BMW Motorrad unleashes updated M 1000 RR, M 1000 R motorcycles
BMW M 1000 RR and M 1000 R offer better aesthetics and richer performance as compared to their standard counterparts—S 1000 RR and S 1000 R, respectively.
BMW is often recognised as a luxury car brand, but it also boasts of its sporting credentials all thanks to its M division churning out fast machines. Not only four-wheelers, but the M lineup features some exotic two-wheelers for BMW Motorrad. The Bavarian brand’s arsenal has grown stronger with a new pair of sports bikes.
The company recently unveiled the updated iterations of M 1000 RR and M 1000 R. Both bikes share the same internals and underpinnings but wear different attires. While M 1000 RR is a fully-faired superbike, M 1000 R is a naked streetfighter and both are being offered in two variants each—standard and M Competition.
Both litre-class models have undergone a bevy of updates making the duo worthy of the coveted M badge. While the fully-faired supersport made its debut with the M badge in 2020, the naked street racer dons it for the first time. Both are similar to their standard S models but have received subtle styling tweaks that not only improve aesthetics but also enhance performance.
BMW M 1000 RR (above) and BMW M 1000 R (below)
Styling updates
The new M 1000 RR and M 1000 R are now laced with new winglets that improve aerodynamic properties by generating more downforce than before. In addition, the top-spec M 1000 RR Competition trim receives minute tweaks to the fairing as well as a new aero-wheel cover which further aids the aerodynamic qualities.
The fully-faired sportbike rides on carbon or forged rims whereas its naked sibling rides on aluminium forged wheels. M 1000 RR gets carbon fibre clothing as standard whereas M 1000 R receives it as a part of the M Competition package. Both models are wrapped in snazzy colour schemes and body graphics, enhancing the sporting credentials.
Styling highlights on M 1000 duo
Performance updates
Powering the M 1000 duo is the same 999cc, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that also powers their respective S 1000 counterparts. However, the M division bikes witness a significant bump in power outputs. In the fully-faired M bike, this motor dishes out 212 hp at 14,500 rpm whereas in the naked streetfighter pumps out 210 hp at 13,750 rpm. The peak torque on both models is 113 Nm which is achieved at 11,000 rpm.
The higher power outputs have been achieved thanks to forged pistons, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machined intake ports, and the incorporation of the BMW ShiftCam technology. To extract more oomph from the motor, BMW has shortened the secondary gear ratios in the M 1000 R with a new 47-tooth rear sprocket instead of a 45-tooth unit used in the standard model. This allows a quicker off-the-line acceleration.
The use of carbon fibre body panels has made the motorcycles lighter by up to nine kilos and can clock a higher top speed of 314 kmph as opposed to 306 kmph, previously. Other performance upgrades include an optimised intake system, titanium exhaust mufflers and a three-way adjustable throttle.
BMW M 1000 with Akrapovic exhaust muffler
Updated hardware and electronics
BMW Motorrad has loaded the M 1000 duo with a fully-adjustable Marzocchi-sourced suspension setup and ‘M’ brakes (a first for the naked streetfighter). The fully-faired M 1000 RR even gets front brake cooling ducts made of carbon fibre.
Both bikes benefit from a slew of electronic aids, including throttle and engine brake modes, lean-sensitive traction control, launch control, pit lane limiter, hill hold, wheelie control, a quickshifter and four riding modes: Rain, Road, Sport and Race Pro 1-3.
BMW M 1000 feature highlights
In terms of creature comforts, both bikes are equipped with common features like a 6.5-inch TFT display with GPS navigation, all-LED illumination, electronic cruise control, keyless ignition, USB charging socket and heated handlebar grips. In addition, BMW Motorrad will be offering an extensive range of optional accessories to customers to spruce up their bikes.
Expected India launch
There's a good chance that BMW might bring both M 1000 RR and M 1000 R to India in the future, since the Bavarian brand had previously launched the previous generation model of the M-branded supersport last year. Expect both models to be offered in limited numbers with an eye-watering price tag of above Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom), making it elusive to a select few.
Edited by Kanishk Singh