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BMW S 1000 RR (2019) in the driving report

The sheer dynamism inspires

In the sum of its properties, the BMW S 1000 RR has been the measure of all things in superbikes since its appearance. Now the Munich-based company is presenting the latest development stage, which has been completely turned inside out. We could already drive it.

Passion for a particular brand, motorcycle design and appearance – none of this counts as part of the evaluation criteria in tests for good reason. These properties are undoubtedly one of the decisive purchase criteria. Of course, objective qualities also play a major role. Here offered the S. 1000 RR some areas of attack in the past: little feedback, especially from the front, comfortable but inactive sitting position, comparatively clumsy handling. In addition, the pressure point of the brake sometimes wandered when the happy smoking on the racetrack and there was a lot of movement in the chassis. With the completely newly created superbike, these points of criticism could now be a thing of the past. Whether the Bavarians have done their homework and how much emotion the superbike conveys, we will now drive on the exciting and varied circuit in Estoril, Portugal – attack!

More compact seating position

In the pit lane, however, a surprise: BMW will only be providing machines with an M package for the presentation. The M differs from the basic model with carbon wheels, a height-adjustable rear and a swing arm mount, extensive adjustable electronic driving aids, a sports seat, a lighter battery and a three-color paint job. Price: 22,250 euros. This means that the Bavarians call up exactly 3,500 euros more than for the normal version (18,750 euros). There will be time until June to think about it, only then will the RR roll to the dealerships.

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The basic version of the S 1000 RR is available from 18,750 euros.

Although there is no direct comparison to the 2019 standard version, the memories of the direct predecessor model are still fresh. Example of the seating position: The new one places its pilot a bit more compact and active, but not too sporty. Nevertheless, thanks to the handlebar stub turned a few degrees forwards and the slightly steeper inclined special seat, it shifts more weight to the front and thus receives more transparent feedback. It is always astonishing how much the smallest changes can have on driver ergonomics. Because the seat height of the presentation machine (three heights are available for the M) is identical to that of the previous model, according to BMW. The knee joint, which the Munich team achieved with the side profiles of the main frame that has been pulled further down, is noticeably tighter. Seat test passed successfully.

The new one fascinates with its sheer dynamism

On to the first corner! Oops, the M angles wonderfully light-footed, only needs a small steering pulse and a little shift in weight to the top. In this exercise, she appears much more direct and agile than before. In attack mode, however, her chassis movements are a bit crisper than with her predecessor, which reacted more docile and relaxed to a fully open shower. Hardly surprising, because the M is at 193.5 kilos over 13 kilos lighter than the 2018 model (PS measurement: 207 kilos), and with a nominal 207 to 199 PS, it also has eight more stallions.

Bmw

The engine of the new S 1000 RR has an output of 207 hp.

Fortunately, this also has a strong effect on the adrenaline level. It is wonderful how the S 1000 RR tears at medium revs and how its punch shoots it further and further towards the horizon. Without giving exact numbers, BMW promises a fat increase in torque between 4,300 / min and 8,000 / min. With the newly designed engine with variable valve timing, that is quite believable. In addition, the power can be called up perfectly, nasty performance attacks or even dips are non-existent. If the pilot should overdo it in the heat of the moment, the upgraded electronics will catch him again with fine control intervals. The traction and wheelie control now also work independently of each other, but can only be adjusted separately in the “Pro” driving mode (standard on the M). In its submenus, the superbike offers extensive combinations and adjustment options for the fully available driving aids and the semi-active chassis. Hardly a wish remains unfulfilled here. Preset protection is provided by the "Rain", "Road", "Dynamic" and "Race" modes.

Series tires look a bit bulky

However, the electronics are powerless against the peculiarity of the double R, which can only be directed to a narrower line in an inclined position with a little effort. We unmask the Bridgestone S21 series tires as the cause. Undoubtedly a straight sport skin, but on the M it looks a bit bulky. The bike then pulls tight radii much more docile with the slicks from the same manufacturer. It also pricks the corners even more greedily. No question about it, the Bridgestone V02 slicks harmonize beautifully with the superbike. It also rolls on sports rubbers from Metzeler and Michelin as standard. Interested fans can of course not freely choose the initial tires, the principle of chance applies when purchasing.

Bmw

Unusual picture with the brakes: BMW opted for material from the American manufacturer Hayes.

When looking for a brake supplier, BMW made a conscious decision in favor of the American manufacturer Hayes, which probably only insiders knew, instead of Brembo. The choice is right: the anchors grip evenly and powerfully, the pressure point remains crisp and stable. At best, extremists want a slightly stronger initial bite. Depending on the version, there are different brake discs. While the carbon and also available forged wheels have five millimeter thick discs, the discs mounted on the cast wheels of the standard RR measure only 4.5 millimeters.

The bottom line is that the new one is fascinating with its sheer dynamism, which it also skilfully transports optically. This means that she remains the number one feared opponent for her competitors.

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