At the end of 2018, BMW Motorrad introduced the M Motorsport automobile range strategy to its motorcycle brand, including offering M special equipment and M Performance Parts on various BMW models. The first bike in the M range was the BMW M 1000 RR, which made its debut in September 2020 and has been the base bike for the BMW Motorrad World Superbike Team since 2021, as well as being used by many race teams around the world.
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On Tuesday, BMW Motorrad USA announced the updated 2023 BMW M 1000 RR, as well as the second model in the two-wheel M Motorsport lineup and the first M Roadster: the 2023 BMW M 1000 R – or M R for short. Both motorcycles have an expected U.S. market arrival date of January 2023.
2023 BMW M 1000 RR
In a media statement from BMW Motorrad USA, the company said the M 1000 RR was “developed to set a new milestone in the field of superbikes homologated for racing.
“We have achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR due to our unwavering ambition, total passion, and technical finesse,” said Christian Gonschor, Project Management M 1000 RR. “Thanks to countless hours in the wind tunnel as well as in road tests, we were able to considerably increase the top speed with unchanged engine output and at the same time significantly increase the downforce, also when banking in corners. Our development work will be rewarded with racing success.”
The 2023 BMW M RR and the M RR M Competition bikes still have a liquid-cooled 999cc inline-Four engine making a claimed 205 hp at 13,000 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm, as well as two-ring forged pistons and fully CNC-machined intake ports and BMW ShiftCam technology to vary valve timing and lift.
The M RR is an evolution of the BMW S 1000 RR and features longer Pankl titanium connecting rods that are 3 oz. lighter for reduced friction and weight compared to the S RR, as well as shorter intake funnels for improved flow at high engine speeds.
Related Story: 2023 BMW S 1000 RR | First Look Review
The M RR still features four ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Race – as well as three “Pro” race modes, two adjustable throttle characteristics, a slip/assist clutch, and Shift Assistant Pro for fast upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch. The bike also features the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis sensor box, Launch Control, Hill Start Control Pro, and M Brakes and ABS Pro with Race ABS for maximum braking performance on the track.
As far as upgrades to the 2023 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW is touting “increased downforce and improved top speed in one package” resulting from advancements in the area of aerodynamics.
A newly designed fairing made of visible carbon fiber with a higher windscreen provides an increase in top speed in conjunction with optimized airflow around the rider. The new fairing also adds integrated protection of the M engine covers.
The M Winglets on the front fairing were also completely revised to produce significantly more aerodynamic downforce than before – both when riding upright and when leaning in corners. The tendency to wheelie is reduced and thus the need for traction control to kick in is reduced, and the rider can achieve more extreme lean angles or higher cornering speeds at the same lean angle.
Another central point in optimizing the entire aerodynamics package was around the area of the front wheel. For the first time in the history of BMW Motorrad, brake cooling air ducts made of carbon fiber are integrated into the new front fenders, which have been optimized for improved airflow around the fork legs and brake calipers to reduce the temperature of the M brakes by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in track operation.
The M Aero Wheel Covers, included in the M 1000 RR M Competition package, also made of visible carbon fiber, lower drag further – especially at speeds above 155 mph.
Other new features of the 2023 BMW M 1000 RR include the following:
- M Carbon wheels with new finish and M Design graphics.
- Forged wheels available as an alternative to the carbon fiber wheels.
- Newly designed rear section.
- Ergonomic M Endurance seat.
- Short license plate bracket.
- Modified wiring harness with LWS connector for easier removal of license plate bracket and lights.
The 2023 BMW M 1000 RR comes in Light White non-metallic starting at $32,995. The M RR M Competition model comes in Blackstorm Metallic.
The M Competition Package has been updated with the following:
- M Endurance chain
- Clear anodized Swingarm
- M GPS Laptrigger
- Passenger Kit
M Carbon Package
- M Carbon front and rear fenders
- M Aero Wheel Cover
- M Airbox Cover
- M Carbon tank covers left and right
- M Carbon Chain Guard
- M Carbon Sprocket Cover
- M Carbon Passenger Seat Cover
M Billet Package
- M Folding Brake Lever
- M Brake Lever Guard
- M Folding Clutch Lever
- M Rider Footrest System
2023 BMW M 1000 R
BMW Motorrad said the all-new BMW M 1000 R delivers a “dynamic riding experience in the roadster segment previously reserved for superbikes.”
“The M R is the second M model from BMW Motorrad,” said Ralf Mölleken, Project Manager 4-cylinder models. “Based on the current S 1000 R and S 1000 RR, the product substance of the M 1000 R – M R for short – has been tuned to meet the specific requirements of a supersport roadster. The riding dynamics speak for themselves both on the country road and on the track.”
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Mölleken called the engine of the M R “a technical balancing act.”
“For super-sporty country road use, a pleasant power characteristic with plenty of torque in the low and medium rev range is available,” he said, “while high peak power is provided for riding on the track.”
The new M R uses the same water-cooled 999cc inline-Four engine developed from the M RR, and it delivers a claimed 205 hp at 13,500 rpm (40 hp more than in the S 1000 R, and a slightly higher rpm than the M RR) and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm, as well as BMW ShiftCam technology. Compared to the S 1000 R, the maximum engine speed has been increased from 12,000 rpm to 14,600 rpm.
From 10,000 rpm, the engine of the new M R provides much more peak power and torque until the redline. Increased rear wheel traction in all gears is also provided by a shorter secondary gear ratio through the use of a sprocket with 47 teeth vs. 45 in the S 1000 R. In addition, the gear ratios of the 4th, 5th, and 6th gear have been changed.
BMW says the new M R engine is “significantly more powerful than the 4-cylinder of the S 1000 R across the entire rev range.” With an acceleration speed of 7.5 seconds to 124 mph, the M R is 0.5 second faster than the S 1000 R. The picture is even more dramatic with regard to the pull-through values, measured in 6th gear. While the S 1000 R takes 3.3 seconds from 37 mph to 62 mph, the M R only needs 2.9 seconds. The intermediate sprint from 62 mph to 93 mph takes 2.5 seconds (3.3 seconds for the S 1000 R) and in the interval between 87 mph and 112 mph is 2.8 seconds (4.0 seconds for the S 1000 R).
The M R also features four ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Race – as well as three “Pro” race modes, three adjustable throttle characteristics, a slip/assist clutch, and Shift Assistant Pro. The bike also features the latest generation of Dynamic Traction Control DTC and DTC wheelie function with 6-axis IMU, Launch Control, Hill Start Control Pro, and Dynamic Damping Control. For slowing and stopping power, the M R uses the M Brake system, ABS Pro with Race ABS, and Brake Slide Assist.
Other highlights of the new BMW M 1000 R include the following:
- Optimized intake with variable intake funnels for improved flow at high rpm.
- Sport exhaust with titanium rear silencer.
- M Endurance chain.
- M winglets and wind deflectors: Brake later and accelerate earlier, plus more high-speed stability thanks to aerodynamic downforce.
- Engine spoiler.
- Aluminum forged alloy wheels.
- Optional M Carbon wheels with M graphics.
- M handbrake and clutch lever.
- Adjustable steering damper.
- Milled handlebar clamp.
- Compared to the S 1000 R, wider tubular handlebars with laser etched “BMW M 1000 R” lettering.
- Handlebar end mirrors.
- LED headlamp with illuminated M logo.
- Smaller license plate bracket.
- Instrument cluster with 6.5-inch TFT display, start-up animation with M logo and OBD interface for M GPS Datalogger and M GPS Laptrigger that can be used via activation code.
- Rev counter (red area) displayed in a new design.
- Lightweight M battery, rear USB charging socket, LED lights, electronic cruise control and heated grips.
- Keyless Ride.
- RDC tire pressure monitor.
- Extensive range of optional accessories
The 2023 BMW M 1000 R will be available in Light White non-metallic starting at $21,345. The M Competition model comes in Blackstorm Metallic.
The M Competition Package includes the following:
- M GPS Laptrigger
- M Carbon wheels
- Passenger seat with passenger kit and seat cover
M Carbon Package
- M Carbon front and rear fenders
- M Carbon tank covers left and right
- M Carbon Chain Guard
- B Carbon airbox cover
M Billet Package
- M Rider Footrest System
For more information, visit the BMW Motorcycles website.
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Source: RiderMagazine.com