After many sessions, the final few circuits of this test ride seemed like the deciding factor—a historical high point for superbikes. The bike, of course, was the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle, which boasts upgraded electronics, the steering geometry, adjustable swing arm pivot, and ride height adjustment of the M-Sport, in addition to a few extra peak horsepower from the ShiftCam engine and a set of unique aero wings. I’ve been to Almeria, a racetrack in southern Spain, many times, but never exactly like this.
2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Readability
What about at that very second? After a day of learning to trust and push the limits of our slick-shod RR, braking harder and later, turning faster, leaning further, and getting back on the pedal a millisecond earlier, I had a firm grasp on the S 1000 RR’s capabilities and the tremendous arsenal of electronic rider aids it possesses. It’s a whole new universe if you put your faith in the technology and commit to riding the new 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle at speed.
The new 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle has the same video-game sensation as a 205-horsepower superbike, but it feels indestructible (it isn’t). Thanks to digital innovation, the accelerator and brake may be used as light switches, going from full power to stop without consequences completely. The Beemer will handle all of the planning and fretting, even if the tire grip begins to fail. The rider’s job is to maintain the vehicle under control simply.
Ergonomics
Indeed, the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle’s handling was improved by adding those pre-warmed Bridgestone slicks and a set of optional M-Sport carbon rims. Still, the potential for even the base S 1000 RR now seems boundless, as it drags its rider into places that were before known only to professional racers. When riding this motorbike, you may almost forget about the mental and physical fatigue you’ve been experiencing from digging out more lap time.
We’ve been on this path for some time now since electronic rider aids made their way into mass-produced bicycles at the turn of the millennium. While existing track-focused superbikes like the Ducati Panigale V4 and Honda Fire blade can take their riders to heights and lap times that were previously unimaginable, the RR represents only a modest improvement.
Powerful Engine
There is no simple explanation for this. Only a few adjustments to the engine are made for 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle. The intake ports on the 999 cc ShiftCam inline-four, which has variable valve timing and lift thanks to BMW’s novel setup of sliding the camshaft back and forth to engage different lobes depending on the rpm, have been redesigned for 2023, and the air box has been replaced with one featuring shorter, variable-height intake funnels.
BMW increased the top-end horsepower by a couple of and lowered the final drive ratio by reducing the rear sprocket from 47 to 46 teeth.
While its lower peak output compared to the Panigale and Aprilia RSV4 may disappoint some, the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle didn’t require additional power. It has enough punch for my needs. It can adapt to various situations, which is its greatest strength.
Transmission
Without any signs of strain, the ShiftCam can accelerate from 0 to an indicated 280 kph/174 mph in sixth gear. As the speedometer approached 285 kph (177 mph) on the long back straightaway of the Almeria circuit, I decided it would be prudent to apply the great brakes.
You don’t have to be in the final 20% of the rev range to reach ridiculous speeds using ShiftCam. Instead, it has a smooth, energetic middle that allows you to leap out of curves without feeling rushed and even short-shift to help the electronic rider aids out.
As the engine speed reaches above nine thousand revolutions per minute (rpm), the camshafts operate with higher lift and longer duration lobes. The vehicle accelerates effortlessly to its redline of fourteen thousand revolutions per minute (rpm). Moreover, it enjoys doing so.
The fueling is as good as I’ve seen on any 1,000cc sport bike. A bug-free and fluid interface makes it possible to fine-tune the throttle and apply full power at the earliest possible moment.
Because there are no snatches or jagged edges, the rear tire has an easier time of things, and you can accelerate gradually while feeling the grip in the slick back increase tremendously. Its speed is lightning-fast, yet it lacks any sense of urgency. As an alternative, it looks to move like mercury across the track.
Chassis’s
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle’s chassis, an alloy called Flex Frame, comprises four die-cast aluminum pieces and uses the engine and gearbox as structural parts. It has been updated with greater adaptability and a less rigid design.
As a result of using new triple clamps, the steering offset has been decreased by 3mm, and the steering head angle has been lowered by 0.5 degrees to 23.6 degrees (from 23.1 degrees). It has a wheelbase of 57.4 inches, an increase of 0.6 inches from previously, and a trail of 3.9 inches, making it nearly as long as the current M 1000 RR.
The rear shock and 45mm USD fork on the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle has been updated, and the bike now comes with the M Chassis Package as standard equipment. The S 1000 RR Sport comes familiar with electronic damping adjustment from the DDC Dynamic Damping Control kit, which allows the rider to tailor the bike’s suspension to their preferred riding style.
When fully loaded, the regular RR weighs 434 pounds, but the 430-pound Race Package, which includes forged alloy wheels in place of die-cast rims, and the 427-pound M Package reduce the weight even more. While the M 1000 RR claims 36 lb. of downforce at 300 kph (186 mph), the additional winglets can produce up to 38 lb.
There are several key differences. However, they are not drastic. After only a few circuits on the S 1000 RR, you’ll feel as comfortable as if you’d been riding it at trackways all season long. You’re instantly on the same page with the new chassis and how that communicates to the rider.
The BMW is not as aggressive as its “winged” design would have you believe. Its goal is to bring out the best in you. Look where you want to go, and you’ll be there; the steering is precise and refined. Like if you were sitting in your living room with your friends, competing in a video game.
Every apex is struck precisely, knee over the painted curb, lap after lap, with hardly any effort. Every input is greeted with a voluntary and natural reaction; nothing needs to be forced. You suddenly have greater brain power; time seems to slow down.
Unlike in a computer game, though, you can feel the increase in grip as you accelerate on the slicks. Clear input is provided in the middle of corners, and adjusting the body posture does not affect the chassis or traction. When you step on the gas early, the BMW doesn’t veer off course; instead, it maintains a straightforward approach and accelerates confidently and quickly to the next braking area.
Even when I intentionally clipped a curb and slammed on the brakes, the 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle didn’t budge. By the end of the straight, the vast TFT dashboard displayed 175 mph, so speed stability wasn’t an issue either. The redesigned and improved windscreen shields you from most of the wind’s force, allowing you to stretch out comfortably and loosen your hold on the sturdy handlebars.
Brakes
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle comes equipped with new electronic control systems, and rider aids, as well as BMW-branded radial four-pot calipers on 320mm discs up front and a single-piston caliper clutching a 220mm rotor in the back.
In a nutshell, ABS Pro is cornering ABS that’s been fine-tuned for usage with tires that don’t have a lot of traction. With new engine-brake control from MSR and the BSA Brake Slide Assist (optional Pro mode), remarkably, the rider no longer has to plan strategically when to use brakes.
ABS Pro prevents the front tire from locking up even when you apply extreme braking. With a new steering head sensor, BSA can determine how much you are steering into a slide when the rear end begins to “back in” under braking. It took me the best part of the day to work up the nerve to slam on the brakes (front and back) and let the system realign the rear to the front, but when it did, it was stunning.
A set of top-notch electronic riding aids is actively at work in the background the entire time. Several of these new functions, such as DTC Side Control, MSR engine-brake torque management, and ABS Stop pie, benefit from the new steering angle sensor, which also improves the performance of ABS Pro and BSA Brake Slide Assist. For 2023, BMW has enhanced the Shift Assistance Pro quick shifter for even more seamless gear changes.
2023 BMW S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | 999cc, liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl. |
Bore x stroke | 80.0 x 49.7mm |
Compression ratio | 13.3:1 |
Fuel delivery | Fuel injection |
Clutch | Wet, multi-plate slipper, self-reinforcing |
Transmission/final drive | 6-speed/chain |
Chassis
Frame | Aluminum, engine load bearing |
Front Suspension | 45mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable, optional electronic; 4.7 in. travel |
Rear Suspension | Single shock, fully adjustable, optional electronic; 4.6 in. travel |
Front brakes | 4-piston Monoblock caliper, dual 320mm discs w/ ABS |
Rear brake | 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc w/ ABS |
Wheels, front/rear | Aluminum; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 6 in. |
Tires, front/rear | Bridgestone Racing Battlax VO2 on test; 120/70-17 / 200/55-17 (with M-Wheels) 190/55-17 (std) |
Dimension
Rake/trail | 23.6°/4.0 in. |
Wheelbase | 57.3 in. |
Seat height | 32.8 in. |
Fuel capacity | 4.4 gal. |
Claimed curb weight, fully fueled | 434 lb. / 427 lb. (M Package) |
Others
Warranty | 3-year |