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New generation mutant
At the end of 2009, a German UFO fell in the small world of hyper sports cars: BMW upset the segment with its S 1000 RR. Unexpected model from the Munich firm, its asymmetric extra-terrestrial seal stamped with the propeller trustees since the bestsellers in the category! A master stroke from the first try.
Two years later, to drive home the point, the sportswoman from across the Rhine has refined herself in the details, just to panic the competition even more. For this test, it is on the Paul Ricard circuit, in Le Castellet, that we will take the measure of this 2012 vintage, in Full power version for the occasion.
Electronics, aesthetics and geometry.
With such success, it is difficult and unnecessary to revolutionize this model in depth. Thus, the 999 cm3 four-cylinder block does not receive any technical modifications. Power remains at 193 horsepower (143 kW) at 13,000 rpm and 112 Nm at 9,750 rpm of maximum torque. However, its vigor at mid-range is improved by various peripheral evolutions. The throttle grip adopts a shorter pull and the transmission ring has an additional tooth (45). Softer, traction control and anti-wheeling contribute to greater efficiency. The width of the air intake duct also increases by 20%. The set improves torque curves between 5,500 and 7,500 rpm for each engine map. There are three of these: Rain (from 152 to 163 hp), Sport and Race / Slick.
Another electronic development, the computer now includes a Best Lap in progress function. This can inform the pilot, on the circuit, of the improvement or not of his best lap recorded on the track, and this every 100 meters … The Speedwarning will indicate, via the shift-light, the overtaking of ‘a predefined speed. Convenient not to lose points in packs of six…
Cosmetic level again, we note the appearance of aerodynamic appendages on the edges of the fairing. The left side air exhaust vents offer an inverted pattern. More complex, the rear buckle is refined, pierced with openings and extractors for an even sportier look.
The weight remains unchanged at 206.5 kg with Race-ABS. Aesthetically and technically extraordinary, the Bavarian mutant adopts new colors for her new generation. The more rabid will choose the alpine red-white or the optional BMW Motorsport Replica (€ 465). And why not cover the tracks with this very Suzuki MotoGP “Fire” blue? More discreetly, a "Black Saphir" will dress your beautiful with elegance.
Thicker, the new saddle welcomes the pilot pleasantly. But the pleasant sitting is not the main selling point of this machine. Ultra compact, the Munich offers just enough space for my almost German build. However, my meter four came four asking for a few minutes to find his place. Pure pistarde, the S 1000 RR makes little compromise in comfort. Ergonomics are dictated by and for efficiency. The flexion of the legs is marked and the torso tilted towards the cockpit.
More readable, the tachometer is adorned with more contrasting graduations. Two liquid crystal windows display the tachometer, gear indication, stopwatch, engine temperature, etc. When stationary, we can set the shiftlight, the engine mapping and activate or deactivate the anti-skidding (DTC) and optional ABS.
Refined pragmatism, the cockpit is flattering. The upper triple tree seems slender as it is so perforated. You will also appreciate the aesthetic clutch cable guide and the small brand logo next to the remote switch.
Considered less lively than the Italian benchmark, Aprilia RSV 4 APRC, the S 1000 RR 2012 offers a refined chassis. As a result, the wheelbase has been reduced by 9.3 mm and the fork offset by 2.5 mm. The steering damper can now be set in 10 levels and the suspensions receive a few modifications: new hydraulic laws for the fork and extended damper rod.
It’s time to dynamically judge the benefit of these changes.
Blitzkrieg ready
Initialization of counters and start-up. In slow motion, the sound is very discreet but hides a beast ready to pounce.
I head for the track, limited to the level of the “Verrières” bend, appreciating the softness of the controls. Having made a reconnaissance of the circuit on the handlebars of a K 1300 S HP, I take the brakes mechanically, after 200 meters, at the end of the pit lane to tackle the first hairpin on the right. Whoops ! I move one block to the front of the machine. We do not manipulate, as a dilettante, the control lever of the 4-piston Brembo radial calipers. Here I am warned.
So better awake and now thrown into the Var arena, I continue the crossbar to reach "Mistral Straight" and gradually increase the pace. The tours follow one another and highlight how easy it is to learn German.
Lightweight, the S 1000 RR is very manoeuvrable. Leaping from "Bendor" to "Village", the crew pounced on "Tour". The competition munichoise is a high precision tool. Benefiting from an excellent balance, it throws itself naturally in turns but allows easy course corrections. A real rail on the corner while leaving control and flexibility of piloting on board.
The suspension tuning is remarkable, as is the handling of these strained components. We can thus finish without fear the last meters of “Mistral”, swept by the wind of the same name, at nearly 240 km / h, and approach the long curve of “Sygnes” by hardly reducing the throttle. The grip of the Continental ContiSportAttack mounts completes an extremely convincing picture. Damaged by the high torque of the BMW unit and the strong downforce, the envelope works regularly and nevertheless retains its qualities until an advanced stage of wear. The grip then becomes less constant but, once again, the mastery of the DCT acts with discretion. Only the light of the shiflight betrays its implementation.
The explosiveness of the four-cylinder is striking but under constant control of high-level electronics. Wheeling and sliding are quickly muzzled. All that remains is to try to use this boiler as much as possible in the legitimate version (full). Filled on all floors, its availability is enjoyable. Thrust increases continuously from 5,000 to over 13,000 rpm. This elasticity guarantees optimum efficiency over a wide speed range. Its Germanic breath launches 193 Walkiries to storm the red zone in a metallic symphony specific to the German brand. Equipped with the shifter punctuating each gear change with an audible exhaust slam, my test model also features a limited-slip clutch. Ideal for quickly stacking in "Beausset" sharply mounted speeds.
So, for me, the most striking point remains: the power and the braking control. Certainly one of the best available, the Motorrad Race ABS (partially integral) ultimately reveals as much strength and endurance as it is easy to dose. The rear caliper controlled at the same time from the front helps to seat the set. Grasping the lever at the angle to optimize a trajectory does not cause any spurious reaction from this S 1000 RR. As for the ends of the straights … Launched at over 250 km / h, steadily pushing back my brake mark, I grabbed the radial control. The machine then gives the impression of plowing the bitumen, making a furrow there. Shoulders and fragile arms refrain … ABS might seem incongruous on a hypersport machine, but on the contrary, it works in stealth mode, barely noticeable. It guarantees additional security and little, if desired, be deactivated.
Daily
The 2012 BMW S 1000 RR is, like its predecessors, a machine very clearly dedicated to the circuit. The extreme is his daily life and will therefore also be that of his pilot. Strong position, reduced space on board … The German athlete of almost 200 horsepower will seem caged anywhere other than on the circuit. Riding on board every day seems unlikely as the interest seems low given its profile. However, on-board electronics provide a real plus in terms of safety. This will make it even more enjoyable to ride, but even in Rain mode, the Bavarian Bomb makes you the only safety pin. Its surface-to-surface missile accelerations require an experienced pilot on the public road network.
Conclusion
For two years at the head of sales, this new opus will still make the competition dizzy. S 1000 RR "plus" version, the 2012 vintage does not revolutionize hypersport, but brings a little more pleasure and efficiency. More full at all stages, the improvement in torque curves is noticeable, sometimes allowing the use of a higher gear without losing too much dynamics. Its increased maneuverability brings it significantly closer to Noale’s Italian ballerina with a V4 engine….
However, the BMW is expensive: offered at 16,500 € but above all 18,710 € with ABS-Race, DTC and shifter, almost inevitable options, the German plays, as often the rest of the family, in the high speeds of your bank account.
However, the replica of the opposing brands is often of the same price level. The Kawasaki ZX-10R ABS and its advanced electronics are therefore trading at € 16,899. As for the Aprilia RSV 4 APRC, formidable in terms of agility and efficiency, equipped with a plethora of assists, it is exchanged for € 16,490 and € 18,999 for the RSV4 R Factory APRC SE. Only Honda and Suzuki stand out clearly on this point. The CBR 1000 RR, less electronic but equipped with efficient all-wheel braking, has its price argument. At 13,490 € (14,490 € in C-ABS version), it is the cheapest of the sports cars. Barely more expensive, a GSX-R 1000 asks for "only" 13,999 € but its 185 horses are exempt from any electronic security. No ABS or anti-skating … However, financially more accessible, these last two models also offer much greater comfort on a daily basis. A significant asset for bikers unable to maintain two high-level dancers.
Extreme against small compromises, the S 1000 RR has made the choice. And to choose is to give up. But without falling into asceticism, because the BMW, object of high performance, remains easy to learn. A good puzzle for those who want to dethrone it.
Strong points
- Engine performance and elasticity
- Cycle part
- Powerful braking
- Easy to use
- ABS and DTC electronics (optional)
Weak points
- Rate
Price 16.500 €
Competitors: Aprilia RSV4, Ducati 1198S, Honda CBR 1000 RR, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Suzuki GSXR 1000, Triumph Daytona, Yamaha R1.
Read also the complete test of the BMW S1000RR "road" on a daily basis
The technical sheet of the BMW S1000RR
All BMW tests
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