2021 BMW M 1000 RR 6
2021 BMW M 1000 RR 6

BMW’s first M bike breaks cover

Riley Riley

BMW Motorrad’s first ever M model, like the cars — arrives early in the new year.

The new model, the M 1000 RR (or M RR for short), is a race homologation-special based on the all-conquering S 1000 RR — but with a substantial power hike.

It also boasts numerous features adapted directly from BMW’s Superbike World Championship contender.

M RR is the first issue of a strategic partnership between BMW Motorrad and BMW M, that has already seen launch of M specific equipment and performance parts for BMW motorcycles.

It debuts on the same day that BMW M launches its new M3 and M4 high bahnstormers.

BMW Motorrad Australia’s Andreas Lundgren said the release of the special new model would strike a chord with the local market.

“We are delighted to announce that next year we will bring in the M RR, the first-ever BMW M model that combines incredible race track developed performance and aggressive looks,” he said.

“We are certain it will resonate with our fans and high-performance enthusiasts here in Australia.”

At the heart of the M 1000 RR is a highly tuned four-cylinder engine based on the S 1000 RR engine developed for racing.

It uses a water-cooled four-cylinder in-line layout with BMW ShiftCam technology for varying valve timing.

Valve lift has also been modified comprehensively for track applications.

It produces 156kW of power at 14,500rpm and 113Nm of torque at 11,000rpm.

Revving out to 15,100rpm, the M RR engine has extensive technical optimisation such as new two-ring forged pistons from Mahle, adapted combustion chambers and compression increased to 13.5.

It also features longer and lighter titanium connecting rods from Pankl, slimmer and lighter rocker arms, fully machined intake ports with new duct geometry and enhancements for the camshafts and intake area.

The exhaust system is also made from titanium, which delivers a weight reduction of 3.5 kilograms compared with the unit fitted to the S 1000 RR.

bike
BMW M 1000 RR

The engine is more powerful than the RR powertrain from 6000rpm to 15,100rpm, which is particularly relevant for race track riding dynamics.

M winglets on the trim front, developed during intensive track testing and in BMW’s wind tunnel, are made of clear-coat carbon, and produce aerodynamic downforce.

The additional downforce developed at speed is significant, with 13.4kg generated on the front axle and 2.9kg on the rear at 300km/h.

The additional wheel load on the front wheel counteracts wheelie inclination, traction control regulates less and more power is converted into acceleration.

The effect of the winglets is also noticeable in curves and when braking with the higher levels of downforce allowing for later braking and increased cornering stability.

Underpinning the M RR is a new chassis based on the S 1000 RR with a lightweight bridge frame.

The suspension strut is bespoke for unadulterated race performance and replaces the 87.5mm threaded rod unit of the S 1000 RR.

The strut is an eccentric strut type with an initial length of 78mm and an adjustment range of 6mm in seven 1mm increments from 75mm to 81mm.

The linkage ratio has also been increased from 1.63:1 of the S 1000 RR to 1.97:1, a move inspired by experiences of the race track accessories market.

The spring rate is 100N/mm and a new spring steel has been adopted to reduce weight. In addition, the swing pivot point has been optimised for use in motorsport applications.

Adjustment range is from -2mm to +2mm in 1mm increments.

The chain and thus effective swinging arm length has been extended by one pair of links, resulting in a revised wheelbase that provides a solid grounding.

M RR delivers highly adjustable performance characteristics for both race track and back roads, while providing the rider with exceptional feel thanks to aspects such as brake and starting pitch compensation.

In addition, the top and bottom fork bridges are entirely milled, black anodised and are about 20g lighter than those used on the S 1000 RR.

It’s the first BMW motorcycle to feature an M brake system.

The system was developed directly from brake designs on BMW Motorrad racing machines in the Superbike World Championship and provides maximum fading stability and controlability.

Externally, the M brake calipers have a blue anodised coating in combination with the M logo.

M carbon wheels, fitted as standard, provide additional stiffness while lowering unsprung weight to increase performance.

This also changes front wheel load distribution from 53.8 per cent of the S 1000 RR to 52.1 per cent for the M RR.

The instrument cluster features a high clarity 6.5-inch TFT display and OBD interface that can be used with an activation code that comes standard for the M GPS data logger and M GPS lap trigger.

The M competition package provides a combination of elements that seamlessly bring racing technology together with dynamic aesthetics.

In addition to the M GPS lap trigger software and the corresponding activation code, the M competition package also includes an M milled parts package, M carbon package as well as a silver 220g lighter swinging arm, the friction-optimised, maintenance-free and DLC-coated M Endurance chain and the passenger package including tail-hump cover.

Further details and pricing will be revealed closer to the Australian launch in early 2021.

 

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