BMW S 1000 RR superbike debuts at Monza

BMW has finally launched their new S 1000 RR superbike. The interesting bit is that it boasts world-beating performance among liter bikes, and yet, BMW claims they will price it competitively alongside the usual Japanese makes rather than the premium overpriced European nameplates.

Introducing the new BMW S 1000 RR on the legendary Monza Racing Circuit, BMW Motorrad is for the first time launching an absolutely innovative supersports with a straight-four power unit.

With this world debut, BMW Motorrad is indeed establishing a true milestone in the world of sports machines, combining engine output of 193 hp with overall weight of just 450 lb including fuel.

Specifications of this calibet make this supersports machine not only an absolute highlight in terms of its power-to-weight ratio and performance, but also, equipped with Race ABS and DTC Dynamic Traction Control, a new benchmark in terms of riding dynamics, safety and innovation.

The decision to present this unique performer in Monza was by no means a coincidence. For since the beginning of this year Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport has been playing an active role in the World Superbike Championship, the new S 1000 RR setting the foundation for the production-based racing machines ridden by BMW Motorrad’s two works riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus. And obviously the Royal Park in Monza is the ideal place for a presentation of this caliber.

To successfully enter the World Championship with a Superbike today, a manufacturer needs a production model with the right kind of overall concept consistently applied in all areas. The essential factors, therefore, are supreme power, a wide range of engine speed, fast revving capacity also over a long period, optimum chassis stiffness, and perfect set-up of the engine.

Developing the S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad has entered completely new, unchartered terrain. Clearly, this meant a huge range of new challenges and responsibilities for the entire Development Team, but also gave the Team enormous motivation in seeking to set new standards.

Over the years and decades, the principle of combining a straight-four power unit with an aluminum bridge frame has been consistently developed and has become the dominating technical concept particularly in the supersports segment. The reason, quite simply, is that a motorcycle of this kind offers significant benefits in terms of riding dynamics, long-distance endurance, and straightforward production.

The new S 1000 RR excels through features and qualities typical of BMW such as a long running life, superior quality of production and optimum environmental compatibility thanks to the use of the most advanced exhaust management with two fully controlled three-way catalytic converters also able to fulfill future standards and requirements.

Active safety when braking is significantly enhanced by Race ABS developed especially for the S 1000 RR as a genuine supersports and available as an option straight from the factory. A further most significant feature likewise contributing to active safety of the highest standard is DTC Dynamic Traction Control also available as an option and masterminded electronically for supreme precision and practical value.

Facing various riding conditions such as wet roads (“Rain”), regular road conditions (“Sport”), a race track with supersport tires (“Race”), or a race track with slicks (“Slick”), the rider also has the choice of various engine characteristics and set-ups available at the touch of a button. And last but not least, Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control are combined with the respective riding modes and coordinated with one another to ensure a supreme standard of performance and safety all in one.

The water-cooled four-cylinder inline power unit chosen to provide these qualities is brand-new from the ground up, developing maximum output of 193 hp at 13,000 rpm and revving up to a maximum speed of 14,200 rpm. Maximum torque of 82.5 lb-ft, in turn, comes at 9,750 rpm.

Following the example of BMW ’s Formula 1 engines, the two intake and exhaust valves per cylinder made of extra-light titanium are operated by very small and equally light single cam followers. In conjunction with the short sprocket driving the camshaft via an intermediate gear, this ensures supreme revving qualities at the highest speeds as well as exact maintenance of valve timing combined with very compact dimensions.

Made completely of stainless steel, the exhaust system featured by the S 1000 RR is designed consistently for optimum power and performance. It works according to the 4-in-2-in-1 principle with four individual manifolds of equal length first merging into two pipes beneath the engine block and then extending into a large-volume pre-silencer. From there the exhaust emissions flow through a very short and dynamically designed rear-end silencer to the outside.

The new S 1000 RR offers the highest standard of technology also on its suspension and running gear. Weighing just 455.3 lb in road trim and with a full tank, BMW ’s new supersports is by far the lightest machine of its caliber displacing 999 cc and featuring ABS brakes.

One of the features that ensures this light weight is the aluminum bridge frame integrating the engine tilted to the front at an angle of 32° as a loadbearing element for optimum torsional stiffness on minimum weight. The front wheel runs on an upside-down fork with a fixed tube measuring an ample 1.81″ in diameter, while a torsionally stiff swing arm made of aluminum holds the rear wheel in position.

The rider’s seating position leaning forward towards the front wheel for an active style of riding is simply ideal for the sporting rider with his particularly dynamic style.

Developing the S 1000 RR, BMW Motorrad has given particular attention to the superior ergonomics of the machine, providing ideal qualities for both small and tall riders and therefore focusing consistently on the rider’s individual requirements. The tank section is as slender as on a 600-cc machine, giving the rider the assurance of excellent control and handling at all times.

As the bottom line, the S 1000 RR is the absolutely ideal motorcycle for the customers of BMW Motorrad looking for new, unprecedented standards and qualities in the supersports segment.

 

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