BMW M1000RR motorcycle test

Menus

• Germanic M-aestria
• 4 cylinders in line, 999 cm3, 212 hp, 113 Nm, 192 kg full made, 33,270 euros
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• On track
• Video test
• Conclusion

Germanic M-aestria

4 cylinders in line, 999 cm3, 212 hp, 113 Nm, 192 kg full made, 33,270 euros

M … the acronym which signs the finest BMW achievements and engines … in cars. But revolution for 2021, we also find for the first time the M in the name of a motorcycle and not simply in optional pack with the BMW M 1000 RR !

Go back. In 2009 BMW marked its transformation of a machine that heralded a new era for the German manufacturer: the hypersport S1000RR. At the time, such a motorcycle with the blue and white badge seemed highly improbable. And what’s more, this machine is dynamiting the segment! Recognized motorist, the Munich firm leaves its forges a four cylinders of fire. Its 999 cms deliver 193 hp at 13,000 rpm for a torque of 110 Nm at 9,750 rpm. Its aluminum frame allows the weight to be limited to 204 kg and the whole gives it a top speed of over 300 km / h…. Performances that are not the result of chance. Because the machine was developed to enter the Superbike World Championship the same year. Designed for competition, the S1000RR personifies the manufacturer’s renewal.

An HP4 version in 2011 optimizes performance and equips for the first time in the world a standard hypersport with semi-active DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) suspensions. The German is reinventing itself in 2019, both in terms of aesthetics (end of the asymmetry of the front lights) and in the engine, incorporating Shiftcam variable valve timing. An M pack makes it possible to sublimate the sportswoman.

In 2021, BMW is pushing its sports concept even further. The letter M, symbol of ultimate automotive performance for the Bavarian brand, therefore extends to motorcycles. Passed between the performance filters of the special Motorsport department, here is the M1000RR, A machine with exceptional performance and style, a new evolution of the sports car and much more than the M pack that could equip the previous vintage. We take the jewel of Munich on the hilly circuit of Dijon Prenois.

Test drive of the sporty BMW M1000RR

Discovery

Competition variation of the S1000RR, the M takes up the basics. Its aesthetics are therefore known, even if the colors of the fork crown are specific. It’s up to you to find the differences, especially at the level of the bubble. The haute couture version is however equipped with many carbon parts, in particular with the pack M competition (yes, even at this level, there are options….). But above all, it adopts side fins, now almost required on the segment. Entirely made of carbon, these streamlined appendages give the machine, in addition to an aeronautical style, effective aerodynamic downforce. Thus, at 300 km / h, the force exerted is 16.3 kilos! This is double the values ​​noted on the last Aprilia RSV4. At 200, we still note 7.2 kilos of downforce, 4.1 to 150 km / h.

The M 1000 RR is equipped with carbon fins which are becoming the standard among sportswomen

Openwork sides, 16.5 liter tank and rear hull do not change. The assembly rests on an equally unchanged aluminum frame, combining the rear loop in tubular trellis and double Flexframe frame. For the subtleties, let’s open the engine. Because it is in these guts again that the optimizations reside. The 999 cm3 (80 x 49.7 mm) boiler is obviously that of the S1000RR, with distribution by double overhead camshaft and variable Shiftcam distribution controlling the 4 valves per cylinder. CORN…. with an M also. BMW thus grafted it with longer and lighter Pankl titanium connecting rods (-85g), thinner and lighter rocker arms (-45g), ultra short Mahle forged pistons (-12g), titanium valves and specific springs, an improved intake system, dedicated machined manifolds and a compression ratio of 13.5: 1 (+0.2). Thus provided, the M1000RR delivers a slight increase in power: 212 hp at 14,500 rpm (+5). The torque remains unchanged, 113 Nm at 11,000 revolutions. Yes, like that, it’s not necessarily meaningful. To see in dynamics ….

The four cylinder Shiftcam gains 5 horsepower compared to the S1000RR

The clutch is assisted and anti-dribble, the selection by Quickshifter in upshifts and downshifts is reversible and the in-line 4 blows in a standard Akrapovic titanium silencer to save 3.65 kilos !

The sports car incorporates an armada of scholarly and even Pro chips with the ultimate in electronics available (or almost, one option should not be forgotten). The Ride by Wire throttle control thus offers 7 driving modes Rain, Road and Dynamic and Race. The latter can be declined according to 3 professional profiles, personalized. Associated with the 3-axis and 6-direction inertial unit, these brains control the ABS Pro assistances in cornering, anti-skating DTC, engine brake adjustment, anti-wheeling and hill start assistance and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC ).

The M embeds a multitude of assistances piloted by the 3-axis inertial unit

But there is better in my opinion and it is in the cycle part that it is found. The suspensions are optimized and not controlled. The fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi inverted fork adorns its highly competition-styled colorful adjustment tops. It slides over 120 mm. At the rear, the shock absorber of the same origin and adjustments has a specific outline. Longer, it comes on to be fixed on a massive forged rod. It adopts at this level an adjustment of its inclination by eccentric. It controls the 118 mm aluminum swingarm type inverted banana, extended by 11.7 mm. We can also modify its position at the level of its axis.
The column angle goes from 23.1 to 23.6 °, increasing the trail by 5.9 units or 99.8 mm. The wheelbase also takes 16mm for a total of 1,457mm. Clearly, a little more stability to counter the general dynamics.

The suspensions are fully adjustable and not electronic

No worries about agility, the M1000RR offers 17-inch carbon rims that significantly reduce gyro and unsprung masses. Dunlop Sportsmart TT tires are not lacking. For our track test they will be Power Slick 2.

And to stop its evolutions, the Magnifique has Nissin stirrups from the Superbike. Superbly anodized in blue and signed Motorsport, their mounting is radial, their 4 pistons attack 320 mm discs. The opposing jaw, double piston (against one on the S1000RR) goes under the 220mm disc.

Superbike-derived Nissin calipers are incredibly efficient

Remarkably finished, the M1000RR takes care of each of its components. We have Billet finish (additional parts in milled aluminum, additional carbon). Swinging arm, motor, the M is adorned with silver, opposing the black of its sister. Without any other real ostentation, she greatly increases the level of performance of her sister S. And her weight of 192 kg, 5 less than the latter, further optimizes her capacities..

In the saddle

Higher than its sister, the M places its seat at 832 mm. Narrow, it retains good recoil for high speeds and leaves both boots on the ground for a 184 cm rider. Racing atmosphere, of course. Command high and back, legs bent, the bust falls towards the cockpit, the gloves on the bracelets. The clutch and brake control are adjustable in spacing and their appreciable sport finish.

The narrow seat allows sufficient recoil during the piloting phases

In front of you is the well-known connected 6.5-inch TFT color display. Accurate in all lighting, it is fitted to more and more BMW series models and allows the smartphone to be linked to the machines via Bluetooth. The screen displays all the useful information, or less, relating to the status of the roadster and offers additional functions such as GPS navigation, music playback and telephony…. The free BMW Motorrad Connected app also offers convenient arrow navigation directly via the TFT display. Everything is controlled by the inevitable BMW rotary dial. One of the most effective essential equipment for navigating the many features.

The 6.5-inch TFT screen is now a classic from the German manufacturer

Criticism of importance, apart from the traction control in Race mode, the screen does not display by default the reminder of the level of the assistance engaged. And you still have to look for the news in the Universalis encyclopedia of news. And only this anti-skating is flexible on the track…. In addition, it is necessary to "paginate" seriously before setting up essential assistance. A little painful.

On track

The hilly course of Dijon Prenois stretches its 12 turns over 3,801 m (8 to the right, 4 to the left), sometimes dipping noticeably before offering steep climbs. Finally, its straight line of 1,100 m makes it possible to find the top of the tachometer. A real high-thrill slide, a choice setting for our mobile jewel.

The layout of the Dijon Prenois circuit

From the first turns, the M1000RR demonstrates the lightness and precision of the sensitive front end. Stalled on the angle in the fast double right of Villeroy, its stability is flawless and you can modulate the acceleration finely. The injection thus proves a very good calibration making it possible to restart under control towards the S des Sablières. You can easily rock the machine during this rapid change of angle and then go slightly uphill to the left of the ramp. From the top of this bump, you have to keep heart, pace and try the best line in this more complex sequence than it seems. Hard to see before you get there…. Memorizing and playing as hard as possible is the best solution. A stretch to make the stylish panzer roar at full 3 and it’s time to tackle the Parabolic. Here again, it is almost groping that we climb this curve, flush with the asphalt, trying not to come out too wide. The feeling of lightness and control given by the M1000R helps particularly on these slightly tense driving phases..

The M 1000 RR immediately demonstrates the precision of its chassis

Again, we twist the right rubber to finish the slope. The electronics work full time to keep the front wheel on the ground while 212 cannons push on the Teuton coach train.

The electronics are not too much to channel the 212 horsepower out of the curve

A flick of the brake lever reduces the pace with authority to pass the double left of the Suspender. The first is of the pin type opening towards a more slender comma leading to the barely marked curve of the Gorgeolles. Two connections are erased with mastery by the suspensions of the M, where the roadster danced more noticeably…. And it’s another quasi-guessing dive into turn 7, La Combe. At this point, a nasty bump can give you some sweat, but not on the handlebars of the M1000R which flies over the obstacle, keeps its speed of passage and especially its two Michelin on the ground. Perfectly matched, the elements provide an unusual asphalt feel. We can then surge the 113 Nm of torque on the asphalt while checking the level of traction control.

The suspensions perfectly absorb the defects of the coating

While riding towards the Pouas curve, I appreciate the natural ergonomics of the Bavarian. Footrests and half-handlebars are ideally positioned to stay on the angle at high speeds and position the machine. Sloping, first downhill and then uphill, this bend is a real roller coaster where the German is not retreating. On the contrary, it puts forward another massive argument to its developments. Once again fully charged, its four in line is devoid of vibrations. Nothing, nada. What a slab. Taking again an S1000RR, we are stunned by the difference in approval at this level. Its engine only distills weak and healthy vibrations where the standard really reasons more of the work of its mechanics. And the M is still, fortunately, superior in essential points. This is also the case with the braking and piloted suspensions of the S model. However effective, this equipment is far from equaling the behavior of those fitted to the M. It has much greater braking consistency and modulation. On the corner, it handles bumps and compressions much better.

Explosive engine, sharp cycle parts and demonic brakes, the M is a real thrill machine

The Fouine straight line finally arrives. The speeds are added to the shifter. Perfectly stable at over 275 km / h at the end of a straight line, the M1000RR benefits from the sensitive support of its lateral appendages. Placed on the ground, the Munich player also allows sensational braking. Its calipers derived from the Superbike deliver impressive power, but also remarkably flexible. Each time you push back your braking mark and the gangway approaches as the ultimate limit. The gears stack seamlessly and the clutch takes it all in without flinching. Under the bite of the Nissin / M clamps, the fork collects all progressively the mass transfer. Her perfectly braked race is another asset for placing the sportswoman from Munich and setting off for another round of the merry-go-round..

Video test

Conclusion

Motorsport-stamped top-of-the-range variation of the BMW S1000RR, the M1000RR is an almost fantastical object of mechanical performance. An over-the-counter superbike, it can boast a suspension giving it an unusual balance in dynamics and unparalleled braking. Agile, but without excessive liveliness, the Bavarian hypersport cultivates stylish efficiency. A little show-off would bring a pinch of life to this almost standardized world of German excellence. But it’s not the propeller house style that has more fun kicking the clock than looking for a little uncontrolled exuberance.

The S1000RR charges € 19,200, which is almost half of what the M version requires, priced at € 33,270. It’s hard not to find this excessive price. However, this Magnified version has certain arguments.

The BMW M1000RR still claims 33,270 euros

And its excellence thus surely surpasses that of an Aprilia RSV4 Factory, priced at € 23,999. More whimsical, the Italian delivers unparalleled sound and liveliness, but above all even more advanced chassis tuning capabilities. And its dynamic is not behind.

Showcase of BMW sporting know-how, almost hand-sewn, the Motorwerksportmaschine M1000R is a somewhat special object that gives you access to the power of the Superbike. It will magnify your talent or your salon, depending on your level of involvement. A magisterial, majestic and mega-expensive creation.

Strong points

• Optimized aesthetics
• Mechanical refinement
• Precision and liveliness of the cycle part
• General ergonomics
• Superlative suspensions
• Possibility of cycle part adjustment
• Efficient electronic assistance
• Superlative brakes
• Precise up and down quickshifter
• Sound
• Quality of finishes
• Overall dynamic efficiency
• Pleasant instrumentation

Weak points

• Lack of summary of the level of assistance
• Prices
• Options

The technical sheet of the BMW M 1000 RR

Test conditions

• Itinerary: Dijon Prenois circuit
• Weather forecast: sunny, 10 to 23 ° C
• Problem encountered: ras

Test equipment

• Scorpion Exo-R1 Air Helmet
• Glove Vanucci Speed ​​Profi IV
• Ixon suit
• Vanucci RV5 Pro Boots

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