label and is intended only for the most experienced. Here you can choose from two additional Slick subroutines - Racing and User - allowing full customization to your liking. The Pro Riding Package also includes a starter program to maximize acceleration at the start of a race and a speed limiter on the pits. You can set the speed yourself and, like a MotoGP racer, bring it to the pits in a rumbling and grunting race car. The engine sound is now much rougher with a new muffler that we can't blame for the lack of aesthetics, and the engine sounds with a roaring deep bass. However, all this is just a prediction of what awaits the driver when he gets on the motorcycle and opens the gas.

After some introductory warm-ups on a track that is more suitable for cars due to hard braking and three short corners, for the first time, I accelerated more decisively from the last corner to the finish line. Hiding behind the windshield, head tilted so that my helmet was on the fuel tank, I shifted into gears without clutch and full throttle, and the BMW simply accelerated and accelerated with incredible agility and racing sound typical of Superbike racing. cars. Immediately before braking, the figure on the manometers showed a little over 280 kilometers per hour. Ugh, quickly, but always in such cases, the turn is rapidly approaching!

All gear changes up and down are a pleasure thanks to the well-functioning ignition interrupt system. Pom, pom, pooom sounds when you accelerate, and when braking and shifting with closed throttle and no clutch, on top of that, it sometimes rumbles loudly and bursts when the gases that accumulate in the exhaust explode. Therefore, I highly recommend Shif Assist Pro to all sports driving enthusiasts. The improved racing ABS has proven itself even better when braking. Combined with Active Suspension or Dynamic Damping Control (DDC), which is available as an accessory for all the more demanding sports riders and is exactly the same as in the prestigious BMW HP4, it lives up to its reputation.

Suspension and brakes work together amazingly. When braking, it is perfectly safe to fully apply the front brake and gently apply it into the turn. I can only imagine what happens to the front wheel with all this, what are the loads, but this is not an easy task. But most importantly, the motorcycle is securely held on wheels even in extreme conditions. Once I've met the track and found the braking points, braking is a lot of fun, the motorcycle's electronic assistance system allows you to control the movement around the front wheel in the style of MotoGP riders (no, don't imitate Dani Pedroso, such extremes are only allowed for the best in the world) .

After braking, the bike easily falls into a turn, even if it is replaced with racing aluminum wheels and racing "smooth" tires. The new tech toys also allow you to record the lean in the turn, which is displayed in real time on the display, and after the ride, you can easily see what the lean was in the left and right turns. Here in the south of Spain, on good pavement and in a pleasant 30 degrees Celsius, he went 53 degrees to the left and 57 degrees to the right. To be honest, this is the end of the arguments in the tavern, how much someone swayed him and the conviction that he is better than Rossi and Marquez. Now everything is on display. There is enough power for serious racing, and the engine itself delivers power so resiliently that you quickly get faster just by shifting up one more gear and using cruise control (yes, it has cruise control - a first among supercars) and very relaxing into twisty trails.

The new geometry of a lighter and even more optimized combination of frame stiffness and flex, combined with a superior suspension that behaves appropriately in different stages (programs), provides an extremely secure riding position and ease of handling. Under hard acceleration, when the power on the tire is too much for the current lean and grip, the sensors show the sign of rear wheel traction control, the rear end drifts slightly in controlled slip, and that's it. You're already rushing to the next corner, no drama, no rudder grip left and right, no highsider. After a little practice, this easy drift becomes a real pleasure. The BMW S 1000 RR is therefore a versatile machine.

You can ride it every day, but if you need sports activities and adrenaline rush, you can simply pack a leather jumpsuit and take it with you to the race track. Even though it has so many electronic protective angels that it is extremely safe to drive on the road, we do not want to encourage road racing in any way. The road, after all, is not a racetrack and does not forgive mistakes. Unfortunately, the prices for the most polished Bavarian beast are not yet known, but a rich set of accessories is known, which is already available as standard.

You can order your entire S 1000 RR directly from the factory, or convert original accessories into a sports car from your BMW dealer. Optional equipment includes a racing package that includes electronic aids for ride mode Pro, DTC and cruise control, you can also opt for a dynamic package that includes DDC, LED turn signals, HP Shift Assist Pro for shifting gears without clutch and levers heated. Optional forged aluminum wheels, alarm and rear seat cover are available. The catalog also includes a variety of HP branded accessories, including armor and a variety of carbon fiber accessories, adjustable-position racing pedals, shift ignition, brake levers and clutches that won't break in the event of a fall. Akrapovic exhaust made of lightweight titanium, everything you need for a race or for a comfortable ride (bags, comfy seat, raised windshield ...) if you are more like a dynamic ride than a race track.

Thanks to its wide range of accessories, the BMW S 1000 RR can be a motorcycle for a wide variety of motorcyclists. If you are a racer, a fan of modern technology and noble components related to space technology, or someone who loves to travel on a sports bike and, if possible, dynamically ride on a good road. There is always a motorcycle that can handle one of these situations. And if the definition of eroticism is associated with attraction, then this S 1000 RR has many strong qualities. Grrrr!

text: Petr Kavchich

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