Track-focused BMW M 1000 RR revealed

Meet the first-ever BMW motorcycle to feature the brand's iconic 'M' badge. Dubbed the M 1000 RR, the new motorcycle is based on the S 1000 RR and gets more track-focused bits and bobs. 

BMW’s M division is well known for its high-performance cars, but now they’ve also got into two-wheels by launching the first-ever M badged motorcycle. The motorcycle in question is the new BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR – which is based on the not-so-slow S 1000 RR sportbike. The base is the same, but everything else has been turned up to the max so as to justify the BMW ‘M’ badge of honour. So, what’s new? Let’s find out…

First of all, you must understand the correct way of saying its name. BMW is calling it the M RR as it’s the first M model of the RR (short for S 1000 RR). Next up is the engine. It’s the same 999cc inline four-cylinder screamer with BMW’s ShiftCam tech, but it now produces 209bhp – 5bhp more than the regular S 1000 RR, which is also no slouch. Peak torque at 113Nm is unchanged. The engine now redline higher, at 15,100rpm. To get these small improvements, there have been a lot of minor but significant updates. The engine features new 2-ring forged pistons from Mahle, the compression ratio has increased to 13.5:1, there’s longer and lighter titanium connecting rods from Pankl, as well as slimmer and lighter rocker arms, fully machined intake ports with new duct geometry as well as some optimisations on camshafts and intake area.

The exhaust system is lighter as it’s now made of titanium and it’s an Akrapovic unit. More importantly, the bike also features M winglets for downforce to give more grip as well as better braking stability. The chassis features a number of tweaks, along with ‘an optimised upside-down fork as well as a revised central spring strut with blue spring and Full Floater Pro kinematics.’ The M RR features M brakes – first-ever on a motorcycle – and M carbon wheels. Everything is tuned for faster lap times, says BMW.

The motorcycle comes with Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and Race Pro1-3 riding modes, along with BMW’s Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis IMU. The 6.5-inch TFT display is retained and it has an OBD interface that can be used to activate M GPS data logger and M GPS lap-trigger. There’s an optional M competition package, too. This adds M milled parts package, the M carbon package as well as a silver 220 g lighter swinging arm, and BMW’s new maintenance-free and DLC-coated M Endurance chain, and more.

While it isn’t confirmed, BMW Motorrad India may launch the M 1000 RR in India in limited numbers. Expect the motorcycle to have a sticker price of around Rs 40-50 lakh (ex-showroom). However, before the M 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad will likely bring the Euro 5 / BS6 compliant S 1000 RR in the country.

Also read, 

BMW S 1000 RR Review 

BMW Motorrad unveils M Endurance chain for S 1000 RR & S 1000 XR