BMW Motorrad is offering its latest aerodynamic package along with a large number of updates for the new S 1000 RR superbike.
According to BMW, the updated S 1000 RR is not only faster but also offers a more stable ride compared to its predecessors.
The new model was officially introduced here in June, and the Bangkok Post had a chance to test ride it at the world-famous Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram.
Design
The RR has long impressed with its extremely compact layout and super-sporty design since it was first introduced back in 2009. This concept has not changed and serves as a perfect guideline for road and race track performance. The new design starts with winglets on the front of the trim panel that produce up to 17.1kg of downforce at 300kph, which is 0.8kg more than the previous model. This additional load on the front counteracts wheelies when accelerating and decreases traction control regulation, allowing more drive power to be used for acceleration resulting in a faster lap time.
Thanks to the redesigned high windscreen, improved flow around the rider's helmet is achieved, while a slight drag increase is evened out by the winglets. A further aerodynamic improvement was achieved by partitioning the lower fork bridge.
The tail section with the tail-hump cover, as well as the upper and lower tail sections, make the updated RR appear sportier and more dynamic with a single-seater look. There's a shorter licence plate holder as well as an additional carbon hump cover with a GPS adapter and mount for action cameras.
Chassis
According to BMW Motorrad, the steering head angle was made 0.5 degrees flatter at 66.4 degrees, and the offset of the fork bridges has been reduced by 3mm to 26.5mm. The new suspension geometry not only improves riding precision, but also increases target accuracy and provides clearer feedback from the front wheel. The wheelbase has been extended from 93.9mm to 99.8mm. This new design aims to improve the bike's stability.
Shift Assistant Pro
Gearshift is now via a torque model. This means downshifting is now also possible with the throttle in the open position. This enables very fast gearshifts and clutch control is basically reduced to starting and stopping. As before, the Shift Assistant Pro enables upshifts without clutch control, offering perfect acceleration with virtually no interruption in tensile force.
Electronic System
The last screen is now always displayed after the ignition has been switched off and on. The red shaded area on the rev counter from 9,000rpm is also new when riding the first 1,000km. Riders are now able to see the factory settings in a pie chart display. Brake Slide Assist in combination with the steering angle sensor means the rider has a tool to learn how to slide into the corner.
Traction Slip and Slide Control DTC function is divided into the wheelie and traction control system. The 6-stage traction control of the DTC is divided into two new modes that the rider can set manually.
On the track, Race Mode is set to default Number 3, which is perfect. If you want your own set up, Race Pro mode is available for personalisation.
Test ride with Colin Butler
Colin Butler is a professional rider who has lived in Thailand for more than 10 years. A track junky who as been racing since 2011, Butler first raced an S 1000 RR in 2013. His 33 racing number has been competing in the R2M Superbike Championship and now he races full season with OR BRIC Superbike in Superstock.
"I'm a bigger rider," said Butler, explaining why he chose the S 1000 RR. "I need a bike that has more torque mid-range. It is faster when coming out of corners. It's more fun.
"For the new BMW S 1000 RR, the first impression is really good. I love to use a hard-braking style and this bike is more stable compared to the old model. I use slide control and you can feel the electronic traction control is working really well. If I race, I will use Race Pro 1 and take everything down to level 1. But on a track day, I prefer level 2 for traction so I can have fun with slide control.
"When it comes to high-speed corners, the new BMW S 1000 RR is faster and more stable. I had to adjust my old bike a lot to be as good as the new RR."
Conclusion
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR has been redesigned to push to the limits. It is a pure breed of race bike built to improve speed and offer more stability with improved aerodynamics. At the same time, it is very easy to control and is suitable for new riders.
For those who dream of knee-sliding manoeuvres on race day, the S 1000 RR will probably be at the top of their list because it is friendly for new riders while being outstanding on track.
