All Tests – BMW S 1000 RR Test: the surprise Kolossale! – Electronic aids ensure …

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BMW S 1000 RR test: the surprise Kolossale !

All Tests - BMW S 1000 RR Test: the surprise Kolossale! - Electronic aids ensure ...

Investing in the Hypersport segment by taking inspiration from the Japanese seemed a technically judicious but little daring choice on the part of BMW. Except that with its raging engine and on-board electronics, the S 1000 RR strangles received ideas… Test !

Electronic aids ensure…

Already, the second session is reaching out to us! Once assimilated this enjoyable surge of aggressiveness, the S 1000 RR turns out to be a rather "easy" sport: the placement on the angle is childish, the balance of the remarkable chassis and the cohesion of reactions between the fork and the rear suspension is perfect.

The teuton may sometimes lack intuitiveness in the event of correction of trajectories on the brakes – the front becomes rigid -, and a bit of rigor during passages full pot on bumps: in these two cases, it does not do not hesitate to squeeze the bike between its legs and force it to stay on course !

In the same vein, the activation of the antidribble is felt by a return of force in the clutch lever – not adjustable in spacing -, while violent braking gives rise to pernicious vibrations suggesting the entry into action of the famous Race ABS…

Asked about this, BMW ensures that it is in fact only a difference in thickness of the brake discs: a "youthful error" attributable to Brembo, which should logically disappear on the first versions marketed.

Still, the braking of the German is like the engine: the deceleration is daunting, and two fingers on the lever actuating a radial master cylinder are enough to stop the motorcycle when launched at full load !

Although it sends around 5% of the pressure from the front to the rear disc to avoid excessive mass transfers, the Race ABS is not strictly speaking a combined ABS since the rear does not activate the front calipers. It nevertheless shines by its efficiency and the incredible slowing force offered: in view of the astounding performance of the mill, this power is obviously very appreciable. !

Gradually, the pace is accelerating … The orange light, at the bottom left of the instrument panel, flashes more and more regularly: the DTC has come into action. Much less sensitive than the anti-wheeling, the anti-skid action works by comparing the speed of rotation of the wheels while taking into account the gear engaged, the mode selected and the data supplied by the angle sensor.

If the electronic control unit judges that the rear wheel is slipping, it then acts on the ignition advance and on the throttle position in order to reduce the power output. Despite its "gas plant" side on paper, this technology is a real success handlebar in hand: intervening later and later depending on the mode engaged (see our technical part), the action of the DTC is manifested smoothly and gives simply the impression that the mechanics "regulate" in a less and less pronounced way as soon as you start to straighten the bike.

And where another bike would encourage you to cautiously give up your hand, the S 1000 RR allows you to keep the throttle wide open, even in this improbable straight downhill where you re-accelerate knee on the ground to more than 180 km / h, the smile on his face when he sees the DTC indicator light flashing !

BMW in another dimension…

But may the world champions in power be reassured: these aids can be disconnected regardless of the mode engaged, although the choice of Race mode and especially the impressive Slick mode make their action less and less noticeable. With Slick mapping, ABS is automatically cut off on the rear wheel and traction control even temporarily lets the rider wheel out of a curve for maximum traction. !

At this stage, however, controlling the acceleration of the S 1000 RR requires strong nerves, the late intervention of the DTC exacerbating the wild side of the German engine! Unlike the other three modes where the flawless traction of the swingarm and rear Metzeler grip seemed simply unfathomable, Slick Mode lets in generous movements from the rear before the DTC takes over….

A sort of warning in a way, responsible for demonstrating how beneficial the intervention of electronics is! Two laps with the traction control disconnected will suffice to definitively confirm the effectiveness of the device: the S 1000 RR rears up and glides at the slightest request of the accelerator, very precise and with a very short pull. !

The most acrobatic pilots – and the most talented! – will undoubtedly appreciate being able to better feel the reactions of the motorcycle and to put it in glide with each exit of curve. But most will quickly regret having to pay much more attention to the go-around than to the trajectory itself! No need to beat around the bush: apart from a handful of elected officials able to control the beast in Slick mode and without the DTC, the others will go less quickly on the clock !

The rather "cushy" image of BMW has long since disappeared in the mirrors of this new S 1000 RR, taking with it its share of received ideas about its owners! It now remains to convince bikers who love thrills to cross the doors of concessions hitherto disdained….

To convince them, the S 1000 RR also intends to play the card of originality with its asymmetrical design (front headlights and fairings) and its flattened rear shell, topped by a slender LED light ending in two points. Aluminum spoked wheels and fretless brake rotors are eye-catching, as is the short muffler aesthetic and inverted fork muff.

To contain the base price below the "symbolic" bar of 16,000 euros (15,900 exactly!), BMW had to slightly depart from its traditional reputation for quality: the welds of the rear buckle and the swingarm are arbitrary, the crutch has no lugs, the electrical network is not always well camouflaged – especially in front of the rear shock absorber – and the plastic covers around the tank and the top of the fairing are not the most flattering…

At the time of the verdict, this BMW S 1000 RR seems remarkably well born and tilts the German manufacturer into a more radical dimension of sport and passion. Impressive, the Bavarian Hypersport tumbles with panache on terrain where no one expected it, offering an overpowered engine, a strong character and cutting-edge technology.

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