BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle Review Specs Price

Muhammad Ali’s famous remark, “Float like a butterfly,” came to mind as I rode. Puncture like a bee. It was how he described his fighting technique. Those are the perfect words to depict BMW’s most recent four-cylinder racetrack cruise missile. Excellent electronics on the new BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle give it the poise to glide around a track while the engine’s raw, ferocious power provides the sting.

The BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle receives chassis and suspension improvements, new aero winglets in the M design, and a few other electronic assistance systems for 2023 to improve the suite of rider further aids. Many of these improvements have been passed down through the lineup from the homologation-special M 1000 RR, making use of technology that was previously unobtainable without investing a substantial sum of money.

BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle – Features and Specs

Engine

The powerful engine of the RR is actually what makes this bike so unique, so let’s start there. The BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle shocked the class when it was launched for the first time in 2009. Since then, peak power output hasn’t increased much, but emissions rules have, so even to retain that 180 rear-wheel horsepower, BMW has had to use every bit of its technical prowess to keep up with the times. However, one advantage of starting strong in 2009 is that the engine has undergone a decade of refining and hasn’t required a complete rebuild.

The compression ratio has increased from 13.0:1 to 13.3:1, even though the basic design still has 999cc displacement and 80.0 x 49.7mm diameter and stroke specifications from back in 2009. The valve train now has BMW’s ShiftCam variable intake cam management, while the throttle bodies have expanded from 45 to 48 mm in size over time.

The most current M 1000 RR, which has the same advertised crankshaft horsepower as this new S 1000 RR, generated 179.2hp at 13,960rpm and 76.3 lb.-ft of peak torque at 9,480rpm at the rear wheel. It’s interesting to note that in that test, our 2011 model produced 179.5 horsepower at 12,760 rpm and 79.1 lb.-ft at 10,610 rpm.

A redesigned airbox with shorter variable-intake funnels, adapted from the M 1000 RR, is one of the changes for 2023. These funnels are optimized for top-end performance over 11,900 when their length is decreased to boost intake velocity. The intake apertures in the cylinder head have been altered and are now in line with the head of the M.

The S has cast surfaces rather than the machined gaps of the M. The Akrapovi M titanium exhaust silencer (you’ve got to hear it!) came with our bike’s Premium Package. Although it may not appear much, the rear sprocket has one other tooth, bringing the final-drive gearing from 45 to 46: a wet slipper clutch and six-speed gearbox transfer power.

Electronics

The electronics package has improved over time, much like other elements of the BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle, thanks to technological advancements and lessons learned from Superbike competitions worldwide. It’s also maybe the most daunting part of the bike, at least until you sit down and figure out how to use the menus and understand how different systems work while you’re riding.

Before we get into the particulars, let’s quickly go over the electrical systems that the S 1000 RR is equipped with. The following features are standard: Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic ESA, Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, riding modes, Torque Control Assist, and an Electronic Immobilizer.

Integral ABS (with Race ABS and ABS Pro) is also included. The $3,890 optional Premium Package includes several new and extra features for those who want to ride on tracks, including Ride Modes Pro, Dynamic Damping Control, Pit Lane Limiter, Launch Control, heated grips, and cruise control.

New extensions developed to improve the track rider’s experience may be found in the new Ride Modes Pro tier. The DTC system’s Slide Control is the first to be discussed. Powerslides are permitted while using the throttle to escape bends. Depending on the TC setting, the DTC system steps in to prevent the slide from snapping out too far sideways when the slip angle reaches one of two drift angles that are recorded in the system.

There are many new braking-related systems. The first, known as Brake Slide Assist, connected to the engine drag torque control (MSR), an electronic engine-braking control, enables the rider to step out and slide the bike’s back end into a bend. This system permits preset drift angles calculated by a steering-angle sensor and rear-wheel slip and then allows the prescribed grades to be attained before intervention (MSR determines the angle of slip). This system is similar to the version for corner-exit acceleration.

The ABS Pro now features a “Slick” tire mode, which has an even more aggressive algorithm for the lean-sensitive ABS on track, in addition to a few other new settings. The new Stoppie function, which enables the ABS to allow rear-wheel lift when the bike is decelerating forcefully, is the last one.

You’ve undoubtedly already realized that, with so many technological functions available, navigating the menus requires a well-designed interface. In addition to assisting you in doing so, the enormous 6.5-inch full-color TFT display also allows you a choice of four distinct layouts with varied information shown according to your preferences.

You may choose a setting for street riding that offers common knowledge, like the trip meter and odometer. You may want a bigger tachometer and lap timer to be visible on the circuit. Almost every circumstance should have a solution, and if you’re really into geekery, you can show a ton of information for later inspection.

Chassis

As already established, the BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle’s chassis has undergone some significant alterations. The “Flex Frame” of an aluminum bridge has been improved to maximize lateral flexibility for greater compliance across uneven terrain. Four gravity die-cast sections are used to build the frame, which is then welded together and strained by the engine. The engineers’ intended flex is produced via new apertures in the side spars.

Revisions to the chassis geometry are the most visible alterations. The rake has been somewhat mellowed down, going from 23.1 degrees to a laxer 23.6 degrees, while the trail has grown from 3.7 inches to 4.0 inches. All those modifications come with a wheelbase that is 0.7 inches longer and now measures 57.4 inches. The M Chassis Kit, which enables the swingarm pivot to be modified for various geometry choices, is another excellent feature for racers and track riders.

The swingarm is composed of gravity-cast aluminum and provides a means of adjusting shock height. To make removing the back wheel simpler, further adjustments were made. While the new rear brake pads and anchor plate are chamfered for easier wheel entry, the rear wheel’s axle bushing is attached to the caliper side to prevent it from falling out during a wheel replacement.

A 45mm upside-down Marzocchi fork in the front and a connected mono-shock of the same brand in the back, both completely adjustable, provide suspension. The Premium Package’s Dynamic Damping Control (DDC), an optional feature, was installed on our bikes for the press event.

The system selects the best compression and rebound settings for the chosen option using data from the riding mode selection. However, the Ride Modes Pro package also allows you to enter and change the damping settings in the Race Pro modes. Preload is still configured by hand. Front and rear wheel travel are both 4.7 inches and 4.6 inches, respectively.

The BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle utilizes a pair of blue-anodized, radial-mount Nissin four-piston calipers up front that clamp down on 320mm rotors, while a single-piston Brembo caliper and 220mm disc are located out back. We’ve previously discussed the electrical parts of the RR’s braking system. Standard brake and clutch levers were installed on our bike, but the M Billet Package ($475) offers some extremely excellent billet-aluminum levers.

Die-cast aluminum wheels are standard, although the M Package ($2,495) Forged aluminum or carbon fiber wheels are available (same price). The exquisitely crafted carbon wheels, which also feature the M Motorsport logo around the edges, were installed on our test bike for this introduction.

Aerodynamics

When you first see the new RR, one of the things you notice is the pair of aero winglets that have grown out of the front fairing. The M 1000 RRs from which they are descended are similar in that the winglets are included for better performance rather than merely as a novelty feature.

Wheelies are a drag on driving on the racetrack, and with so much power available, electronics have been the only way to control them, further reducing acceleration. But BMW has also adapted the knowledge gained from World Superbike racing to the track-focused RR. The quantity of DTC/DWC required is decreased since, at speed, the winglets may provide up to 22 pounds of downforce on the front end.

BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle – Price

The new BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle is available for $17,895 only.

BMW 2023 S 1000 RR Sports Motorcycle – Technical Specifications

Engine

Performance/fuel consumption

Electrical system

Power transmission

Chassis/brakes

Dimensions/weights